Synthesis and Biodistribution of Cat's Eye-shaped [57Co]CoO@SiO2Nanoshell Aqueous Colloids for Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) Imaging Agent

"Cat's eye"-shaped [⁵⁷Co]CoO@SiO₂ core-shell nanostructure was prepared by the reverse microemulsion method combined with radioisotope technique to investigate a potential imaging agent for a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in nuclear medicine. The core cobalt oxide nanorods were obtained by thermal decomposition of Co-(oleate)₂ precursor from radio isotope Co-57 containing cobalt chloride and sodium oleate. The SiO₂ coating on the surface of the core cobalt oxide nanorods was produced by hydrolysis and a condensation reaction of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) in the water phase of the reverse microemulsion system. In vivo test, micro SPECT image was acquired with nude mice after 30 min of intravenous injection of [⁵⁷Co]CoO@SiO₂ core-shell nanostructure.