Abstract
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.
Highlights
Cervical cancer is the third most prevalent type of malignant tumor in females worldwide
When considering tumor volume combined with findings that are suggestive of Parametrial infiltration (PMI), preoperative Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful in ruling out PMI diagnosis [6]
Reproducibility of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) Measurements. e intraobserver intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), obtained using the 2 measurements taken by observer 1, ranged from 0.867 to 0.925 (Table 1). e interobserver ICC, obtained using observer 1’s first result and observer 2’s single result, ranged from 0.836 to 0.934 (Table 1)
Summary
Cervical cancer is the third most prevalent type of malignant tumor in females worldwide. Accurate pretreatment evaluation of PMI is needed to determine the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage of the cervical cancer and select individualized treatment strategies [5]. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as an accurate and noninvasive pretreatment method, has immense clinical value in evaluating PMI. When considering tumor volume combined with findings that are suggestive of PMI, preoperative MRI is useful in ruling out PMI diagnosis [6]. As shown by Park et al, the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of cervical cancer is lower in PMI-positive than PMI-negative cases [4, 7]. Woo et al showed that 3.0 T MRI scanners and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) can be used to improve the diagnostic efficiency of detecting
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