Regularities of ultrasonography of suspensions of alumina nanoparticles in biological media

Abstract

This paper studies the echo-contrast properties of an alumina nanopowder suspension using ultrasonography (US) fully corresponding in its characteristics to the techniques of medical ultrasound diagnostics of organs and tissues. The purpose of this study was to search for the possible effect of the ionic and protein composition of the biological medium on the intensity of the reflected echo signal of the contrast material based on nanoparticles. It was found that the pH of the blood promotes the maximum use of echo contrast options of alumina nanopowder suspensions. Particle size measurements in the suspension using the dynamic light scattering technique showed the stabilizing effect of blood serum and plasma on the nanopowder suspension, resulting in the attenuation of the echo signal. The data offer a basis for the development of new contrast materials based on nanoparticles for the ultrasound imaging of the heart and blood vessels. The considered mechanisms of the established phenomena make it possible to elucidate the processes of interaction of metal oxide nanoparticles with biological molecules. © 2013 Pleiades Publishing, Ltd.