Fig. 2: Characterization and biodistribution of HGF NPs.
a–c Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image (a scale bar: 200 nm), representative elemental mapping (b scale bar: 20 nm) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis c of HGF NPs. Images were representative of three experiments. d The size of HACA and HGF NPs determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Experiments were performed five times independently with similar results. e Zeta potential of HACA, FeCl3, and HGF NPs. n = 5 biologically independent samples per group at each time point. Data were presented as mean ± SD. f The UV–Vis absorption spectra of HACA, FeCl3, GW4869, HACA-GW, and HGF NPs. Experiments were performed three times independently with similar results. g and h Particle size changes g of HGF NPs and release patterns h of GW4869 from HGF NPs in the presence or absence of Hyal (hyaluronidase-1). n = 3 biologically independent samples per group at each time point. Data were presented as mean ± SD. i Cell uptake of HGF NPs labeling with ICG. Scale bar: 20 μm. Images were representative of three experiments. j Quantification of the corresponding fluorescence intensity of tumor sites at 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after injection with free ICG and ICG labeled HGF NPs. n = 4 biologically independent animals per group at each time point. Data were presented as mean ± SD. Statistically significant differences between groups were identified by one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001, and ****P < 0.0001. k Biodistribution of HGF NPs in various tissues after 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h intravenous administration. HGF NPs concentrations were normalized as the percentage of the injected dose of Fe per gram of each organ (%ID g–1). n = 5 biologically independent animals per group at each time point. Data were presented as mean ± SD.
