Machine-learning-assisted single-vessel analysis of nanoparticle permeability in tumour vasculatures

The central dogma that nanoparticle delivery to tumours requires enhanced leakiness of vasculatures is a topic of debate. To address this, we propose a single-vessel quantitative analysis method by taking advantage of protein-based nanoprobes and image-segmentation-based machine learning (nano-ISML). Using nano-ISML, >67,000 individual blood vessels from 32 tumour models were quantified, revealing highly heterogenous vascular permeability of protein-based nanoparticles. There was a >13-fold difference in the percentage of high-permeability vessels in different tumours and >100-fold penetration ability in vessels with the highest permeability compared with vessels with the lowest permeability. Our data suggest passive extravasation and transendothelial transport were the dominant mechanisms for high- and low-permeability tumour vessels, respectively. To exemplify the nano-ISML-assisted rational design of nanomedicines, genetically tailored protein nanoparticles with improved transendothelial transport in low-permeability tumours were developed. Our study delineates the heterogeneity of tumour vascular permeability and defines a direction for the rational design of next-generation anticancer nanomedicines. Using genetically tailored protein-based nanoprobes and taking advantage of image-segmentation-based machine learning, a high-throughput assessment of vascular permeability of individual blood vessels in 32 different tumours is quantified. These insights are valuable in developing personalized anticancer nanomedicine therapeutics and strategies modulating vascular permeability to treat tumours.

Automated summary

Using genetically tailored protein-based nanoprobes and taking advantage of image-segmentation-based machine learning (nano-ISML), a high-throughput assessment of vascular permeability of individual blood vessels in 32 different tumours is quantified. These insights are valuable in developing personalized anticancer nanomedicine therapeutics and strategies modulating vascular permeability to treat tumours.