(706g) Facile Synthesis of Nanoparticles for Imaging by Fluorescent Microscopy, CAT Scan, and MRI

There is increased demand for nanoparticles with various imaging modalities that have the desired surface functionalization and particle size to act as nano-probes. Here, we describe a simple, rapid, and robust method, Flash NanoPrecipitation (FNP), to produce such nanoparticles. This process involves encapsulation of hydrophobic or hydrophobically-modified imaging agents with an amphiphilic biocompatible diblock copolymer in a kinetically frozen state. Using this approach, fluorophores, x-ray contrast agents, or magnetic nanoparticles were successfully incorporated into biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles. In addition, imaging agent and drugs were simultaneously incorporated into a single nanoparticle, producing multifunctional nanoparticles having simultaneous drug delivery and biological imaging capabilities. Moreover, functionalization of such nanoparticle surfaces with disease-specific ligands permitted precise cell targeting. These features make FNP-produced nano-probes highly desirable for various biological and medical applications.