Preparation of gold-198 radioisotope and evaluation of the effect of grafting of 198Au on functionalized silica nanoparticles on its biodistribution: introducing a new theranostic agent

In this study, the influence of grafting 198Au radioisotope on functionalized silica nanoparticles with a the biodistribution of this radioisotope compare to pure gold nanoparticles, was investigated. The Au radioisotope was prepared using neutronic bombardment of a highly pure metallic gold. The prepared radioisotope was coated on silica through an interface ligand. The biodistribution suggested that the hydrophilicity of the 198Au@MCM-41 nanosilica compare to pure gold nanoparticles was higher. Through the SPECT images and %ID/g measurement, it was found that the excretion of radiotracer from the body compare to pure gold nanoparticles became faster. The Au@MCM-41 nanocomposite could potentially be used in diagnosis and therapy of cancer.