Multifunctional poly (lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles for luminescence/magnetic resonance imaging and photodynamic therapy

Poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) coupled with methoxy poly (ethylene glycol) (mPEG) or chlorin e6 (Ce6) was synthesized using the Steglich esterification method. PLGA-linked mPEG (PLGA-mPEG), PLGA-linked Ce6 (PLGA-Ce6), and Fe3O4 were utilized to constitute multifunctional PLGA nanoparticles (∼160 nm) via the multi-emulsion W1/O/W2 (water-in-oil-in-water) method. The photo-sensitizing properties of Ce6 molecules anchored to PLGA nanoparticles enabled in vivo luminescence imaging and photodynamic therapy for the tumor site. The encapsulation of Fe3O4 allowed high contrast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the tumor in vivo. Overall, PLGA nanoparticles resulted in a significant tumor volume regression for the light-illuminated KB tumor in vivo and enhanced the contrast at the tumor region, compared to that of Feridex® (commercial contrast agent).