Towards thrombosis-targeted zeolitenanoparticles for laser-polarized 129Xe MRI

Abstract

The synthesis and functionalisation of zeolite nanoparticles designed for laser-polarized ¹²⁹Xe NMR experiments in solution are described. These nanoparticles were functionalized by using original synthesis pathways through semicarbazide COCHO chemistry in order to ensure anchoring of a peptide for targeting biological receptors and attachment of PEG chains for in vivo experiments. Results demonstrated that accessibility of the dissolved noble gas to the micropores was maintained after functionalization. γ Scintigraphy with ¹¹¹In linked to the zeolite particles has been investigated in order to follow the behaviour of the zeolite nanoparticles in mice. These preliminary ¹¹¹In scintigraphy experiments showed the localization of the nanoparticles after injection in mice and their biodistribution, as a first proof-of-concept towards in vivo¹²⁹Xe MRI.