68Ga-radiolabeling and biodistribution study of thioglycolic acid-functionalized gold nanoparticles: introducing a novel diagnostic PET agent

Due to fascinating theranostic properties of Gold-nanoparticles and Ga-68 radionuclide, 68Ga was grafted on thioglycolic acid (TGA)-functionalized nano host, in order to target the delivery of the radionuclide to targeted organs. In order to have precise evaluation of the behavior of the labeled nano particles in in-vitro and in-vivo experiments, measurement of the radioactivity in tissue with HPGe detector, and precise quality control tests including RTLC, TEM, PET-Scan, were done as well. Biological information of the nano particles shows outstanding changes in excretion mechanism (increasing urinary tract excretion) and complete transfer of nanoparticles to all vital organs of the rodents. Regarding to the outstanding pharmacokinetics properties of these labeled gold nanoparticles such as proper biodistribution, fast excretion, high structural stability, and proper blood circulation, these labeled nanoparticles can be introduced as a potential candidate for diagnostic PET nuclear imaging.