Synthesis, Characterisation and Radiolabelling of Nanoparticles for Applications in Medical Imaging

Alresheedi, Tahani Meatag

Abstract

Nanoparticles for medical applications are on the verge of having a major impact in modern medicine. They can be radiolabelled with a range of radionuclides and the accumulation in the target tissues can be observed by positron emission tomography (PET) or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging, which can be combined with other imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The colloidal and structural stability of radiolabelled nanoparticles is crucial to achieve targeting and an appropriate biodistribution in vivo. This work focuses on the development of radiolabelling methodologies for nanoparticles to enhance their stability for SPECT and PET imaging.
The chemical and magnetic properties of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are attractive for biomedical applications. Combining the use of SPIONs as MRI contrast agents with PET or SPECT isotopes can overcome some limitations. Chelator free approaches have been used to synthesise SPIONs that show good colloidal stability with hydrodynamic sizes of ca. 73 and 58 nm. The SPIONs were radiolabelled with technetium-99m to give a SPECT/MRI contrast agent. This method reduces the number of radiochemical synthesis steps required and would allow rapid adoption into clinical pathways.
A novel CXCR4-SPION targeted PET tracer was synthesised and radiolabelled with gallium-68 at up to 99% RCY. This was achieved by attaching a CXCR4 antagonist to surface of the SPION and relying on the chelator-free interaction of gallium-68 with the silica coating for radiolabelling.
Nanocarriers have new exciting applications that are emerging with potential for their use as drug delivery systems or in diagnostic techniques, both require understanding of their in vivo behaviour. Liposomes and polymeric micelles were radiolabelled with gallium-68 to allow tracking in vivo. Optimisation of the radiolabelling yields was carried out and preliminary in vivo experiments used to monitor the biodistribution of these particles.

Citation

Alresheedi, T. M. (2020). Synthesis, Characterisation and Radiolabelling of Nanoparticles for Applications in Medical Imaging. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4912677

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Nov 12, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 2, 2025
• Keywords: Chemistry
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4912677
• Additional Information: Department of Chemistry; University of Hull
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2020