Encapsulation of 211 At(Ø) + into a Nanoscale Covalent Organic Framework Prevents Deastatination In Vivo
Abstract
Astatine-211 ( 211 At) is a highly promising α-emitter for targeted alpha therapy (TAT), combining near-100% α-emission with an optimal 7.21-h half-life. Yet clinical translation of 211 At-based radiopharmaceuticals is hindered by oxidative cleavage of labile C Ar -At bonds in conventional covalent constructs, leading to notable off-target and radiation hazards to normal tissues during therapy. Here, we propose a paradigm-shifting radiolabeling strategy within a preorganized zwitterionic covalent organic framework (ZVCOF, ZV = zwitterionic vinylene-linked) that stably immobilizes cationic 211 At species (At(Ø) + ) via synergistic multiple noncovalent interactions. The resulting dynamically reversible radiolabeling pathway in ZVCOFs achieves high labeling efficiency (RCY ≥ 90% and radiolabeling kinetics ≤ 2 min) and enhanced in vivo stability against deastatination, surpassing molecular organo-astatine complexes represented by N -succinimidyl 3-[ 211 At]astatobenzoate, a gold standard in clinical trials. Theoretical studies provide fundamental insights into the coordination chemistry and dynamic behavior of At(Ø) + in the ZVCOF, while cellular and in vivo experiments validate the practical potential of this strategy. This work establishes a robust, deastatination-resistant platform for next-generation α-therapeutics, providing pivotal hints for unlocking the full potential of 211 At in precision oncology.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics
Covalent Organic Framework Applications
Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry and Applications
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of the American Chemical Society
- Publisher
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Volume
- 148
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 4074–4086
- Publication date
- 6 January 2026
- Language
- EN