The Application of Radiolabeled Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles in Molecular Imaging

In medicine, nanoparticles are used for various purposes, including theranostics, imaging, diagnostics, drug delivery, tissue regeneration and targeted cancer treatments, and to minimize the harmful side effects associated with conventional therapies. Target-specific biomolecules, such as silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) labeled with metallic radionuclides, are becoming increasingly popular. The choice of radionuclide is based on its nuclear properties. Silica has several advantages for nanoparticle synthesis, including high biocompatibility, the capacity for drug encapsulation due to its porous structure, and the potential for extensive surface functionalization, including radiolabeling for imaging and therapeutic applications. A radionuclide can be attached to a silica nanoparticle either directly or through the use of chelators or polymers. Additionally, the capability to encapsulate therapeutic agents within such systems offers significant potential for the development of targeted therapies. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent developments in the radiolabeling of silica-based nanoparticles, with a focus on their application in nuclear medicine, particularly in diagnostic imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy. Theranostics employs a range of imaging modalities to guide and monitor therapeutic interventions. Principal techniques include positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and Optical Imaging (such as fluorescence and bioluminescence). These imaging methods enable precise visualization of pathological sites, facilitate tracking of therapeutic agent distribution, and permit real-time assessment of treatment efficacy.