Folate receptor targeted self-assembled chitosan-based nanoparticles for SPECT/CT imaging: Demonstrating a preclinical proof of concept

A new biocompatible, biodegradable, self-assembled chitosan-based nanoparticulate product was successfully synthesized and radiolabeled with technetium-99m, and studied as a potential new SPECT or SPECT/CT imaging agent for diagnosis of folate receptor overexpressing tumors. In the present study we examined the conditions of a preclinical application of this labeled nanosystem in early diagnosis of spontaneously diseased veterinary patient using a human SPECT/CT device. The results confirmed that the nanoparticles accumulated in tumor cells overexpressing folate receptors, contrast agent revealed higher uptake in the tumor for a long time. Preclinical trials verified that the new nanoparticles are able to detect folate-receptor-overexpressing tumors in spontaneously diseased animal models with enhanced contrast.

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