Preparation of Hematoporphyrin-Poly(Lactic Acid) Nanoparticles Encapsulated Perfluoropentane/Salicylic Acid for Enhanced US/CEST MR Bimodal Imaging

Abstract

Liqiong Ding,1,* Fengnan Xu,1,* Binhua Luo,1,* Liyuan Cheng,1 Lingping Huang,2 Yanlong Jia,3 Jieqiong Ding1 1Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Medical Ultrasound, Xianning Central Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Radiology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Yanlong Jia, Department of Radiology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei Province, 441021, People’s Republic of China, Tel [phone], Email [email protected] Jieqiong Ding, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei Province, 437100, People’s Republic of China, Tel [phone], Email [email protected]: Medical imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and fluorescence imaging, have gained widespread acceptance in clinical practice for tumor diagnosis. Each imaging modality has its own unique principles, advantages, and limitations, thus necessitating a multimodal approach for a comprehensive disease understanding of the disease process. To enhance diagnostic precision, physicians frequently integrate data from multiple imaging modalities, driving research advancements in multimodal imaging technology research.Methods: In this study, hematoporphyrin-poly (lactic acid) (HP-PLLA) polymer was prepared via ring-opening polymerization and thoroughly characterized using FT-IR, 1H-NMR, XRD, and TGA. HP-PLLA based nanoparticles encapsulating perfluoropentane (PFP) and salicylic acid were prepared via emulsion-solvent evaporation. Zeta potential and mean diameter were assessed using DLS and TEM. Biocompatibility was evaluated via cell migration, hemolysis, and cytotoxicity assays. Ultrasonic imaging was performed with a dedicated apparatus, while CEST MRI was conducted using a 7.0 T animal scanner.Results: We designed and prepared a novel dual-mode nanoimaging probe SA/PFP@HP-PLLA NPs. PFP enhanced US imaging, while salicylic acid bolstered CEST imaging. With an average size of 74.43 ± 1.12 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.175 ± 0.015, and a surface zeta potential of − 64.1 ± 2.11 mV. These NPs exhibit excellent biocompatibility and stability. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed the SA/PFP@HP-PLLA NP’s ability to improve tumor characterization and diagnostic precision.Conclusion: The SA/PFP@HP-PLLA NPs demonstrate promising dual-modality imaging capabilities, indicating their potential for preclinical and clinical use as a contrast agent.Keywords: contrast agent, perfluoropentane, salicylic acid, ultrasound imaging, chemical exchange saturation transfer

Keywords

• contrast agent
• perfluoropentane
• salicylic acid
• ultrasound imaging
• chemical exchange saturation transfer