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Research Highlight: Nanoparticles of the Novel Coordination Polymer KBi(H₂O)₂[Fe(CN)₆]•H₂0 as a Potential Contrast Agent for Computed Tomography

The Huang group's research

Vindya S. Perera, Songping D. Huang, et. al.

Published online in Inorg. Chem., 2011, 50, 7910-12.

Abstract:
Computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard in diagnostic medicine for noninvasively visualizing internal organs. Because of the small X-ray attenuation differences among various soft tissues, a contrast medium is often administered to enhance the quality of X-ray images. All the current intravascular X-ray contrast agents are based on the 1,3,5-tri-iodobenzene based organic compounds. The X-ray attenuation efficiencies of iodinated contrast agents are far from optimal due to the low atomic number of iodine (Z=53). In addition, iodinated contrast agents exhibit a short blood circulation half-life, nonspecific biodistribution, and occasional renal toxicity or even anaphylaxis. In this communication, Huang et al report on a novel potassium bismuth ferrocyanide coordination polymer KBi(H₂O)₂[Fe(CN)₆]•H₂O with an extended 3D structure. The nanoparticles of this coordination polymer are extremely stable and biocompatible. They show great potential as a novel CT contrast agent.

Research Highlight Archive

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