Towards radiolabeled G 27C module for cellular imaging of bioactive Rosette nanotubes

Rosette nanotubes (RNTs) are obtained through the self-organization of biologically inspired self-complementary guanine-cytosine modules (G 27C motif) under physiological conditions. These architectures can express bioactive molecules on their surface by functionalizing the G 27C motif prior to self-assembly. As a result, RNTs are promising drug delivery vehicles for the treatment of diseases such as cancer and inflammatory disorders. Towards these studies, we have explored the toxicity and immunological response of RNTs and are now focused on understanding their cellular uptake, biological distribution and kinetics in vivo. For these investigations, we need to construct a RNT labeled with a radionuclide that can be followed in vivo by SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) imaging. In this proceeding, we describe a twin G 27C motif that is functionalized with mercaptoacetyl triglycine (MAG 3). This is a well known ligand which is able to form a stable chelate with the radionuclides 99mTc or 186/188Re. In order to develop the chemistry for this radiolabeling strategy for the RNTs, we demonstrate the chelation of the MAG 3 functionalized twin-G 27C motif with cold rhenium and investigate the self-assembly properties of the complex into RNTs under aqueous conditions. \ua9 2011 Materials Research Society.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye