¹⁸F Labeled Nanoparticles for in Vivo PET-CT Imaging

We report the synthesis and in vivo characterization of an ¹⁸F modified trimodal nanoparticle (¹⁸F-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 ¹⁸F 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 ¹⁸F dramatically lowers the detection threshold of the nanoparticles, while the facile conjugation chemistry provides a simple platform for rapid and efficient nanoparticle labeling.