99mTc-labeled Keratin-coated gold nanoparticles for selective anticancer photothermal therapy

We report and discuss the synthesis and characterization of a new generation of radiolabeled 99mTc keratin gold nanoparticles (99mTc-Ker-AuNPs) to realize a new generation of biocompatible nanotherapeutics for the treatment of cancerous tissues via light assisted thermal therapy. The presence of 99mTc easily allows revealing the Ker-AuNPs accumulation in tissues, thus enabling a selective photothermal ablation. The 99mTc-Ker-AuNPs is investigated through instant thin-layer chromatography (ITLC), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and a high resolution thermographic optical setup, revealing a successful conjugation between 99mTc-Ker and Ker-AuNPs along with excellent photo-thermal properties.