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Duan Z, Han J, Liu Y, Zhao X, Wang B, Cao S, Wu D. A polymeric 1H/ 19F dual-modal MRI contrast agent with a snowman-like Janus nanostructure. J Mater Chem B 2024. [PMID: 38984662 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00923a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a pivotal tool in contemporary medical diagnostics, offering non-invasive and high-resolution visualization of internal structures. Contrast agents are essential for enhancing MRI resolution, accurate lesion detection, and early pathology identification. While gadolinium-based contrast agents are widely used in clinics, safety concerns have prompted exploration of metal-free alternatives, including fluorine and nitroxide radical-based MRI contrast agents. Fluorine-containing compounds exhibit excellent MRI capabilities, with 19F MRI providing enhanced resolution and quantitative assessment. Nitroxide radicals, such as PROXYL and TEMPO, offer paramagnetic properties for MRI contrast. Despite their versatility, nitroxide radicals suffer from lower relaxivity values (r1) compared to gadolinium. Dual-modal imaging, combining 1H and 19F MRI, has gained prominence for its comprehensive insights into biological processes and disease states. However, existing dual-modal agents predominantly utilize gadolinium-organic ligands without incorporating nitroxide radicals. Here, we introduce a novel dual-modal MRI contrast agent (J-CA) featuring a Janus asymmetric nanostructure synthesized via seeded emulsion polymerization and post-modification. J-CA demonstrates excellent in vitro and in vivo performance in both 19F and 1H MRI, with a T2 relaxation time of 5 ms and an r1 value of 0.31 mM-1 s-1, ensuring dual-modal imaging capability. Moreover, J-CA exhibits superior biocompatibility and organ targeting, making it a promising candidate for precise lesion imaging and disease diagnosis. This work introduces a new avenue for metal-free dual-modal MRI, addressing safety concerns associated with traditional contrast agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Duan
- Sun Yat-Sen University of Shenzhen Campus, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Jialei Han
- Sun Yat-Sen University of Shenzhen Campus, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Yadong Liu
- Sun Yat-Sen University of Shenzhen Campus, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- Sun Yat-Sen University of Shenzhen Campus, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Bo Wang
- Sun Yat-Sen University of Shenzhen Campus, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen, China.
| | | | - Dalin Wu
- Sun Yat-Sen University of Shenzhen Campus, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen, China.
- Sun Yat-sen University, Key Laboratory of Sensing Technology and Biomedical Instrument of Guangdong Province, Shenzhen, China
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2
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Cooke DJ, Maier EY, King TL, Lin H, Hendrichs S, Lee S, Mafy NN, Scott KM, Lu Y, Que EL. Dual Nanoparticle Conjugates for Highly Sensitive and Versatile Sensing Using 19 F Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202312322. [PMID: 38016929 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202312322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Fluorine magnetic resonance imaging (19 F MRI) has emerged as an attractive alternative to conventional 1 H MRI due to enhanced specificity deriving from negligible background signal in this modality. We report a dual nanoparticle conjugate (DNC) platform as an aptamer-based sensor for use in 19 F MRI. DNC consists of core-shell nanoparticles with a liquid perfluorocarbon core and a mesoporous silica shell (19 F-MSNs), which give a robust 19 F MR signal, and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) as magnetic quenchers. Due to the strong magnetic quenching effects of SPIONs, this platform is uniquely sensitive and functions with a low concentration of SPIONs (4 equivalents) relative to 19 F-MSNs. The probe functions as a "turn-on" sensor using target-induced dissociation of DNA aptamers. The thrombin binding aptamer was incorporated as a proof-of-concept (DNCThr ), and we demonstrate a significant increase in 19 F MR signal intensity when DNCThr is incubated with human α-thrombin. This proof-of-concept probe is highly versatile and can be adapted to sense ATP and kanamycin as well. Importantly, DNCThr generates a robust 19 F MRI "hot-spot" signal in response to thrombin in live mice, establishing this platform as a practical, versatile, and biologically relevant molecular imaging probe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Cooke
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Esther Y Maier
- College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Tyler L King
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Haoding Lin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Santiago Hendrichs
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Slade Lee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Noushaba N Mafy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Kathleen M Scott
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Departments of chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Emily L Que
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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3
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Hof S, Marcus C, Kuebart A, Schulz J, Truse R, Raupach A, Bauer I, Flögel U, Picker O, Herminghaus A, Temme S. A Toolbox to Investigate the Impact of Impaired Oxygen Delivery in Experimental Disease Models. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:869372. [PMID: 35652064 PMCID: PMC9149176 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.869372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Impaired oxygen utilization is the underlying pathophysiological process in different shock states. Clinically most important are septic and hemorrhagic shock, which comprise more than 75% of all clinical cases of shock. Both forms lead to severe dysfunction of the microcirculation and the mitochondria that can cause or further aggravate tissue damage and inflammation. However, the detailed mechanisms of acute and long-term effects of impaired oxygen utilization are still elusive. Importantly, a defective oxygen exploitation can impact multiple organs simultaneously and organ damage can be aggravated due to intense organ cross-talk or the presence of a systemic inflammatory response. Complexity is further increased through a large heterogeneity in the human population, differences in genetics, age and gender, comorbidities or disease history. To gain a deeper understanding of the principles, mechanisms, interconnections and consequences of impaired oxygen delivery and utilization, interdisciplinary preclinical as well as clinical research is required. In this review, we provide a "tool-box" that covers widely used animal disease models for septic and hemorrhagic shock and methods to determine the structure and function of the microcirculation as well as mitochondrial function. Furthermore, we suggest magnetic resonance imaging as a multimodal imaging platform to noninvasively assess the consequences of impaired oxygen delivery on organ function, cell metabolism, alterations in tissue textures or inflammation. Combining structural and functional analyses of oxygen delivery and utilization in animal models with additional data obtained by multiparametric MRI-based techniques can help to unravel mechanisms underlying immediate effects as well as long-term consequences of impaired oxygen delivery on multiple organs and may narrow the gap between experimental preclinical research and the human patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Hof
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Carsten Marcus
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anne Kuebart
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jan Schulz
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Richard Truse
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Annika Raupach
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Inge Bauer
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ulrich Flögel
- Experimental Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Molecular Cardiology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Olaf Picker
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anna Herminghaus
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sebastian Temme
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Chapelin F, Gedaly R, Sweeney Z, Gossett LJ. Prognostic Value of Fluorine-19 MRI Oximetry Monitoring in cancer. Mol Imaging Biol 2022; 24:208-219. [PMID: 34708396 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-021-01648-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia is a key prognostic indicator in most solid tumors, as it is correlated to tumor angiogenesis, metastasis, recurrence, and response to therapy. Accurate measurement and mapping of tumor oxygenation profile and changes upon intervention could facilitate disease progression assessment and assist in treatment planning. Currently, no gold standard exists for non-invasive spatiotemporal measurement of hypoxia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) represents an attractive option as it is a clinically available and non-ionizing imaging modality. Specifically, perfluorocarbon (PFC) beacons can be externally introduced into the tumor tissue and the linear dependence of their spin-lattice relaxation rate (R1) on the local partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) exploited for real-time tissue oxygenation monitoring in vivo. In this review, we will focus on early studies and recent developments of fluorine-19 MRI and spectroscopy (MRS) for evaluation of tumor oximetry and response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Chapelin
- F. Joseph Halcomb III, M.D. Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Kentucky, 514F RMB, 143 Graham Avenue, Lexington, KY, USA.
- Lucille Parker Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
| | - Roberto Gedaly
- Lucille Parker Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Surgery, Transplant Division, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Zachary Sweeney
- College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Liza J Gossett
- F. Joseph Halcomb III, M.D. Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Kentucky, 514F RMB, 143 Graham Avenue, Lexington, KY, USA
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5
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Modo M, Ghuman H, Azar R, Krafty R, Badylak SF, Hitchens TK. Mapping the acute time course of immune cell infiltration into an ECM hydrogel in a rat model of stroke using 19F MRI. Biomaterials 2022; 282:121386. [PMID: 35093825 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel implantation into a stroke-induced tissue cavity invokes a robust cellular immune response. However, the spatio-temporal dynamics of immune cell infiltration into peri-infarct brain tissues versus the ECM-bioscaffold remain poorly understood. We here tagged peripheral immune cells using perfluorocarbon (PFC) nanoemulsions that afford their visualization by 19F magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Prior to ECM hydrogel implantation, only blood vessels could be detected using 19F MRI. Using "time-lapse" 19F MRI, we established the infiltration of immune cells into the peri-infarct area occurs 5-6 h post-ECM implantation. Immune cells also infiltrated through the stump of the MCA, as well as a hydrogel bridge that formed between the tissue cavity and the burr hole in the skull. Tissue-based migration into the bioscaffold was observed between 9 and 12 h with a peak signal measured between 12 and 18 h post-implantation. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting of circulating immune cells revealed that 9% of cells were labeled with PFC nanoemulsions, of which the vast majority were neutrophils (40%) or monocytes (48%). Histology at 24 h post-implantation, in contrast, indicated that macrophages (35%) were more numerous in the peri-infarct area than neutrophils (11%), whereas the vast majority of immune cells within the ECM hydrogel were neutrophils (66%). Only a small fraction (12%) of immune cells did not contain PFC nanoemulsions, indicating a low type II error for 19F MRI. 19F MRI hence provides a unique tool to improve our understanding of the spatio-temporal dynamics of immune cells invading bioscaffolds and effecting biodegradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Modo
- University of Pittsburgh, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; University of Pittsburgh, Department of Radiology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; University of Pittsburgh, Department of Bioengineering, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Harmanvir Ghuman
- University of Pittsburgh, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; University of Pittsburgh, Department of Bioengineering, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Reem Azar
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Bioengineering, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ryan Krafty
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Biological Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Stephen F Badylak
- University of Pittsburgh, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; University of Pittsburgh, Department of Surgery, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - T Kevin Hitchens
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Neurobiology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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6
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Nanotechnology as a Versatile Tool for 19F-MRI Agent’s Formulation: A Glimpse into the Use of Perfluorinated and Fluorinated Compounds in Nanoparticles. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020382. [PMID: 35214114 PMCID: PMC8874484 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simultaneously being a non-radiative and non-invasive technique makes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) one of the highly sought imaging techniques for the early diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Despite more than four decades of research on finding a suitable imaging agent from fluorine for clinical applications, it still lingers as a challenge to get the regulatory approval compared to its hydrogen counterpart. The pertinent hurdle is the simultaneous intrinsic hydrophobicity and lipophobicity of fluorine and its derivatives that make them insoluble in any liquids, strongly limiting their application in areas such as targeted delivery. A blossoming technique to circumvent the unfavorable physicochemical characteristics of perfluorocarbon compounds (PFCs) and guarantee a high local concentration of fluorine in the desired body part is to encapsulate them in nanosystems. In this review, we will be emphasizing different types of nanocarrier systems studied to encapsulate various PFCs and fluorinated compounds, headway to be applied as a contrast agent (CA) in fluorine-19 MRI (19F MRI). We would also scrutinize, especially from studies over the last decade, the different types of PFCs and their specific applications and limitations concerning the nanoparticle (NP) system used to encapsulate them. A critical evaluation for future opportunities would be speculated.
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7
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Modo M. 19F Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy in Neuroscience. Neuroscience 2021; 474:37-50. [PMID: 33766776 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
1H magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has established itself as a key diagnostic technique, affording the visualization of brain anatomy, blood flow, activity and connectivity. The detection of other atoms (e.g. 19F, 23Na, 31P), so called hetero-nuclear MRI and spectroscopy (MRS), provides investigative avenues that complement and extend the richness of information that can be gained from 1H MRI. Especially 19F MRI is increasingly emerging as a multi-nuclear (1H/19F) technique that can be exploited to visualize cell migration and trafficking. The lack of a 19F background signal in the brain affords an unequivocal detection suitable for quantification. Fluorine-based contrast material can be engineered as nanoemulsions, nanocapsules, or nanoparticles to label cells in vitro or in vivo. Fluorinated blood substitutes, typically nanoemulsions, can also carry oxygen and serve as a theranostic in poorly perfused brain regions. Brain tissue concentrations of fluorinated pharmaceuticals, including inhalation anesthetics (e.g. isoflurane) and anti-depressants (e.g. fluoxetine), can also be measured using MRS. However, the low signal from these compounds provides a challenge for imaging. Further methodological advances that accelerate signal acquisition (e.g. compressed sensing, cryogenic coils) are required to expand the applications of 19F MR imaging to, for instance, determine the regional pharmacokinetics of novel fluorine-based drugs. Improvements in 19F signal detection and localization, combined with the development of novel sensitive probes, will increase the utility of these multi-nuclear studies. These advances will provide new insights into cellular and molecular processes involved in neurodegenerative disease, as well as the mode of action of pharmaceutical compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Modo
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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8
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Mai X, Chang Y, You Y, He L, Chen T. Designing intelligent nano-bomb with on-demand site-specific drug burst release to synergize with high-intensity focused ultrasound cancer ablation. J Control Release 2021; 331:270-281. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.09.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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MRI-based molecular imaging of epicardium-derived stromal cells (EpiSC) by peptide-mediated active targeting. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21669. [PMID: 33303866 PMCID: PMC7728754 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78600-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
After myocardial infarction (MI), epicardial cells reactivate their embryonic program, proliferate and migrate into the damaged tissue to differentiate into fibroblasts, endothelial cells and, if adequately stimulated, to cardiomyocytes. Targeting epicardium-derived stromal cells (EpiSC) by specific ligands might enable the direct imaging of EpiSCs after MI to better understand their biology, but also may permit the cell-specific delivery of small molecules to improve the post-MI healing process. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify specific peptides by phage display screening to enable EpiSC specific cargo delivery by active targeting. To this end, we utilized a sequential panning of a phage library on cultured rat EpiSCs and then subtracted phage that nonspecifically bound blood immune cells. EpiSC specific phage were analyzed by deep sequencing and bioinformatics analysis to identify a total of 78 300 ± 31 900 different, EpiSC-specific, peptide insertion sequences. Flow cytometry of the five most highly abundant peptides (EP1, -2, -3, -7 or EP9) showed strong binding to EpiSCs but not to blood immune cells. The best binding properties were found for EP9 which was further studied by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). SPR revealed rapid and stable association of EpiSCs with EP9. As a negative control, THP-1 monocytes did not associate with EP9. Coupling of EP9 to perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions (PFCs) resulted in the efficient delivery of 19F cargo to EpiSCs and enabled their visualization by 19F MRI. Moreover, active targeting of EpiSCs by EP9-labelled PFCs was able to outcompete the strong phagocytic uptake of PFCs by circulating monocytes. In summary, we have identified a 7-mer peptide, (EP9) that binds to EpiSCs with high affinity and specificity. This peptide can be used to deliver small molecule cargos such as contrast agents to permit future in vivo tracking of EpiSCs by molecular imaging and to transfer small pharmaceutical molecules to modulate the biological activity of EpiSCs.
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de Beer MA, Giepmans BNG. Nanobody-Based Probes for Subcellular Protein Identification and Visualization. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:573278. [PMID: 33240044 PMCID: PMC7667270 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.573278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how building blocks of life contribute to physiology is greatly aided by protein identification and cellular localization. The two main labeling approaches developed over the past decades are labeling with antibodies such as immunoglobulin G (IgGs) or use of genetically encoded tags such as fluorescent proteins. However, IgGs are large proteins (150 kDa), which limits penetration depth and uncertainty of target position caused by up to ∼25 nm distance of the label created by the chosen targeting approach. Additionally, IgGs cannot be easily recombinantly modulated and engineered as part of fusion proteins because they consist of multiple independent translated chains. In the last decade single domain antigen binding proteins are being explored in bioscience as a tool in revealing molecular identity and localization to overcome limitations by IgGs. These nanobodies have several potential benefits over routine applications. Because of their small size (15 kDa), nanobodies better penetrate during labeling procedures and improve resolution. Moreover, nanobodies cDNA can easily be fused with other cDNA. Multidomain proteins can thus be easily engineered consisting of domains for targeting (nanobodies) and visualization by fluorescence microscopy (fluorescent proteins) or electron microscopy (based on certain enzymes). Additional modules for e.g., purification are also easily added. These nanobody-based probes can be applied in cells for live-cell endogenous protein detection or may be purified prior to use on molecules, cells or tissues. Here, we present the current state of nanobody-based probes and their implementation in microscopy, including pitfalls and potential future opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marit A de Beer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Ben N G Giepmans
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Bouvain P, Temme S, Flögel U. Hot spot 19 F magnetic resonance imaging of inflammation. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 12:e1639. [PMID: 32380579 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Among the preclinical molecular imaging approaches, lately fluorine (19 F) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has garnered significant scientific interest in the biomedical research community, due to the unique properties of fluorinated materials and the 19 F nucleus. Fluorine is an intrinsically sensitive nucleus for MRI-there is negligible endogenous 19 F in the body and, thus, no background signal which allows the detection of fluorinated materials as "hot spots" by combined 1 H/19 F MRI and renders fluorine-containing molecules as ideal tracers with high specificity. In addition, perfluorocarbons are a family of compounds that exhibit a very high fluorine payload and are biochemically as well as physiologically inert. Perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions (PFCs) are well known to be readily taken up by immunocompetent cells, which can be exploited for the unequivocal identification of inflammatory foci by tracking the recruitment of PFC-loaded immune cells to affected tissues using 1 H/19 F MRI. The required 19 F labeling of immune cells can be accomplished either ex vivo by PFC incubation of isolated endogenous immune cells followed by their re-injection or by intravenous application of PFCs for in situ uptake by circulating immune cells. With both approaches, inflamed tissues can unambiguously be detected via background-free 19 F signals due to trafficking of PFC-loaded immune cells to affected organs. To extend 19 F MRI tracking beyond cells with phagocytic properties, the PFC surface can further be equipped with distinct ligands to generate specificity against epitopes and/or types of immune cells independent of phagocytosis. Recent developments also allow for concurrent detection of different PFCs with distinct spectral signatures allowing the simultaneous visualization of several targets, such as various immune cell subtypes labeled with these PFCs. Since ligands and targets can easily be adapted to a variety of problems, this approach provides a general and versatile platform for inflammation imaging which will strongly extend the frontiers of molecular MRI. This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > in vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Cardiovascular Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Bouvain
- Experimental Cardiovascular Imaging, Molecular Cardiology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sebastian Temme
- Experimental Cardiovascular Imaging, Molecular Cardiology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ulrich Flögel
- Experimental Cardiovascular Imaging, Molecular Cardiology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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12
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Gambino G, Gambino T, Angelovski G. Combination of bioresponsive chelates and perfluorinated lipid nanoparticles enables in vivo MRI probe quantification. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:9433-9436. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cc04416d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We used lipid nanoparticles with a perfluorinated core as a platform for a responsive nanosized 1H MRI contrast agent to achieve the in vivo quantification of the probe by means of 19F MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Gambino
- MR Neuroimaging Agents
- MPI for Biological Cybernetics
- Tuebingen
- Germany
| | - Tanja Gambino
- MR Neuroimaging Agents
- MPI for Biological Cybernetics
- Tuebingen
- Germany
| | - Goran Angelovski
- MR Neuroimaging Agents
- MPI for Biological Cybernetics
- Tuebingen
- Germany
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13
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Hingorani DV, Chapelin F, Stares E, Adams SR, Okada H, Ahrens ET. Cell penetrating peptide functionalized perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions for targeted cell labeling and enhanced fluorine-19 MRI detection. Magn Reson Med 2019; 83:974-987. [PMID: 31631402 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.27988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE A bottleneck in developing cell therapies for cancer is assaying cell biodistribution, persistence, and survival in vivo. Ex vivo cell labeling using perfluorocarbon (PFC) nanoemulsions, paired with 19 F MRI detection, is a non-invasive approach for cell product detection in vivo. Lymphocytes are small and weakly phagocytic limiting PFC labeling levels and MRI sensitivity. To boost labeling, we designed PFC nanoemulsion imaging probes displaying a cell-penetrating peptide, namely the transactivating transcription sequence (TAT) of the human immunodeficiency virus. We report optimized synthesis schemes for preparing TAT co-surfactant to complement the common surfactants used in PFC nanoemulsion preparations. METHODS We performed ex vivo labeling of primary human chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells with nanoemulsion. Intracellular labeling was validated using electron microscopy and confocal imaging. To detect signal enhancement in vivo, labeled CAR T cells were intra-tumorally injected into mice bearing flank glioma tumors. RESULTS By incorporating TAT into the nanoemulsion, a labeling efficiency of ~1012 fluorine atoms per CAR T cell was achieved that is a >8-fold increase compared to nanoemulsion without TAT while retaining high cell viability (~84%). Flow cytometry phenotypic assays show that CAR T cells are unaltered after labeling with TAT nanoemulsion, and in vitro tumor cell killing assays display intact cytotoxic function. The 19 F MRI signal detected from TAT-labeled CAR T cells was 8 times higher than cells labeled with PFC without TAT. CONCLUSION The peptide-PFC nanoemulsion synthesis scheme presented can significantly enhance cell labeling and imaging sensitivity and is generalizable for other targeted imaging probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina V Hingorani
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, California
| | - Fanny Chapelin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, California
| | - Emma Stares
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, California
| | - Stephen R Adams
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, California
| | - Hideho Okada
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, California
| | - Eric T Ahrens
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, California
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14
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Krämer W, Grapentin C, Bouvain P, Temme S, Flögel U, Schubert R. Rational manufacturing of functionalized, long-term stable perfluorocarbon-nanoemulsions for site-specific 19F magnetic resonance imaging. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2019; 142:114-122. [PMID: 31220572 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2019.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluorocarbon (PFC)-nanoemulsions (NE) are a convenient tool for 19F magnetic resonance imaging in cell and animal experiments. Typical preparation methods, like high-pressure homogenization or microfluidization, produce nanoemulsions in mL-scale. However, experiments usually require only miniscule amounts of PFC-NE, several 100 µL. For site-specific imaging tissue-specific ligands, e.g. peptides or antibodies, are covalently bound to the NE surface. This requires the use of expensive functionalized phospholipids containing reactive groups (e.g. maleimide), which often deteriorate quickly in liquid storage, rendering the manufacturing process highly cost-inefficient. A technique to manufacture storage stable NE that maintain their functionality for coupling of various ligands is desired. METHODS AND RESULTS Different PFC-NE formulations and preparation techniques were compared and the most suitable of these was tested in short-, as well as long-term stability tests. Droplet size stability was investigated by dynamic light scattering and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy over 1.5 a. Surface modifiability was assessed by a fluorescence assay. The utility of these NE was proven in an in vitro model. CONCLUSION The established PFC-NE platform offers a cost-efficient way to produce larger amounts of long-term storable imaging agents, which can be surface-modified on demand for application in targeted 19F MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Krämer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - C Grapentin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - P Bouvain
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Heinrich Heine University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - S Temme
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Heinrich Heine University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - U Flögel
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Heinrich Heine University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - R Schubert
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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15
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Guo C, Zhang Y, Li Y, Xu S, Wang L. 19F MRI Nanoprobes for the Turn-On Detection of Phospholipase A2 with a Low Background. Anal Chem 2019; 91:8147-8153. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b00435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Yangyang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Yawei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Suying Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Leyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
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