<p>A, the stability of ICG at 37°C was greatly enhanced when it was loaded within PEG-DSPE/TPGS mixed micelles. In contrast, free ICG was highly unstable in aqueous solution. Results show representative data obtained from three independent experiments and are reported as the average+SD (n = 3). B, ICG-labeled micelles were i.v. injected at an ICG dose of 2 mg/kg. The control mice received an equal dose of ICG, which was freshly prepared in aqueous solution. Immediately following the injection (time 0) and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 24 and 48 h, the spectral fluorescence signals of the whole body images (800 nm channel) were obtained using the LI-COR Odyssey imaging system. Representative images are shown, n = 3 mice per group.</p
