Quantitative ICP-MS profiling of nanoparticle distribution across rodent tissues provides data-driven optimization of nanomedicine formulations before committing to efficacy or toxicity studies. Our service delivers organ-level distribution profiles, clearance kinetics, and head-to-head formulation comparison under controlled conditions.
Nanoparticle surface properties—such as PEG molecular weight, ligand density, and charge—directly influence circulation time, organ tropism, and off-target accumulation. By comparing multiple formulations head-to-head under controlled conditions, we enable data-driven optimization before committing to efficacy or toxicity studies.
Projects involve intravenous administration in rats or mice, timed tissue harvest (1, 24, and 48 hours), and ICP-MS quantification of elemental content (gold, silver, iron) in blood, liver, spleen, kidney, lung, and tumor. Results are delivered as organ-level distribution profiles, clearance kinetics, and comparative metrics across test groups.
Key Features
Rodent Dosing & Tissue Harvest
Intravenous injection of nanoparticle formulations into mice or rats under controlled conditions. At predefined time points (1, 24, and 48 hours post-dose), animals are euthanized and blood, major organs (liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs, heart, brain, tumor), and any other tissues of interest are collected. Perfusion is available to distinguish parenchymal accumulation from residual blood pool.
Tissue Digestion & Sample Preparation
Collected tissues are weighed, homogenized, and digested using a validated acid digestion protocol optimized for metal recovery. Internal standards are added to correct for matrix effects and instrument drift. Digested samples are diluted to appropriate concentration ranges for ICP-MS analysis.
ICP-MS Elemental Quantification
Quantitative analysis by ICP-MS measures the elemental content (gold, silver, iron, platinum, gadolinium) in each tissue sample. Calibration curves from certified reference standards ensure accuracy across a wide dynamic range. Limits of detection are validated per element and matrix.
Biodistribution & Clearance Profiling
Results are expressed as % injected dose per gram (%ID/g) or per organ (%ID/organ) for each time point. Time-course data are used to calculate tissue half-lives, area under the curve (AUC), and clearance profiles. Comparisons across coating types, sizes, or targeting ligands enable formulation ranking.
Study Modalities
The platform supports a range of nanoparticle systems and experimental designs. Typical applications include:
PEGylation Optimization: Compare PEG molecular weights (e.g., PEG-2k, PEG-5k, PEG-10k) to identify the coating that best balances circulation time and hepatic clearance. Time-course ICP-MS data reveal differences in liver uptake and blood retention.
Targeting Ligand Evaluation: Assess the effect of surface-conjugated antibodies, peptides, or aptamers on tissue-specific accumulation. Co-injection of targeted and non-targeted constructs in the same model provides direct comparison.
Formulation Batch Comparison: Validate lot-to-lot consistency of nanoparticle batches. Biodistribution data serve as a quality checkpoint before advancing to pharmacokinetic or efficacy studies.
Dose-Ranging Biodistribution: Evaluate how dose level affects accumulation and saturation in key organs. Multiple dose groups are used to determine linear or nonlinear distribution behavior.
Time-Course Clearance Profiling: Obtain detailed clearance kinetics from blood and major organs over 1–48 hours or longer. Data inform half-life, volume of distribution, and residual tissue levels.
Workflow
Each biodistribution study follows a structured yet customizable process to ensure data integrity and alignment with regulatory expectations.
Study Design Consultation: We discuss your nanoparticle composition, elemental label, target organs, and key time points. A detailed study protocol is drafted, including animal number per group, dosing route, dose level, and endpoints.
Animal Dosing & Sample Collection: Rodents are injected intravenously with the test formulation. At each scheduled time point, blood is collected and animals are euthanized. Tissues are harvested, weighed, and immediately processed or frozen for later digestion.
Tissue Digestion & ICP-MS Analysis: Samples are acid-digested, spiked with internal standards, and analyzed by ICP-MS. Calibration curves and quality controls are run within each batch to ensure accuracy and precision.
Data Processing & Statistical Reporting: Raw counts are converted to concentration (µg/g tissue) and normalized to %ID/g or %ID/organ. Time-course data are plotted, and descriptive statistics (mean ± SD) are provided per group. Group comparisons are performed as scoped.
Deliverable Review & Next Steps: A final report includes full methodology, raw data tables, figures of organ distribution profiles, and a summary of key findings. We also offer optional follow-up consultations to interpret results and plan subsequent studies.
Head-to-Head, Quantitative Comparison
Our head-to-head study design lets you rank multiple formulations under identical dosing, sampling, and analytical conditions—the cleanest way to surface real performance differences.
Quality Assurance
Each study includes appropriate control groups (vehicle-only, unmodified nanoparticles) and replicate animals (n ≥ 3 per group). ICP-MS performance is monitored with calibration verification standards, independent quality control samples, and blank corrections. All sample preparation steps are documented in standard operating procedures.
Study reports include metadata on animal weights, dosing volumes, tissue weights, instrument parameters, and raw counts. Data transparency allows clients to independently verify calculations or repurpose results for regulatory submissions as needed.
Why Choose Us
Quantitative ICP-MS Endpoint: Provides element-specific, high-sensitivity quantification across all major organs, avoiding the limitations of semi-quantitative imaging techniques.
Head-to-Head Formulation Comparison: Multiple formulations are compared in the same study under identical conditions, enabling clear ranking of performance.
Flexible Study Design: No fixed packages. Time points, organs, dose levels, and controls are defined per project to match your specific development stage.
Experienced Scientific Support: Named scientific contact from project start through data interpretation, with milestone review calls and responsive communication.
Backed by Creative Biogene: All projects are delivered under Creative Biogene's ISO-aligned quality system, with dedicated project management, milestone-based reporting, and full intellectual property protection for your data.
Sample Types & Models
Our biodistribution service accommodates a variety of experimental models and sample types. Common configurations include:
Rodent Models: Mice (e.g., BALB/c, C57BL/6) and rats (e.g., Sprague-Dawley) used for most studies. Tumor-bearing models (subcutaneous, orthotopic) are available for targeted nanoparticle evaluation.
Tissue Collection: Blood, plasma, serum, liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs, heart, brain, tumor, lymph nodes, bone, and skin. Additional tissues can be added per protocol.
Elemental Labels: Gold, silver, iron, platinum, gadolinium, and other elements suitable for ICP-MS detection. Clients may also provide pre-labeled nanoparticles or request labeling services.
Special Processing: Perfusion, urine collection, bile collection, and tissue sectioning for correlated histology or imaging are available as optional add-ons.
Contact Us
Whether you are screening carriers, refining lead candidates, or building a regulatory package, the scientific team at Creative Biogene can help you design the right experimental strategy—from formulation and assay selection to data interpretation. Reach out to discuss a tailored solution for your next project.
