Surface engineering of bismuth nanocrystals to counter dissolution

Rapid dissolution of Bi Nanocrystals (NCs) in lysosomal conditions results in poor biocompatibility. We report that an in situ surface coating of Bi nanocrystals with Ganex® V216, a cosmetic dispersant, limits its dissolution under physiological conditions. These Bi Ganex (BiG) NCs are readily encapsulated in FDA approved polymer poly(dl-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) by an oil-in-water emulsion technique and also undergo facile SiO2 coating. BiG NCs in BiG@PLGA and BiG@SiO2 nanoparticles dissolve slowly under physiological conditions and exhibit excellent biocompatibility, as opposed to uncoated Bi NCs. Finally, these Bi nanoconstructs are shown to be strong CT CAs, even at relatively low Bi concentrations.