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Water-soluble ≤6 nm tantalum oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized and characterized in solution using HPLC-ICP, DLS, and multinuclear NMR. Nanoparticle formulation permitted intravenous injection, in vivoimaging, and subsequent renal clearance. A clinical CT scanner provided excellent resolution following agent injection, and distribution to the arterial system was visualized. In vitroCT imaging studies indicated that at equal molar concentration of tantalum and iodine, tantalum produced greater image contrast than iodine across the diagnostic X-ray spectrum with contrast benefit increasing with peak X-ray energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]