18F Labeled Nanoparticles for in Vivo PET-CT Imaging

We report the synthesis and in vivo characterization of an F-18 modified trimodal nanoparticle (F-18-CLIO). This particle consists of cross-linked dextran held together in core-shell formation by a superparamagnetic iron oxide core and functionalized with the radionuclide F-18 in high yield via click chemistry. The particle can be detected with positron emission tomography, fluorescence molecular tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The presence of F-18 dramatically lowers the detection threshold of the nanoparticles, while the facile conjugation chemistry provides a simple platform for rapid and efficient nanoparticle labeling.