Synthesis, characterization, and computed tomography imaging of a tantalum oxide nanoparticle imaging agent.
Water-soluble ≤6 nm tantalum oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized and characterized in solution using HPLC-ICP, DLS, and multinuclear NMR. Nanoparticle formulation permitted intravenous injection, in vivo imaging, and subsequent renal clearance. A clinical CT scanner provided excellent resolution following agent injection, and distribution to the arterial system was visualized. In vitro CT imaging studies indicated that at equal molar concentration of tantalum and iodine, tantalum produced greater image contrast than iodine across the diagnostic X-ray spectrum with contrast benefit increasing with peak X-ray energy.
Bonitatibus
Peter J
PJ
GE Global Research, Chemical Technology and Materials Characterization Laboratory, Niskayuna, NY 12309, USA. bonitati@ge.com
Torres
Andrew S
AS
Goddard
Gregory D
GD
FitzGerald
Paul F
PF
Kulkarni
Amit M
AM
D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000737:chemistry*; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D010087:Oxides / Q000737:chemistry*; D051381:Rats; D013635:Tantalum / Q000737:chemistry*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D003287:Contrast Media; D010087:Oxides; D013635:Tantalum; C078151:tantalum oxide