Abstract
Ultrasmall heavy metal-oxide nanoparticles can be utilized for highly enhancing contrasts in computed tomography (CT). In this study, ultrasmall Yb 2 O 3 nanoparticles coated with biocompatible and hydrophilic D-glucuronic acid were for the first time prepared through a simple one-step polyol process, and their X-ray attenuation properties were investigated by measuring phantom images and X-ray attenuation powers. The average particle diameter of the nanoparticles was estimated to be 2.1 ± 0.1 nm by using transmission electron microscopy. The observed X-ray attenuation power was stronger than that of a commercial iodine CT contrast agent (i.e., Ultravist®) at the same atomic concentration and much stronger at the same number density, proving the potential of ultrasmall Yb 2 O 3 nanoparticles for use as a powerful CT contrast agent.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 286-291 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of the Korean Physical Society |
Volume | 74 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Feb 2019 |
Keywords
- CT contrast agent
- Ultrasmall nanoparticle
- Yb O