Optimising of the Physico-Chemical Properties of a Novel Barium Sulphate Preparation for the X-Ray Examination of the Intestine

Abstract

AbstractNovel barium sulphate preparations for X-ray contrasting with defined rheological properties have been developed which provide both low viscosity and high density. The relationship between volume fraction and both high-shear and low-shear viscosity was investigated to obtain the relative viscosity [η] and the limiting packing fraction Φm. The particles in a good preparation have a hydrophilic surface which allows the particles to penetrate through the mucus layer of the gastro-intestinal tract. Adsorption isotherms for chondroitin sulphate on barium sulphate from aqueous solution have been determined by spectrophotometry. FTIR spectroscopy and SEM has been used to analyse adsorption behaviour at a molecular level. Coating studies on mouse intestinal mucosa were carried out. A model for testing the coating thickness and particle packing of proprietary and test suspensions was developed. Surface and cross-sections characterisation of a novel test preparation on the intestinal model were determined using cryo scanning electron microscopy. In order to test the resolution obtained with novel material a phantom has been developed.