The analysis of 2,3-dicarboxypropane-1,1-diphosphonic acid-coated magnetite nanoparticles under an external magnetic field and their radiolabeling for possible theranostic applications

Abstract

The advances in nanotechnology are directed towards the development of new theranostic agents based on magnetic nanoparticles that can be used for both cancer detection and treatment. In this study, 2,3-dicarboxypropane-1,1-diphosphonic acid-coated magnetite nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄–DPD MNPs) were evaluated for their theranostic application using different methods. The magnetic hyperthermia efficiency of the Fe₃O₄–DPD MNPs was investigated in saline solution with ionic strengths between 0.05 and 1.0 mol dm⁻³. For a better understanding of hyperthermia, the behavior of Fe₃O₄–DPD MNPs under a non-alternating magnetic field was studied, and the transparency of the sample was measured. Furthermore, the radiotracer method using the radionuclides ^99mTc and ⁹⁰Y was applied as a reliable and powerful method for evaluating the in vivo behavior of a nanoprobe; a high radiolabeling yield (>93%), in vitro and in vivo stability of the radiolabeled nanoparticles and high heating effect were observed, thus paving the way for the possible theranostic applications of Fe₃O₄–DPD MNPs.