Self-assembling perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions for drug delivery and imaging

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to create a stable, perfluorocarbonbased drug delivery agent that can be imaged by magnetic resonance in vivo. Perfluorocarbon (PFC)-based nanoemulsions have a long research history as blood substitutes, MRI tracers, and ultrasound agents. PFCs can also provide a biologically inert platform for controlled drug delivery and release and act as a highly specific 19F MRI tracer for in vivo monitoring. PFCs alone cannot serve as drug delivery vehicles due to their high lipophobicity and hydrophobicity. To improve their drug carrying potential, PFCs are formulated with surfactants or hydrocarbons into nanoemulsions. In this study, a previously synthesized compound, perfluoropolyether-tyramide (PFPE-tyramide, 4-(2-aminoethyl) phenol conjugated to perfluoropolyether)1 was formulated into nanoemulsions in the presence of various surfactants by selfassembly or high shear techniques such as sonication and microfluidization. Olive oil was introduced into selected formulations as a potential carrier of lipophilic drugs. Preliminary toxicity and stability data are also shown.