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Review

Gold Nanoparticles and Nanorods in Nuclear Medicine: A Mini Review

by
Daria Maccora
1,2,
Valentina Dini
3,4,*,
Chiara Battocchio
5,
Ilaria Fratoddi
6,
Antonella Cartoni
6,
Dante Rotili
7,
Massimo Castagnola
8,
Riccardo Faccini
4,9,
Isabella Bruno
1,
Teresa Scotognella
1,
Alessandro Giordano
1,2,* and
Iole Venditti
5,*
1
Nuclear Medicine Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
2
Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
3
National Center for Innovative Technologies in Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
4
INFN, Sezione di Roma1, 00185 Rome, Italy
5
Sciences Department Roma Tre University of Rome, 00146 Rome, Italy
6
Chemistry Department, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
7
Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
8
Laboratory of Proteomics–IRCCS-Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy
9
Physic Department, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(16), 3232; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9163232
Submission received: 20 July 2019 / Revised: 30 July 2019 / Accepted: 6 August 2019 / Published: 8 August 2019
(This article belongs to the Section Nanotechnology and Applied Nanosciences)
Browse Figures
Versions Notes

Abstract

:
In the last decade, many innovative nanodrugs have been developed, as well as many nanoradiocompounds that show amazing features in nuclear imaging and/or radiometabolic therapy. Their potential uses offer a wide range of possibilities. It can be possible to develop nondimensional systems of existing radiopharmaceuticals or build engineered systems that combine a nanoparticle with the radiopharmaceutical, a tracer, and a target molecule, and still develop selective nanodetection systems. This review focuses on recent advances regarding the use of gold nanoparticles and nanorods in nuclear medicine. The up-to-date advancements will be shown concerning preparations with special attention on the dimensions and functionalizations that are most used to attain an enhanced performance of gold engineered nanomaterials. Many ideas are offered regarding recent in vitro and in vivo studies. Finally, the recent clinical trials and applications are discussed.

Graphical Abstract

1. Introduction

In the last decade, there has been a great increase in nanotechnology research, producing numerous publications and innovative products in several fields such as energy, catalysis, optoelectronics, sensing, and biotechnology [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28]. Nanomaterials are proposed in medicine to increase the efficiency of therapies and diagnosis. In fact, in the diagnostic field, nanomaterials potentially introduce noteworthy advantages with respect to the traditional use of single molecules as radioactive tracers for in vivo and in vitro imaging [29,30,31,32]. Moreover, in therapy, nanodrug preparations are more useful than the usual low-molecular-weight drugs in many features. They protect the drugs, reducing renal elimination and hepatic degradation, leading to extended circulation time. Furthermore, nanoformulations increase drug concentrations at the pathological target, thereby improving the balance between the efficacy and the toxicity of systemic chemotherapeutic interventions.
Radiopharmaceuticals are showing amazing outcomes in diagnostic (90%) and therapeutic (10%) applications for many diseases such as cancer, heart and brain diseases, and so on [33]. They consist of a radioactive nuclide linked to a biologically active molecule directed to the target of interest. When radionuclides emit γ rays (either directly, as pure γ emitters, or indirectly, as β+ emitters), the radiopharmaceutical is intended for diagnostic imaging. When radionuclides emit β− or α particles (thanks to the cell-damaging properties) the radiopharmaceutical is used for therapeutic applications and, in some recent research studies, even for radio-guided surgery [34,35,36]. Theragnostics is a new term that implies the use of the same molecule, labeled with different radionuclides, for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes [37,38,39].
Radiopharmaceuticals have been increasingly used for medical diagnosis since the late 1940s, when nuclear medicine was born. Nuclear medicine aims at evaluating both physiological function as well as biochemical changes in disease conditions; it includes two-dimensional (2D) imaging (planar scintigraphy) and three-dimensional (3D) imaging (single-photon emission computed tomography, SPECT, and positron emission tomography, PET). The functional information obtained by SPECT and PET may need to be coupled with the anatomic/morphologic information typically provided by computed tomography (CT) (hence SPECT and PET are now commonly called SPECT-CT and PET-CT): these approaches, named “hybrid imaging”, have many advantages as well as high sensitivity, good spatial resolution, and the possibility to correctly locate functional abnormalities (by the SPECT or PET component) within a definite anatomic field (by the CT component) [34].
The γ-emitting radionuclides that are used for planar and SPECT imaging are usually obtained within hospital nuclear medicine facilities (or research departments) from small portable generators; some are produced by nuclear reactors and then shipped to the hospital facility ready to use. The β+ emitting radionuclides that are used for PET imaging are sometimes obtained from generators—or, more frequently, from cyclotrons located in industrial sites or in hospitals. PET radionuclides contribute to the higher costs of PET and PET-CT imaging as compared to planar, SPECT, and SPECT-CT imaging.
The Β-emitting radionuclides deliver highly energetic electrons that release their energy over up to 1 or 2 millimeters (path length) in the adjacent tissues; therefore, they are commonly used for therapeutic purposes (usually called radiometabolic therapy) [40,41]. Over the past 40 years, the therapeutic potential of several other radionuclides emitting α particles or Auger electrons has been assessed. α particle-emitting radionuclides are of considerable interest for radionuclide therapy because of their high cytotoxicity and very short path length. The most common use of radiometabolic therapy is the treatment of thyroid-related diseases [42,43]. Some other radionuclides emitting β-particles are also used in radiotherapy departments for the low-dose rate “brachytherapy” of some tumors, particularly prostate cancer [44,45,46].
Knowing this panorama, we can certainly say that the traditional health care and medical technology might be deeply influenced by the application of nanotechnology to nuclear medicine principles. A great impact on functional diagnosis and radiometabolic treatment can be expected, although the clinical applications are still at an initial phase. In fact, many nanoproducts have been developed, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is receiving many requests for the approval of nanomaterials conjugated with approved drug and radioactive agents [47].
Nanoradiopharmaceuticals show excellent promise in nuclear imaging and/or radiometabolic therapy. Their potentials offer more possibilities. It can be possible to develop nondimensional systems of existing radiopharmaceuticals or build engineered systems that combine a nanoparticle with the radiopharmaceutical, a tracer, and a target molecule and still develop selective nanodetection systems.
Among others, a main advantage of nanosized radioactive formulations is the presence of numerous radioactive atoms within a single nanoparticle. The conventional methods will allow only one tumor-avid biomolecule to carry one radioactive nuclide, but effective tumor therapy requires maximum radioactivity (effective payload) within the tumor site. The nanoparticles conjugated to tumor-avid biomolecules will be used as a Trojan horse to introduce a higher ratio of radioactive particles into the tumor. Thus, nanoparticles will become optimized drug delivery systems over a wide range of diseases, especially in cancer.
Nanoparticles can usually be accumulated in tumor endothelial cells but in nonspecific ways, such as passive targeting by means of the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. The finding of the EPR effect is one of the greatest advances leading to the development of targeted antitumor therapy. In addition to the enhanced leakiness of tumorous vessels, the EPR effect is also because solid tumors have a tendency to lack functional lymphatics, limiting in that way the removal of extravasated nanomaterials from the target site. Unluckily, when we are in the presence of large tumors, the local drug delivery is impracticable, because in these cases, the tumors have poor vascularization. In the passive targeting, the drug’s achievement is directly correlated to the circulation time. The nanoparticles’ functionalization can also afford a stealth surface that would moderate the reticuloendothelial system (RES) recognition of NPs and extend the circulation half-life. RES consists of cells descending from the monocytes, which can achieve the phagocytosis of foreign compounds. It is well-known that 90% of the RES are in the liver. Even though the EPR effect affords the opportunity for targeting into the tumor, it is not applicable to low-vascular permeability cancers. In addition, passive targeting could be not enough for drug accumulation in tumors. Where EPR is weak, NPs should be willing to aid permeation beyond the vasculature and into the tumor environment. While dissimilar passive targeting demonstrates low tumor selectivity, active targeting produces a higher intratumoral accumulation of a nanocarrier and drug. Consequently, it is positive to develop active targeting systems that can selectively identify specific cells or tissues, attaching specific ligands such as antibodies, aptamers, peptides, and so forth, on nanocarrier surfaces [48,49].
Among others, the gold-based nanomaterials have amazing features that make them very suitable and valuable in nanomedicine. In fact, they show remarkable chemical–physical properties, such as an easy modifiable morphology/size/surface, modulable optical absorption and scattering, photothermal and photoacoustic enhancements, and a wide surface/volume ratio that is suitable for interaction with the environment [50,51,52,53]. The gold surface can be functionalized and linked with drugs [54,55,56,57] and biomolecules, such as enzymes, antibodies, DNA, and peptides to achieve a specific site [58,59,60,61,62,63,64,65,66], and they are also studied to develop innovative antibacterial systems [67,68,69,70].
In the wide field of advanced materials that represent the frontier where gold-based materials and nuclear medicine meet, this review provides an updated scenario of the progress in this young research field, focusing on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and nanorods (AuNRs) used in diagnosis and therapy, as schematized in Figure 1. The first key topic is the chemical preparation of gold-based nanomaterials, which is focused on spheres and rods. The importance of the shape, size, and surface functionalization of these materials in nuclear medicine applications will be highlighted. Then, a review of the most recent in vitro and in vivo studies is presented as a preliminary test for clinical application. Finally, the recent clinical trials and applications are discussed.

2. Gold Nanoparticle and Nanorods: Preparations and Features

The peculiar chemical–physical features presented by gold-based nanomaterials make them an excellent platform in nanomedicine, especially in the case of AuNPs and AuNRs [71,72]. As it is well-known, these materials show a large surface to volume ratio that increases the interaction with the surrounding biochemical medium. They are easy synthesized and functionalized by chemical routes. The Turkevich process [73] produces highly stable AuNPs with dimensions in the range of 20 to 50 nm, wherein the capping agent is citrate, giving a net negative superficial charge that prevents particle aggregation. The Schiffrin–Brust method [74] is the most used synthetic route, which is always based on the reduction in two phases of Au3+ using different capping agents and reduction agents. Alongside these well-known approaches, the seed-mediated growth and use of bacteria are the other usual preparation methods to obtain gold-based nanomaterials, which are inert and stable [75,76].
Further, gold-based nanomaterials possess local surface plasmonic resonance (LSPR), which can be modulated by variations in shape, dimension, and aggregate formation [59,77,78]. The size and shape of particles modify the local electron confinement, which produces a variation in the LSPR absorption maxima. These properties endure evident changes when an anisotropic system is proposed, such as in the synthesis of nanorods instead of nanoparticles. AuNRs present strong plasmon resonance absorption, with both transversal and longitudinal LSPR peaks in two different spectrum ranges: the first in the visible range, and the second in the infrared (IR) region of electromagnetic radiation.
The use of AuNPs and AuNRs often requires specific functionalization wherein they are conjugated with a target-specific ligand. The ligand molecule was anchored with a gold surface but preserved a free ending functional group, which was able to form successive bond. Essentially, there are three ways for the introduction of targeted ligands on a gold surface. (i) First, there is physical adsorption, which occurs by means of electrostatic or hydrophobic interaction. It is a rapid process and avoids the need for a complex synthesis process. Nevertheless, any modification in experimental parameters (pH, ionic strength etc.) produces a detachment of the ligand molecule. (ii) Second, there is a covalent bond that in general is based on the strong bonding interaction between the gold surface and S or N atoms (alkanethiolates, alkaneamines glutathione, cysteine, xanthates, anthocyanins, disulfide, thioethers, aminoethers, dithiocarbamate). (iii) Lastly, there is an explicit tag with specific ligand molecules to obtain the desired target.
AuNPs and AuNRs are easily conjugated with radionuclides for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. In Table 1, examples of AuNPs and AuNRs are reported together with: (i) the dimension and (ii) surface functionalization of gold-based nanomaterials before the radionuclides conjugation, (iii) the conjugated radionuclide, (iv) the application in nuclear medicine, and (v) the reference to recent literature. All of this is presented with the aim of providing readers with a useful guide for orientation in this sector.
In several of these cases, the gold surface functionalization was realized by polyethylene glycol (PEG) coating and showed increased therapeutic efficacy of the formulation for radiosensitization. In fact, PEG covering reduces the AuNPs recognition by RES and protracts the circulation half-life. The RES involves cells descending from the monocytes, which are able to perform the phagocytosis of extraneous materials and particles [79]. The following paragraphs will illustrate the possibilities and advantages of using AuNPs and AuNRs in biotechnological applications, focusing on the field of nuclear medicine.

2.1. AuNPs

AuNPs can be synthesized by means of several processes such as chemical, physical, and biological methods [24,49,50,51,65]. A well-known bottom–up approach is a wet reduction in the presence of a capping agent [55,57,59,60,61,62,64]. The obtained AuNPs can be easily investigated by microscope techniques, such as transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and atomic force microscope (AFM) [98,99,100,101,102]. Capped AuNPs are prepared by using a water solution of tetrachloroauric acid as the gold precursor, a ligand molecule, and a reducing agent. Functionalizations can be produced on the gold surface using different synthetic strategies: (i) the method of ligand exchange; (ii) the introduction of bifunctional thiols; (iii) the use of many different capping agents throughout the synthesis mixture; and (iv) the derivation reaction in a post-synthesis procedure [99,103,104,105,106]. The ligand exchange is an easy and cheap mode to functionalize the gold surface, but frequently leads to a partial coverage that is short lasting and stable in time. In fact, this approach is based on an equilibrium reaction associated with the Nernst distribution [99]. The use of bifunctional thiols (HS-----X), which presents a free end group X, such as thiol, acid, amine, ester, and ether, allows the particle interactions with the external environment and enhance post-synthesis modifications. It is also possible to introduce different capping agents at the same time: in this way, many superficial functionalities can be introduced, but this approach needs strict control of the synthetic parameters (pH, concentrations, reducing agent, temperature) to assurance good reproducibility and dispersity [107,108]. The monodispersity is a key feature for the noble metal nanoparticles, which can be obtained by fine tuning experimental parameters during synthesis or by separation after synthesis [108,109,110].
The post-synthesis functionalization allows modifying the surface of the already purified and monodispersed nanoparticles. In this way, new features or new molecules or drugs are introduced on the particle ligands. The post-synthesis modification of the nanoparticles surface can be obtained through four main approaches, as schematized in Figure 2: (i) covalent attachment; (ii) electrostatic interaction; (iii) direct thiol reaction; and (iv) secondary interaction [111].
All of these approaches can be used to link radionuclides or their derivatives on AuNPs, but in many systems, the secondary interaction was preferred. For example, many AuNPs–PEG systems were studied as contrast agents for CT imaging. These systems exhibited several advantages compared with the clinical iodine-based contrast agents, such as better imaging performance and biocompatibility, longer blood circulation time, and manageable behaviors. Moreover, several 99mTc-labelled PEG–AuNPs have been developed as radiopharmaceuticals for SPECT imaging applications in cancer, sentinel lymph node (SLN), and other biological systems. In fact, 99mTc is a perfect radioisotope for SPECT imaging due to its favorable low energy γ-ray (140 keV), suitable half-life (6.02 h), low cost, and commercial availability [80,83,85].
Recently, Kim et al. has developed AuNPs–PEG functionalized with tumor-targeting moieties and chemotherapeutic agents, combining CT and chemotherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer. The surfaces of AuNPs were functionalized with the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) aptamer. Furthermore, PSMA aptamer-conjugated AuNPs were able to effectively bring DOX to LNCaP cells and produce important cytotoxicity in those in vitro cells. Multifunctional AuNPs are suitable platforms for combining CT and targeted chemotherapy [112].

2.2. AuNRs

The chemical synthesis is a strong tool for the bottom–up approach in gold-based materials preparations [49,63]. In particular for AuNRs, by the strict control of chemical procedures, it can be possible to control dimensions and monodispersity, as reported in Figure 3. Park et al. performed detailed studies on the growth mechanism of AuNRs and the role of seed growth [113]. They proposed changing in classic seed-mediated synthesis via the time-based control of seed and reactant concentration increasing the production of AuNRs more than 100 times with respect to the conventional concentration, while keeping autonomous control and narrow distribution of the nanoparticle dimensions, aspect ratio, and volume. In this way, they are confident that they cost-effectively meet the increased demand for large quantities of AuNRs in emergent applications.
Moreover, AuNRs present amazing optical properties, such as two characteristic transverse and longitudinal surface plasmonic bands: the first in the visible (~520 nm) range, and the second in the near-infrared (~900 nm) region. This optical property is perfect for in vivo imaging and therapy, because the near-infrared region allows the maximum penetration of light into tissues. Additionally, the AuNRs surface chemistry allows multiple functionalization by various pharmaceutical agents. Capping molecules, such as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), can be replaced or conjugated with many molecules. PEG-modified AuNRs show a nearly neutral surface and have little in vivo cytotoxicity. The application of AuNRs in nuclear medicine has attracted great interest in the last few years [91,95,114].
PEG-modified AuNRs were radiolabeled with 131I, and their in vivo biodistribution was investigated by intravenous injection into the rats [95]. Moreover, the in vivo stability and biological metabolism of the radiolabeled AuNRs in the rat’s body were studied using a γ-camera. The obtained results showed the prominent uptake of 131I-PEG-AuNRs in the blood after intravenous administration, which showed that the 131I-PEG-AuNRs as whole particles are hardly sequestered on the gland-type organs. One of the reasons for the high blood retention of 131I-PEG-AuNRs was AuNRs surface modification with PEG, which postponed the uptake of radio conjugates by the RES and influenced the biodistribution profile and the clearance kinetics. The PEG-coated AuNRs persisted in the blood for long time, but the accumulation in liver and spleen decreased drastically. This protocol revealed that 131I-PEG-AuNRs are extraordinary stable in vivo condition. In a recent work, cyclic arginine–glycine–aspartate acid (RGD)-conjugated gold nanoparticles were used to follow integrins in high resolution by means of cryo-electron tomography: it is possible to localize AuNPs in cells and identify the precise interactors within cells [115,116]. This development is a clear example of the AuNPs use of structural cell biology.
Zhang et al. conjugated 131I-labeled AuNRs with cyclic arginine–glycine–aspartic acid (RGD) and investigated its biological characteristics for the targeted imaging of integrin αVβ3-expressing tumors [91]. The 131I-labeled AuNRs–PEG–cRGD probe targeted selectively and could be taken up by tumor cells mainly via integrin α-receptor-mediated endocytosis. In vivo imaging, biodistribution, and autoradiography studies showed tumor uptake in integrin αVβ3-expressing tumors. For better investigation of inflammation, Shao et al. designed inflammation targeting nuclear and optical dual-modality contrast agents prepared by the 125I radiolabeling of AuNRs conjugated with anti-intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) Ab [91]. The success of the targeted delivery of AuNRs inflammatory tissue enabled both nuclear and optical imaging of inflammation at the molecular or cellular level.

3. In Vitro Evaluation of Radionuclides Delivered by AuNPs and AuNRs

Studies in vitro are very important, because they improve knowledge of what happens at the molecular level when nanoparticles interact with biological systems (i.e., bloodstream, culture medium, and/or cell cytoplasm). Exploring these interactions is essential to understand the next biological processes such as distribution, metabolism, and elimination, etc., in vivo studies. Moreover, the in vitro evaluation of AuNPs and AuNRs presents different advantages such as lower cost, faster speed, and a lack of ethical concerns.
The in vitro studies evaluate different properties relative to nanoparticles, such as the toxicity, the uptake into the cells, their stability in biological solutions in relation to size and shape, and particle-coating dose [117,118]. In particular, the attachment of radionuclides could influence the surface properties and modify the capability of loading other targeting or therapeutic compounds. In the U87MG glioma cell line, the targeting capability of the arginine–glycine–aspartic acid (RGD) peptide after 64Cu integration in AuNRs was assessed. The RGD maintains its capability of targeting integrin after 64Cu treatment [41]. Similarly, the attachment of PEG–trastuzumab (HER2-specific monoclonal antibody molecules) on the AuNPs surface (Ø = 5 nm) does not change the 211At absorption [82]. By contrast, the surfactant stabilizer CTAB, which is essential for the synthesis of AuNRs, exhibits strong cytotoxicity in terms of apoptosis and autophagy, and damage mitochondria producing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) [119].
Of all the aforementioned properties, toxicity is the most studied. It can be defined as beneficial when radio gold-based nanomaterials are used for therapeutic treatments, or as detrimental when they are used for diagnostic procedures. The main endpoints studied to assess the toxicity in vitro are: (i) proliferation (i.e., MTT cell viability assay, clonogenic assay), (ii) apoptosis (i.e., annexin-V assay, Comet assay, TUNEL assay), (iii) membrane integrity (i.e., uptake of Trypan Blue (TB) or Neutral Red (NR) dyes), (iv) oxidative assays (i.e., evaluation of the content of reactive oxygen species), and (v) DNA damage [120,121].
Cytotoxicity at different concentrations of the 198AuNPs with dimension ranged from 25 to 30 nm and encapsulated in arabinoxylan (AX) was determined in HeLa cells by NR dyes. The results show their non–toxic effect because they do not act on the cell viability and morphology (see Figure 4a,b). Consequently, the 198AuNPs encapsulated into AX could be employed for in vivo studies in the field of diagnostics [122].
The cytotoxicity of the 124I-AuNPs embedded into dendritic cells (DCs) used for immunotherapy has been evaluated in terms of proliferation by MTT cell viability assay and in terms of apoptosis by annexin-V assay. The cell viability test has shown no significant differences between the labeled and unlabeled DCs in the range of concentrations studied (1.0 to 4.0 nM) over 48 h. Moreover, 124I-AuNP uptake in the DCs did not altered their migration and their antigen uptake capacities. Overall, these results point toward the use of these AuNPs as platforms for nuclear and optical imaging applications [123].
Furthermore, the cytotoxicity in terms of viability of 198AuNPs (Ø = 3.7 ± 1.0 nm) integrated within the Lactobacillus bacteria cells (LACT) has been studied. The study was performed by using MTT test on breast cancer (MCF-7) and on normal colon (CRLA1790) cells, which were incubated with radioactive or non-radioactive LACT–AuNP. The results have shown in both cell lines a decrease of cell viability after incubation with LACT–198AuNP with the MCF-7 cells more radiosensitive than the CRLA1790 cells. Moreover, after incubation with non-radioactive LACT–AuNP, no cytotoxicity was observed in both cell lines [124]. Similar results are obtained embedded 124I-Au@AuCBs in the macrophage, which is used as a delivery system for photothermal therapy (PTT) in colon cancer cells (CT26) (see Figure 5) [125].
The cytotoxicity of PEG-124I-Au@AuCBs has been examined in various cell types (Chinese hamster ovary–CHO; murine dendritic–DC2.4; breast cancer cells–4T1) by proliferation and apoptotic assays. Overall, the results show no differences in cell viability; in apoptosis, unlabeled and labeled samples were compared at the concentrations of PEG-124I-Au@AuCBs used, as reported in Figure 6 [126].
Finally, trastuzumab-211At-AuNPs exhibited higher cytotoxicity compared to 211At-AuNPs. This result encourages the further development of trastuzumab-211At-AuNPs as an innovative radiopharmaceutical for local α therapy of HER2-positive cancers due to specific tumor cell binding and high internalization in the tumor [82]. The cytotoxicity of the polyethylenimine-entrapped gold nanoparticles (Au–PE–NPs) functionalized with PEG, chlorotoxin (CTX)—namely, the peptide tumor-targeting ligand—and 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionic acid-OSu (HPAO) has been assessed in glioma C6 cells in terms of proliferation, before and after radiolabeling with 131I. The 131I–Au–PE–NPs–CTX were tested for targeted SPECT imaging and radionuclide therapy in glioma C6 cells. Overall, the results show high viabilities without 131I, suggesting good cellular compatibility. On the contrary, after treatment with 131I, the C6 viability decreases in a dose-dependent manner. Also, the cellular uptake is furthered by the addition of the CTX peptide, which occurs through a pathway mediated by receptors. Finally, the targeted specificity has been evaluated by in vitro SPECT imaging. The SPECT signal intensity is increased 4.2-fold in the cells treated with the 131IAu–PE–NPs–CTX compared to those treated with the 131I–Au–PE–NPs, as reported in Figure 7 [127].
The technetium (Tc) is the radionuclide that is most used in nuclear medicine for diagnostic investigations with SPECT. For this reason, in the age of nanomedicine, it becomes very important to be able to combine it with nanostructures. In a recent paper, the dendrimer-entrapped AuNPs (Au DENPs), labeled with 99mTc and functionalized with duramycin, are tested in vitro using SPECT/CT imaging, in order to detect tumor apoptosis in glioma C6 cells after doxorubicin treatment. Duramycin has a high specificity in recognizing the phospholipid phosphatidylserine (PS), which is present on the outer surface of the cellular membrane of apoptotic cells. The results show that SPECT images of apoptotic C6 cells treated with the 99mTc–duramycin–Au DENPs are much brighter than those of apoptotic C6 cells treated with the 99mTc–duramycin–Au DENPs [128].
Another important aspect of the AuNPs and AuNRs used in nuclear medicine and which need careful in vitro evaluation is their uptake inside the cell, because this key point may also depend on the cell type under consideration. In effect, the uptake of 198AuNPs in HepG2 cells and in Madin−Darby canine kidney (MDCK) has shown a dose-dependent internalization in both cell lines, but with a different trend. Moreover, the uptake in HepG2 cells is higher compared to uptake in MDCK cells [129]. The uptake of 68Ga-AuNPs with bombesin (BBN) and the Lys–urea–Glu motif (LUG), which binds the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) and the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in PC3, A431, and LNCaP cells, is evaluated. Figure 8 shows these obtained results. [130].
The cellular in vitro uptake of 131I–AuNRs conjugated with cyclic RGD (namely, a peptide targeting a cell adhesion molecule integrin αvβ3) in B16F10 mouse malignant melanoma cells (positive for integrin αvβ3) and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells (negative for integrin αvβ3) has been studied. The result shows a strong uptake in the first ones compared to the last ones, and this confirms that the internalization occurs through receptor-mediated endocytosis [91].
Also, the uptake of AuNPs (Ø = 56.37 ± 3.04 nm) and AuNRs (22.41 ± 1.01 nm in diameter and 56.12 ± 3.22 nm in length) labeled with 125I and with addition of αvβ3 integrin-targeted and cisplatin has been evaluated in H1299 cells. The results show a high cell uptake of the AuNRs with respect to AuNPs, indicating that the shape could influence the uptake into cells. Furthermore, the study shows a greater therapeutic efficacy of NRs compared to NPs assessed in terms of cell viability in vitro and the γ-H2AX induction ex vivo, which is probably due to their rapid spread in the tumor interstitial [131].
The uptake of AuNPs labeled with 99mTc-TOC and conjugated to either Lys3–BBN, cyclo [Arg–Gly–Asp–D–Phe–Lys–(Cys)] (c[RGDfK(C)]) or thiol-mannose, in αvβ3 receptor-positive C6 glioma cancer cells, GRP-r-positive PC3 cancer cells, or mannose receptor-positive rat liver cells, has been evaluated in order to verify the specific target recognition. In all cases, the uptake of radiopharmaceutical 99mTc-AuNP conjugated with Lys3-BBN or c[RGDfK(C)] or mannose, has been significantly higher with respect to 99mTc-AuNP only [87].

4. Gold Nanoparticle and Nanorods: Clinical Aspects

In view of their chemical and biological features, AuNPs and AuNRs can be labeled with several radionuclides, and have been proposed as innovative tools for diagnostic imaging, for the targeted delivery of drugs, and for the radio treatment of several cancer types [31,132]. The different diagnostic and therapeutic applications of a single molecule/substance are now called theragnostic applications [133], which is one of the most promising fields of nuclear medicine [31]. Radiolabeled gold based nanomaterials have been designed to be able to link the target of interest with the highest binding specificity; however, each AuNP or AuNR showed different behavior based on its individual physical and biological properties, remaining on the cell surface or accumulating inside the cells [81].
Several radionuclides have been proposed to label AuNPs: 198Au, 125I, 111In, 64Cu, 68Ga, and 99mTc [31]. Depending on the physical properties of the radionuclide, the diagnostic imaging has different characteristics: γ-emitting radionuclides provide single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging [87,91,97,134,135], while β+-emitting radionuclides provide positron emission tomography (PET) imaging [41,88] or Cerenkov luminescence imaging [81]. When a β-emitting radionuclide is used, its application is “radiometabolic therapy”. Most of the AuNPs were firstly studied in vitro to optimize the synthesis, and were then considered for pre-clinical evaluation to analyze the biodistribution, target uptake, and intralesional distribution. Despite a huge amount of research, no radiolabeled AuNPs have reached the human administration or final authorization for clinical use (by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States, or by the European Medicines Agency in Europe).

4.1. Radionuclide 198Au

Black et al. [81] provided an overview of AuNPs with different forms (nanospheres, nanodisks, nanorods, and cubic nanocages) incorporating radioactive Au. Studying a murine EMT6 breast cancer model, 198Au-labeled AuNPs were imaged by the Cerenkov signal. Both 198Au nanospheres and nanodisks were found on the surfaces of the tumors, while 198Au nanorods and nanocages were located inside the tumors. 198Au was used to functionalize the prostate tumor-specific epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCg) with AuNPs (198AuNP-EGCg) to deliver a targeted therapy to the prostate gland using the β emission. Pharmacokinetic studies showed about 72% of 198AuNP–EGCg uptake in SCID mice bearing PC-3 tumors 24 hours after the intratumoral injection. The therapeutic effect was a significant inhibition of the tumor growth, with an 80% decrease of tumor volumes after 28 days [136].

4.2. Radionuclide 125I

Pure γ emitter. AuNRs were conjugated to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) antibody and radiolabeled with 125I by a simpler, green, and unsophisticated method by Agarwal et al. [97]. Since TNF-α is highly concentrated in inflamed tissues, AuNRs conjugated with anti-TNF-α were aimed at quantitatively characterizing the degree of inflammation within joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis as well as monitoring drug delivery. Indeed, Agarwal et al. obtained a hybrid imaging (SPECT/CT) to demonstrate the distribution of these AuNRs in the articular tissues of the rat tail joints. 125I was also used to radiolabel AuNRs conjugated to anti-intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) antibody. Imaging was obtained through a γ camera, evaluating an induced arthritic rat model, which presented higher levels of ICAM-1 in the affected ankle joints [92]. Another approach was to radiolabel AuNPs with 125I and 111In (another γ emitter with some Auger electrons) and to functionalize it with a peptide matrix metalloproteinase (pMMP9), resulting in a multispectral SPECT imaging agent. Studies on phantoms and on mice bearing two types of tumors with differing pMMP9 levels were performed to differentiate tumors with different MMP9 expressions [137].

4.3. Radionuclide 99mTc

Pure γ emitter. Technetium-99m-labeled AuNPs conjugated to the hydrazinonicotinamide–Gly–Gly–Cys–NH2 (HYNIC–GGC) peptide and to a thiol–triazole–mannose (99mTc–AuNP–mannose) showed high specific activity and satisfactory pharmacokinetics for targeted imaging: 99mTc–AuNP–mannose, showing a radiochemical purity of ≥95%, was demonstrated as stable in human serum and in the popliteal lymph node of rats within 24 h from the injection (see Figure 9). Therefore, 99mTc–AuNP–mannose should be considered a valid candidate for the detection of the sentinel lymph nodes [87].
A recent study aimed to evaluate the synthesis, characterization, and use of 99mTc-labeled dendrimer-entrapped AuNPs (99mTc-Au DENPs) for targeted SPECT/CT imaging of chemotherapy-induced tumor apoptosis [128]. Indeed, 99mTc–Au DENPs allowed the targeted imaging of apoptotic cancer cells in vitro and of tumor apoptosis after doxorubicin treatment in nude mice bearing C6 glioma cells and xenografted tumors.

4.4. Integrin αvβ3-Based Targeting

Integrin αvβ3 is a cell adhesion molecule that is overexpressed in most tumor cells for the regulation of angiogenesis and is involved in different stages of cancer development, such as malignant transformation, tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. The cyclic arginine–glycine–aspartate acid (RGD) peptide was widely considered to target integrin αvβ3, showing promising results, in term of higher affinity, selectivity, and stability than linear peptides [91,138]. For these features, the cyclic RGD was also conjugated to AuNPs and then labeled with different radioisotopes as 64Cu [41], 111In [134], and 68Ga [91,133,139] for theragnostic purposes.

4.4.1. Radionuclide 64Cu

β+ and β− emitter. A simple and chelator-free 64Cu radiolabeling technique was employed to obtain a radiochemically stable 64Cu-integrated AuNR with the RGD peptide. This compound showed high tumor affinity in U87MG glioblastoma xenograft model mice, and was efficaciously used for PET image-guided photothermal therapy [41].

4.4.2. Radionuclide 111In

γ emitter with some Auger electrons. In the study of Ng et al. [134], labeling AuNPs with 111In through a direct labeling approach resulted in high activity yield with good stability in the biological setting. Then, their cores were modified on the surface with RGD-based ligands allowing the molecular targeting of the integrin αvβ3-expressing cells in vitro and SPECT/CT imaging in human melanoma and glioblastoma bearing nude mice in vivo (see Figure 10).

4.4.3. Radionuclide 68Ga

β+ emitter. In order to obtain a dual modality positron emission tomography–magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) imaging, a gadolinium chelate-coated AuNP was conjugated to a RGD peptide and radiolabeled with 68Ga. Ex vivo biodistribution and in vivo PET and MRI studies in U87MG tumor-bearing SCID mice showed promising results. PET and MRI images were in accordance with the biodistribution data [139].

4.4.4. Radionuclide 131I

γ and β− emitter. Recently, Zhang et al. [91] produced 131I-labeled AuNRs conjugated to the cyclic RGD for targeting integrin αvβ3-positive B16F10 cells implanted in mice. Their promising results aim at angiogenesis-targeted SPECT/CT imaging; moreover, the authors suggested a multifunctional theragnostic use in view of this AuNR’s intrinsic capacity of photothermal conversion in the near-infrared region.

4.5. Monoclonal Antibody-Labeled AuNPs

Monoclonal antibody-labeled AuNPs were considered promising agents for cancer imaging and therapy. To functionalize AuNPs, a good candidate was cetuximab: a mouse–human chimeric monoclonal antibody that binds competitively to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is a tyrosine kinase receptor. In view of EGFR overexpression in many epithelial solid tumors, anticancer therapy against EGFR was already widely studied and applied [96].

4.5.1. Radionuclide 89Zr

β+ emitter. Cetuximab was radiolabeled with 89Zr and conjugated to AuNPs with a coupling reaction yield >75%. Agents were more stable in vitro than in plasma. Evaluation in nude mice bearing human epithelial carcinoma xenografts (A431) revealed no significant difference in terms of tumor uptake for cetuximab conjugated to AuNPs up to 72 hours after the administration, compared to the non-conjugated antibody. Immuno-PET imaging showed a high tumor-to-background ratio [88].

4.5.2. Radionuclides 131I and 123I

γ and β− emitter and γ emitter, respectively.131I-labeled immuno-AuNP (131I–C225–AuNPs–PEG) for EGFR-expressed A549 human lung cancer was evaluated in Kao et al.’s study as a promising theragnostic agent [135]. MicroSPECT/CT imaging showed a significant uptake of the compound in tumor-bearing mice. In this paper, the authors concluded that 131I–C225–AuNPs–PEG might be a valid agent for radioimmunotherapy in EGFR-expressing cancers.

5. Conclusions

AuNPs and AuNRs have emerged as promising nanotools in nuclear medicine. The advantages of stability, compatibility in biological environment, easy surface functionalization, and miniaturization have made them good and versatile candidates in therapy and diagnostic applications. In the last few years, they have been increasingly studied in different experimental settings and with interesting results, giving the right premises to see them applied in humans. Finally, we believe that research on AuNPs and AuNRs will have a key role in the development of molecular imaging and radionuclide targeted therapy, both being considered the main development directions toward “personalized medicine”.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, I.V., V.D. and A.G.; writing—original draft preparation, D.M., I.V., V.D. and A.G.; writing—review and editing, D.M., V.D., C.B., I.F., A.C., D.R., M.C., R.F., I.B., T.S., A.G. and I.V.; supervision, I.V.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Acknowledgments

The Grant of Excellence Departments, MIUR (ARTICOLO 1, COMMI 314–337 LEGGE 232/2016), is gratefully acknowledged by authors of Roma Tre University.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Figure 1. Key aspects of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and gold nanorods (AuNRs) in nuclear medicine.
Figure 1. Key aspects of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and gold nanorods (AuNRs) in nuclear medicine.
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Figure 2. The four major surface modification approaches for the functionalization of nanoparticles, using PEG and a peptide as an example of a biomolecule. (1) Covalent attachment: covalent reactions such as EDC/NHS coupling occur between the PEG layer and biomolecule end groups. (2) Electrostatic: use cationic/anionic PEG and biomolecules to allow charge–charge conjugation. (3) Direct thiol reaction: both PEG and biomolecules loaded through thiol binding to the surface. (4) Secondary interaction: ligands are loaded onto the surface followed by the biomolecules containing a specific receptor to allow a ligand-receptor specific conjugation. Reproduced with permission from [111].
Figure 2. The four major surface modification approaches for the functionalization of nanoparticles, using PEG and a peptide as an example of a biomolecule. (1) Covalent attachment: covalent reactions such as EDC/NHS coupling occur between the PEG layer and biomolecule end groups. (2) Electrostatic: use cationic/anionic PEG and biomolecules to allow charge–charge conjugation. (3) Direct thiol reaction: both PEG and biomolecules loaded through thiol binding to the surface. (4) Secondary interaction: ligands are loaded onto the surface followed by the biomolecules containing a specific receptor to allow a ligand-receptor specific conjugation. Reproduced with permission from [111].
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Figure 3. (a) Different AuNRs volume in function of seed concentration; (b) AuNRs TEM images, scale bars 100 nm; (c) Comparing the conventional seed-mediated protocol and the two steps approach. Adapted from [113] with permission from the American Chemical Society (2017).
Figure 3. (a) Different AuNRs volume in function of seed concentration; (b) AuNRs TEM images, scale bars 100 nm; (c) Comparing the conventional seed-mediated protocol and the two steps approach. Adapted from [113] with permission from the American Chemical Society (2017).
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Figure 4. (A) Histogram showing percentage of cell viability against the HeLa cell line after incubation with arabinoxylan (AX) suspension. (B) Microscopic images showing no morphological changes (a) control cells, (b) AX-treated cells, (c) AX-encapsulated 198AuNP-treated cells, and (d) 198AuNP-treated cells. Adapted with permission from [122].
Figure 4. (A) Histogram showing percentage of cell viability against the HeLa cell line after incubation with arabinoxylan (AX) suspension. (B) Microscopic images showing no morphological changes (a) control cells, (b) AX-treated cells, (c) AX-encapsulated 198AuNP-treated cells, and (d) 198AuNP-treated cells. Adapted with permission from [122].
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Figure 5. Cytotoxic effects of 124I-Au@AuCBs in colon cancer CT26 cells after photothermal therapy. (a) Analysis of cell viability and (b) apoptosis in irradiated cells via annexin V/PI staining. *** p < 0.0001; NS not significant. Reproduced with permission of [125].
Figure 5. Cytotoxic effects of 124I-Au@AuCBs in colon cancer CT26 cells after photothermal therapy. (a) Analysis of cell viability and (b) apoptosis in irradiated cells via annexin V/PI staining. *** p < 0.0001; NS not significant. Reproduced with permission of [125].
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Figure 6. Cell proliferation assay to determine the biocompatibility of 124I-Au@AuCBs in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO), murine dendritic (DC2.4), and breast cancer (4T1) cells. Cells were plated in 96-well plates for 24 h, and PEG-124I-Au@AuCBs were then added for 48 h. Cell proliferation was determined with (a) Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays and (b) CellTiter-Glo® Luminescent Cell Viability Assay. Reproduced with permission of [126].
Figure 6. Cell proliferation assay to determine the biocompatibility of 124I-Au@AuCBs in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO), murine dendritic (DC2.4), and breast cancer (4T1) cells. Cells were plated in 96-well plates for 24 h, and PEG-124I-Au@AuCBs were then added for 48 h. Cell proliferation was determined with (a) Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays and (b) CellTiter-Glo® Luminescent Cell Viability Assay. Reproduced with permission of [126].
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Figure 7. In vitro single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images of glioma C6 cells treated with (a) 131I–Au polyethylenimine-entrapped gold nanoparticles (PE–NPs) and (b) 131I–Au. PENPs– chlorotoxin (CTX) for 4 h at the radioactive concentrations of 25 μCi/mL, 50 μCi/mL, 100 μCi/mL, 200 μCi/mL, and 400 μCi/mL, respectively, and (c) their relative SPECT signal intensities. Adapted with permission of [127].
Figure 7. In vitro single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images of glioma C6 cells treated with (a) 131I–Au polyethylenimine-entrapped gold nanoparticles (PE–NPs) and (b) 131I–Au. PENPs– chlorotoxin (CTX) for 4 h at the radioactive concentrations of 25 μCi/mL, 50 μCi/mL, 100 μCi/mL, 200 μCi/mL, and 400 μCi/mL, respectively, and (c) their relative SPECT signal intensities. Adapted with permission of [127].
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Figure 8. Cell uptake studies. (a) Uptake of gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR)-specific AuNP [68Ga]10 into GRPR-positive PC3 cells (red) compared to GRPR-negative A431 cells (green). (b) Uptake of AuNP [68Ga]11 into LNCaP cells at different BSA concentrations. Adapted with permission from [130].
Figure 8. Cell uptake studies. (a) Uptake of gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR)-specific AuNP [68Ga]10 into GRPR-positive PC3 cells (red) compared to GRPR-negative A431 cells (green). (b) Uptake of AuNP [68Ga]11 into LNCaP cells at different BSA concentrations. Adapted with permission from [130].
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Figure 9. Image obtained from a microSPECT/CT acquisition 2 h after 99mTc–AuNP–mannose injection with the sentinel lymph node identification. Reproduced from [87] with permission from the journal Nuclear Medicine and Biology.
Figure 9. Image obtained from a microSPECT/CT acquisition 2 h after 99mTc–AuNP–mannose injection with the sentinel lymph node identification. Reproduced from [87] with permission from the journal Nuclear Medicine and Biology.
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Figure 10. The figure shows in-vivo targeting of 111In–cyclic arginine–glycine–aspartate acid (RGD)-based AuNPs. Biodistribution studies were performed in nude mice bearing xenografts of human melanoma (M21: melanoma cells with high αvβ3 integrin expression, M21-L: melanoma cells with high αvβ3 integrin expression) and glioblastoma (U87: glioblastoma cells). Biodistribution was displayed as the percent of injection dose per gram of organ weight (%ID/g). Each organ (A) and tumor biodistribution (B) demonstrated higher uptake of RGD-modified 111In–AuNPs (blue) when compared with the non-targeted AuNPs (red) in the U87 tumor model. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging (C) showed a higher uptake of RGD-modified 111In-AuNPs in the M21 tumor (left) compared to the M21-L tumor (right). Reproduced from [134] with permission from the journal Biomaterials.
Figure 10. The figure shows in-vivo targeting of 111In–cyclic arginine–glycine–aspartate acid (RGD)-based AuNPs. Biodistribution studies were performed in nude mice bearing xenografts of human melanoma (M21: melanoma cells with high αvβ3 integrin expression, M21-L: melanoma cells with high αvβ3 integrin expression) and glioblastoma (U87: glioblastoma cells). Biodistribution was displayed as the percent of injection dose per gram of organ weight (%ID/g). Each organ (A) and tumor biodistribution (B) demonstrated higher uptake of RGD-modified 111In–AuNPs (blue) when compared with the non-targeted AuNPs (red) in the U87 tumor model. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging (C) showed a higher uptake of RGD-modified 111In-AuNPs in the M21 tumor (left) compared to the M21-L tumor (right). Reproduced from [134] with permission from the journal Biomaterials.
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Table
Table 1. Functionalized AuNPs and AuNRs reported with the conjugated radionuclide and the application in Nuclear Medicine. PET: positron emission tomography, SPECT: single-photon emission computed tomography.
Table 1. Functionalized AuNPs and AuNRs reported with the conjugated radionuclide and the application in Nuclear Medicine. PET: positron emission tomography, SPECT: single-photon emission computed tomography.
MorphologyGold Surface FunctionalitySize (nm)RadionuclidesNuclear Medicine ApplicationsRef.
AuNPs
PEI399TcSPECT/TC[80]
Tannic acid40124IPET[30]
PEG30198AuSPECT[81]
PEG15211Atcytotoxicity[82]
PEG30177Lubrachytherapy[44]
Amino-PEG3099TcSPECT/CT[83]
PEG5199AuSPECT, biodistribution[84]
PEI399TcSPECT/TC[85]
PEG30177Lutreatment of breast cancer[86]
thiol mannose2099Tcsentinel lymph node detection[87]
allylamine589ZrPET, biodistribution[88]
PEG *1018FPET[89]
AuNRs
sPEG20–60169Ybbrachytherapy[90]
PEG25–90131Ibiodistribution[91]
PEG20–90125Ibioactivity[92]
polydopamine15–60125ISPECT/TC[93]
PEG15–50; 15–7564CuPET, biodistribution[41]
HPMA **---90Ytreatment of prostate tumors[94]
PEG10–40198AuSPECT, biodistribution[81]
PEG10–25131Ibiodistribution[95]
PEG10–50125Ibiodistribution[96]
PEG---125ISPECT, PET[97]
* PEG = polyethylene glycol, ** HPMA = N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide.

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MDPI and ACS Style

Maccora, D.; Dini, V.; Battocchio, C.; Fratoddi, I.; Cartoni, A.; Rotili, D.; Castagnola, M.; Faccini, R.; Bruno, I.; Scotognella, T.; et al. Gold Nanoparticles and Nanorods in Nuclear Medicine: A Mini Review. Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 3232. https://doi.org/10.3390/app9163232

AMA Style

Maccora D, Dini V, Battocchio C, Fratoddi I, Cartoni A, Rotili D, Castagnola M, Faccini R, Bruno I, Scotognella T, et al. Gold Nanoparticles and Nanorods in Nuclear Medicine: A Mini Review. Applied Sciences. 2019; 9(16):3232. https://doi.org/10.3390/app9163232

Chicago/Turabian Style

Maccora, Daria, Valentina Dini, Chiara Battocchio, Ilaria Fratoddi, Antonella Cartoni, Dante Rotili, Massimo Castagnola, Riccardo Faccini, Isabella Bruno, Teresa Scotognella, and et al. 2019. "Gold Nanoparticles and Nanorods in Nuclear Medicine: A Mini Review" Applied Sciences 9, no. 16: 3232. https://doi.org/10.3390/app9163232

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