Biodistribution and PET imaging of 89-zirconium labeled cerium oxide nanoparticles synthesized with several surface coatings

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CONPs) were synthesized with biocompatible coatings to improve biodistribution and clearance. PET-CT imaging and ex vivo biodistribution were enabled by zirconium-89 labeling of the core of the nanoparticle. [89Zr]-CONPs coated with citrate, dextran T10-amine (DT10-NH2), dextran T10-polyethylene glycol (DT10-PEG), dextran T10-sulfobetaine (DT10-SB) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) were directly compared to uncoated CONPs. The coated [89Zr]-CONPs showed no changes in redox properties or significant increases in toxicity. PET-CT imaging and ex vivo analysis established improved biodistribution of the coated nanoparticles, particularly for [89Zr]-CONP-PAA, which showed enhanced tissue uptake and renal clearance.193