perfluorocarbon nanoprobe

Perfluorocarbon nanoprobes are nanoscale particles composed of a core of perfluorocarbons (PFCs), which are chemically and biologically inert compounds. These nanoprobes serve as highly flexible platforms for both molecular imaging and drug delivery applications. Their surfaces can be functionalized with targeting ligands to direct them to specific biomarkers or cell types, such as those involved in cardiovascular disease, cancer (including tumor hypoxia), thrombosis, and inflammation[2][3]. Perfluorocarbon nanoprobes can carry high payloads of imaging agents—such as paramagnetic metals for MRI (^19F MRI), radionuclides for nuclear imaging, iodine for CT scans, or fluorescent tags—enabling sensitive detection and mapping of cellular receptors at low expression levels[2][4]. They also act as oxygen carriers to oxygenate tumors and enhance the efficacy of anticancer therapies under hypoxic conditions[3][4]. Additionally, these nanoparticles can encapsulate therapeutic drugs or gases (e.g., nitric oxide) for targeted delivery using external triggers like ultrasound[5]. The platform is considered nontoxic and biocompatible but remains under clinical investigation.

Other names

perfluorocarbon nanoparticlePFC nanoprobePFC NPperfluorocarbon nanodroplet