Nanoparticles and Radioisotopes: A Long Story in a Nutshell

Abstract

The purpose of this narrative review was to assess the use of nanoparticles (NPs) to deliver radionuclides to targets, focusing on systems that have been tested in pre-clinical and, when available, clinical settings. A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science databases using the following terms: “radionuclides” AND “liposomes” or “PLGA nanoparticles” or “gold nanoparticles” or “iron oxide nanoparticles” or “silica nanoparticles” or “micelles” or “dendrimers”. No filters were applied, apart from a minimum limit of 10 patients enrolled for clinical studies. Data from some significant studies from pre-clinical and clinical settings were retrieved, and we briefly describe the information available. All the selected seven classes of nanoparticles were highly tested in clinical trials, but they all present many drawbacks. Liposomes are the only ones that have been tested for clinical applications, though they have never been commercialized. In conclusion, the application of NPs for imaging has been the object of much interest over the years, albeit mainly in pre-clinical settings. Thus, we think that, based on the current state, radiolabeled NPs must be investigated longer before finding their place in nuclear medicine.

Magnetic Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, and Their Use in Biomedical Field

“…MNPs functionalized with radioisotopes serve as dual-modal imaging probes, combining the magnetic properties of MNPs with the radioactivity of the attached isotopes. This enables sensitive and quantitative imaging of biological processes, such as tumor targeting, inflammation detection, and organ-specific imaging [174]. Moreover, the addition of a targeting ligand (e.g., antibody or peptide) represents a promising strategy for targeted therapy and theranostic applications, especially in cancer [175].…”

Radiolabeled Iron Oxide Nanomaterials for Multimodal Nuclear Imaging and Positive Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A Review

“…However, it also presents certain challenges that must be addressed. 11 Illustrating our argument using an example is the most effective method, after all, a picture is worth a thousand words. Figure 1 shows the detection of atherosclerosis targeting microcalcifications in the plaque using the same vector, the alendronate molecule that binds to microcalcifications present in the plaque.…”

“…This approach offers numerous advantages by enabling simultaneous or sequential functional and anatomical imaging. However, it also presents certain challenges that must be addressed …”

Nanoprobes for PET/MR Imaging

“…The image acquisition of PET is based on the detection of high-energy gamma-ray photons generated by the annihilation of positrons which produced by 𝛽 + -emitting radioisotope. [10] The positron emitting isotopes, for instance, 18 F, 14 C, 68 Ga, and 64 Cu are commonly used for PET imaging. [11] Scheme 1.…”