X-ray Molecular Imaging with Radioluminescent Nanoparticles

Researchers in Prof. Lei Xing's laboratory have developed a radioluminescent platform to combine molecular and X-ray imaging using standard X-ray equipment coupled with a photodetector. Unlike conventional all-optical molecular imaging which relies on lasers for fluorescence, this X-ray technology utilizes ionizing radiation (from either an X-ray source or a radiopharmaceutical) to stimulate light emission from on nanoparticles (such as nanophosphors). This approach enhances the signal-to-noise ratio by reducing background auto-fluorescence. It also increases depth sensitivity because the X-ray source signal has high penetration ability. The system could be integrated with a range of imaging modalities (e.g. mammography, CT, projection X-ray) to provide good spatial and anatomical resolution for pre-clinical drug discovery, real-time monitoring of radiation therapy, or cancer diagnostics.

X-ray Luminescence - Radioluminescent nanophospors (RLNP) serve as imaging probes in vivo and can be detected by both custom X-ray luminescence and conventional small animal imaging system.

Stage of Research
The inventors have used a small animal phantom to demonstrate the multiplexed nanophosphor platform by exciting the nanoparticles with either X-ray irradiation or radiopharmaceuticals.