Synthesis, characterization and cell uptake of nanoparticles for a novel approach to radionuclide therapy: a feasibility study

In this work we report the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) of solid crystalline materials with theranostic properties, based on the biocompatible components fructose and SrCl2 or SrI2. We suitably modified the NPs surface, with simple and fast methods, in order to allow their survival in biological environments. Preliminary viability assay and cell uptake tests were performed on non-tumor and tumor cell lines, hTERT-HME1 and HT-29, respectively. Furthermore, a simple computational tool to evaluate the specific activity of NPs containing 89Sr and 131I required to deliver a pre-determined dose to the cancer tissue was developed, in order to rapidly estimate the amount of NPs to be administered to the patient. The results are discussed in the context of developing novel biocompatible materials for personalized radionuclide therapy.