Precise tracking and quantitative analysis of nanoparticle fate in living systems.
Understanding the in vivo behavior of nanomaterials is the cornerstone of successful nanomedicine development. Nanoparticle in vivo distribution analysis provides critical insights into how nanoparticles travel through the bloodstream, accumulate in specific organs, and are eventually cleared from the body. BOC Sciences utilizes a comprehensive suite of detection technologies—ranging from high-sensitivity elemental analysis to real-time whole-body imaging—to map the spatiotemporal profile of your nanomaterials. We help researchers decipher the "black box" of biological interaction, optimizing targeting efficiency and assessing safety profiles for diverse research applications.
Schematic diagram of nanoparticle biodistribution study in miceWe offer a multimodal analysis platform designed to track nanoparticles at the systemic, tissue, and cellular levels. Our services are customized based on the material properties (metallic, organic, lipid-based) and the required sensitivity, covering the following key analytical capabilities:
For metal-based or metal-doped nanoparticles, we employ advanced spectrometry techniques to quantify tissue accumulation with parts-per-billion (ppb) sensitivity.
Utilizing near-infrared (NIR) and fluorescent probes, we provide non-invasive, real-time visualization of nanoparticle distribution in whole animals and excised organs.
Radio-labeling offers the most accurate quantitative data for biodistribution, unaffected by tissue depth or autofluorescence, ideal for obtaining precise pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters.
To determine cellular-level localization and tissue impact, we combine distribution analysis with pathological examination.
We translate raw distribution data into actionable pharmacokinetic parameters to evaluate the circulation stability and exposure of your nanoparticles.
For drug delivery systems, distinguishing between the distribution of the nanocarrier and the release of the payload is vital. We offer dual-tracking strategies.
From blood circulation half-life to tumor accumulation efficiency, BOC Sciences delivers the high-quality biodistribution data you need to drive your research forward.
Our analytical workflows are adaptable to the unique physicochemical properties of different nanomaterial classes. Whether your particles are hard inorganic cores or soft organic assemblies, we select the optimal tracking method to ensure data integrity.
| Nanoparticle Type | Primary Detection Methodology | Key Analysis Focus |
| Gold Nanoparticles | ICP-MS / ICP-OES | Long-term tissue accumulation & clearance |
| SPIONs (Iron Oxide) | ICP-MS (Fe quantification) / MRI | Liver/Spleen uptake & MRI contrast efficacy |
| Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) | LC-MS/MS (Lipids/Payload) / Fluorescent Tags | Liver targeting (ApoE dependent) & payload release |
| Polymeric Micelles / PLGA | Fluorescence (IVIS) / Radiolabeling | Circulation time & EPR effect verification |
| Quantum Dots | Fluorescence Imaging / ICP-MS (Cd/Se) | Real-time tracking & metal toxicity potential |
| Mesoporous Silica | ICP-OES (Si) / TEM Imaging | Biodegradation rates & renal clearance |
| Exosomes / Extracellular Vesicles | Membrane Dyes (DiR/DiI) / Radiotracing | Organotropism & blood-brain barrier crossing |
| Protein/Antibody Conjugates | ELISA / Radiotracing / Western Blot | Target binding specificity & proteolytic stability |
Deciphering the biological journey of nanomaterials involves complex barriers. BOC Sciences provides expert solutions to bridge the gap between initial design and in vivo success.
Is it reaching the target?
High in vitro affinity often fails to translate in vivo due to biological barriers. BOC Sciences uses high-sensitivity ICP-MS and radiotracing to provide precise %ID/g data, validating whether your ligands effectively guide particles to the target site.
Why is clearance so rapid?
Rapid sequestration by the liver or spleen can prevent nanoparticles from reaching therapeutic levels. We perform comparative PK modeling for various surface modifications to identify designs that best evade immune detection and prolong circulation.
Is the payload leaking?
Premature cargo leakage in the bloodstream remains a major hurdle for nanocarriers. BOC Sciences offers dual-isotope labeling and FRET assays to simultaneously track carriers and payloads, confirming the exact location and timing of drug release.
Any off-target toxicity?
Unexpected accumulation in vital organs can cause severe toxicity and clinical failure. We provide whole-body heatmaps and histological analysis to identify off-target hotspots, guiding early-stage safety optimization and risk assessment.
Does morphology affect fate?
Predicting how size or shape influences splenic filtration or renal excretion is challenging. We conduct parallel distribution studies across various geometries to provide data-driven insights into how physical morphology dictates biological fate.
What is the best dose?
Raw concentration data alone cannot determine the optimal treatment window for translation. BOC Sciences translates metrics into rigorous PK parameters like AUC and clearance, enabling evidence-based dosing strategies for subsequent studies.

We define the scope, including animal model selection, administration route, time points, and the most appropriate detection method for your nanoparticle type.

Professional handling of test subjects for administration and precise collection of blood, organs, and excreta at scheduled intervals.

Execution of specialized assays (ICP-MS, HPLC, Gamma Counting, or Imaging) to quantify nanoparticle presence in collected biological matrices.

Delivery of a comprehensive report containing raw data, calculated PK parameters, distribution heatmaps, and representative images.
Client: Academic research group focusing on photothermal therapy
Requirement: The client observed rapid clearance of their gold nanorods, resulting in poor tumor heating efficiency. They needed to compare the biodistribution of nanorods modified with PEG-2k, PEG-5k, and PEG-10k to identify the optimal coating for extended circulation.
Solution: BOC Sciences designed a quantitative biodistribution study using ICP-MS. Rats were injected with the three variants, and organs were harvested at 1h, 24h, and 48h. Gold content was quantified in blood, liver, spleen, kidney, and tumor tissues.
Outcome: The data revealed that PEG-5k provided the best balance, significantly reducing liver uptake compared to PEG-2k while maintaining higher blood concentrations than PEG-10k. The client utilized this data to finalize their formulation for subsequent efficacy trials.
Client: Biopharma startup developing neurological drugs
Requirement: The client developed engineered exosomes loaded with siRNA and needed to verify their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and accumulate in the brain parenchyma rather than just the vasculature.
Solution: We utilized a dual-approach strategy: ex vivo fluorescence imaging of the brain (using DiR-labeled exosomes) combined with confocal microscopy of brain sections. Perfusion was performed prior to sampling to remove blood-borne particles.
Outcome: High-resolution imaging confirmed that the functionalized exosomes successfully extravasated into the brain tissue. Fluorescence intensity analysis provided semi-quantitative data showing a 3-fold increase in accumulation compared to non-targeted controls, validating the client's targeting strategy.
Our advanced ICP-MS and radiometric platforms allow for the detection of trace amounts of nanoparticles, ensuring accurate data even at late time points or in low-accumulation tissues.

We employ validated digestion and extraction protocols tailored to specific tissue matrices (e.g., bone, brain, fat) to maximize analyte recovery and data reliability.
Beyond raw numbers, our team provides in-depth PK analysis and biological interpretation, helping you understand the "why" behind the distribution patterns.
From single-timepoint snapshots to complex longitudinal studies with multiple dosing regimens, we adapt our workflows to answer your specific research hypotheses.
We can combine quantitative elemental analysis with qualitative histological imaging in the same study, providing a holistic view of nanoparticle behavior.
Nanoparticle biodistribution is typically assessed using advanced imaging modalities and quantitative analytical techniques, such as fluorescence, radiolabeling, or mass spectrometry. These approaches allow precise mapping of nanoparticle accumulation across organs and tissues, providing critical insights into their systemic behavior. At BOC Sciences, we integrate multi-platform detection strategies to deliver comprehensive distribution profiles, enabling clients to optimize nanoparticle design for targeted delivery or systemic circulation efficiency.
In vivo distribution is influenced by nanoparticle size, shape, surface charge, and functionalization, as well as administration route and dosage. These parameters determine circulation time, organ targeting, and clearance pathways. BOC Sciences offers tailored nanoparticle characterization and in vivo studies to help clients understand how formulation modifications impact distribution patterns, supporting rational design of nanoparticles for enhanced tissue targeting or minimized off-target accumulation.
Biological barriers, such as the blood–brain barrier, mucosal membranes, or endothelial layers, challenge nanoparticle delivery. Their permeability depends on physicochemical properties and surface modifications. Our team at BOC Sciences employs in vivo distribution studies to evaluate barrier penetration, offering clients data-driven guidance for surface engineering strategies that improve nanoparticle access to hard-to-reach tissues while maintaining systemic stability.
Nanoparticle clearance is monitored by tracking elimination from circulation and accumulation in excretory organs over time using imaging and analytical quantification. Understanding clearance mechanisms informs half-life optimization and safety considerations. BOC Sciences provides high-resolution in vivo distribution analyses that allow clients to quantify organ-specific retention and clearance kinetics, supporting informed formulation decisions to achieve desired circulation profiles.
Reproducible distribution data require standardized protocols for nanoparticle labeling, administration, sampling, and analysis. Consistency in experimental design and detection methods ensures reliable interpretation. BOC Sciences leverages robust analytical workflows and quality-controlled procedures, providing clients with high-confidence, reproducible datasets that facilitate direct comparison across formulations or experimental conditions.