Liposome-camouflaged iodinated mesoporous silica nanoparticles with high loading capacity, high hemodynamic stability, high biocompatibility and high radiopacity

Due to their low osmolality and high tolerability, the highly water-soluble nonionic iodinated contrast agents, such as Ioversol (IV), are widely used as clinical agents for CT imaging. However, their clinical applications still are severely limited by the rapid renal excretion, serious adverse effects especially contrast-induced nephropathy and inefficient targetability. Various nanocarriers have demonstrated tremendous potential for achieving high imaging efficiency and low side effects. However, few nanoparticulate contrast agents can simultaneously integrate the desirable functions for imaging, including high loading capacity of iodine, high structure stability for systemic circulation, high biocompatibility and high radiopacity. Herein, we designed and prepared a kind of new radiopaque liposome-camouflaged iodinated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (OIV-MSNs@Liposomes) as contrast agents in CT imaging. Their composition, structure, morphology, biocompatibility and physicochemical properties as well as in vitro radiopacity were investigated in detail. The results indicated that OIVMSNs@Liposomes can integrate their individual advantages of liposomes and MSNs, thus exhibiting great potential for use in the CT imaging. Considering the simple preparation process and readily available starting materials as well as enhanced biosafety and high performance in X-ray attenuation, the strategy reported here offers a versatile route to efficiently deliver highly water-soluble nonionic iodinated contrast agents for enhanced CT imaging, which are unattainable by traditional means.