TRANSMUCOSAL DELIVERY OF OPTICAL, SPECT, MULTIMODAL,DRUG OR BIOLOGICAL CARGO LADEN NANOPARTICLE(S) IN SMALL ANIMALS OR HUMANS

摘要

A method is taught that provides for transmucosal delivery of a biological cargo and optical molecular imaging probes to a subject animal or human. At least one biological cargo-laden nanoparticle imaging probe is provided in a form that will be absorbed via mucosal tissue. The biological cargo-laden nanoparticle imaging probe is delivered to the mucosal tissue of the animal or human. The method further may include steps of providing a support member adapted to receive the subject in an immobilized state; positioning the subject on the support member; and after the delivering of the imaging probe, imaging the immobilized subject using a multimodal imaging system.