Synthesis, Characterization, and X‑ray Attenuation Properties of Ultrasmall BiOI Nanoparticles: Toward Renal Clearable Particulate CT Contrast Agents

A unique decelerated hydrolytic procedure
is developed and reported here for the preparation of ultrasmall nanoparticles
(NPs) of PVP-coated BiOI with a narrow size distribution, i.e., 2.8
± 0.5 nm. The crystal structure of this compound is determined
by X-ray powder diffraction using the bulk materials. The stability,
cytotoxicity, and potential use of the PVP-coated ultrasmall BiOI
NPs as a CT contrast agent are investigated. Because of the combined
X-ray attenuation effect of bismuth and iodine, such NPs exhibit a
CT value that is among the best of those of the inorganic nanoparticle-based
CT contrast agents reported in the literature.