An update on carbon nanotube ‐enabled X‐ray sources for biomedical imaging

A new imaging technology has emerged that uses carbon nanotubes (CNT) as the electron emitter (cathode) for the X‐ray tube. Since the performance of the CNT cathode is controlled by simple voltage manipulation, CNT‐enabled X‐ray sources are ideal for the repetitive imaging steps needed to capture three‐dimensional information. As such, they have allowed the development of a gated micro‐computed tomography (CT) scanner for small animal research as well as stationary tomosynthesis, an experimental technology for large field‐of‐view human imaging. The small animal CT can acquire images at specific points in the respiratory and cardiac cycles. Longitudinal imaging therefore becomes possible and has been applied to many research questions, ranging from tumor response to the noninvasive assessment of cardiac output. Digital tomosynthesis (DT) is a low‐dose and low‐cost human imaging tool that captures some depth information. Known as three‐dimensional mammography, DT is now used clinically for breast imaging. However, the resolution of currently‐approved DT is limited by the need to swing the X‐ray source through space to collect a series of projection views. An array of fixed and distributed CNT‐enabled sources provides the solution and has been used to construct stationary DT devices for breast, lung, and dental imaging. To date, over 100 patients have been imaged on Institutional Review Board‐approved study protocols. Early experience is promising, sh...
Source: Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology - Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Tags: Advanced Review Source Type: research