Quantitative Label-Free Chemical Imaging of PLGA Nanoparticles in Cells and Tissues with Single-Particle Sensitivity

Nanomedicine has brought significant advancements to healthcare by utilizing nanotechnology in medicine. Despite much promise, the further development of nanocarriers for clinical use has been hindered by a lack of understanding and visualization of nano-bio interactions. Conventional imaging methods have limitations in resolution, sensitivity, and specificity. This study introduces a label-free optical approach using stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy to image poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanocarriers, the most widely used polymeric nanocarrier for delivery therapeutic agents, with single-particle sensitivity and quantification capabilities. A unique Raman peak was identified for PLGA ester, enabling generalized bio-orthogonal bond imaging. We demonstrated quantitative SRS imaging of PLGA nanocarriers across different biological systems from cells to animal tissues. This label-free imaging method provides a powerful tool for studying this prevalent nanocarrier and quantitatively visualizing their distribution, interaction, and clearance in vivo.