The use of nanoparticles (NPs) to deliver therapeutics to reproductive organs is an emerging approach to safely and effectively treat mothers and babies facing pregnancy complications. This study investigates the biodistribution of two different sized gold-based NPs in pregnant mice following systemic delivery as a function of gestational age. Poly(ethylene glycol)-coated 15 nm gold nanoparticles or 150 nm diameter silica core/gold nanoshells were intravenously administered to pregnant mice at gestational days (E)9.5 or 14.5. NP distribution was analyzed twenty-four hours later by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and silver staining of histological specimens. More NPs accumulated in placentas than embryos and delivery to these tissues was greater at E9.5 than E14.5. Neither NP type affected fetal weight or placental weight, indicating minimal short-term toxicity in early to mid-stage pregnancy. These findings warrant continued development of NPs as tools to deliver therapeutics to reproductive tissues safely.

使用纳米粒子 (NPs) 为生殖器官提供治疗是一种安全有效地治疗面临妊娠并发症的母亲和婴儿的新兴方法。本研究调查了妊娠小鼠全身分娩后两种不同大小的金基 NPs 的生物分布与胎龄的关系。在妊娠天 (E) 9.5 或 14.5 时，将涂有聚 (乙二醇) 的 15 nm 金纳米颗粒或直径 150 nm 的二氧化硅核/金纳米壳静脉注射给怀孕的小鼠。24 小时后通过电感耦合等离子体质谱法和组织学标本的银染色分析 NP 分布。在胎盘中积累的 NP 比在胚胎中积累的多，并且在 E9.5 时向这些组织的递送比 E14.5 更大。NP 类型均不影响胎儿体重或胎盘重量，表明妊娠早期至中期的短期毒性最小。这些发现保证了继续开发 NPs 作为安全向生殖组织提供治疗的工具。