Multicolor computed tomographic molecular imaging with noncrystalline high-metal-density nanobeacons

Computed tomography (CT) is one of the most frequently pursued radiology technologies applied in the clinics today and in the preclinical field of biomedical imaging. Myriad advances have been made to make this technique more powerful with improved signal sensitivity, rapid image acquisition and faster reconstruction. Synergistic development of novel nanoparticles has been adopted to produce the next-generation CT contrasts agents for imaging specific biological markers. Nanometer-sized agents are anticipated to play a critical part in the prospect of medical diagnostics owing to their capabilities of targeting specific biological markers, extended blood circulation time and defined biological clearance. This review paper introduces the readers to the fundamental design principles of nanoparticulate CT contrast agents with a special emphasis on molecular imaging with noncrystalline high-metal-density nanobeacons.