Radiolabeling of lipid-based nanoparticles for diagnostics and therapeutic applications: a comparison using different radiometals

J Liposome Res. 2010 Sep;20(3):219-27. doi: 10.3109/08982100903311812.

Abstract

Radiolabeling of nanoparticles (NPs) has been performed for a variety of reasons, such as for studying pharmacokinetics, for imaging, or for therapy. Here, we describe the in vitro and in vivo evaluation of DTPA-derivatized lipid-based NP (DTPA-NP) radiolabeled with different radiometals, including (111)In and (99m)Tc, for single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), (68)Ga for positron emission tomography (PET), and (177)Lu for therapeutic applications. PEGylated DTPA-NP with varying DTPA amounts, different composition, and size were radiolabeled with (111)In, (177)Lu, and (68)Ga, using various buffers. (99m)Tc-labeling was performed directly and by using the carbonyl aquaion, [(99m)Tc(H(2)O)(3)(CO)(3)](+). Stability was tested and biodistribution evaluated. High labeling yields (>90%) were achieved for all radionuclides and different liposomal formulations. Specific activities (SAs) were highest for (111)In (>4 MBq/mug liposome), followed by (68)Ga and (177)Lu; for (99m)Tc, high labeling yields and SA were only achieved by using [(99m)Tc(H(2)O)(3)(CO)(3)](+). Stability toward DTPA/histidine and in serum was high (>80 % RCP, 24 hours postpreparation).). Biodistribution in Lewis rats revealed no significant differences between NP in terms of DTPA loading and particle composition; however, different uptake patterns were found between the radionuclides used. We observed lower retention in blood (<3.3 %ID/g) and lower liver uptake (< 2.7 %ID/g) for (99m)Tc- and (68)Ga, compared to (111)In-NP (blood, <4 %ID/g; liver, <3.6 %ID/g). Imaging potential was shown by both PET magnetic resonance imaging fusion imaging and SPECT imaging. Overall, our study shows that PEGylated DTPA-NP are suitable for radiolabeling studies with a variety of radiometals, thereby achieving high SA suitable for targeting applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Gallium Radioisotopes
  • Indium Radioisotopes
  • Isotope Labeling / methods*
  • Liposomes / chemistry*
  • Liposomes / pharmacokinetics
  • Lutetium / therapeutic use
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Organotechnetium Compounds
  • Pentetic Acid / analogs & derivatives
  • Pentetic Acid / pharmacokinetics
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Radioisotopes / therapeutic use
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Lew
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon

Substances

  • Gallium Radioisotopes
  • Indium Radioisotopes
  • Liposomes
  • Organotechnetium Compounds
  • Radioisotopes
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Lutetium
  • Pentetic Acid