Synthesis of PEGylated BaGdF5 Nanoparticles as Efficient CT/MRI Dual-modal Contrast Agents for Gastrointestinal Tract Imaging

Molecular imaging (MI) techniques have extremely significant effect on the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases, such as gastrointestinal (GI) tract-related diseases. Furthermore, nanomaterials as contrast agents have attracted a great deal of research attention, due to their rational fabrication and biomedical. Herein, we reported a facile process to synthesis PEGylated BaGdF 5 nanoparticles via a one-pot solvothermal route as CT/MRI dual-modal contrast agents for in vivo imaging of GI tract. Compared to the commercially used iodine contrast agents, the well-prepared nanoparticles exhibited enhancement in computed tomography (CT) imaging. In the presence of Gd, nanoparticles could also be used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). PEGylated BaGdF 5 nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Besides, MTT assay revealed that the prepared nanoparticles proved to be low toxicity and high biocompatibility for Hela cells. Hemolytic assay illustrated nanoparticles possess favorable hemocompatibility. H & E (Hematoxylin and Eosin) histological staining assessed long-term toxicity of oral PEGylated BaGdF 5 nanoparticles, and the results showed that the nanoparticles had overall safety for GI tissue with comparatively high compatibility. Based on above results, PEGylated BaGdF 5 nanoparticles were admired multi-functional contrast agents to apply in CT and MRI imaging with prominent prospects.