Open AccessDesign of functionalized gold nanoparticle probes for computed tomography imaging
Author(s) -
Silvestri Alessandro,
Zambelli Vanessa,
Ferretti Anna M.,
Salerno Domenico,
Bellani Giacomo,
Polito Laura
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
contrast media & molecular imaging
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.714
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1555-4317
pISSN - 1555-4309
DOI - 10.1002/cmmi.1704
Subject(s) - colloidal gold , nanoparticle , rational design , hounsfield scale , materials science , nanotechnology , surface modification , computed tomography , tomography , biomedical engineering , combinatorial chemistry , computer science , chemistry , radiology , engineering , medicine
The development of new molecules able to efficiently act as long‐circulating computed tomography (CT) contrast agents is one of the most crucial topics in the biomedical field. In the last years, the chance to manipulate materials at the nano‐size level gave new boost to this research, with the specific aim to design innovative nanoprobes. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have showed unique X‐rays attenuation properties which, combined with their easy surface functionalization, makes them ideal candidates for the next generation of contrast agents. In this paper, we present a rational and facile approach to synthesize engineered and water‐stable AuNPs, achieving concentrated colloidal solution with high Hounsfield Units (HU). An accurate control of reagents ratio allowed us to design AuNPs with different shapes, from symmetrical to anisotropic morphology, in a convenient ‘one‐pot’ fashion. Their activity as efficient and reliable CT contrast agents has been evaluated and compared. Moreover, glucosamine‐functionalized gold nanoparticles have been developed ([Au] = 31.20 mg/mL; HU = 2453), in order to obtain a CT contrast agent able to combine spatial resolution with metabolic information. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.