Synthesis and Properties of Ag-Au Alloy Nanoparticles with Controlled Composition for Computed Tomography Imaging Applications

Numerous non-invasive assays have been developed to support CT imaging, consequently increasing the precision of diagnosis. Although these efforts made a significant contribution to clinical research, there is still more to be done. The goal is to replace conventional contrast agents with more potent ones. In this study, Ag-Au alloy nanoparticles were fabricated by substitution method between the precursor Au3+ and the previously prepared Ag nanoparticles. Effects of Au3+ quantity on the formation and characteristics of Ag-Au alloy nanoparticles were investigated. It showed that Ag-Au nanoalloy with a size of 14.2 +/- 1.0 nm, SPR absorption peak at 520 nm, and Ag: Au atomic ratio of approximately 3 : 1 were appropriate for biomedical applications. After phase transfer using poly (maleic anhydride-alt-1-octadecene) (PMAO), the nano Ag-Au solution owned remarkable durability, stability and non-toxicity Vero healthy cell line at high test concentration. In-vitro CT imaging demonstrated a good X-ray adsorption coefficient, and the hounsfield units (HU) was noticeably increased. As a promising CT contrast agent, the X-ray attenuation of nano Ag-Au solutions correlated linearly with concentrations. These findings led to a potential application in the biomedical field, particularly in computed tomography (CT) imaging diagnosis. In this study, Ag-Au alloy NPs were synthesized successfully in an organic solvent. The quantity of HAuCl4.3H2O influenced the morphology and properties of the alloy materials. The Ag-Au solutions after phase transfer using poly (maleic anhydride-alt-1-octadecene) reached high durability, stability and non-toxic to the Vero healthy cell line. In-vitro CT images indicated a good X-ray absorption coefficient. Our findings expanded the potential uses of Ag-Au alloy NPs in biomedicine, particularly for imaging diagnosis employing CT imaging technology.image