Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Nanoparticles as Delivery Systems for the Improved Administration of Radiotherapeutic Anticancer Agents

This letter reports the development of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) as delivery systems that could potentially encapsulate and improve the administration of radiotherapeutic anticancer agents. Different metal ions (Ba, Gd, and Ce) were used as surrogates of α-emitting radionuclides (223Ra, 225Ac, and 227Th), and their encapsulation within the PLGA NPs (Dh < 300 nm) was evaluated. The initial concentration of metal ions, the metal salt (nitrate vs chloride), and the presence of chelators influenced the concentration of surrogate ions within the PLGA NPs. This letter shows the potential of PLGA NPs to encapsulate radionuclides, particularly α-emitters, for their application in nuclear medicine.