Evaluation of the Active Targeting of Melanin Granules after Intravenous Injection of Dendronized Nanoparticles.

The biodistribution of dendronized iron oxides, NPs10@D1_DOTAGA and melanin-targeting NPs10@D1_ICF_DOTAGA, was studied in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and planar scintigraphy through [Lu]Lu-radiolabeling. MRI experiments showed high contrast power of both dendronized nanoparticles (DPs) and hepatobiliary and urinary excretions. Little tumor uptake could be highlighted after intravenous injection probably as a consequence of the negatively charged DOTAGA-derivatized shell, which reduces the diffusion across the cells' membrane.