Phenylboronic acid conjugated multifunctional nanogels with (131)I-labeling for targeted SPECT imaging and radiotherapy of breast adenocarcinoma

We report a new (131)I-labeling functional platform for targeted single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging and radiotherapy of breast adenocarcinoma. In this study, polyethyleneimine (PEI) based nanogels (P.NH(2) NGs) were prepared by water/oil polymerization, modified with targeted agent phenylboronic acid (PBA), and labeled with radionuclide (131)I. The NGs without (131)I-labeling own a spherical structure, uniform size distribution, and good cell viability. After (131)I-labeling, the obtained (131)I-PBA-PHP NGs displayed much higher cellular uptake than the non-targeted NGs due to the good softness and fluidity of NGs and the PBA targeting. The in vivo results demonstrated that (131)I-PBA-PHP NGs could specifically target breast cancer cells and efficiently aggregate into xenograft breast adenocarcinoma for tumor SPECT imaging and specific radiotherapy. The developed (131)I-labeling NGs may be used as a promising platform for efficient radioactive theranostic nanoplatform of tumor.