Reparation of human epithelial growth factor receptor 2-targeted polymer ultrasound contrast agents with liquid perfluorocarbons and in vitro experiment

Abstract

Objective To prepare a novel extravascular human epithelial growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-COOH ultrasound contrast agent with liquid perfluorocarbons(PFH-PLGA-tra),and to observe it's general properties and it's effects on ultrasound imaging in vitro.Methods Polymeric nanocapsules of liquid perfluorocarbons were prepared by the single emulsion technique and conjugated with trastuzumab monoclonal antibody by EDC/NHS.The general characteristics were observed.The conjugation was demonstrated by immunofluorescence and the targeting performance of the agent was checked in human MCF-7 cells line in vitro.The encapsulation of liquid fluorocarbons was detected by heating in vitro.The effects on ultrasound imaging were observed in vitro.Results The mean diameter of agents was (261 ± 28)nm.The targeted nanocapsules were positive in immunofluorescence.In the targeted study,it was shown that a number of targeted nanocapsules conjugated with MCF-7 cells in vitro.Droplet-to-bubble transition experiment in vitro showed that there were no nano/microbubbles formed by heating in control groups at 80℃,while there were a lot of nano/microbubbles appeared in nanocapsules formulations at 80 ℃.The agents presented a good ultrasound imaging in vitro.Conclusions The HER2-targeted polymeric nanocapsules of liquid perfluorocarbons are successfully prepared,which may become a novel extravascular targeted ultrasound contrast agents. Key words: Ultrasonography ; Microbubbles ; Nanotechnology ; Liquid perfluorocarbons