Biodegradation of the ZnO:Eu nanoparticles in the tissues of adult mouse after alimentary application

Biodegradable nanoparticles are a promising material for future medical and biological applications in supplementation strategies and as drug-delivery agents. Alimentary-administered ZnO:Eu nanoparticles showed rapid (3-24 h) and wide initial distribution to majority of the organs (red fluorescence), including transfer through the blood-organ barriers. Spleen and fat tissue were found to be a long-term reservoir for nanoparticles, whereas blood-lung barrier proved impermeable for them. Biodegradation of ZnO matrix observed in subsequent time-points resulted in the diminishing of nanoparticle-related fluorescence.107