This work reports the synthesis, radiolabeling and preliminary biodistribution results in tumor-bearing mice of 99mTc(CO)3-labeled pegylated (PEG) 2-nitroimidazoles for tumor hypoxia imaging. The novel 2-nitroimidazole derivatives were successfully synthesized by conjugation of tridendate chelators to 2-nitroimidazole via PEG3 linker. Radiolabeling was performed in high yield with [99mTc(CO)3]+ core to get cationic [99mTc(CO)3(BPA-PEG3-NIM)]+, neutral [99mTc(CO)3(AOPA-PEG3-NIM)] and anionic [99mTc(CO)3(IDA-PEG3-NIM)]− respectively, all of which were hydrophilic and stable at room temperature. Biodistribution studies in tumor-bearing mice showed that 99mTc(CO)3-labeled pegylated 2-nitroimidazoles accumulated in the tumor with low uptake. 99mTc-chelate and charge had significant impact on partition coefficient, radiotracer tumor uptake and pharmacokinetic properties. The results indicate the need for synthetic modification of the parent 2-nitroimidazole derivatives and the 99mTc-chelate with a view to improve the tumor targeting efficacy and in vivo kinetic profiles.

The chlorambucil l-histidine conjugate was synthesized and radiolabeled with [99mTc(CO)3]+ core to form the 99mTc(CO)3(His–CB) complex. The radiochemical purity of the complex was over 90%. It had good hydrophilicity and was stable at room temperature. The high initial tumor uptake with certain retention, fast clearance from background, good tumor/non-tumor ratios and satisfactory scintigraphic images highlighted the potential of 99mTc(CO)3(His–CB) as a tumor imaging agent.