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

• Main Authors: Yuyang Li, Kian Shaker, Jakob C. Larsson, Carmen Vogt, Hans M. Hertz, Muhammet S. Toprak
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hindawi-Wiley 2018-01-01
• Series: Contrast Media & Molecular Imaging
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2018/8174820

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.