Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
(Liu et al. 2008). Further, Andreozzi et al. demonstrated that SLN can be very effi-
ciently conjugated with the radioactive Cu
64
to study the in vivo biodistribution of
SLN using PET (Positron Emission Tomography) (Andreozzi et al. 2011). Recently,
SLN loaded with Gd-DOTA (Gadolinium complex) have been synthesized by
Andreozzi et al. which act as highly stable contrast agents for MRI (Andreozzi et al.
2013). SLN loaded with various types of imaging agents are listed in Table
6
.
6.5 SLN as Theranostic Agent
For last many years, SLN has been utilized as a carrier for both therapeutic as well
as imaging agents very efficiently. But now interest has been arisen in developing
such a formulation that can combine the paradigm of both treatment and diagno-
sis on a single platform. The structure of the SLN is very well known that we can
load different types of molecules inside the core and over the surface. Therefore it
provides enough space to carry therapeutics as well as contrast agents for imag-
ing simultaneously (Fig.
33
). In one study, Bae et al. 2013 developed an 'opti-
cally traceable' SLN carrying paclitaxel and siRNA as anticancerous agents and
Quantum dots as imaging agent in the same molecule. As siRNA is hydrophilic in
nature and negative in charge, it is attached over the positively charged surface of
SLN via electrostatic interactions. On the other side, paclitaxel and quantum dots
are hydrophobic and therefore placed in the core of the nanoparticle made up of
solid lipids. Thus prepared anticancer theranostic was found very efficient in the
treatment and diagnosis of the human lung cancer.
Fig. 33
Theranostic solid
lipid nanoparticle
