Tumor metastases occur through both the cardiovascular and lymphatic circulations. However, the majority of nanoparticle biodistribution studies have been focused on the cardiovascular circulation. In this study, we report the formulation of Cy5-labeled polylactide (Cy5-PLA) nanoparticles with controlled size and surface features and the subsequent evaluation of their lymphatic biodistribution. Cy5-PLA nanoparticles were formulated through Cy5/(BDI)ZnN(TMS)2-mediated [(BDI) = 2-((2,6-diisopropylphenyl)amido)-4-((2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-imino)-2-pentene] ring-opening polymerization of lactide followed by nanoprecipitation. Their lymphatic biodistribution was evaluated by using whole-body fluorescence imaging of nude mice and ex vivo fluorescence imaging of the resected organs. This technique has the potential for providing optical contrast and drug delivery through the lymphatic circulation for the treatment of metastatic cancer.
