Nanoparticles labeled with positron emitting nuclides: advantages, methods, and applications

New surface radiolabeling schemes of super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) for biodistribution studies

Nanomaterial based drug delivery systems allow for the independent tuning of the surface chemical and physical properties that affect their biodistribution in vivo and the therapeutic payloads that they are intended to deliver. Additionally, the added therapeutic and diagnostic value of their inherent material properties often provides extra functionality. Iron based nanomaterials with their magnetic properties and easily tailorable surface chemistry are of particular interest as model systems. In this study the core radius of the iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) was 14.08 ± 3.92 nm while the hydrodynamic radius of the NPs, as determined by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), was between 90-110 nm. In this study, different approaches were explored to create radiolabeled NPs that are stable in solution. The NPs were functionalized with polycarboxylate or polyamine surface functional groups. Polycarboxylate functionalized NPs had a zeta potential of -35 mV and polyamine functionalized NPs had a zeta potential of +40 mV. The polycarboxylate functionalized NPs were chosen for in vivo biodistribution studies and hence were radiolabeled with (14)C, with a final activity of 0.097 nCi mg(-1) of NPs. In chronic studies, the biodistribution profile is tracked using low level radiolabeled proxies of the nanoparticles of interest. Conventionally, these radiolabeled proxies are chemically similar but not chemically identical to the non-radiolabeled NPs of interest. This study is novel as different approaches were explored to create radiolabeled NPs that are stable, possess a hydrodynamic radius of <100 nm and most importantly they exhibit an identical surface chemical functionality as their non-radiolabeled counterparts. Identical chemical functionality of the radiolabeled probes to the non-radiolabeled probes was an important consideration to generate statistically similar biodistribution data sets using multiple imaging and detection techniques. The radiolabeling approach described here is applicable to the synthesis of a large class of nanomaterials with multiple core and surface functionalities. This work combined with the biodistribution data suggests that the radiolabeling schemes carried out in this study have broad implications for use in pharmacokinetic studies for a variety of nanomaterials.

PEG-b-AGE Polymer Coated Magnetic Nanoparticle Probes with Facile Functionalization and Anti-fouling Properties for Reducing Non-specific Uptake and Improving Biomarker Targeting

Non-specific surface adsorption of bio-macromolecules (e.g. proteins) on nanoparticles, known as biofouling, and the uptake of nanoparticles by the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) and reticuloendothelial system (RES) lead to substantial reduction in the efficiency of target-directed imaging and delivery in biomedical applications of engineered nanomaterials in vitro and in vivo. In this work, a novel copolymer consisting of blocks of poly ethylene glycol and allyl glycidyl ether (PEG-b-AGE) was developed for coating magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) to reduce non-specific protein adhesion that leads to formation of "protein corona" and uptake by macrophages. The facile surface functionalization was demonstrated by using targeting ligands of a small peptide of RGD or a whole protein of transferrin (Tf). The PEG-b-AGE coated IONPs exhibited anti-biofouling properties with significantly reduced protein corona formation and non-specific uptake by macrophages before and after the surface functionalization, thus improving targeting of RGD-conjugated PEG-b-AGE coated IONPs to integrins in U87MG glioblastoma and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells that overexpress α_vβ₃ integrins, and Tf-conjugated PEG-b-AGE coated IONPs to transferrin receptor (TfR) in D556 and Daoy medulloblastoma cancer cells with high overexpression of transferrin receptor, compared to respective control cell lines. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of cancer cells treated with targeted IONPs with or without anti-biofouling PEG-b-AGE coating polymers demonstrated the target specific MRI contrast change using anti-biofouling PEG-b-AGE coated IONP with minimal off-targeted background compared to the IONPs without anti-biofouling coating, promising the highly efficient active targeting of nanoparticle imaging probes and drug delivery systems and potential applications of imaging quantification of targeted biomarkers.

Intrinsically radioactive [64Cu]CuInS/ZnS quantum dots for PET and optical imaging: improved radiochemical stability and controllable Cerenkov luminescence

Functionalized quantum dots (QDs) have been widely explored for multimodality bioimaging and proven to be versatile agents. Attaching positron-emitting radioisotopes onto QDs not only endows their positron emission tomography (PET) functionality, but also results in self-illuminating QDs, with no need for an external light source, by Cerenkov resonance energy transfer (CRET). Traditional chelation methods have been used to incorporate the radionuclide, but these methods are compromised by the potential for loss of radionuclide due to cleavage of the linker between particle and chelator, decomplexation of the metal, and possible altered pharmacokinetics of nanomaterials. Herein, we described a straightforward synthesis of intrinsically radioactive [(64)Cu]CuInS/ZnS QDs by directly incorporating (64)Cu into CuInS/ZnS nanostructure with (64)CuCl2 as synthesis precursor. The [(64)Cu]CuInS/ZnS QDs demonstrated excellent radiochemical stability with less than 3% free (64)Cu detected even after exposure to serum containing EDTA (5 mM) for 24 h. PEGylation can be achieved in situ during synthesis, and the PEGylated radioactive QDs showed high tumor uptake (10.8% ID/g) in a U87MG mouse xenograft model. CRET efficiency was studied as a function of concentration and (64)Cu radioactivity concentration. These [(64)Cu]CuInS/ZnS QDs were successfully applied as an efficient PET/self-illuminating luminescence in vivo imaging agents.

Facile synthesis, pharmacokinetic and systemic clearance evaluation, and positron emission tomography cancer imaging of ⁶⁴Cu-Au alloy nanoclusters

Gold nanoparticles have been widely used for oncological applications including diagnosis and therapy. However, the non-specific mononuclear phagocyte system accumulation and potential long-term toxicity have significantly limited clinical translation. One strategy to overcome these shortcomings is to reduce the size of gold nanoparticles to allow renal clearance. Herein, we report the preparation of (64)Cu alloyed gold nanoclusters ((64)CuAuNCs) for in vivo evaluation of pharmacokinetics, systemic clearance, and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in a mouse prostate cancer model. The facile synthesis in acqueous solution allowed precisely controlled (64)Cu incorporation for high radiolabeling specific activity and stability for sensitive and accurate detection. Through surface pegylation with 350 Da polyethylene glycol (PEG), the (64)CuAuNCs-PEG350 afforded optimal biodistribution and significant renal and hepatobiliary excretion. PET imaging showed low non-specific tumor uptake, indicating its potential for active targeting of clinically relevant biomarkers in tumor and metastatic organs.

Zwitterionic-coated "stealth" nanoparticles for biomedical applications: recent advances in countering biomolecular corona formation and uptake by the mononuclear phagocyte system

Nanoparticles represent highly promising platforms for the development of imaging and therapeutic agents, including those that can either be detected via more than one imaging technique (multi-modal imaging agents) or used for both diagnosis and therapy (theranostics). A major obstacle to their medical application and translation to the clinic, however, is the fact that many accumulate in the liver and spleen as a result of opsonization and scavenging by the mononuclear phagocyte system. This focused review summarizes recent efforts to develop zwitterionic-coatings to counter this issue and render nanoparticles more biocompatible. Such coatings have been found to greatly reduce the rate and/or extent of non-specific adsorption of proteins and lipids to the nanoparticle surface, thereby inhibiting production of the "biomolecular corona" that is proposed to be a universal feature of nanoparticles within a biological environment. Additionally, in vivo studies have demonstrated that larger-sized nanoparticles with a zwitterionic coating have extended circulatory lifetimes, while those with hydrodynamic diameters of ≤5 nm exhibit small-molecule-like pharmacokinetics, remaining sufficiently small to pass through the fenestrae and slit pores during glomerular filtration within the kidneys, and enabling efficient excretion via the urine. The larger particles represent ideal candidates for use as blood pool imaging agents, whilst the small ones provide a highly promising platform for the future development of theranostics with reduced side effect profiles and superior dose delivery and image contrast capabilities.

Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles for Atherosclerosis Imaging

The production of magnetic nanoparticles of utmost quality for biomedical imaging requires several steps, from the synthesis of highly crystalline magnetic cores to the attachment of the different molecules on the surface. This last step probably plays the key role in the production of clinically useful nanomaterials. The attachment of the different biomolecules should be performed in a defined and controlled fashion, avoiding the random adsorption of the components that could lead to undesirable byproducts and ill-characterized surface composition. In this work, we review the process of creating new magnetic nanomaterials for imaging, particularly for the detection of atherosclerotic plaque, in vivo. Our focus will be in the different biofunctionalization techniques that we and several other groups have recently developed. Magnetic nanomaterial functionalization should be performed by chemoselective techniques. This approach will facilitate the application of these nanomaterials in the clinic, not as an exception, but as any other pharmacological compound.

Rapid (18)F-labeling and loading of PEGylated gold nanoparticles for in vivo applications

Water-soluble 3 nm maleimide-terminated PEGylated gold nanoparticles (maleimide-AuNP) were synthesized in both partially hydrolyzed and nonhydrolyzed forms. Both of these maleimide-AuNPs, when reacted with the silicon-fluorine prosthetic group [(18)F]SiFA-SH, resulted in radiolabeled AuNPs. These NPs were readily purified with high radiochemical yields (RCY) of 60-80% via size exclusion chromatography. Preliminary small animal positron emission tomography (PET) measurements in healthy rats gives information about the pathway of excretion and the stability of the radioactive label in vivo. The partially hydrolyzed [(18)F]SiFA-maleimide-AuNPs shows uptake in the brain region of interest (ROI) (> 0.13%ID/g) which was confirmed by ex vivo examination of the thoroughly perfused rat brain. The multiple maleimide end groups on the AuNP surface also allows for the simultaneous incorporation of [(18)F]SiFA-SH and a bioactive peptide (cysteine-modified octreotate, cys-TATE, which can bind to somatostatin receptor subtypes 2 and 5) in a proof-of-concept study. The well-defined Michael addition reaction between various thiol containing molecules and the multifunctionalized maleimide-AuNPs thus offers an opportunity to develop a new bioconjugation platform for new diagnostics as well as therapeutics.

Synthesis, characterization, and biodistribution of multiple 89Zr-labeled pore-expanded mesoporous silica nanoparticles for PET

Functional nanoparticles are highly interesting imaging agents for positron emission tomography (PET) due to the possibility of multiple incorporation of positron emitting radionuclides thus increasing the signal strength. Furthermore, long-term nanoparticle biodistribution tests with increased signal-to-noise ratio can be achieved with nanoparticles carrying long-lived isotopes. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles, MSNs, have recently attracted a lot of interest as both imaging agents and carriers for drugs in vitro and in vivo. Here we present results related to the synthesis of PET imageable MSNs carrying the long-lived (89)Zr isotope (half-life of 78.4 hours). Here, (89)Zr(4+) was immobilized through covalent attachment of the complexing agent p-isothiocyanatobenzyldesferrioxamine (DFO-NCS) to large-pore MSNs. Due to the presence of the high DFO content on the MSNs, quantitative (89)Zr(4+) labeling was achieved within just a few minutes, and no subsequent purification step was needed in order to remove non-complexed (89)Zr(4+). The stability of the (89)Zr-labeled MSNs against leaching of (89)Zr(4+) was verified for 24 hours. The high signal strength of the (89)Zr-DFO-MSNs was evidenced by successful PET imaging using a mouse model at particle loadings one order of magnitude lower than those previously applied in PET-MSN studies. The biodistribution followed the same trends as previously observed for MSNs of different sizes and surface functionalities. Taken together, our results suggest that (89)Zr-DFO-MSNs are promising PET imaging agents for long-term in vivo imaging.

Radiolabeling of Nanoparticles and Polymers for PET Imaging

Nanomedicine has become an emerging field in imaging and therapy of malignancies. Nanodimensional drug delivery systems have already been used in the clinic, as carriers for sensitive chemotherapeutics or highly toxic substances. In addition, those nanodimensional structures are further able to carry and deliver radionuclides. In the development process, non-invasive imaging by means of positron emission tomography (PET) represents an ideal tool for investigations of pharmacological profiles and to find the optimal nanodimensional architecture of the aimed-at drug delivery system. Furthermore, in a personalized therapy approach, molecular imaging modalities are essential for patient screening/selection and monitoring. Hence, labeling methods for potential drug delivery systems are an indispensable need to provide the radiolabeled analog. In this review, we describe and discuss various approaches and methods for the labeling of potential drug delivery systems using positron emitters.

PET/CT imaging of chemokine receptor CCR5 in vascular injury model using targeted nanoparticle

Inflammation plays important roles at all stages of atherosclerosis. Chemokine systems have major effects on the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis by controlling the trafficking of inflammatory cells in vivo through interaction with their receptors. Chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) has been reported to be an active participant in the late stage of atherosclerosis and has the potential as a prognostic biomarker for plaque stability. However, its diagnostic potential has not yet been explored. The purpose of this study was to develop a targeted nanoparticle for sensitive and specific PET/CT imaging of the CCR5 receptor in an apolipoprotein E knock-out (ApoE(-/-)) mouse vascular injury model.

METHODS

The D-Ala1-peptide T-amide (DAPTA) peptide was selected as a targeting ligand for the CCR5 receptor. Through controlled conjugation and polymerization, a biocompatible poly(methyl methacrylate)-core/polyethylene glycol-shell amphiphilic comblike nanoparticle was prepared and labeled with (64)Cu for CCR5 imaging in the ApoE(-/-) wire-injury model. Immunohistochemistry, histology, and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed to assess the disease progression and upregulation of CCR5 receptor.

RESULTS

The (64)Cu-DOTA-DAPTA tracer showed specific PET imaging of CCR5 in the ApoE(-/-) mice. The targeted (64)Cu-DOTA-DAPTA-comb nanoparticles showed extended blood signal and optimized biodistribution. The tracer uptake analysis showed significantly higher accumulations at the injury lesions than those acquired from the sham-operated sites. The competitive PET receptor blocking studies confirmed the CCR5 receptor-specific uptake. The assessment of (64)Cu-DOTA-DAPTA-comb in C57BL/6 mice and (64)Cu-DOTA-comb in ApoE(-/-) mice verified low nonspecific nanoparticle uptake. Histology, immunohistochemistry, and RT-PCR analyses verified the upregulation of CCR5 in the progressive atherosclerosis model.

CONCLUSION

This work provides a nanoplatform for sensitive and specific detection of CCR5's physiologic functions in an animal atherosclerosis model.

Multimodality PET/MRI agents targeted to activated macrophages

The recent emergence of multimodality imaging, particularly the combination of PET and MRI, has led to excitement over the prospect of improving detection of disease. Iron oxide nanoparticles have become a popular platform for the fabrication of PET/MRI probes owing to their advantages of high MRI detection sensitivity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. In this article, we report the synthesis of dextran-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (DIO) labeled with the positron emitter (64)Cu to generate a PET/MRI probe, and modified with maleic anhydride to increase the negative surface charge. The modified nanoparticulate PET/MRI probe (MDIO-(64)Cu-DOTA) bears repetitive anionic charges on the surface that facilitate recognition by scavenger receptor type A (SR-A), a ligand receptor found on activated macrophages but not on normal vessel walls. MDIO-(64)Cu-DOTA has an average iron oxide core size of 7-8 nm, an average hydrodynamic diameter of 62.7 nm, an r1 relaxivity of 16.8 mM(-1) s(-1), and an r 2 relaxivity of 83.9 mM(-1) s(-1) (37 °C, 1.4 T). Cell studies confirmed that the probe was nontoxic and was specifically taken up by macrophages via SR-A. In comparison with the nonmodified analog, the accumulation of MDIO in macrophages was substantially improved. These characteristics demonstrate the promise of MDIO-(64)Cu-DOTA for identification of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques via the targeting of macrophages.

Self-assembled magnetic fluorescent polymeric micelles for magnetic resonance and optical imaging

Stable and cytocompatible hybrid PEGylated micelles with multimodal imaging capabilities are described. The F3O4-encapsulated polymeric micelles composed of cores containing magnetic nanoparticles and polyethylene glycol (PEG) shells are synthesized by self-assembly of amphiphilic poly(HFMA-co-VBK)-g-PEG copolymers and oleic acid stabilized Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles in the core produce T2-weighted MR imaging functionalities, whereas the small fluorescent monomer carbazole in the polymer shell introduces good fluorescent properties. The multifunctional micelles exhibit excellent paramagnetic properties with the maximum saturation magnetization of 9.61 emu/g and transverse relaxivity rate of 157.44 mM(-1) S(-1). In vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies reveal enhanced contrast between the liver and spleen. Fluorescence spectra show characteristic emission peaks from carbazole at 350 nm and 365 nm and vivid blue fluorescence can be observed by 2-photon confocal scanning laser microscopy (CLSM). In vivo optical imaging demonstrates the unique fluorescent characteristics of the Fe3O4-encapsulated polymeric micelles in the liver and spleen and the excellent multifunctional properties suggest potential clinical use as nanocarriers in magnetic resonance imaging and optical imaging.

Nucleic Acid-directed Self-assembly of Multifunctional Gold Nanoparticle Imaging Agents

Gold nanoparticles have attracted much interest as a platform for development of multifunctional imaging and therapeutic agents. Multifunctionalized gold nanoparticles are generally constructed by covalent assembly of a gold core with thiolated ligands. In this study, we have assembled multifunctionalized gold nanoparticles in one step by nucleic acid hybridization of ODN (oligodeoxynucleotide)-derivatized gold nanoparticles with a library of pre-functionalized complementary PNAs (peptide nucleic acids). The PNAs were functionalized by conjugation with DOTA (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid) for chelating 64Cu for PET imaging, PEG (polyethylene glycol) for conferring stealth properties, and Cy5 for fluorescent imaging. The resulting nanoparticles showed good stability both in vitro and in vivo showing biodistribution behavior in a mouse that would be expected for a PEGylated gold nanoparticle rather than that for the radiolabelled PNA used in its assembly.

Carbon-11 radiolabeling of iron-oxide nanoparticles for dual-modality PET/MR imaging

Dual-modality imaging, using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) simultaneously, is a powerful tool to gain valuable information correlating structure with function in biomedicine. The advantage of this dual approach is that the strengths of one modality can balance the weaknesses of the other. However, success of this technique requires developing imaging probes suitable for both. Here, we report on the development of a nanoparticle labeling procedure via covalent bonding with carbon-11 PET isotope. Carbon-11 in the form of [(11)C]methyl iodide was used as a methylation agent to react with carboxylic acid (-COOH) and amine (-NH2) functional groups of ligands bound to the nanoparticles (NPs). The surface coating ligands present on superparamagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles (SPIO NPs) were radiolabeled to achieve dual-modality PET/MR imaging capabilities. The proof-of-concept dual-modality PET/MR imaging using the radiolabeled SPIO NPs was demonstrated in an in vivo experiment.

PET imaging of chemokine receptors in vascular injury-accelerated atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is the pathophysiologic process behind lethal cardiovascular diseases. It is a chronic inflammatory progression. Chemokines can strongly affect the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis by controlling the trafficking of inflammatory cells in vivo through interaction with their receptors. Some chemokine receptors have been reported to play an important role in plaque development and stability. However, the diagnostic potential of chemokine receptors has not yet been explored. The purpose of this study was to develop a positron emitter-radiolabeled probe to image the upregulation of chemokine receptor in a wire-injury-accelerated apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE(-/-)) mouse model of atherosclerosis.

METHODS

A viral macrophage inflammatory protein II (vMIP-II) was used to image the upregulation of multiple chemokine receptors through conjugation with DOTA for (64)Cu radiolabeling and PET. Imaging studies were performed at 2 and 4 wk after injury in both wire-injured ApoE(-/-) and wild-type C57BL/6 mice. Competitive PET blocking studies with nonradiolabeled vMIP-II were performed to confirm the imaging specificity. Specific PET blocking with individual chemokine receptor antagonists was also performed to verify the upregulation of a particular chemokine receptor. In contrast, (18)F-FDG PET imaging was performed in both models to evaluate tracer uptake. Immunohistochemistry on the injury and sham tissues was performed to assess the upregulation of chemokine receptors.

RESULTS

(15)O-CO PET showed decreased blood volume in the femoral artery after the injury. (64)Cu-DOTA-vMIP-II exhibited fast in vivo pharmacokinetics with major renal clearance. PET images showed specific accumulation around the injury site, with consistent expression during the study period. Quantitative analysis of tracer uptake at the injury lesion in the ApoE(-/-) model showed a 3-fold increase over the sham-operated site and the sites in the injured wild-type mouse. (18)F-FDG PET showed significantly less tracer accumulation than (64)Cu-DOTA-vMIP-II, with no difference observed between injury and sham sites. PET blocking studies identified chemokine receptor-mediated (64)Cu-DOTA-vMIP-II uptake and verified the presence of 8 chemokine receptors, and this finding was confirmed by immunohistochemistry.

CONCLUSION

(64)Cu-DOTA-vMIP-II was proven a sensitive and useful PET imaging probe for the detection of 8 up-regulated chemokine receptors in a model of injury-accelerated atherosclerosis.

Biodistribution of sub-10 nm PEG-modified radioactive/upconversion nanoparticles

The biodistribution of lanthanide-based upconversion nanophosphors (UCNPs) has attracted increasing attention, and all of the reported UCNPs display metabolism in the liver and spleen mainly. Herein, ∼8 nm poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-coated NaYF4 nanoparticles codoped with Yb(3+), Er(3+), and (or) radioactive (153)Sm(3+) ions were synthesized, through a hydrothermal synthetic system assisted by binary cooperative ligands with oleic acid and PEG dicarboxylic acids. The as-prepared PEG-coating NaYF4:Yb,Er and NaYF4:Yb,Er,(153)Sm are denoted as PEG-UCNPs and PEG-UCNPs((153)Sm), respectively. PEG-UCNPs were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The PEG-UCNPs showed excellent water solubility with a hydrodynamic diameter of ∼10 nm and displayed upconversion luminescence (UCL) under continuous-wave excitation at 980 nm. At the same time, the (153)Sm-doped nanoparticles PEG-UCNPs((153)Sm) displayed radioactivity, and time-dependent biodistribution of PEG-UCNPs((153)Sm) was investigated, through single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging and γ-counter analysis. Interestingly, PEG-UCNPs((153)Sm) had a long blood retention time and were partly eliminated through urinary pathways in vivo. Therefore, the concept of fabricating PEG-coated, small nanosize (sub-10 nm) nanoparticles with radioactive property is a useful strategy for providing a potential method to monitor lanthanide nanoparticles renal clearable.

Antisense peptide nucleic acid-functionalized cationic nanocomplex for in vivo mRNA detection

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a complex syndrome with many aetiologies, resulting in the upregulation of inflammatory mediators in the host, followed by dyspnoea, hypoxemia and pulmonary oedema. A central mediator is inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) that drives the production of NO and continued inflammation. Thus, it is useful to have diagnostic and therapeutic agents for targeting iNOS expression. One general approach is to target the precursor iNOS mRNA with antisense nucleic acids. Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) have many advantages that make them an ideal platform for development of antisense theranostic agents. Their membrane impermeability, however, limits biological applications. Here, we report the preparation of an iNOS imaging probe through electrostatic complexation between a radiolabelled antisense PNA-YR9 · oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) hybrid and a cationic shell-cross-linked knedel-like nanoparticle (cSCK). The Y (tyrosine) residue was used for (123)I radiolabelling, whereas the R9 (arginine9) peptide was included to facilitate cell exit of untargeted PNA. Complete binding of the antisense PNA-YR9 · ODN hybrid to the cSCK was achieved at an 8 : 1 cSCK amine to ODN phosphate (N/P) ratio by a gel retardation assay. The antisense PNA-YR9 · ODN · cSCK nanocomplexes efficiently entered RAW264.7 cells, whereas the PNA-YR9 · ODN alone was not taken up. Low concentrations of (123)I-labelled antisense PNA-YR9 · ODN complexed with cSCK showed significantly higher retention of radioactivity when iNOS was induced in lipopolysaccharide+interferon-γ-activated RAW264.7 cells when compared with a mismatched PNA. Moreover, statistically, greater retention of radioactivity from the antisense complex was also observed in vivo in an iNOS-induced mouse lung after intratracheal administration of the nanocomplexes. This study demonstrates the specificity and sensitivity by which the radiolabelled nanocomplexes can detect iNOS mRNA in vitro and in vivo and their potential for early diagnosis of ALI.

Theranostics in primary care: pharmacogenomics tests and beyond

Theranostics represents a broadening in the scope of personalized medicine to include companion diagnostics for health interventions ranging from drugs to vaccines, as well as individual susceptibility to disease. Surprisingly, in the course of this broadening of personalized medicine discourse, relatively little attention has been paid to primary care (as compared with tertiary healthcare settings) despite its vast patient population and being a crucial entry point to health services. Recent advances in pharmacogenomics (PGx), a classical theranostics application whereby genotyping and/or gene expression-based tests are used for targeted or optimal therapy, revealed new opportunities to characterize more precisely human genomic variation and the ways in which it contributes to person-to-person and population variations in drug response. In the immediate foreseeable future, the primary-care physicians are expected to play an ever increasing crucial role in PGx-based prescribing in order to reduce the rates of adverse drug events and improve drug efficacy, yet PGx testing in primary care remains limited. In this article, the authors review the advances in PGx applications, the barriers for their adoption in the clinic from a primary care point of view and the efforts that are being undertaken to move PGx forward in this hitherto neglected application context of theranostic medicine. Finally, the authors propose several salient recommendations, including a 5-year forecast, to accelerate the current convergence between PGx and primary care.

Facile method to radiolabel glycol chitosan nanoparticles with (64)Cu via copper-free click chemistry for MicroPET imaging

An efficient and straightforward method for radiolabeling nanoparticles is urgently needed to understand the in vivo biodistribution of nanoparticles. Herein, we investigated a facile and highly efficient strategy to prepare radiolabeled glycol chitosan nanoparticles with (64)Cu via a strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition strategy, which is often referred to as click chemistry. First, the azide (N3) group, which allows for the preparation of radiolabeled nanoparticles by copper-free click chemistry, was incorporated to glycol chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs). Second, the strained cyclooctyne derivative, dibenzyl cyclooctyne (DBCO) conjugated with a 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) chelator, was synthesized for preparing the preradiolabeled alkyne complex with (64)Cu radionuclide. Following incubation with the (64)Cu-radiolabeled DBCO complex (DBCO-PEG4-Lys-DOTA-(64)Cu with high specific activity, 18.5 GBq/μmol), the azide-functionalized CNPs were radiolabeled successfully with (64)Cu, with a high radiolabeling efficiency and a high radiolabeling yield (>98%). Importantly, the radiolabeling of CNPs by copper-free click chemistry was accomplished within 30 min, with great efficiency in aqueous conditions. In addition, we found that the (64)Cu-radiolabeled CNPs ((64)Cu-CNPs) did not show any significant effect on the physicochemical properties, such as size, zeta potential, or spherical morphology. After (64)Cu-CNPs were intravenously administered to tumor-bearing mice, the real-time, in vivo biodistribution and tumor-targeting ability of (64)Cu-CNPs were quantitatively evaluated by microPET images of tumor-bearing mice. These results demonstrate the benefit of copper-free click chemistry as a facile, preradiolabeling approach to conveniently radiolabel nanoparticles for evaluating the real-time in vivo biodistribution of nanoparticles.

Nanoparticle PET/CT imaging of natriuretic peptide clearance receptor in prostate cancer

Atrial natriuretic peptide has been recently discovered to have anticancer effects via interaction with cell surface natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPRA) and natriuretic peptide clearance receptor (NPRC). In a preclinical model, NPRA expression has been identified during tumor angiogenesis and may serve as a potential prognostic marker and target for prostate cancer (PCa) therapy. However, the presence of NPRC receptor in the PCa model has not yet been assessed. Furthermore, there is still no report using nanoparticle for PCa positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Herein, an amphiphilic comb-like nanoparticle was synthesized with controlled properties through modular construction containing C-atrial natriuretic factor (CANF) for NPRC receptor targeting and 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) chelator for high specific activity Cu-64 radiolabeling. The pharmacokinetics of (64)Cu-CANF-Comb exhibited tuned biodistribution and optimized in vivo profile in contrast to the nontargeted (64)Cu-Comb nanoparticle. PET imaging with (64)Cu-CANF-Comb in CWR22 PCa tumor model showed high blood pool retention, low renal clearance, enhanced tumor uptake, and decreased hepatic burden relative to the nontargeted (64)Cu-Comb. Immunohistochemistry staining confirmed the presence of NPRC receptor in tumor tissue. Competitive PET receptor blocking study demonstrated the targeting specificity of (64)Cu-CANF-Comb to NPRC receptor in vivo. These results establish a new nanoagent for prostate cancer PET imaging.

Simultaneous absolute determination of particle size and effective density of submicron colloids by disc centrifuge photosedimentometry

Disc centrifuge photosedimentometry (DCP) with fluids of different densities is used to simultaneously determine the particle size and effective density of spherical silica particles. Incorporation of a calibrated infrared pyrometer into a DCP instrument is shown to enhance the measurement capability of the DCP technique by correcting for the temperature dependence of the spin fluid's density and viscosity. Advantages of absolute DCP determinations for size and density analysis relative to standardized DCP measurements include the elimination of instrument standardization with a particle of known density and measurements or estimation of the effective particle density. The reliability of diameter determinations provided by absolute DCP was confirmed using silica particles with nominal diameters ranging from 250 to 700 nm by comparison of these analyses with a diameter determination by transmission electron microscopy for silica particle size standards. Effective densities determined by absolute DCP for the silica particles ranged from 2.02 to 2.34 g/cm(3). These findings indicate that the silica particles have little or no porosity. The reported characterization of colloidal silica using absolute DCP suggests applicability of the technique to a variety of particle types including colloidal materials other than silica, core-shell particles, compositionally heterogeneous mixtures of nanoparticles, and irregularly shaped, structured colloids.

Synthesis and in vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation of degradable shell cross-linked polymer nanoparticles with poly(carboxybetaine) versus poly(ethylene glycol) surface-grafted coatings

Nanoparticles with tunable pharmacokinetics are desirable for various biomedical applications. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is well-known to create "stealth" effects to stabilize and extend the blood circulation of nanoparticles. In this work, poly(carboxybetaine) (PCB), a new nonfouling polymer material, was incorporated as surface-grafted coatings, conjugated onto degradable shell cross-linked knedel-like nanoparticles (dSCKs) composed of poly(acrylic acid)-based shells and poly(lactic acid) cores, to compare the in vivo pharmacokinetics to their PEG-functionalized analogues. A series of five dSCKs was prepared from amphiphilic block copolymers, having different numbers and lengths of either PEG or PCB grafts, by supramolecular assembly in water followed by shell cross-linking, and then studied by a lactate assay to confirm their core hydrolytic degradabilities. Each dSCK was also conjugated with 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid macrocyclic chelators and tyramine moieties to provide for (64)Cu and/or radiohalogen labeling. The high specific activity of (64)Cu radiolabeling ensured nanogram administration of dSCKs for in vivo evaluation of their pharmacokinetics. Biodistribution studies demonstrated comparable in vivo pharmacokinetic profiles of PCB-grafted dSCKs to their PEG-conjugated counterparts. These results indicated that PCB-functionalized dSCKs have great potential as a theranostic platform for translational research.

64Cu Core-labeled nanoparticles with high specific activity via metal-free click chemistry

A novel strategy based on metal-free "click" chemistry was developed for the copper-64 radiolabeling of the core in shell-cross-linked nanoparticles (SCK-NPs). Compared with Cu(I)-catalyzed click chemistry, this metal-free strategy provides the following advantages for Cu-64 labeling of the core of SCK-NPs: (1) elimination of copper exchange between nonradioactive Cu in the catalyst and DOTA-chelated Cu-64; (2) elimination of the internal click reactions between the azide and acetylene groups in the same NPs; and (3) increased efficiency of the click reaction because water-soluble Cu(I) does not need to reach the hydrophobic core of the NPs. When 50 mCi Cu-64 was used for the radiolabeling, the specific activity of the radiolabeled product was 975 Ci/μmol at the end of synthesis, which represents the attachment of ca. 500 Cu-64 atoms per SCK-NP, giving in essence a 500-fold amplification of specific activity of the NP over that of the Cu-64 chelate. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest specific activity obtained for Cu-64-labeled nanoparticles.