Encapsulation of PERFECTA Fluorinated Probe in a Core–Shell Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for ¹⁹ F-MRI Molecular Imaging

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide We present a nanoplatform based on nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) encapsulating the superfluorinated molecular tracer PERFECTA, developed through a scalable oil-phase evaporation-induced self-assembly method for application in 19 F-magnetic resonance imaging ( 19 F-MRI). The NLCs were formulated from an optimized lipid composition to produce spherical nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution, a negative surface charge, and an average diameter of approximately 200 nm. Structural, morphological, and compositional analyses using TEM, SAXS, DLS, 19 F– 1 H HOESY, and DSC confirmed the successful encapsulation of PERFECTA within the liquid lipid core of the NLCs, where it self-segregates into aggregates, without compromising the colloidal stability of the NLCs. 19 F-NMR studies demonstrated that the encapsulated tracer retains favorable relaxation characteristics, delivering intense, detectable 19 F signals even at a low payload. This enabled rapid imaging with a high signal-to-noise ratio. The structural robustness of the NLCs@F, combined with their excellent imaging capabilities, highlights their potential as a versatile nanoplatform for molecular imaging and future targeted diagnostic applications via 19 F-MRI.