Chemists create nanoparticles for safe imaging of tumors
(PHYSorg.com Nanotechnology)

Chemists from Russia and Switzerland created biosafe luminescent nanoparticles for imaging tumors and blood vessels damaged by heart attack or stroke. The particles are made of hafnium oxide that is used for intravenous injection, and doped with ions of rare earth metals. The scientists hope to create an alternative to toxic quantum dots and image deep tissues without harming the patient. The study appeared in Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces.