Iohexol functionalized Si-Ag:Mn3O4 hybrid nanoparticles based contrast agent for computed tomography imaging

• Main Authors: Alhasan, Ammar, Tajuddin, Hairul Anuar, Sani, Siti Fairus Abdul, Ali, Tammar Hussein, Hisham, Shameer, Mokti, Muhammad Haniff, Ung, Ngie Min, Ng, Min Phin, Sim, Kae Shin
• Format: Article
• Published: Elsevier 2022
• Subjects: QC Physics; QD Chemistry
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/40891/

One of the most widely used methods for diagnosing diseases in human tissue is computed tomography (CT). Clinically, CT scans may require contrast media, such as Iohexol, to enhance images of different tissues and organs. However, these iodinized contrast agents have limitations, such as short blood duration, requirement of high-concentration injection, limited enhancement of specific tissues, nonspecific detection, and localization of the substance. Bimodal and multimodal imaging approaches have been used to develop iodinated contrast agents. In this study, silica-Ag:Mn3O4 hybrid nanoparticles were synthesized and conjugated with a commercial iodine contrast agent (Iohexol). Absorption, morphology, and elemental analysis were investigated, followed by a preliminary study on CT contrast enhancement. Compared with Iohexol, the absorption intensity of Iohexolconjugated nanoparticles (I@Si-Ag:Mn3O4) drastically increased, although the loading capacity was estimated to be approximately 40 %. The Hounsfield unit (HU) of the nanoparticles increased linearly with increasing mass concentration, exhibiting a stronger HU signal than Iohexol by at least 465 Delta HU at similar concentrations. The maximum CT enhancements were 1644 +/- 14 HU for I@Si-Ag:Mn3O4 and 665 +/- 14 HU for Iohexol, confirming the CT contrast efficiency of I@Si-Ag:Mn3O4. These results suggest that the synergy between the nanoparticles and localized Iohexol on the surface-enhanced the performance of the contrast media.