Multifunctional Lymph-Targeted ZnO:Gd@Hyaluronic Acid Nanospheres: Preparation and Application in Tumor Diagnose

Abstract

A novel multi-modal lymph-targeted contrast agent, ZnO:Gd@hyaluronic acid (HA) nanospheres, is prepared by Gd dopped ZnO quantum dot, modified by silica shell and grafted by HA molecule. The physicochemical prop- erties are characterized and the lymphatic targeting is evaluated in vitro. Moreover, the contrast agent is used for in vivo lymphoma magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The results show that the ZnO:Gd@HA nanospheres with 19% of quantum yield and 5.8 mM -1 •s -1 of relaxivity could be used for in vivo lymphatic targeting studies. Furthermore, they are highly targeted to lymph system in vitro and in vivo, and highlight their MRI in lymph tumor. Thus, the novel MRI contrast agent can be taken up selectively by lymphatic system and used as a potential multi-modal con- trast agent in lymphatic system.