LAUSR

Abstract The aim of the present study was to introduction of hydroxyapatite/chitosan nanocomposite as a new radiosynovectomy agent with excellent properties. In this work, the nanocomposite was prepared through a reliable method and characterized using different techniques to elucidate its chemical structure and physiochemical properties. The prepared nanocomposite was successfully radiolabeled with 153Sm under optimal conditions and with high radiolabelling yield (99 %). The radiochemical purity of the prepared radiopharmaceutical was found to be >99 % as determined by ITLC technique. In vitro stability studies in saline solution and in human serum showed that the radiolabeled nanocomposite retained its stability for at least 6 days. The biodistribution and imaging studies in wild-type rats revealed high retention of the agent into the synovial joints of the knee even at 96 h post-injection, thereby indicating excellent in vivo stability of 153Sm labeled hydroxyapatite-chitosan nanocomposite. Therefore, the prepared radiopharmaceutical would be a potential therapeutic agent for use in radiosynovectomy procedure.