Advanced nanoparticle-based in vivo imaging for precise biodistribution tracking and therapy monitoring.
Nanoparticle in vivo imaging provides a powerful approach to evaluate the distribution and behavior of existing nanoparticle formulations within living systems. By leveraging advanced imaging modalities, BOC Sciences enables precise visualization of biodistribution, tissue accumulation, and delivery efficiency for client-supplied nanoparticles. Our comprehensive services support preclinical assessment, tumor targeting validation, and anatomical analysis, helping clients gain critical insights to optimize and advance their nanoparticle-based products.
Nanoparticle imaging signal-to-noise ratio and sensitivity analysisBOC Sciences provides specialized in vivo imaging testing services to evaluate the biological fate of your nanoparticle products. Our comprehensive analysis helps clients understand the physiological behavior of their nanomedicines through high-resolution tracking and quantitative data.
We provide a comprehensive overview of how nanoparticles distribute throughout the entire organism after administration. Using ultrasensitive modalities like PET/SPECT and MRI, we quantify the percentage of injected dose per gram (%ID/g) across all major organs.
For targeted delivery systems, we analyze the specificity and enrichment of nanoparticles within the desired tissue, such as tumors or inflamed sites. We validate the efficiency of active targeting ligands (RGD, Antibodies) in enhancing localized signal-to-noise ratios.
We track the longevity of your nanoparticle products within the biological system. By monitoring signal intensity over extended periods, we help determine the optimal therapeutic window and dosing frequency.
Beyond static imaging, we provide dynamic analysis of how nanoparticles respond to biological stimuli. This includes tracking "turn-on" probes and monitoring real-time metabolic interactions within the target microenvironment.
Selecting the appropriate imaging modality is essential for tracking nanoparticle behavior and therapeutic efficacy in vivo.
Optical imaging is a highly sensitive and efficient method for real-time visualization of nanoparticle distribution in preclinical models.
MRI provides high spatial resolution and detailed anatomical context without the use of ionizing radiation.
PET and SPECT are highly sensitive modalities designed for the precise quantification of nanoparticle biodistribution.
CT imaging is primarily utilized to visualize the anatomical location of nanoparticles within dense physiological structures.
Understand your nanoparticles at every step. Our in vivo imaging services provide clear, quantitative insights into their behavior, helping you optimize design, delivery, and performance.
We provide comprehensive in vivo imaging testing services for a wide range of nanoparticle platforms, supporting diverse research goals from drug delivery to advanced diagnostics.
| Nanoparticle Type | Typical Examples | Supported Application Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Targeted Delivery Systems | Liposomes, Polymeric Micelles, Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) | Tumor-targeted drug delivery, mRNA vaccine distribution, and enrichment at inflammatory sites. |
| Metallic & Inorganic Particles | AuNPs, Iron Oxide (SPIONs) | CT/MRI contrast enhancement, Photothermal Therapy (PTT), and tumor margin identification. |
| Carbon-based Nanomaterials | Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs), Graphene, Carbon Dots | Photoacoustic imaging (PAI), drug loading, and biosensor development. |
| Semiconductor Nanocrystals | Quantum Dots (QDs), Upconversion Nanoparticles (UCNPs) | Fluorescence-guided surgery, cell tracking, and detection of micro-metastases. |
| Theranostic Platforms | Drug-loaded Magnetic Particles, Radiolabeled Nanoparticles | Integrated diagnostics and therapy (Theranostics), and monitoring of drug release kinetics. |
We eliminate the analytical challenges encountered during nanoparticle preparation and imaging that often result in artifacts or inaccurate biodistribution results:
✔ Cargo Retention & Leakage Control
Premature release of imaging agents leads to "false positives" where signals reflect free dye rather than NP location. We conduct rigorous serum stability assays to ensure cargo remains encapsulated throughout the imaging window.
✔ Surface Purity & Noise Reduction
Loosely adsorbed dyes often "burst" off post-injection, creating high background noise. Our advanced SEC (Size Exclusion Chromatography) and surface wash protocols distinguish true conjugates from surface contaminants.
✔ Quenching & Matrix Correction
High-density loading can cause fluorophore self-quenching, while tissue autofluorescence interferes with detection. We optimize loading ratios and apply matrix-effect corrections to ensure linear, quantitative signal output.
✔ Size-Dependent Distribution Mapping
Heterogeneous loading across different particle sizes skews PK/PD profiles. We utilize DLS-FFF coupling to correlate cargo concentration with size distribution, ensuring consistent performance across all batches.
✔ Physiological Stress Validation
Tumor microenvironments (pH) and blood ionic strength can destabilize carriers. We perform environmental stress testing to predict NP behavior in vivo, preventing artifacts caused by particle aggregation or dissociation.
✔ Ultra-Trace Payload Quantification
Standard assays often fail for potent tracers or nucleic acid probes at low concentrations. We employ LC-MS/MS and NIR-II spectroscopy to provide high-sensitivity quantification of trace-level imaging payloads in deep tissues.
Clients provide nanoparticle samples, or we synthesize them according to specific requirements, ensuring that the materials are suitable and fully compatible for accurate in vivo imaging studies.
We design an optimized imaging plan based on nanoparticle properties and research objectives, selecting appropriate animal models and experimental conditions to capture meaningful biological data.
In vivo imaging experiments are conducted to track nanoparticle distribution, targeting efficiency, and metabolic behavior, ensuring comprehensive and reliable data collection for analysis.
Collected imaging data are thoroughly analyzed to generate a detailed report, providing actionable insights, quantitative results, and scientific interpretation for research and development decisions.
Client: A biotech company developing LNP mRNA carriers.
Challenge: The client needed to verify if their proprietary LNP formulation successfully reached tumor sites or was being prematurely cleared by the liver. They lacked the high-sensitivity equipment to track these particles in real-time.
Solution: BOC Sciences performed professional fluorescent labeling on the client's LNPs using a specialized lipid-anchored fluorophore technique that preserves the original particle size and surface charge. We subsequently executed a high-resolution NIR-II in vivo imaging study, which provides superior tissue penetration compared to standard fluorescence. By monitoring the biodistribution at multiple time points over a 72-hour period, we captured the precise kinetics of the LNPs within the living system.
Outcome: Our imaging data provided a clear quantitative ratio of tumor-to-liver accumulation. This allowed the client to optimize their dosing schedule and provided essential proof-of-concept data for their upcoming regulatory filing.
Client: A research team working on gold-based drug delivery systems.
Challenge: The client had synthesized various gold nanostructures but struggled to quantify their long-term retention and metabolic pathways in vivo using standard lab techniques.
Solution: Utilizing the client's specific metallic particles, our team performed a dual-modality analysis combining high-resolution CT imaging for anatomical localization with highly sensitive ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) for absolute metal quantification. We meticulously mapped the anatomical distribution of the gold particles across deep tissues while quantitatively calculating the percentage of injected dose per gram (%ID/g) for every major organ and excretion pathway.
Outcome: We identified a specific renal clearance pathway that the client had previously overlooked. This detailed metabolic report enabled them to refine their particle surface chemistry to improve safety and circulation time.
Precise Sample ValidationBefore proceeding to in vivo studies, we perform rigorous characterization (DLS, TEM, NTA) on your supplied nanoparticles. This ensures that the samples are stable and meet the physical criteria required for high-quality imaging data.
Professional Labeling ExpertiseWe provide specialized labeling services for client-supplied materials, using lipid-anchored fluorophores, radioisotopes, or MRI contrast agents. Our bioconjugation technologies ensure stable attachment without altering your particle's biological identity.
High-End Imaging InfrastructureGain access to our suite of advanced preclinical instrumentation, including PET/CT, MRI, and NIR-II optical systems. These tools allow for absolute quantification and deep-tissue visualization of your nanoparticles with superior sensitivity.
Expert Biodistribution MappingWe go beyond simple pictures by providing professional quantification of the percentage of injected dose per gram (%ID/g) across all major organs. This provides a complete physiological map of your product's systemic fate and clearance.
Comprehensive Technical SupportOur specialists provide end-to-end guidance, from selecting the optimal imaging modality for your specific material to the detailed interpretation of pharmacokinetic and targeting data to inform your R&D decisions.
We offer a broad range of imaging modalities for nanoparticle tracking, including fluorescence, bioluminescence, PET, SPECT, and MRI-compatible probes. This versatility allows detailed visualization of biodistribution, accumulation, and clearance patterns in vivo, supporting mechanistic studies and formulation optimization. At BOC Sciences, we integrate advanced imaging systems with tailored nanoparticle labeling strategies to provide high-resolution, quantitative, and reproducible imaging data for research-driven decision-making.
Biodistribution is evaluated through whole-body imaging combined with region-specific quantification, enabling precise mapping of nanoparticle accumulation in target organs or tissues. BOC Sciences applies optimized labeling techniques and time-course studies to track nanoparticle kinetics in vivo, providing actionable insights on circulation, retention, and clearance. Our approach supports comparative studies of formulations, surface modifications, and targeting strategies, ensuring reliable interpretation of nanoparticle behavior in complex biological systems.
Yes, in vivo imaging can monitor nanoparticle degradation by using fluorescent or radiolabeled probes sensitive to structural changes. At BOC Sciences, we design labeling strategies that differentiate intact particles from degradation products, allowing dynamic assessment over time. This capability helps researchers understand stability, release kinetics, and transformation within the biological environment, facilitating optimization of nanoparticle design for enhanced performance in preclinical models.
Detection sensitivity depends on the imaging modality, probe design, and nanoparticle characteristics. BOC Sciences leverages advanced labeling and high-sensitivity imaging platforms to detect low-abundance nanoparticles with accurate spatial resolution. Our services are optimized to quantify subtle differences in accumulation and clearance, supporting studies requiring precise monitoring of particle distribution, targeting efficiency, and pharmacokinetic profiling in vivo.
Absolutely. In vivo nanoparticle imaging at BOC Sciences can be integrated with functional assays to correlate biodistribution with biological responses. For example, combining imaging with metabolic or tissue-specific readouts provides insights into nanoparticle-mediated effects, uptake mechanisms, and tissue interactions. This integrated approach allows clients to generate comprehensive datasets linking nanoparticle localization with functional outcomes, enhancing decision-making in preclinical research.
