In vivo evaluation of the biodistribution of intravenously administered naked and functionalised silver nanoparticles in rabbit.

Water‐based suspension of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and dextran coated AgNPs (dextran–AgNPs) are fabricated and characterised for intravenous administration. A simple method for radiolabelling of nanoparticles with 99m Tc was used. Labelling efficiency for AgNPs and dextran–AgNPs was found to be more than 80 and 88%, respectively. In vivo tissue uptake of nanoparticles during dynamic phase, after systematic administration by biodistribution analysis with single‐photon emission computed tomography imaging has been evaluated. Biodistribution analysis revealed that 99m Tc–AgNPs and 99m Tc–dextran–AgNPs are mainly accumulated in liver/spleen region but 99m Tc–dextran–AgNPs delayed recognition and uptake by liver. Results indicate that dextran–AgNPs are able to evade reticuloendothelum system with enhanced blood retention time. Accumulation of nanoparticles in liver/spleen region implicates the utilisation of AgNPs for liver cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]