Nanomaterial-based CT contrast agents and their applications in image-guided therapy

Computed tomography (CT), a diagnostic tool with clinical application, comprehensive coverage, and low cost, is used in hospitals worldwide. However, CT imaging fails to distinguish soft tissues from normal organs and tumors because their mass attenuation coefficients are similar. Various CT contrast agents have been developed in recent years to improve the sensitivity and contrast of imaging. Here, we review the progress of nanomaterial-based CT contrast agents and their applications in image-guided therapy. The CT contrast agents are classified according to their components; gold (Au)-based, bismuth (Bi)-based, lanthanide (Ln)-based, and transition metal (TM)-based nanomaterials are discussed. CT image-guided therapy of diseases, including photothermal therapy (PPT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), chemotherapy, radiotherapy (RT), gas therapy, sonodynamic therapy (SDT), immunotherapy, starvation therapy, gene therapy (GT), and microwave thermal therapy (MWTT), are reviewed. Finally, the perspectives on the CT contrast agents and their biomedical applications are discussed.

Automated summary

Computed tomography (CT) is a widely used diagnostic tool in hospitals worldwide, but it faces limitations in distinguishing soft tissues from normal organs and tumors. To improve imaging sensitivity and contrast, various nanomaterial-based CT contrast agents have been developed. In this review, we discuss CT contrast agents based on gold (Au), bismuth (Bi), lanthanide (Ln), and transition metal (TM) nanomaterials, along with their applications in image-guided therapy. Additionally, we summarize the use of CT image-guided therapy for various diseases and highlight the future perspectives of CT contrast agents and their biomedical applications.