Micellar Nanoparticles Research Articles

Block Co-PolyMOC Micelles and Structural Synergy as Composite Nanocarriers.

Conventional micelles of amphiphilic block copolymers (BCPs) disassemble into individual polymer chains upon dilution to a critical concentration, which causes the premature release of the encapsulated drugs and reduces the drug's bioavailability. Here, by integrating the emerging metal-organic cage (MOC) materials with BCPs, we introduce a new type of composite micellar nanoparticles, block co-polyMOC micelles (or BCPMMs), that are self-assembled in essence yet remarkably stable against dilution. BCPMMs are fabricated via a stepwise assembly strategy that combines MOCs and BCPs in a well-defined, unimolecular core-shell structure. The synergistical interplay between the two components accounts for the particle stability: the MOC core holds BCPs firmly in place and the BCPs increase the MOC's bioavailability. When used as nanocarriers for anticancer drugs, BCPMMs showed an extended blood circulation, a favorable biodistribution, and eventually an improved treatment efficacy in vivo. Given the versatility in designing MOCs and BCPs, we envision that BCPMMs can serve as a modular platform for robust, multifunctional, and tunable nanomedicine.

Nitric-Oxide-Releasing aza-BODIPY: A New Near-Infrared J-Aggregate with Multiple Antibacterial Modalities.

The development of near-infrared (NIR) J-aggregates has received increasing attention due to their broad applications. Here, we report the nitrosation of an amine-containing aza-BODIPY precursor (BDP-NH2 ), affording the first nitric oxide (NO)-releasing NIR J-aggregate (BDP-NO). The introduction of N-nitrosamine moieties efficiently inhibits the aromatic interactions of BDP-NH2 , which instead promotes the formation of J-aggregates within micellar nanoparticles with a remarkable bathochromic shift of ≈109 nm to the NIR window (820 nm). Interestingly, the NO release and photothermal conversion efficiency (PTCE) can be delicately tuned by the loading contents of BDP-NO within micellar nanoparticles, thereby enabling multiple antibacterial modalities by exploring either NO release, photothermal therapy (PTT), or both. We demonstrate the combination of NO and PTT can elevate antibacterial activity while attenuating PTT-associated inflammation for the in vivo treatment of MRSA infection.

Nitric‐Oxide‐Releasing aza‐BODIPY: A New Near‐Infrared J‐Aggregate with Multiple Antibacterial Modalities

AbstractThe development of near‐infrared (NIR) J‐aggregates has received increasing attention due to their broad applications. Here, we report the nitrosation of an amine‐containing aza‐BODIPY precursor (BDP‐NH2), affording the first nitric oxide (NO)‐releasing NIR J‐aggregate (BDP‐NO). The introduction ofN‐nitrosamine moieties efficiently inhibits the aromatic interactions ofBDP‐NH2, which instead promotes the formation of J‐aggregates within micellar nanoparticles with a remarkable bathochromic shift of ≈109 nm to the NIR window (820 nm). Interestingly, the NO release and photothermal conversion efficiency (PTCE) can be delicately tuned by the loading contents ofBDP‐NOwithin micellar nanoparticles, thereby enabling multiple antibacterial modalities by exploring either NO release, photothermal therapy (PTT), or both. We demonstrate the combination of NO and PTT can elevate antibacterial activity while attenuating PTT‐associated inflammation for the in vivo treatment of MRSA infection.

Autoxidation-Resistant, ROS-Scavenging, and Anti-Inflammatory Micellar Nanoparticles Self-Assembled from Poly(acrylic acid)-Green Tea Catechin Conjugates.

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), the most bioactive catechin in green tea, has drawn significant interest as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. However, the application of EGCG has been limited by its rapid autoxidation at physiological pH, which generates cytotoxic levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Herein, we report the synthesis of poly(acrylic acid)-EGCG conjugates with tunable degrees of substitution and their spontaneous self-assembly into micellar nanoparticles with enhanced resistance against autoxidation. These nanoparticles not only exhibited superior oxidative stability and cytocompatibility over native EGCG, but also showed excellent ROS-scavenging and anti-inflammatory effects. This work presents a potential strategy to overcome the stability and cytotoxicity issues of EGCG, making it one step closer toward its widespread application.

Oxygen-Tolerant Photoredox Catalysis Triggers Nitric Oxide Release for Antibacterial Applications.

Photoredox catalysis has emerged as a robust tool for chemical synthesis. However, it remains challenging to implement photoredox catalysis under physiological conditions due to the complex microenvironment and the quenching of photocatalyst by biologically relevant molecules such as oxygen. Here, we report that UV-absorbing N,N'-dinitroso-1,4-phenylenediamine derivatives can be selectively activated by fac-Ir(ppy)3 photocatalyst within micellar nanoparticles under visible light irradiation (e.g., 500 nm) through photoredox catalysis in aerated aqueous solutions to form quinonediimine (QDI) residues with concomitant release of NO. Notably, the formation of QDI derivatives can actively scavenge the reactive oxygen species generated by fac-Ir(ppy)3 , thus avoiding oxygen quenching of the photocatalyst. Further, we exemplify that the oxygen-tolerant photoredox catalysis-mediated NO release can not only kill planktonic bacteria in vitro but also efficiently treat MRSA infections in vivo.

Oxygen‐Tolerant Photoredox Catalysis Triggers Nitric Oxide Release for Antibacterial Applications

AbstractPhotoredox catalysis has emerged as a robust tool for chemical synthesis. However, it remains challenging to implement photoredox catalysis under physiological conditions due to the complex microenvironment and the quenching of photocatalyst by biologically relevant molecules such as oxygen. Here, we report that UV‐absorbingN,N′‐dinitroso‐1,4‐phenylenediamine derivatives can be selectively activated byfac‐Ir(ppy)3photocatalyst within micellar nanoparticles under visible light irradiation (e.g., 500 nm) through photoredox catalysis in aerated aqueous solutions to form quinonediimine (QDI) residues with concomitant release of NO. Notably, the formation of QDI derivatives can actively scavenge the reactive oxygen species generated byfac‐Ir(ppy)3, thus avoiding oxygen quenching of the photocatalyst. Further, we exemplify that the oxygen‐tolerant photoredox catalysis‐mediated NO release can not only kill planktonic bacteria in vitro but also efficiently treat MRSA infections in vivo.

Sustained endosomal release of a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist from nanostars provides long-lasting relief of chronic pain

Soft polymer nanoparticles designed to disassemble and release an antagonist of the neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) in endosomes provide efficacious yet transient relief from chronic pain. These micellar nanoparticles are unstable and rapidly release cargo, which may limit the duration of analgesia. We examined the efficacy of stable star polymer nanostars containing the NK1R antagonist aprepitant-amine for the treatment of chronic pain in mice. Nanostars continually released cargo for 24 h, trafficked through the endosomal system, and disrupted NK1R endosomal signaling. After intrathecal injection, nanostars accumulated in endosomes of spinal neurons. Nanostar-aprepitant reversed mechanical, thermal and cold allodynia and normalized nociceptive behavior more efficaciously than free aprepitant in preclinical models of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. Analgesia was maintained for >10 h. The sustained endosomal delivery of antagonists from slow-release nanostars provides effective and long-lasting reversal of chronic pain.

Characterization of Turpentine nanoemulsion and assessment of its antibiofilm potential against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Turpentine essential oil (TEO) is a commercially available product having application as food additive, due to its ethno-botanical and ethnopharmacological properties. In the present study, we performed chemical composition of TEO by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Further, TEO was nanoemulsified, encapsulated and characterized by droplet size, PDI, Zeta potential and transmittance. The obtained turpentine nanoemulsion (TNE) was investigated for its antibacterial and antibiofilm potentiality against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a model biofilm-forming microorganism. Small micellar TEO nanoparticles were succesfully formed with a mean droplet size ranging from 22.52 to 26.54 nm. Thermodynamic stability studies revealed homogeneous dispersion of the droplets size confirming the stability of TNEs. The developed nano-emulsions displayed two fold enhanced antagonistic activity against S. aureus in comparison with TEOs, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values at 0.039% (v/v) against MRSA. Additionally, TNEs displayed potent antibiofilm activity against MRSA strains with percent biofilm disruption of around 70.83%. Findings from this study validates the phytomedicinal significance of turpentine nanoemulsions and envisage its exploration as a natural and cost-effective strategy against bacterial biofilms in medical and industrial sectors.

Microfluidic Engineering of RGD[1]‐Terminated Nanocarriers Micellization and In‐Situ Docetaxel Encapsulation: An Atomistic Insight

AbstractThe interactions between ligands and polymers are of great interest to drug delivery researches. In this work for the first time, Poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) based polymers with arginine‐glycine‐aspartate (RGD) peptide ligands which are immediately self‐assembled into micellar nanoparticles (NPs) in contact with water have been investigated in the atomistic level. In this regard, the effect of polymer and RGD concentrations on the stability, size, interaction energies and other molecular properties of nanocarriers has been investigated using molecular dynamics simulation. In the next step, the microfluidic micellization and docetaxel (DTX) encapsulation has been simulated in comparison to bulk micellization. Results indicated that by employing only 20 wt % RGD‐conjugated polymer, the particles reach the stable properties and compactness without DTX. But, when the DTX was added, 30 wt.% of RGD‐conjugated polymers that assembled in microfluidic system is the best state nanocarrier for the smart target drug delivery for transfer of DTX drug into the Cancer cell. Comparisons of the results acquired in the current paper confirmed that engineering and tuning the self‐assembly in the interface of phases in microchennel resulted in a precise control on the particle size and resulted in the preparation of smaller and more stable NPs that can be exploited as ultra‐small, smart drug carriers.

Multifunction-Harnessed Afterglow Nanosensor for Molecular Imaging of Acute Kidney Injury In Vivo.

Afterglow is superior to other optical modalities for biomedical applications in that it can exclude the autofluorescence background. Nevertheless, afterglow has rarely been applied to the high-contrast "off-to-on" activatable sensing scheme because the complicated afterglow systems hamper the additional inclusion of sensory functions while preserving the afterglow luminescence. Herein, a simple formulation of a multifunctional components-incorporated afterglow nanosensor (MANS) is developed for the superoxide-responsive activatable afterglow imaging of cisplatin-induced kidney injury. A multifunctional iridium complex (Ir-OTf) is designed to recover its photoactivities (phosphorescence and the ability of singlet oxygen-generating afterglow initiator) upon exposure to superoxide. To construct the nanoscopic afterglow detection system (MANS), Ir-OTf is incorporated with another multifunctional molecule (rubrene) in the polymeric micellar nanoparticle, where rubrene also plays dual roles as an afterglow substrate and a luminophore. The multiple functions covered by Ir-OTf and rubrene renders the composition of MANS quite simple, which exhibits superoxide-responsive "off-to-on" activatable afterglow luminescence for periods longer than 11min after the termination of pre-excitation. Finally, MANS is successfully applied to the molecular imaging of cisplatin-induced kidney injury with activatable afterglow signals responsive to pathologically overproduced superoxide in a mouse model without autofluorescence background.

Metal-organic framework-encapsulated micellar silver nanoparticles for tumor microenvironment-adaptive electrochemical determination of matrix metalloproteinase-2

Matrix metalloproteinase 2, an important modulator of tumor microenvironment, has received significant attention as a biomarker for cancer diagnosis. In this paper, we report a tumor microenvironment-adaptive electrochemical method for sensitive determination of matrix metalloproteinase 2. Metal-organic framework-encapsulated micellar silver nanoparticles, [email protected], are the central element of the method, and are prepared through the coating of micellar silver nanoparticles with zeolitic imidazolate framework-8. Benefiting from inherent pH-responsive ability of MOF coating, [email protected] disassemble in the tumor microenvironment at an acidic pH, releasing micellar silver nanoparticles that are consisted of a peptide shell and a silver core. Then, matrix metalloproteinase 2 presented in the tumor microenvironment selectively recognizes and cleaves the peptide shell of micellar silver nanoparticles, which promotes the accumulation of silver cores onto magnetic beads, thereby leading to amplified electrochemical responses. By contrast, in the normal extracellular microenvironment, stable MOF coating prevents matrix metalloproteinase 2 from approaching mAgNPs, and thus inhibits the generation of unexpected interfering signals. Experiment results demonstrate that the method not only displays a wide linear range from 50 fg/mL to 20 ng/mL and a detection limit as low as 20.8 fg/mL for enzymatic assay, but also exhibits high selectivity and anti-interference performance in the extracellular microenvironment of tumor cells. Therefore, the method may pave a valuable way for monitoring enzymatic activity in the tumor microenvironment, and imply a potential use in cancer diagnosis in future.

Heat Treatment Effects for Controlling Dye Molecular States in the Hydrophobic Core of Over-1000 nm Near-Infrared (NIR-II) Fluorescent Micellar Nanoparticles.

Organic molecules that emit near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence at wavelengths above 1000 nm, also known as the second NIR (NIR-II) biological window, are expected to be applied to optical in vivo imaging of deep tissues. The study of molecular states of NIR-II dye and its optical properties are important to yield well-controlled fluorescent probes; however, no such study has been conducted yet. Among the two major absorption peaks of the NIR-II dye, IR-1061, the ratio of the shorter wavelength (900 nm) to the longer one (1060 nm) increased with an increase in the dye concentration in tetrahydrofuran, suggesting that the 900 nm peak is due to the dimer formation of IR-1061. Both absorption peaks are also observed when IR-1061 is encapsulated in the hydrophobic (stearyl) core of micellar nanoparticles (MNPs) of a phospholipid–poly(ethylene glycol). The dimers in the MNP cores decreased via dimer dissociation by enhancing the mobility of the hydrophobic stearyl chains by heat treatment of the dye-encapsulating MNPs at 50–70 °C. The MNPs maintained the dissociated IR-1061 monomers in the core after recooling to 25 °C and showed a higher NIR-II fluorescence intensity than those before heat treatment. This concept will provide better protocols for the preparation of NIR-II fluorescent probes with well-controlled fluorescence properties.

Delayed alveolar clearance of nanoparticles through control of coating composition and interaction with lung surfactant protein A

The coating composition of nanomedicines is one of the main features in determining the medicines' fate, clearance, and immunoresponse in the body. To highlight the coatings' impact in pulmonary administration, two micellar superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) were compared. These nanoparticles are similar in size and charge but have different coatings: either phosphatidylcholine (PC-SPION) or bovine serum albumin (BSA-SPION). The aim of the study was to increase the understanding of the nano-bio interaction with the cellular and non-cellular components of the lung and underline valuable coatings either for local lung-targeted drug delivery in theranostic application or patient-friendly route systemic administration. PC-SPION and BSA-SPION were deposited in the alveoli by in vivo instillation and, despite the complexity of imaging the lung, SPION were macroscopically visualized by MRI. Impressively, PC-SPION were retained within the lungs for at least a week, while BSA-SPION were cleared more rapidly. The different lung residence times were confirmed by histological analysis and supported by a flow cytometry analysis of the SPION interactions with different myeloid cell populations. To further comprehend the way in which these nanoformulations interact with lung components at the molecular level, we used fluorescence spectroscopy, turbidity measurements, and dynamic light scattering to evaluate the interactions of the two SPION with surfactant protein A (SP-A), a key protein in setting up the nanoparticle behavior in the alveolar fluid. We found that SP-A induced aggregation of PC-SPION, but not BSA-SPION, which likely caused PC-SPION retention in the lung without inducing inflammation. In conclusion, the two SPION show different outcomes from interaction with SP-A leading to distinctive fate in the lung. PC-SPION hold great promise as imaging and theranostic agents when prolonged pulmonary drug delivery is required.

Mn-dox metal-organic nanoparticles for cancer therapy and magnetic resonance imaging

The high toxicity and side effects of drugs as well as the difficulty of tracking their trends and metabolism have always been the core difficulties of anticancer drugs. In this paper, doxorubicin (DOX) was used as therapeutic drug to coordinate with Mn2+ to obtain the hydrophobic core of nanomedicine. The outer layer was self-assembled and coated with amphiphilic block copolymer-distearyl phosphatidylethanolamine-polyethylene glycol (DSPE-mPEG2000) to form Mn-DOX@DSPE-mPEG2000 micellar nanoparticles (MDDM NPs) with good dispersion and stability. Cell experiments showed that MDDM micellar nanoparticles could be effectively uptaked by cells in a short time, and had good biocompatibility and tumor inhibition. In vivo experiments have shown that nanoparticles not only have excellent therapeutic effects, but also have magnetic resonance imaging contrast as contrast agents due to Mn2+ coordination, which can assist in tracking drug trends and metabolism in vivo. The above work provides a certain reference significance for the study of combining organic drugs with metals to realize the reduction of drug toxicity and provide multimodal function of metals.

Influence of Physiological Media on over-1000 nm NIR Fluorescent DSPE-PEG Micelles for Bio-imaging

Abstract Fluorescence imaging in the over-thousand nanometer (OTN-) near-infrared (NIR) wavelength region is an emerging technique for real-time bioimaging. OTN-NIR probes are made from micellar nanoparticles encapsulating IR-1061 dye in the core of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) phospholipid (PL), such as 1, 2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DSPE)-N-[methoxy PEG] micelles. The property investigation revealed that the probe is less stable in albumin and PBS while remaining unchanged in water and saline. The results are critical for applying OTN-NIR probe from DSPE-PEG micelles in physiological environments.

Exploring the "Living" Growth of Block Copolymer Nanofibers from Surface-Confined Seeds by In Situ Solution-Phase Atomic Force Microscopy.

Living crystallization-driven self-assembly of polymeric and molecular amphiphiles is of growing interest as a seeded growth route to uniform 1D, 2D, and more complex micellar nanoparticles with controlled dimensions and a range of potential applications. Although most studies have been performed using colloidally stable seeds in bulk solution, growth of block copolymer (BCP) nanofibers from seeds confined to a surface is attracting increased attention. Herein, we have used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to undertake detailed studies of the growth of BCP nanofibers from immobilized seeds located on a Si surface. Through initial ex situ AFM studies and in situ AFM video analysis in solution, we determined that growth occurred in four stages, whereby an initial surface-bound growth regime transitions to surface-limited growth. As the nanofiber length increases, surface influence is diminished as the newly grown micelle segment is no longer bound to the Si substrate. Finally, a surface-independent regime occurs where nanofiber growth continues into bulk solution. In addition to the anticipated nanofiber elongation, our studies revealed occasional examples of AFM tip-induced core fragmentation. In these cases, the termini of the newly formed fragments were also active to further growth. Furthermore, unidirectional growth was detected in cases where the seed was oriented at a significant angle with respect to the surface, thereby restricting unimer access to one terminus.

Effects of hydrophilic/hydrophobic blocks ratio of PEG-b-PLGA on emission intensity and stability of over-1000nm near-infrared(NIR-II) fluorescence dye-loaded polymeric micellar nanoparticles.

Polymeric micellar nanoparticles (PNPs) composed of an amphiphilic block copolymer formed from hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks and over-thousand-nanometer (OTN) near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent dye are promising fluorophores for the dynamic imaging of deep tissue. In this study, we examined the effect of the ratio of hydrophilic/hydrophobic blocks of a block copolymer, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-b-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), on the properties of OTN-PNPs encapsulating IR-1061. OTN-PNPs with a higher molecular weight of PLGA cores showed higher emission and stabilities under physiological conditions. The PEG ratio to PLGA in the block copolymer decreased the stability of OTN-PNPs probably due to the invasion of water molecules into the polymer core. The results show that the in vivo stability and fluorescence properties can be tuned by adjusting the chain lengths of block copolymers and estimated using in vitro assays, which evaluates the brightness retention rate of the OTN-PNPs under physiological conditions.

Micellar nanoparticles inhibit breast cancer and pulmonary metastasis by modulating the recruitment and depletion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are notorious for their pathological characteristics of immunosuppression and their promoting effect on cancers. They can induce the formation of pre-metastatic niche (PMN) characterized by inflammation, immunosuppression and vascular leakage, and promote pulmonary metastasis of breast cancer. Herein, a tumor targeting c(RGDfk) peptide modified low molecular-weight-heparin-all-trans-retinoic-acid (LMWH-ATRA) micellar nanoparticle loaded with chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) and immune adjuvant α-galactosylceramide (αGC) (RLA/DOX/αGC NP) was developed. The hydrophilic segment LMWH inhibited the recruitment of MDSCs by competitively binding with P-selectin on the surface of vascular endothelial cells (VECs), while the hydrophobic segment ATRA promoted the depletion of MDSCs by inducing their differentiation. Through the modulation of MDSCs, micelles can significantly improve the inflammatory and immunosuppressive microenvironment of the lung and tumor sites, and inhibit the formation of PMN. Not only this, the micelles also produced a synergistic effect with αGC, which effectively improved the anti-tumor immunity of tumor bearing mice and provided a promising therapeutic strategy for breast cancer and pulmonary metastasis.

Hypoxia-Responsive Polyprodrug Nanocarriers for Near-Infrared Light-Boosted Photodynamic Chemotherapy.

The hypoxia environment inside tumors is tightly associated with tumor growth, metastasis, and drug resistance. However, the heterogonous distribution of hypoxic areas limits the efficacy of hypoxia-activatable drug delivery systems. Herein, we report the hypoxia-activable block copolymer polyprodrugs, which are composed of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and copolymerized segments of ortho-nitrobenzyl-linked camptothecin (CPT) methacrylate and 2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethyl methacrylate (PEMA) monomers. After self-assembly in aqueous solution, indocyanine green (ICG) photosensitizers were encapsulated to formulate ICG-loaded micellar nanoparticles (ICG@CPTNB) for near-infrared (NIR) light-boosted photodynamic therapy (PDT), tumor hypoxia aggravation, and responsive drug activation. Through intravenous injection and prolonged blood circulation, the nanoparticles can accumulate into tumor efficiently. Tumor acidity-triggered charge transition of PEMA units remarkably promotes cellular internalization of the nanoparticles. Upon exposure to NIR laser irradiation, ICG inside the nanoparticles produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) along with local hypothermia. Simultaneously, the oxygen consumption during ROS production aggravated the intratumoral hypoxia, which amplified hypoxia-responsive self-immolative CPT release from the nanoparticles. The combined photodynamic chemotherapy using hypoxia-responsive polyprodrug nanoparticles, ICG@CPTNB, overcomes the limitations of single therapy of hypoxia-activable prodrugs or PDT, which remarkably improves the efficiency of tumor growth suppression.

Design of Over-1000 nm Near-Infrared Fluorescent Polymeric Micellar Nanoparticles by Matching the Solubility Parameter of the Core Polymer and Dye.

Polymeric micellar nanoparticles (PNPs) encapsulating over-thousand-nanometer (OTN) near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent dye molecules in block polymers having hydrophobic and hydrophilic chains are promising agents for the dynamic imaging of deep tissue. To achieve OTN-NIR fluorescent PNPs (OTN-PNPs) having high brightness, it is crucial to increase the affinity between the core polymer and dye molecules by matching their polarities; thus, criteria and methods to evaluate the affinity are required. In this study, we used the Hansen solubility parameter (HSP), including the polarity term, to evaluate the affinity between the two substances. HSP values of the OTN-NIR fluorescent dye IR-1061 and four core polymers, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), and polystyrene (PSt), were calculated using the Hansen solubility sphere method and molecular group contribution method, respectively. The relative energy density between IR-1061 and each core polymer calculated using their HSP values revealed that the affinities of PLGA and PLA for IR-1061 are higher than those of PCL and PSt. Therefore, OTN-PNPs composed of PLGA, PLA, and PCL core polymers were prepared and compared. The OTN-PNPs having PLGA and PLA cores could be loaded with larger amounts of IR-1061, had higher photoluminescence intensities, and showed higher stability in phosphate buffered saline than those having PCL cores. Moreover, the OTN-PNPs having PLGA or PLA cores were used for the dynamic imaging of live mice. Thus, matching the solubility parameters of the core polymer and dye molecule is a useful approach for designing high-performance OTN-NIR fluorescent probes.