Toxicity, morphological and structural properties of chitosan-coated Bi2O3-Bi(OH)3 nanoparticles prepared via DC arc discharge in liquid: a potential nanoparticle-based CT contrast agent

In this study, Bi2O3 nanoparticles were employed as computed tomography (CT) contrast agents. In this regard, X-ray attenuation of Bi2O3 nanoparticles, prepared via DC arc discharge in water, was investigated. In addition, the optical, structural, morphology and cytotoxicity properties of afforded nanoparticles were also studied. The electric arc discharge was done via bismuth electrodes in a water medium. Then, to stabilise Bi2O3 nanoparticles, chitosan molecule was cross linked via glutaraldehyde around Bi2O3 nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrated the monoclinic structure and field emission-scanning electron microscopy images clarified the average size of Bi2O3 as 40 nm. Fourier transform infrared analysis proved chitosan band formation around Bi2O3 nanoparticles. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay revealed no considerable toxicity after 72 h. Finally, X-ray CT of chitosan-coated Bi2O3 nanoparticles and Iohexol was carried out at concentrations of 1-6 mg/ml. The CT number of chitosan-coated Bi2O3 nanoparticles measured 16, 30, 49, 66, 75 and 85, as well as, respective numbers for Iohexol were 5, 14, 25, 34, 44 and 57. Therefore, it displayed that X-ray attenuation of chitosan-coated Bi2O3 nanoparticle was more in comparison with Iohexol at the same concentrations. Eventually, the results demonstrated that chitosan-coated Bi2O3 nanoparticles are a suitable candidate for commercial iodine contrast agent substitution.