Synthesis and characterization of Bi₂O₃/HSA core-shell nanoparticles for X-ray imaging applications

Bismuth oxide nanoparticles of 12.1 ± 3.0 nm diameter were prepared by thermal decomposition of bismuth acetate dissolved in ethylene glycol in the presence of an oxidizing agent. Functionalization and stabilization of the hydrophobic Bi₂O₃ nanoparticles was accomplished by coating these core nanoparticles with human serum albumin (HSA), via a precipitation process. The formed Bi₂O₃/HSA core-shell nanoparticles were of 15.2 ± 3.5 nm diameter. Elemental analysis measurements indicated that the bismuth weight % of the Bi₂O ₃/HSA core-shell nanoparticles is 72.9. The crystalline structure of these nanoparticles was examined by XRD. The radiopacity of these nanoparticles was demonstrated in vitro and in vivo by a CT scanner. In ovo and in vivo trials proved the safety of these Bi₂O₃/HSA core-shell nanoparticles. In the future, we plan to extend this study particularly for molecular imaging applications.