Fate of GdF₃ nanoparticles-loaded PEGylated carbon capsules inside mice model: a step toward clinical application

Abstract

The successful translation of nanostructure-based bioimaging and/or drug delivery system needs extensive in vitro and in vivo studies on biocompatibility, biodistribution, clearance, and toxicity for its diagnostic applications. Herein, we have investigated the in vitro cyto-hemocompatibility, in vivo biodistribution, clearance, and toxicity in mice after systemic administration of GdF₃ nanoparticles loaded PEGylated mesoporous carbon capsule (GdF₃-PMCC)-based theranostic system. In vitro cyto-hemocompatibility study showed a very good biocompatibility up to concentration of 500 µg/ml. Biodistribution studies carried out from 1 h to 8 days showed that GdF₃-PMCC was found in major organs, such as liver, kidney, spleen, and muscle till 4th day and it was negligible in any tissue after 8th day. The clearance study was carried out for a period of 8 days and it was observed that the urinary system is the main route of excretion of GdF₃-PMCC. The tissue toxicity study was done for 15 days and histopathological analysis indicated that the GdF₃-PMCC based theranostic system does not have any adverse effect in tissues. Thus, PMCCs are nontoxic and can be applied as theranostic agents in contrast to the other carbon-based systems (PEGylated carbon nanotubes and PEGylated graphene oxide) which showed significant toxicity.

Keywords:

• Carbon capsule
• biodistribution
• biocompatibility
• clearance and toxicity

Acknowledgments

This work was conducted in Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (India). The authors acknowledge DST (Deaprtment of Science and Technology, India) Nanomission [DST No: SR/NM/NS-1111/2013] and DBT (Department of Biotechnology, India) for funding. The authors acknowledge Dr. Bandyopadhyay, BSBE-IITK for providing animal house and mice for in vivo studies. The authors also acknowledge Dr. Dherendra Katti, BSBE-IITK for providing space for animal experiments.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by DST (Deaprtment of Science and Technology, India) Nanomission [DST No: SR/NM/NS-1111/2013] and DBT (department of Biotechnology, India).