A new X-ray contrast agent based on highly stable gum arabic-gold nanoparticles synthesised in deep eutectic solvent

This paper reports a novel method of fabricating gum arabic coated gold nanoparticles (GA-GNPs) synthesised in a deep eutectic solvent (DES) for use as a new X-ray contrast agent. GA-GNPs were prepared simply by mixing a solution of 0.01% DES, GA and tetra chloroauric (III) acid at room temperature. DES was prepared using choline chloride (ChCl), gallic acid and glycerol as the precursors. A complete characterisation study of GA-GNPs was undertaken using transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction analysis. In vitro study of the as-prepared GA-GNPs revealed the high potential of these nanoparticles as X-ray contrast agents. Compared with the common clinically available CT contrast agent, Visipaque, the synthesised GA-GNPs showed more than three fold X-ray attenuation coefficient. GA-GNPs were found to be remarkably stable in biological media. The development of such nontoxic, biocompatible nanostructures could be an advancement in diagnostic nanomedicine.