Multimodal molecular imaging of atherosclerosis: Nanoparticles functionalized with scFv fragments of an anti-αIIbβ3 antibody

In this study, scFv antibody fragments were used to functionalize multimodal imaging nanoparticles. This grafting was performed in a regio-selective way to preserve TEG4 activity and the avidity of the nanoparticles was studied with respect to the number of grafted antibodies. Subsequently, taking advantage of the nanoparticle bimodality, both near infrared fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging of the atheroma plaque were performed in the ApoE-/- mouse model. Here we describe the design of the targeted nanoparticles, and a quantification method for their detection in mice, both ex vivo and in vivo, highlighting their value as a potential diagnosis agent.Graphical AbstractA bimodal contrast agent was targeted to atheroma plaques using anti-activated platelets antibody fragments. Ex vivo, the bimodality was exploited to confirm the localization of the nanoparticles to the atherosclerotic lesions. In vivo, a custom made quantification method showed the benefit of this multifunctionalized agent for atheroma detection by MRI in mice.
Source: Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine - Category: Nanotechnology Source Type: research