Synthesis and investigation of physical properties of 68Ga @GO@S-Fe3O4 quantum dots as an imaging agent for cancer tumors

The use of hybrid diagnostic or diagnostic-therapeutic techniques together has accelerated and facilitated the process of cancer diagnosis and treatment and has played an important role in reducing patient mortality. In this regard, nanotechnology has been a leader by integrating nanomaterials and benefiting from their various capabilities, including optical and magnetic properties together. In this study, graphene oxide quantum dots incorporated with sulfur atoms and magnetic groups were synthesized in a simple single-step manner. GO@S-Fe3O4 QDs were characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–Vis spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Then, GO @ S-Fe3O4 quantum dots were labeled with high pure [68Ga] GaCl3. The radiochemical purity and stability of the 68Ga@GO@S-Fe3O4 QDs were examined using radio thin layer chromatography (RTLC). In-vivo bio-distribution studies in rat’s tumors were performed by intravenously injection of 68Ga@GO@S-Fe3O4 nanocomposite. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging was done to investigate the distribution of radiopharmaceuticals in organs and tumor. The highest absorption in the tumor was observed 30 minutes after injection via the tail vein, which is due to the absorption tendency of 68Ga@Fe3O4@ GO nanoparticles in the tumor.