Ga(III) complex with morin for kidney cancer cell labelling

The formation of a complex between Ga(III) and morin (3,5,7,2′,4′-pentahydroxyflavone) was studied. UV–visible, infrared and mass spectroscopies were used to characterize the complex. The stoichiometric ratio for the reaction between metal ion and flavonoid was determined using the methods of Yoe–Jones and Job, which confirmed that a 1:1 Ga–morin complex was formed (estimated binding constant = 2.31 × 104 l mol−1). It was found that the coordination to Ga(III) occurs through the carbonyl oxygen atom and the 3-OH group of the morin molecule. According to developed conditions, complexation reaction with 68Ga was performed and the complex was used to label kidney cancer cells (CAKI-1, CAKI-2, ACHN and 786-O). The knowledge gained from this study should be useful for the development of new radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic purposes containing 68Ga.