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.
GE Global Research, Chemical Technology and Materials Characterization Laboratory, Niskayuna, NY 12309, USA. bonitati@ge.com
Peter J
PJ
Bonitatibus
Andrew S
AS
Torres
Gregory D
GD
Goddard
Paul F
PF
FitzGerald
Amit M
AM
Kulkarni
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