The field of nanomedicine has witnessed significant advancements, with nanoparticles (NPs) offering unique properties such as size-dependent behavior, high surface area-to-volume ratio, and tunable surface functionalities. NPs have emerged as promising tools in biomedical research, particularly in diagnostic imaging and therapeutic applications. One crucial aspect in harnessing the potential of NPs is their efficient radiolabelling, which allows for targeted imaging and therapy.
Radiolabelling of NPs for SPECT Imaging
Radiolabelling of NPs for single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging represents a cutting-edge technique in the field of molecular imaging and nanomedicine. This innovative approach combines the unique properties of nanoparticles with the sensitive detection capabilities of SPECT imaging, allowing for precise localization and tracking of biological targets at the cellular and molecular levels.
Radiolabelling with Indium-111 (111In)
The long half-life of 111In makes it suitable for prolonged biodistribution studies post-NP administration in vivo. Direct radiolabelling methods using chelator-free approaches with ultra-small paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIONs) have shown promising results in terms of labelling efficiency and stability. Indirect labelling methods using bifunctional chelators (BFCs) such as DOTA and NOTA have also been explored, although they may require higher temperatures affecting NP stability.
Radiolabelling with Iodine-125 and Iodine-131 (125I and 131I)
Iodine isotopes, especially 131I, have been investigated for their theranostic applications due to their emission properties suitable for both imaging and therapy. Direct labelling methods involving halogen nucleophilic exchange and indirect methods using prosthetic groups on NP surfaces have been developed. Techniques such as Iodogen oxidation and Chloramine-T methods have shown efficient radiolabelling of NPs like gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and magnetic NPs.
Importance of Radiolabelling NPs
- Enhanced Targeting: Nanoparticles offer tunable physicochemical properties and surface modifications that enable specific targeting of biological molecules, cells, or tissues.
- Longer Retention: The incorporation of radioisotopes within NPs can prolong their retention at target sites, improving imaging sensitivity and reducing background signals.
- Multimodal Imaging: Radiolabelled NPs can be combined with other imaging modalities such as fluorescence or MRI, providing complementary information for comprehensive diagnostic evaluations.
Challenges and Future Directions
- Optimizing Radiolabelling Efficiency: Continued research focuses on improving labelling efficiency, stability, and specificity of radiolabelling methods to enhance imaging sensitivity and reduce off-target effects.
- Biocompatibility and Safety: Ensuring NP formulations and radiolabelling processes maintain biocompatibility and minimize toxicity profiles for clinical translation.
- Clinical Validation: Conducting robust preclinical and clinical studies to validate the efficacy, safety, and clinical utility of radiolabelled NPs across various disease models and patient populations.
In conclusion, the synergy between nanotechnology and radiolabelling techniques holds immense potential in revolutionizing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in healthcare. By fine-tuning radiolabelling methods for NPs, researchers and clinicians can unlock new frontiers in precision medicine and personalized therapies, ultimately improving patient outcomes in various medical conditions. Our company is a leading supplier of radiolabelling and radiosynthesis services. Contact us to learn more about how we can support your scientific endeavors and help you achieve your goals.
Reference
- Varani M, Bentivoglio V, Lauri C, et al. Methods for Radiolabelling Nanoparticles: SPECT Use (Part 1). Biomolecules. 2022 Oct 20;12(10):1522.
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