Biodistribution of Tc-99m-Labeled Solid Lipid Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Their Possibility as a Radiopharmaceutical


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Eroglu H., Ayan A. K., Yenilmez A.

Molecules, cilt.31, sa.4, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 31 Sayı: 4
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.3390/molecules31040654
  • Dergi Adı: Molecules
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, MEDLINE, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: biodistribution, drug delivery, scintigraphy, solid lipid nanoparticle, Tc-99m
  • Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are submicron colloidal systems widely investigated as drug carriers; however, their intrinsic biodistribution properties are also critical when SLNs are considered for diagnostic imaging. In the present proof-of-concept study, drug-free SLNs were evaluated exclusively as a radiolabeled imaging agent rather than as a drug delivery system. SLNs were radiolabeled with Technetium-99m (99mTc), and their in vivo biodistribution was investigated using gamma camera imaging, ex vivo organ counting, and confocal microscopy. SLNs were prepared by a microemulsion–low-temperature solidification method and characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Radiolabeling efficiency was determined by instant thin-layer chromatography (ITLC) and exceeded 95%. Following intravenous administration in a rabbit model, dynamic scintigraphic imaging demonstrated predominant uptake in the liver and spleen. These findings were quantitatively confirmed by ex vivo biodistribution analysis at 4 h post-injection and qualitatively supported by confocal microscopy of liver and spleen tissues. The results indicate that 99mTc-labeled SLNs behave as RES-targeting radiocolloids and may serve as potential agents for liver–spleen scintigraphy.