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In vivo small animal micro-CT using nanoparticle contrast agents
Jeffrey R Ashton1, Jennifer L West2, Cristian T Badea3
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC, USA ; Department of Radiology, Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Duke University Medical Center, Durham NC, USA.
Frontiers in Pharmacology
|November 20, 2015
Summary
Novel nanoparticle contrast agents enhance in vivo small animal micro-CT imaging. Spectral CT with these agents enables advanced functional and molecular imaging in preclinical research.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Nanotechnology
- Preclinical Research
Background:
- Computed tomography (CT) is a vital in vivo imaging tool, effective for lung and bone but requiring contrast agents for soft tissues.
- Small animal micro-CT utilizes nanoparticle contrast agents to prevent rapid clearance, with iodine and gold nanoparticles being primary research focuses.
- Spectral CT capabilities allow for the separation of multiple co-injected nanoparticles, enhancing functional and molecular imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in nanoparticle contrast agents for in vivo small animal micro-CT.
- To highlight the application of novel nanoparticle probes in preclinical research.
- To discuss the role of spectral CT in enhancing micro-CT imaging capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on nanoparticle contrast agents for micro-CT.
- Focus on iodine-containing and gold nanoparticles.
- Discussion of spectral CT techniques and their application with nanoparticle agents.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticle contrast agents, particularly iodine and gold-based, are effective for in vivo micro-CT.
- Targeting mechanisms can be applied to these nanoparticles for specific applications.
- Spectral CT enables simultaneous imaging of multiple targeted nanoparticles, advancing molecular and functional imaging.
Conclusions:
- Novel nanoparticle probes are crucial for advancing in vivo small animal micro-CT.
- Spectral CT significantly enhances the capabilities of micro-CT for preclinical research.
- These developments pave the way for more sophisticated functional and molecular imaging studies.
