journal article·2026-06-23Open access

Ultra‐Radiostable Covalent Conformationally Interlocked Networks Enabling a Universal Radiometal‐Labeling Platform for Cancer Radioembolization

Xiao Xu, Zhenwen Zhao, Yangjie Wang, Zhigang Liu, Zhijie Liu, Xiaoling Li, Zhichen Mao, Lu Xu, Gan Lin, Gang Liu, Hongjuan Ma

Abstract

ABSTRACT Transcatheter arterial embolization (TARE) has emerged as a highly effective locoregional treatment for advanced liver cancer, which represents a significant advancement in clinical practice. Nonetheless, the utilization of traditional radioactive microspheres in TARE is hindered by various material and technical challenges that necessitate resolution. Herein, we present, for the first time, well‐designed and synthesized conjugated poly(imide dioxime) ligand‐based microspheres (PID‐Ms) with a remarkable radiometal coordinate covalent conformational interlocked network. PID‐Ms can be radiolabeled with various radionuclides, including 177 Lu, 90 Y, 188 Re, 68 Ga, and 99m Tc, can be achieved at low temperatures (40°C), and for diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy applications. The combined strategy of extended x‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS), DFT calculations, and in vitro and in vivo radiostability experiments collectively confirmed that radiometal‐PID complexes exhibit ultra‐high radiostability. 177 Lu‐PID‐Ms were employed to accurately predict normal organ shunts and radiotherapy in rat and rabbit VX2 orthotopic live tumor models, demonstrating their ultra‐radiostability and remarkable anti‐tumor efficacy. Furthermore, Radiometals‐PID‐Ms have an adjustable shelf life, enabling on‐demand radiolabeling for drug preparation, achieving rapid ‘on‐demand’ capability. This innovative approach has the potential to inspire the synthesis of numerous coordination polymeric materials for various applications in PET/SPECT‐mediated radiopharmaceutical therapy, alpha‐nucleophile‐targeted radiotherapy, and MRI contrast agents.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics · Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment and Prognosis · Covalent Organic Framework Applications

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Cancer Center Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Boron Neutron Therapy and Application in Malignant Tumors Dongguan Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Tumors The Tenth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University (Dongguan People’s Hospital) Dongguan China

State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory National Innovation Platform for Industry‐Education Integration in Vaccine Research School of Public Health Xiamen University Xiamen China

Shanghai Advanced Research Institute Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai China

Shanghai Applied Radiation Institute School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering Shanghai University Shanghai China

Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · Major State Basic Research Development Program of China

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