Biodistribution and inflammatory response to intracranial delivery of scintillating nanoparticles

Nanoparticle-based delivery systems have become a popular method for targeting tumors and impermeable tissue with drugs for treatment and imaging markers for biodetection. Nanomaterials are beneficial for medical treatment because they can be modified to have increased stability and carrying capacity, and their size and surface modifications allow them to reach otherwise impenetrable tissue. Localized or systemic injection can be used for delivery of nanoparticles; however, systemic injection without appropriate surface modifications is subjected to uptake by the mononuclear phagocytic system which clears particles from the circulation rapidly limiting their accumulation at target tissue and reducing efficacy. Here we demonstrate the biodistribution of Yttrium oxyorthosilicate nanoparticles doped with Cerium after localized injection to the cerebral cortex as well as the immune response at the site of injection over time.