Why we develop nanobubbles for ultrasound imaging and what's their advantages?
We have engineered the first nano-sized ultrasound contrast agent that is comparable in signal to clinically available microbubbles an order of magnitude larger than our formulation. These lipid and Pluronic-stabilized perfluoropropane gas nanobubbles are approximately 100 nm in size yet highly echogenic at clinically relevant frequencies (3-12 MHz), carry the bioactive thermal and radiation sensitizer in their membrane, have augmented cargo space and are susceptible to ultrasound-mediated drug release at the tumor site. These unique features make pluronic nanobubbles ideal for ultrasound-guided administration and deployment. Until our publication demarcating the surfactant stabilization technique for formulation of the nanobubbles, previous methodologies to reduce bubble size involved manipulations of microbubbles post formulation, such as gradient separation by gravitational forces or by physical filtration or floatation. While effective for selecting nano-sized bubbles, these methods introduce potential for sample contamination, reduce bubble yield and stability, and waste stock materials in addition to being labor intensive. Taking advantage of the excellent safety profile, broad accessibility and low cost of ultrasound and the remarkable qualities of pluronic, our multifaceted theranostic nanobubbles can considerably broaden the reach of ultrasound in future applications focused on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. We are utilizing these constructs for early detection in the current application for delivery of a thermal sensitizer to tumors prior to thermal ablation treatment. We are also exploring this tool for early detection and targeted therapy of ovarian cancer.
Check some of our publications about it!
- Contrast enhanced ultrasound imaging by nature-inspired ultrastable echogenic nanobubbles. Perera R, Hernandez C, Cooley M, et al. 2019. Nanoscale.
- Ultrasound Imaging Beyond the Vasculature with New Generation Contrast Agents. Perera R, Hernandez C, Zhou H, et al. 2017. WIREs Nanomedicine and Nanotechnology.
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