Substitution of Lead Tungstate for Lead Abellaite in a Nanoparticle-Alginate Nanocomposite as a Contrast Agent for Post-Mortem CT Imaging: In Vitro Bulk Performance Evaluation

Abstract

Accurately assessing blood vascular networks is important in all organ systems in health, disease, and healing. However, methods to do so in a holistic fashion in post-mortem specimens have significant limitations. We have previously demonstrated proof of concept for a lead abbelaite nanoparticle and alginate nanocomposite contrast agent which would allow greatly improved vessel imaging using x-ray based imaging modalities like CT and microCT. Specifically the contrast is spectrally enhanced to easily allow segmentation from mineralized tissues and gelation is triggerable permitting better vascular perfusion. Here we expand upon that work by substituting lead tungstate nanoparticles. We found that delivery viscosity and radiopacity are largely unaffected. However, mechanical strength was negatively impacted as abellaite presence was lowered. In sum, these formulations have performed in bulk reasonably enough to warrant advancement to in vivo post-mortem evaluation in small animal models.