In vivo single molecular fluorescence imaging for analysis of pharmacokinetics

Nano-materials are expected for research on molecular imaging of pharmacokinetics. We measured in vivo migration of CdSe nano-particles(Quantum Dots(QDs))conjugated with monoclonal anti-HER2 antibody(trastuzumab)in tumor vessel to breast cancer cells. We established a high resolution in vivo 3D microscopic system for a novel imaging method at single molecular level. The HER2 protein expressed in cancer cells and its dynamics were visualized by QDs in vivo at the spatial resolution of 30 nm. It suggests future utilization of the system in medical applications to improve the drug delivery system to target primary and metastatic tumors for made-to-order treatment. Future innovation in cancer imaging by nano-technology and novel measurement technology will provide great improvement, not only in the clinical field, but also in basic medical science. Advances in nano-biotechnology have great potential to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment of human disease.