Gold nanoclusters as contrast agents for fluorescent and X-ray dual-modality imaging

[Display omitted] ► Gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) are synthesized via ambient biomineralization approach. ► The synthesized Au NCs exhibit highly fluorescent and strong X-ray absorption coefficient. ► Au NCs as dual-modality imaging contrast agents (CAs) for fluorescent and X-ray dual-modality imaging. Multimodal imaging technique is an alternative approach to improve sensitivity of early cancer diagnosis. In this study, highly fluorescent and strong X-ray absorption coefficient gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) are synthesized as dual-modality imaging contrast agents (CAs) for fluorescent and X-ray dual-modality imaging. The experimental results show that the as-prepared Au NCs are well constructed with ultrasmall sizes, reliable fluorescent emission, high computed tomography (CT) value and fine biocompatibility. In vivo imaging results indicate that the obtained Au NCs are capable of fluorescent and X-ray enhanced imaging.