Abstract
PEBBLE nanoplatforms are self-assembled, fluorescent probes with conserved cores that contain multiple elements for the selective localization and measurement of single analytes in a living cell. Biocompatible matrices are hydrophobic or hydrophilic and include plasticized polyvinyl chloride, decylmethacrylate, polyacrylamide or sol gels with diameters of 20?200 nm. Elements that may be embedded within the co-polymer matrix include a fluorescent sensing molecule, enzymes, sensitizers, antioxidants, dendrimeric antenna supermolecules, and magnetic/superparamagnetic chelates or nanoparticles. These possible combinations provide for a wide variety of probe functions in a range of biological specimens. Available probes include sensors for Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, K+, Na+, pH, Cl-, O2, glucose, NO and E-fields. Incorporation of sensing and other elements into the biocompatible matrix provides for separation of the sensor chemistry from the biological environment, permitting the use of highly toxic, but selective sensor molecules. PEBBLE and other related nano-scale optical sensors provide for analysis of physiological processes in living cells and biological media in real time. More recent advancements in PEBBLE nanoplatforms (Dynamic NanoPlatforms: DNPs) have enabled MR imaging of orthotopic experimental brain tumors and for enhancement of visual contrast for neurosurgical resection. Data will be presented on the pharmacokinetics and the role of the reticulo-endothelial system in clearing nanomaterials from the circulation.
Acknowledgments: This work was supported by grants from the National Cancer Institute, the WM Keck Foundation, the Department of Defense and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
