CT-Based Attenuation Correction Algorithm for Quantitative L-Shell X-Ray Fluorescence Imaging of Gold Nanoparticles...

Area of Science:

• Nanomedicine
• Biomedical Imaging
• Radiochemistry

Background:

• Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are utilized in nanomedicine for drug delivery and targeted radionuclide therapy.
• Accurate quantification of GNP biodistribution is crucial for therapeutic efficacy.
• X-ray fluorescence imaging (XFI) faces challenges in quantitative accuracy due to tissue attenuation, especially for L-shell XFI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a computed tomography (CT)-guided attenuation correction algorithm for L-shell XFI.
• To improve the quantitative accuracy of GNP biodistribution assessment in biological samples.
• To enhance the reliability of XFI for preclinical studies in targeted radionuclide therapy.

Main Methods:

• Developed a CT-guided attenuation correction algorithm for L-shell XFI.
• Generated energy-dependent attenuation maps using co-registered CT data.
• Applied voxel-wise corrections along excitation and emission paths on ex vivo murine tumor samples.

Main Results:

• CT-guided correction significantly improved the relative accuracy of L-shell XFI reconstructions.
• Corrected distribution maps demonstrated consistent mass recovery across different geometries.
• The algorithm effectively compensated for attenuation caused by heterogeneous biological tissue.

Conclusions:

• CT-based attenuation correction enables more reliable and quantitative L-shell XFI of gold nanoparticles.
• This approach is a promising step towards accurate nanoparticle biodistribution assessment.
• The method supports advancements in nanomedicine and targeted radionuclide therapy research.