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Published on: April 28, 2015
Bismuth@US-tubes as a Potential Contrast Agent for X-ray Imaging Applications
Eladio J Rivera1, Lesa A Tran, Mayra Hernández-Rivera
1Department of Chemistry, Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology MS-60, P. O. Box 1892, Rice University, Houston TX 77251-1892, USA.
Researchers developed bismuth-based nanocapsules for high-contrast cellular imaging. These Bi@US-tubes offer superior X-ray computed tomography contrast for stem cell labeling without affecting cell viability.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Imaging
- Materials Science
Background:
- Developing novel contrast agents for computed tomography (CT) cellular imaging is crucial for advanced diagnostics.
- Bismuth oxychloride/bismuth oxide (BiOCl/Bi2O3) composites offer potential as X-ray contrast agents.
- Single-walled carbon nanocapsules (US-tubes) provide a unique platform for encapsulating materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To encapsulate bismuth compounds within ultra-short single-walled carbon nanocapsules (Bi@US-tubes).
- To evaluate the efficacy of Bi@US-tubes as an X-ray contrast agent for cellular imaging.
- To assess the impact of Bi@US-tubes on cell viability.
Main Methods:
- Encapsulation of BiOCl/Bi2O3 within ca. 50 nm US-tubes.
- Characterization using HR-TEM, EDS, TGA, XPS, and Raman spectroscopy.
- Intracellular labeling of pig bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and CT imaging.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis and characterization of Bi@US-tubes.
- Demonstrated high X-ray contrast enhancement in CT imaging of labeled MSCs.
- Achieved a nearly two-fold increase in contrast enhancement compared to unlabeled MSCs.
- Bi@US-tubes showed significantly higher CT signal enhancement than Bi2S3 nanoparticles and iodinated contrast agents.
Conclusions:
- Bi@US-tubes represent a novel class of X-ray contrast agents for stem cell labeling.
- The developed agent offers superior contrast at low bismuth loading without compromising cell viability.
- Potential applications in stem cell tracking and in vivo imaging.
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