Published online by Cambridge University Press: 02 March 2011
Rosette nanotubes (RNTs) are obtained through the self-organization of biologically inspired self-complementary guanine-cytosine modules (G∧C motif) under physiological conditions. These architectures can express bioactive molecules on their surface by functionalizing the G∧C 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∧C motif that is functionalized with mercaptoacetyl triglycine (MAG3). 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 MAG3 functionalized twin-G∧C motif with cold rhenium and investigate the self-assembly properties of the complex into RNTs under aqueous conditions.