Pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and peritoneal retention of Ag2S quantum dots following intraperitoneal administration to mice

Objectives: To investigate the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution and peritoneal retention of Ag2S quantum dots (Qds) after intraperitoneal (IP) injection into mice and to compare the results with those reported for the intravenous (IV) injection of these particles.

Methods: Ag2S Qds was prepared by a simple one-step co-precipitation method and was injected intraperitoneally into mice. Six animals were sacrificed at predetermined time points, and blood, peritoneal content and tissue samples were collected. Ag concentration that represents the concentration of Qds was analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

Key findings: Detectability of Qds in the peritoneal sample up to 2 h indicated that, compared with small drug molecules, the absorption of Ag2S Qds from the peritoneal cavity occurred at a slower rate. The AUC tissue/AUC blood ratio in the liver and intestine after IP injection (0.55 and 0.98, respectively) was considerably lower than those for the bolus injection (217 and 94, respectively), while this ratio in the spleen and lungs was markedly higher than the IV route.

Conclusions: Overall, the obtained results suggest that IP injection of Ag2S Qds could be more effective for drug delivery to/imaging of the spleen and lungs, whereas the IV injection for the drug delivery to/imaging of the liver and intestine.