A micrometer-sized ultrasound contrast agent with nanometer-scale polygonal patterning surfaces

作者：Teng, Zhonghua; Cao, Shiping; Li, Wei; Yang, Li; Shi, Wen; Wang, Yuegang; Wu, Juefei^*; Bin, Jianping

来源：Journal of Medical Ultrasonics, 2014, 41(4): 421-429.

DOI：10.1007/s10396-014-0543-y

• Microbubbles
• Nanometer-scale patterning
• Contrast-enhanced ultrasound
• Self-assembled

Purpose To develop a smaller micro-sized bubble ultrasound contrast agent which composed of an insoluble, less-dense, self-assembled surfactant with a condensed crystallized nanometer-scale polygonal patterning surface. Methods The microbubble was prepared by high-shear mixing a mixture of sucrose esters, glucose sugar, and water. The coulter counter was used to measure the size and concentration of the microbubble. Surface patterns of the microbubble were determined using vitrified samples under cryo-transmission electron microscopy. Myocardial contrast effects of six normal dog's myocardium were assessed. Results The diameter of the developed microbubble was smaller than Sonovue (R). Direct imaging of cryo-transmission electron microscopy revealed that the developed microbubble has a nanometer-scale polygonal surface pattern. Both the developed microbubble and Sonovue (R) effectively enhanced the myocardial contrast. The difference in the peak video intensity, the longevity of the contrast effect, and time-to-peak interval between both microbubbles were not statistically significant (NS). Conclusion The microbubble with nanometer-scale polygonal patterning surfaces is a feasible and promising contrast agent for the ultrasound imaging.

• 出版日期2014-10
• 单位南方医科大学