Surface modification of PLGA microspheres for targeting

RGD peptide was conjugated to hollow microspheres to develop PLGA ultrasound contrast agents that enhance ultrasound imaging. The microcapsules were coated with an RGD peptide that targets integrins specific to angiogenesis, /spl alpha/v/spl beta/3 and /spl alpha/v/spl beta/5. The microcapsules were then bound to rat neuroblastoma cells in vitro within 6 hours. The RGD peptide modified microcapsules makes them ideal candidates for targeted therapeutic imaging and drug delivery vehicles.