Polymeric nano-hydroxyapatite coated with polylactic acid (PLA): considering new possibilities for radiopharmacy

Abstract

The use of nanotechnology - especially in the area of human health - is increasing every day, with the application of various materials such as hydroxyapatite being amongst the most studied. Consequently, the affinity of hydroxyapatite compatible with so many applications in the human body is evolving cutting edge technology - the result of which is nanoparticles. However, despite these important developments in nanotechnology, encapsulating a nano-hydroxyapatite is still at an early stage of development warranting further investigation. In this article, we describe a successful method which uses polylactic acid as the polymer to encapsulate nano-hydroxyapatite: this culminates in new applications for oncology and radiopharmacy. In essence, it is the ability to link a radionuclide and /or other substances, e.g. aptamers to enable the creation of new nanoparticle(s) thereby providing novel structural features which are adjuvant to its conventional use.