Radioiodination and biodistribution of quantum dots using Bolton–Hunter reagent

In this study, the radioiodination and biodistribution of quantum dots (QDs) using Bolton–Hunter reagent were investigated. Radioiodination yield was 33.4±2.0%. Fluorescent intensity of radioiodinated QDs decreased to 75.4% of the maximum prior to radioiodination. In biodistribution and ex vivo fluorescence imaging, radioiodinated QDs were highly accumulated in reticuloendothelial system (liver and spleen) and had low level bone uptakes and slow clearance from body. These results suggest that the radioiodination method of nanoparticles using Bolton–Hunter reagent could be easily used in the biodistribution and quantification of nanoparticles in vivo.