Research Focus

The main focus of NAMIL is to develop and apply novel nanoparticle CT contrast media, which will provide enhanced diagnoses and biological information.

Synthesizing novel nanoparticle contrast agents

The development of nanoparticle contrast media for CT is in its infancy. Metal cores,  carrier materials and coatings all need fundamental improvements in order to be functional in a broad clinical setting. NAMIL is working to develop superior core and coating chemistry to create biocompatible and biodegradable nanomaterials to provide strong CT contrast. Additional functionalities such as drug delivery, fluorophore activity and moiety targeting can be appended.

NAMIL employs a variety of metals for nanoparticle cores, such as gold, bismuth and tantalum. These nanoparticles are typically made in house from start to finish. Particles are characterized with electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, elemental analysis and for their cytotoxicity in vitro.  Their CT contrast generation as well as contrast for other imaging modalities such as MRI or fluorescence is also tested via phantom scanning.

Applications to biological questions


NAMIL is interested in the application of contrast media to provide information on a variety of biological situations.

Monocyte recruitment is a key process in the progression of atherosclerosis. We are developing techniques to label monocyte cells with nanoparticle contrast media to allow tracking in vivo using CT.

Polymer hydrogels are increasingly being used as implants and scaffolds for tissue regrowth. Our lab is currently developing such hydrogels that are loaded with nanoparticles, allowing their implantation into animals and tracking with CT. Small nanoparticles can be used to phenotype tumors by studying their perfusion. These and multiple other applications will be explored. We intend to translate these contrast media and methods to the clinic.

Evaluating novel CT technology


Our lab is working with manufacturers to evaluate novel CT technology that is currently being developed (dual energy/photon counting systems/iterative reconstruction). The use of these systems should permit specific detection of contrast media via a single scan. The sensitivity and specificity of the systems will be tested in phantoms and in animals.