Characterization, optimization, and in vitro evaluation of Technetium-99m-labeled niosomes

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology in drug delivery
• Radiopharmaceutical development
• Cancer therapy research

Background:

• Niosomes are promising nanocarriers for sustained drug delivery in cancer therapy.
• Biodistribution studies are crucial for assessing tumor accumulation via the enhanced permeability and retention effect.
• Radiolabeling enables non-invasive tracking of nanocarriers using nuclear imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To formulate and characterize niosomes.
• To optimize the radiolabeling of niosomes with Technetium-99m (99mTc).
• To evaluate the potential of 99mTc-labeled niosomes for nuclear imaging.

Main Methods:

• Niosomes were prepared using sorbitan monostearate 60, cholesterol, and a synthesized D-α-tocopherol derivative.
• Radiolabeling was achieved via surface chelation with reduced 99mTc.
• Optimization of radiolabeling efficiency involved evaluating stannous chloride concentration, pH, and incubation time.

Main Results:

• Niosomes exhibited an average particle size of 110.2 nm and a negative zeta potential (-64.8 mV).
• Optimal radiolabeling conditions included 30 µg/mL stannous chloride, pH 5, and 15 minutes incubation.
• Radiolabeling efficiency exceeded 90% with good in vitro stability for up to 8 hours.

Conclusions:

• This is the first study to report surface chelation of niosomes with 99mTc.
• The developed 99mTc-labeled niosomes show high radiolabeling efficacy and good in vitro stability.
• These findings suggest promising potential for 99mTc-labeled niosomes in future nuclear imaging applications.