Nanoparticle Pharmacokinetics and Biodistribution Testing

Recent advances in nanotechnology have led to the development of nanoparticles in medical applications, especially in diagnostics, prophylaxis, and treatment of various diseases. Currently, most of the clinically approved nanoparticles belong to lipide-based system and polymeric system. And the number of nanomaterials for medical applications accepted by USFDA is still low. Therefore, the development of new nanoparticles for drug delivery is urgently needed to meet the increasing nanotherapeutics. In order to develop new nanoparticles, a series of nanoparticle characterization and studies are required. After physical characterization, detailed studies of nanoparticles, such as pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and routes of elimination, are important to ensure the highest efficiency of transported drugs. However, due to lack of resources and expertise to evaluate nanoparticles in mice, these tests are rarely done in a timely fashion. With years of accumulation in this field, Creative Biogene is proud to provide nanoparticle pharmacokinetics and biodistribution testing service. Based on our well-established animal model platform and skillful technicians, we assure our global clients' projects adhere to the highest standards of quality, technical analysis, and reporting.

Overview of nanoparticles pharmacokinetics and biodistribution

Since the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of nanoparticles primarily depend on their size, shape, surface charge, and chemical characteristics. The other way around, the studies of pharmacokinetics and biodistribution can provide important information in the early development of nanoparticles, to make the decisions that determine the size, charge, and other features of nanoparticles. For nanoparticle pharmacokinetics and biodistribution testing, liver, kidneys, and spleen are the object of key organs. The nonspecific accumulation of nanoparticles within the liver is a major barrier for nanoparticle delivery in the body. One of the functions of the liver is to remove foreign materials, including bacteria, viruses, and nanoparticles from the bloodstream. It is reported that nanoparticles trapped in the liver come into interaction with hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, and B cells. In the kidneys, the glomerulus filters the blood and blood particulates (including nanoparticles) through three membranous layers. The renal clearance of nanoparticles is a complicated process, involving size, charge, and other properties of nanoparticles.

Liver anatomy. (Haute, D. V., & Berlin, J. M., 2017)

Service offering

Nanoparticle pharmacokinetics study 

To analyze pharmacokinetic profiles of the nanoparticles, we usually perform intravenous administration to mice with fluorescently labeled nanoparticles and measure the level of fluorescence in serum and major internal organs collected at a series of times after treatment. The major internal organs include the kidney, spleen, and liver, due to their vascular structure. Since there are non-specific uptake of nanoparticles accumulated in populations of phagocytic cells and dense capillary beds of non-target organs, we also recommend that other organs be observed and analyzed, such as cardiac and pulmonary tissues. After our quick and accurate analysis, the pharmacokinetic profiles of fluorescently labeled nanoparticles in the serum and in the internal organs are generated.

In vivo evaluation of biodistribution of nanoparticles

In order to evaluate the biodistribution of nanoparticles, the mouse will be placed in separate metabolic cages to collect urine and feces after intravenous administration of fluorescently labeled nanoparticles. After injection, the biodistribution of fluorescently labeled nanoparticles in blood, tissues, and bile will be analyzed. By measuring the samples (including urine, feces, and bile) collected at different time points, the routes of removal of nanoparticles or products of their degradation can be identified. Finally, the detailed reports in terms of biodistribution profile and elimination routes will be delivered.

Benefits of our service

• An optimization & scale up platform
• Professional technical support
• Ready to start your project once the contract is signed
• Documentation of results, and traceability

If you are interested in our services, please contact us for more details.