Asha Albert, Chamundeeswari Munusamy, Flora Rayappan Mary Nancy, Preethy Kuppusamy Ravichandran
Department of Physics, St. Joseph's Institute of Technology, Chennai, India.
Department of Biotechnology, St. Joseph's College of Engineering, Chennai, India.
Biotechnol Appl Biochem. 2024 Aug;71(4):791-808. doi: 10.1002/bab.2577. Epub 2024 Mar 14.
In this research, we propose an environmentally friendly method for producing hematite nanoparticles (H-NPs) from natural hematite ore, focusing on their application as efficient contrast agents in x-ray and computed tomography (CT) imaging for medical purposes. The process involves the reduction of iron oxide within the ore to attain the desired hematite phase, crucial for synthesizing H-NPs. To ensure sustainability, we adopted a Green Chemistry approach, utilizing a combination of carbon soot and limestone for the purification process, thereby achieving eco-conscious production. The produced H-NPs were thoroughly characterized using various analytical techniques, such as x-ray fluorescence (XRF), x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and FESEM-EDX (field emission scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy). XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline rhombohedral hexagonal lattice structure, while FT-IR spectra indicated the presence of characteristic Fe-O stretching modes in line with the expected molecular composition. FESEM-EDX imaging unveiled agglomerated particles, ranging in size from 54.6 to 149.9 nm for iron ore and 22 nm for H-NPs. These particles were primarily composed of iron (Fe) and oxygen (O). The magnetic properties of the H-NPs were investigated through vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) studies, highlighting their distinct ferromagnetic behavior. Of particular significance, the H-NPs demonstrated exceptional performance as contrast agents in both x-ray and CT imaging. Even at minimal concentrations, they exhibited remarkable x-ray absorption capabilities. CT scans further validated their exceptional absorptive capacity. These findings emphasize the potential of H-NPs as valuable assets in medical imaging, serving as sustainable tools for enhanced diagnostic applications. The study showcases an eco-conscious approach to harnessing natural resources, paving the way for a greener and more effective utilization of H-NPs in the medical imaging landscape.
在本研究中，我们提出了一种从天然赤铁矿矿石中生产赤铁矿纳米颗粒（H-NPs）的环保方法，重点关注其作为医学用途的X射线和计算机断层扫描（CT）成像中高效造影剂的应用。该过程涉及还原矿石中的氧化铁以获得所需的赤铁矿相，这对于合成H-NPs至关重要。为确保可持续性，我们采用了绿色化学方法，在纯化过程中使用碳烟和石灰石的组合，从而实现了具有生态意识的生产。使用各种分析技术，如X射线荧光（XRF）、X射线衍射（XRD）、傅里叶透射红外光谱（FT-IR）和场发射扫描电子显微镜-能量色散X射线光谱（FESEM-EDX）对所生产的H-NPs进行了全面表征。XRD分析证实了晶体菱形六方晶格结构，而FT-IR光谱表明存在与预期分子组成一致的特征性Fe-O伸缩模式。FESEM-EDX成像揭示了团聚颗粒，铁矿石的尺寸范围为54.6至149.9纳米，H-NPs的尺寸为22纳米。这些颗粒主要由铁（Fe）和氧（O）组成。通过振动样品磁强计（VSM）研究对H-NPs的磁性进行了研究，突出了它们独特的铁磁行为。特别值得注意的是，H-NPs在X射线和CT成像中均表现出作为造影剂的卓越性能。即使在最低浓度下，它们也表现出显著的X射线吸收能力。CT扫描进一步验证了它们的卓越吸收能力。这些发现强调了H-NPs作为医学成像中有价值资产的潜力，可作为增强诊断应用的可持续工具。该研究展示了一种利用自然资源的具有生态意识的方法，为在医学成像领域更绿色、更有效地利用H-NPs铺平了道路。
