Journal Article

A Library of Potential Nanoparticle Contrast Agents for X-Ray Fluorescence Tomography Bioimaging

Shaker, Kian, Li, Yuyang, Hertz, Hans M., Larsson, Jakob C., Toprak, M. S., Vogt, Carmen

2018

Overview

Nanoparticles (NPs) have been used as contrast agents for several bioimaging modalities. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) tomography can provide sensitive and quantitative 3D detection of NPs. With spectrally matched NPs as contrast agents, we demonstrated earlier in a laboratory system that XRF tomography could achieve high-spatial-resolution tumor imaging in mice. Here, we present the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of a library of NPs containing Y, Zr, Nb, Rh, and Ru that have spectrally matched K-shell absorption for the laboratory scale X-ray source. The K-shell emissions of these NPs are spectrally well separated from the X-ray probe and the Compton background, making them suitable for the lab-scale XRF tomography system. Their potential as XRF contrast agents is demonstrated successfully in a small-animal equivalent phantom, confirming the simulation results. The diversity in the NP composition provides a flexible platform for a better design and biological optimization of XRF tomography nanoprobes.

• Publisher: Hindawi Publishing Corporation,Hindawi,Hindawi Limited
• Subject: Animals / Background radiation / Biology / Catalytic oxidation / Contrast agents / Contrast Media - chemistry / Contrast Media - pharmacology / Design optimization / Fluorescence / Laboratories / Medical imaging / Metal Nanoparticles - chemistry / Metals, Heavy - chemistry / Metals, Heavy - pharmacology / Methods / Mice / Microscopy / Nanoparticles / Nanostructured materials / Neoplasms, Experimental - diagnostic imaging / Nitrates / Phantoms, Imaging / Quantum dots / Spectra / Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission / Tomography / Tomography, X-Ray Computed / X ray sources / X-ray fluorescence / X-rays / Zirconium