Subtle changes in network composition impact the biodistribution and tumor accumulation of nanogels.

We studied the effect of subtle changes in side-chain chemistry and labelling with near infrared fluorophores of nanogels (NGs) prepared from thiolated poly(glycidol) on in vivo biodistribution in mice bearing human breast tumor xenografts. The stability and amphiphilic character of the side chain as well as labelling clearly influenced tumor targeting and overall biodistribution.