In this study, potential applications for zeolites in nuclear imaging techniques, such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (positron emission tomography) were investigated.  The adsorbent and ion-exchange capabilities of zeolites make them ideal for carrying ionic metal MRI contrast agents (e.g., Gd3+) and positron-emitting radionuclides (e.g., 68Ga3+) into the body. Surface functionalization by trialkoxysilane condensation, followed by functional group modification by Huisgen azide-alkyne 1,3-cycloaddition,was explored to add biologically selective moieties to the surface of the NaY zeolite and thus concentrate particles at specific locations in the body.  Multiple synthetic pathways are demonstrated, along with pre- and post-synthesis loading of the ionic species. The multifunctional capabilities of zeolites extend applications into areas such as fluorescent imaging, drug delivery, and heat therapy.  Characterization was done by BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) surface area, FTIR (Fourier-transformed infrared) spectroscopy, TGA (thermogravimetric analysis), 1H NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopy, and ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry).

Functionalized zeolites for applications in biomedical imaging

239th National Meeting (2010)

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