Hydrogels have a wide range of medical applications, including use within implantable systems. However, when used in implants, their visibility under conventional medical imaging techniques is limited, creating safety risks for patients. In the current work, we assessed the possibility of enhancing hydrogels using Ln-based contrasting agents to facilitate their visualization in photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThis article describes the one-pot microwave synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) assisted with natural polyelectrolytes-humic substances (HS). The humic polyelectrolytes served both as chemical reductants for silver ions and as end-capping agents for AgNPs. Three commercially available sodium humates extracted from lignites and leonardite and one sodium fulvate isolated from natural brown water seeped through peat deposits were used in this study.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFLaO nanoparticles stabilized on carbon nanoflake (CNF) matrix were synthesized and graphitized to produce core-shell structures LaO/CNFs@C. Further oxidation of these structures by nitric acid vapors for 1, 3 or 6 h was performed, and surface-oxidized particles LaO/CNFs@C_x (x = 1, 3, 6) were produced. Bulk and surface compositions of LaO/CNFs@C and LaO/CNFs@C_x were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe subject of the current research study is aimed at the development of novel types of contrast agents (CAs) for multi-energy computed tomography (CT) based on Ln-graphene composites, which include Ln (Ln = La, Nd, and Gd) nanoparticles with a size of 2-3 nm, acting as key contrasting elements, and graphene nanoflakes (GNFs) acting as the matrix. The synthesis and surface modifications of the GNFs and the properties of the new CAs are presented herein. The samples have had their characteristics determined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Raman spectroscopy.
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