Tritium labeling of detonation nanodiamonds

Abstract

For the first time, the radioactive labeling of detonation nanodiamonds was efficiently achieved using a tritium microwave plasma. According to our measurements, the total radioactivity reaches 9120 ± 120 μCi mg(-1), with 93% of (3)H atoms tightly bonded to the surface and up to 7% embedded into the diamond core. Such (3)H doping will ensure highly stable radiolabeled nanodiamonds, on which surface functionalization is still allowed. This breakthrough opens the way to biodistribution and pharmacokinetics studies of nanodiamonds, while this approach can be scalable to easily treat bulk quantities of nanodiamonds at low cost.

Nanodiamonds: From Synthesis and Purification to Deposition Techniques, Hybrids Fabrication and Applications

“…Currently, very few studies were reported [230]. The tritium labeling of detonation NDs reported by Girard et al [79] will facilitate such investigations. Moreover, in addition to previous studies [146,231], the toxicity of NDs must be deeply investigated.…”

“…A convincing radioactive labeling was shown for detonation NDs exposed to a tritium plasma [79]. The total measured radioactivity was 9120 μCi/mg (Fig.…”

Nanodiamond: A high impact nanomaterial

“…The numerous properties arising from optically active defect centers and boron doping for induced electrical conductivity illustrate the versatility imparted upon nanodiamond by bulk defects and foreign atoms. Doping of nanodiamond core with tritium is another exciting opportunity providing highly stable radiolabeled nanodiamonds for bioimaging applications with surface available for further functionalization with targeted proteins and for drug uploading [45].…”

Langmuir hydrogen dissociation approach in radiolabeling carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide

“…Our previous experience using the tritium thermal activation method for radiolabeling nanodiamonds resulted in the production of a material with high specific radioactivity [16] compared with the materials labeled using a tritium microwave plasma [17]. The manufacturing process of carbon nanotubes and graphene results in materials that contain randomly placed carboxyl groups that continue to persist in significant quantities even after extensive base washing [18].…”