Targeted nanocarriers can significantly increase the efficiency of therapeutic formulations by ensuring the site specific delivery of the cargo. Here in, we report a novel actively targeted fluorescent
nanogel, PMB-OctN, based on photoluminescent comacromer [PEG-maleic acid-4 aminobenzoic
acid], diethylene glycoldimethacrylate and
octreotide. The
nanogel has spherical morphology with average particle size around 40nm. The PMB-OctN can load 78% of anticancer drug and release for 5days and beyond in a sustained way. The studies on drug delivery of
doxorubicin from PMB-OctN carried out with
cervical cancer cells. Hela revealed appreciable therapeutic capability. The studies on cellular uptake of the
nanogel revealed increased cellular uptake when compared to the nontargeted
nanogel. The study on fluorescence bioimaging of the PMB-OctN in mice has demonstrated near-IR imaging capability. Then biodistribution studies of the PMB-OctN in mice have also revealed longer in vivo circulation lifetime. Taken together, these results suggest that the synthesized actively targeted
nanogel, PMB-OctN stands as a promising candidate for
theranostic applications. As
octreotide based therapeutic formulation are already used in clinics, this newly reported strategy of near-IR fluorescence labeling of
octreotide has important clinical relevance.