A Comprehensive Review on Nanostructured Polymer Composites for CT Imaging Contrast Enhancement in Brain Tumor Diagnosis

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 06 | Page : 148 162
    By

    Mukesh Chand,

  • Ashish Raj,

  • Garima Mathur,

  • Sushil Kumar Jain,

  1. Research Scholar, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Poornima University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
  2. Associate Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Poornima University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
  3. Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Poornima College of Engineering, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
  4. Assistant Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, SRM University, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

The detection and characterization of brain tumors require high-resolution and non-invasive imaging modalities that have the ability of differentiating tumorous tissues and healthy brain tissues. Computed tomography (CT) can be included in this number because, in addition to providing speedy scans and penetration to deep tissue, the diagnostic capability in soft tissue organ such as the brain is poor despite low natural contrast. The review is dedicated to the emerging area of research of nanostructured polymer composites that can be engineered to improve the CT contrast of the brain tumor diagnosis. Contrast enhancement Conjunction of high atomic number (Z) nanoparticles, e.g., gold (Au), bismuth (Bi), tantalum (Ta), and tungsten (W) with biocompatible polymer matrices (e.g. poly ethylene glycol (PEG), poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and chitosan) represents a promising method to achieve targeted and efficient contrast enhancement. By using polymeric encapsulation, stability and bio-distribution of the nanoparticle can be enhanced but also allows the specific tumor-targeting by functionalizing the surface with ligands, peptides or antibodies. However, this review is a critically appraising review of the up-to-date accounts of modulation of some techniques of synthesis, physicochemical characterization, bio- performance, and imaging results of such Nano composites. Special consideration is directed to the role of size, shape, surface charge and the chemistry of the polymers of imaging efficacy and translocation across the blood-brain barrier. Also issues such as toxicity, clearance mechanisms and regulatory issues are discussed. The review takes a conclusion about the direction of future research, which will involve the development of hybrid imaging systems, stimuli-responsive composites, and prospects of integration with theranostic platforms. On aggregate, nanostructured polymer composites have the potential to transform the current approach to CT-based brain tumor diagnostics as the imaging contrast agents they make available are safer because they are more natural and precise and can be customized to meet various requirements imposed by the present state and future developments of real-life application.

Keywords: Nanostructured Polymer Composites, Brain Tumor Diagnosis, Computed Tomography, CT Contrast Agents, High Atomic Number Nanoparticles

[This article belongs to Journal of Polymer and Composites ]

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How to cite this article:
Mukesh Chand, Ashish Raj, Garima Mathur, Sushil Kumar Jain. A Comprehensive Review on Nanostructured Polymer Composites for CT Imaging Contrast Enhancement in Brain Tumor Diagnosis. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(06):148-162.
How to cite this URL:
Mukesh Chand, Ashish Raj, Garima Mathur, Sushil Kumar Jain. A Comprehensive Review on Nanostructured Polymer Composites for CT Imaging Contrast Enhancement in Brain Tumor Diagnosis. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(06):148-162. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=232670


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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 13
Issue 06
Received 26/07/2025
Accepted 15/09/2025
Published 07/11/2025
Publication Time 104 Days
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