Development of¹⁵³Sm-folate-polyethyleneimine-conjugated chitosan nanoparticles for targeted therapy

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop biocompatible, water-soluble (153) Sm-labeled chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) containing folate and polyethyleneimine functionalities i.e. chitosan-graft-PEI-folate (CHI-DTPA-g-PEI-FA), suitable for targeted therapy. The physicochemical properties of the obtained NPs were characterized by dynamic light-scattering analysis for their mean size, size distribution, and zeta potential; scanning electron microscopy for surface morphology; and (1) H-NMR, FT-IR analyses for molecular dispersity of folate in the NPs. NPs were spherical with mean diameter below 250 nm, polydispersity of below 0.15, and positive zeta potential values. The NP complex ((153) Sm-CHI-DTPA-g-PEI-FA) was stable at 25 °C (6-8 h, >90% radiochemical purity, instant thin layer chromatography (ITLC)). Binding studies using fluorescent NPs for internalization also demonstrated significant uptake in MCF-7 cells. MCF-7 cell internalization was significantly greater for 4T1. In blocking studies, both MCF-7 and 4T1 cell lines demonstrated specific folate receptor (FR) binding (decreasing 45%). In vivo biodistribution studies indicated major excretion of NPs metabolites and/or free (153) Sm through the kidneys. The preliminary imaging studies in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice showed minor uptake up to 96 h. The present folic acid that functionalized chitosan NP is a candidate material for folate receptor therapy.

Production and Clinical Applications of Radiopharmaceuticals and Medical Radioisotopes in Iran

“…Tl is produced in a medium-energy cyclotron, Cyclone 30, using 203 Tl(p,n) 203 Pb- 201 Tl followed by target dissolution and two-step ion chromatography purification and formulation and delivered to various nuclear medicine centers in the country for more than 20 years. 33,34 Local Clinical Evaluations.…”