Biocompatible Polymer‐Nanoparticle‐Based Bimodal Imaging Contrast Agents for the Labeling and Tracking of Dendritic Cells

Abstract

What a contrast! Agents for both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging are synthesized by encapsulating iron oxide nanoparticles and indocyanine green in a poly(lactide-co-glycolide) matrix. The migration of dendritic cells (DCs) via lymphatic drainage is monitored by real-time NIR fluorescence imaging, and the tracking of DCs into lymph nodes is achieved through noninvasive MRI (see picture). Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2296/2008/smll200800582_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.