Shedding Light on Metal ‐Based Nanoparticles in Zebrafish by Computed Tomography with Micrometer Resolution

In this study, synchrotron radiation‐based hard X‐ray tomography (SRμCT) in absorption and phase contrast modes is evaluated for the localization of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) in soft tissues based on their electron density and X‐ray attenuation. Biodistributio n of SPIONs is studied using zebrafish embryos as a vertebrate screening model. This label‐free approach gives rise to an isotropic, 3D, direct space visualization of the entire 2.5 mm‐long animal with a spatial resolution of around 2 µm. High resolution image stacks are available on a dedicate d internet page (http://zebrafish.pharma ‐te.ch). X ‐ray tomography is combined with physico‐chemical characterization and cellular uptake studies to confirm the safety and effectiveness of protective SPION coatings. It is demonstrated that SRμCT provides unprecedented insights into the zebrafish embryo anatomy and tissue distribution of label‐ free metal oxide nanoparticles.
Source: Small - Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Tags: Full Paper Source Type: research