Abstract
Biological imaging techniques have been advanced with the development of imaging systems and corresponding imaging probes. Among the systems, positron emission tomography(PET), an imaging system by using extremely short half-life positron-emitters, is considered as one of the most sensitive imaging modality. PET has been used for functional imaging in clinical diagnostic field as well as that in research purpose. In vivo molecular imaging of the drug candidates can be used for the analysis of their distribution properties in a living body. To accelerate the development of DDS mediated medicines, in vivo imaging technology for determining the behavior of nanoparticles and for nanomedicines would be useful.
We have studied on the trafficking of various kinds of liposomes by use of PET, and, recently, we have developed a rapid and easy positron-labeling methodology for DDS nanoparticles. In this review, we introduce the modality of in vivo molecular imaging for the development of DDS medicine and discuss the prospects of the technology.
