Surface engineering of bismuth nanocrystals to counter dissolution

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Rapid dissolution of bismuth nanocrystals (Bi NCs) in lysosomal conditions leads to poor biocompatibility.
• Developing stable and biocompatible nanomaterials is crucial for biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve the biocompatibility and stability of Bi NCs for biomedical applications.
• To evaluate the potential of surface-modified Bi NCs as computed tomography (CT) contrast agents.

Main Methods:

• In situ surface coating of Bi NCs with Ganex® V216, a cosmetic dispersant.
• Encapsulation of coated Bi NCs in poly(dl-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) via oil-in-water emulsion.
• Coating Bi NCs with silicon dioxide (SiO2).
• Assessing dissolution rates under physiological conditions and evaluating biocompatibility.

Main Results:

• Surface coating with Ganex® V216 significantly limited the dissolution of Bi NCs under physiological conditions.
• Bi NCs encapsulated in PLGA (BiG@PLGA) and coated with SiO2 (BiG@SiO2) exhibited slow dissolution and excellent biocompatibility.
• Uncoated Bi NCs showed rapid dissolution and poor biocompatibility.
• The developed Bi nanoconstructs demonstrated strong performance as CT contrast agents, even at low bismuth concentrations.

Conclusions:

• Surface modification of Bi NCs with Ganex® V216 enhances their stability and biocompatibility.
• BiG@PLGA and BiG@SiO2 nanoparticles are promising for biomedical applications due to their controlled dissolution and safety profile.
• These bismuth nanoconstructs represent effective CT contrast agents with potential for improved diagnostic imaging.