Biomedical In Vivo Studies with ORMOSIL Nanoparticles Containing Active Agents

Abstract

Organically modified silica (ORMOSIL) nanoparticles have found many biomedical applications and emerged as biocompatible and efficient carriers of diagnostic and therapeutic agents, such as fluorophores, drugs, and DNA. Herein, we describe two major in vivo studies exemplifying the use of these nanoparticles as carriers of active agents. The first part of this report details a systemic administration and biodistribution of radiolabeled and fluorophore-incorporated ORMOSIL nanoparticles in mice. The second part of this report focuses on the use of ORMOSIL nanoparticles as carriers of plasmid DNA for nonviral gene delivery to the mouse brain. We provide detailed protocols describing preparation and characterization of ORMOSIL nanoparticles, methods used for loading the particles with active agents (e.g., radioimaging agents, plasmid DNA), and in vivo administration of the particles.