Imaging and Targeting of the alpha(2-6) and alpha(2-3) Linked Sialic Acid Quantum Dots in Zebrafish and Mouse Models

Abstract

Sialic acid-conjugated nanocarriers have emerged as attractive biomarkers with promising biomedical applications. The translation of these nanocarriers into clinical applications requires in-depth assessment in animal models. However, due to the complexity, ethical concerns, and cost of the high-order animal system, there is an immediate need of information-rich simple animal models to decipher the biological significance. Herein, we performed in vivo head-to-head comparison of Neu5Ac alpha(2-6) and alpha(2-3)Gal conjugated quantum dots (QDs) toxicity, biodistribution, and sequestration in wild-type zebrafish (Danio rerio) and mouse model (C57BL). The fluorescent 10 properties and cadmium composition of quantum dots were used to map the blood clearance, biodistribution, and sequestration of the sialylated QDs in major organs of both models. We observed that alpha(2-6) sialylated QDs preferentially have prolonged circulating half-life and broader biodistribution in both models. On the contrary, alpha(2-3) sialic acid and galactose-conjugated QDs have shortened blood circulation time and are sequestered in the liver, and cleared after several hours in both models. These results demonstrate the applicability of the zebrafish and sialylated QDs to target specific organs, as well as drug delivery and biomedical diagnostics.