Bi/BSA/5 Flouro-uracil nanocomposite as a contrast agent for computed tomography

Abstract

Background: Today, computed tomography (CT) has a special place among medical imaging modalities. Conventional intravascular contrast agents of CT have a short blood half-life and make adverse reactions. To overcome the problems, recently, nanomaterials with high capabilities for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes have been developed as CT contrast agents. Materials and Methods: Bismuth oxide/bovine serum albumin/5-Fluorouracil nanocomposite was synthesized and characterized. CT was performed using 256 slices dual source clinical scanner with both of single and dual source mode. The effect of the nanocomposite and its 5-Fluorouracil unloaded form on cell viability of A549 cell line was investigated. Results: The average size of the nanocomposite was measured 20-30 nm. The X-ray attenuation ability of the nanocomposite in single and dual CT imaging in similar concentrations was 1.2 times higher than Omnipaque as conventional CT contrast agent. 5-Fluorouracil loaded nanocomposite showed 63% killing of cancer cells while the unloaded nanocomposite showed high cytocompatibility even at the highest concentration. Conclusion: This study offers the bismuth oxide/bovine serum albumin/5-Fluorouracil nanocomposite has potential to use as a contrast agent in single and dual source CT with capability for anticancer drug loading.