Scanning technique delivers high-resolution images of bone

News

Chemists in Ireland have developed a scanning technique that produces high-resolution 3D images of bones without exposing patients to X-rays.

To acquire images, chemists from Trinity College Dublin attach luminescent compounds to gold structures to form biologically safe 'nanoagents' that are attracted to calcium-rich surfaces, which appear when bones crack. These nanoagents target and highlight the cracks formed in bones, allowing researchers to produce a complete 3D image of the damaged regions.

The technique can be used to diagnose bone strength and provide a detailed outline of the extent and precise positioning of any weakness or injury, or act as an early-warning system for people at a high risk of degenerative bone diseases.

The research, led by the Trinity College Dublin team of Professor of Chemistry, Thorri Gunnlaugsson, and Postdoctoral Researcher, Esther Surender, is described in Chem.

Prof Gunnlaugsson said: " This is a major step forward in our endeavour to develop targeted contrast agents for bone diagnostics for use in clinical applications."

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