Abstract
Recently, there has been significant progress in the field of soft- and hard-X-ray imaging for a wide range of applications, both technically and scientifically, via developments in sources, optics and imaging methodologies. While one community is pursuing extensive applications of available X-ray tools, others are investigating improvements in techniques, including new optics, higher spatial resolutions and brighter compact sources. For increased image quality and more exquisite investigation on characteristic biological phenomena, contrast agents have been employed extensively in imaging technologies. Heavy metal nanoparticles are excellent absorbers of X-rays and can offer excellent improvements in medical diagnosis and X-ray imaging. In this context, the role of gold (Au) is important for advanced X-ray imaging applications. Au has a long-history in a wide range of medical applications and exhibits characteristic interactions with X-rays. Therefore, Au can offer a particular advantage as a tracer and a contrast enhancer in X-ray imaging technologies by sensing the variation in X-ray attenuation in a given sample volume. This review summarizes basic understanding on X-ray imaging from device set-up to technologies. Then this review covers recent studies in the development of X-ray imaging techniques utilizing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and their relevant applications, including two- and three-dimensional biological imaging, dynamical processes in a living system, single cell-based imaging and quantitative analysis of circulatory systems and so on. In addition to conventional medical applications, various novel research areas have been developed and are expected to be further developed through AuNP-based X-ray imaging technologies.
Highlights
Colloidal gold (Au) was discovered by scientists as early as in the fourth century B.C
AuNPs produce sufficient contrast to observe tumor microvessels of 3–5 μm diameters, as well as extravascular diffusion because of basal membrane defenestration. These results demonstrate the possibility of functional imaging of the tumor microvasculature and the effects of anti-angiogenic drug effects in X-ray imaging
In vivo applications of many nanomaterials designed for drug delivery, biomedical imaging, and photothermal therapies are still limited by their slow renal clearance and non-specific accumulation in the organs of the reticuloendothelial system (RES), such as liver and spleen [89]
Summary
Colloidal gold (Au) was discovered by scientists as early as in the fourth century B.C. X-rays have been developed for targeted researches and medical uses depending on the type of the light sources and generated energy regions. In this point, AuNP-based X-ray imaging can provide a great potential for broad scopes of yet-reported future researches and applications. AuNP-based X-ray imaging technologies and their applications are discussed. X-ray imaging equipment set-up, source types and technologies are summarized. AuNP-based X-ray imaging is investigated with representative applications reported in recent researches. In addition to medical applications, AuNP-based X-ray imaging is highlighted as one of the pioneering tools for cutting-edge research in broad scientific areas
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