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A generally adoptable radiotracing method for tracking carbon nanotubes in animals
Xiaoyong Deng1, Shengtao Yang, Haiyu Nie
1Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China. Institute of Nanochemistry and Nanobiology, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, People's Republic of China.
A new method effectively traces functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in vivo. Iodine-125 labeling of CNTs provides reliable biodistribution data, aiding drug delivery research.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacokinetics
Background:
- Carbon nanotube (CNT) applications in drug delivery are gaining interest.
- Understanding CNT biodistribution in vivo is crucial for further development.
- A rapid and convenient tracing method for CNTs is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a reliable and efficient in vivo tracing method for functionalized CNTs.
- To evaluate the biodistribution of taurine-functionalized MWNTs (tau-MWNTs) and Tween-80 wrapped MWNTs (Tween-MWNTs).
- To validate the use of Iodine-125 ((125)I) labeling for CNT tracing.
Main Methods:
- Functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were labeled with (125)I.
- Biodistribution of labeled tau-MWNTs and Tween-MWNTs was studied in mice.
- Comparison of (125)I labeling with (14)C-taurine-MWNTs tracing.
Main Results:
- Tween-80 significantly reduced the reticuloendothelial system (RES) uptake of MWNTs.
- The biodistribution pattern of (125)I-tau-MWNTs closely matched that of (14)C-taurine-MWNTs.
- (125)I labeling proved to be a reliable and effective method for tracing CNTs.
Conclusions:
- A facile (125)I labeling technique is suitable for in vivo biodistribution studies of functionalized CNTs.
- Tween-80 wrapping can alter MWNTs' biodistribution by reducing RES uptake.
- This tracing method facilitates pharmacokinetic and biological behavior studies of CNTs.

