Ga-68 Nanoparticles and Ultra-small Nanoparticle: Next Generation of PET Radiopharmaceuticals?

Background and Objective: The future of medicine relies on the capability to forecast the future and in the development of new drugs. The same rationale is applied to radiopharmacy. In this direction the development of nano-radiopharmaceuticals represents the most effective glance of the future. Methods: In this manuscript we developed an efficient, rapid and direct methodology to label ultrasmall polymeric nanoparticle (10 to 12 nm) and regular polymeric nanoparticles (200 to 210 nm), both obtained by double emulsion technique, with Ga-68 in order to promote the development of PETnanoradiopharmaceuticals. Results: The results showed that the methodology is reliable and efficient to label both, polymeric small and ultra-small nanoparticles, with a labeling efficacy of over 90% in both cases. Also, the plasma stability as the bindings test corroborates the application and stability of the nanoparticles labeled with 68Ga. Conclusion: The results are preliminary and the data must be supported by animal biodistribution assay.