Multimodality CT/SPECT Evaluation of Micelle Drug Carriers for Treatment of Breast Tumors
Abstract
Polymer micelles are a nanoparticle drug delivery system that has the potential to improve breast tumor treatment with chemotherapy. These nanoparticles can increase the half-life of incorporated drugs, can target tumors by incorporating tumorspecific ligands, and can be tracked with imaging through the inclusion of a radiolabel. In this study, quantum dots (QD) were incorporated into PEG/PLA micelles. These micelles were then characterized using transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and fluorescence spectrophotometry. The quantum dots were found to be successfully incorporated into micelles, where they retained their fluorescent properties. Cancer cell lines were then treated with in vitro to measure cell uptake of QD-containing micelles. Confocal microscopy demonstrated slow and continuous uptake of micelles which accumulated in the cell cytoplasm. Future studies will measure the effects of modifying these micelles through the addition of a cRGD or other targeting ligand to increase cellular uptake. Furthermore, the last step of this study will be in vivo tracking of QD micelles while monitoring antitumor efficacy with fluorescently labeled Annexin V.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA474945
Entities
People
- Brent D. Weinberg
- Jinming Gao
Organizations
- Case Western Reserve University