A novel type of dual-modality molecular probe for MR and nuclear imaging of tumor: Preparation, characterization and in vivo application

A novel dual-modality molecular probe composed of biocompatible Fe ₃O₄ nanocrystal, monoclonal antibody and radionuclide was designed and prepared. All functional components in the dual-modality molecular probe, i.e., Fe₃O₄, PEG, mAb 3H11 and ¹²⁵I, were chemically bonded together for forming a stable molecular probe. Systematic in vitro experiments were carried out for evaluating the biological activity of the antibody in the targeting probe. A series of in vivo experiments were performed based on the dual-modality imaging probe for detecting xenografted tumors in nude mice by MRI and γ-imaging techniques. The pharmacokinetics of the dual-modality molecular probe in tumor-bearing nude mice was studied.