Preparation and characterization of a nanoscale ultrasound contrast agent☆
Received 10 January 2010; accepted 5 February 2010. published online 17 March 2010.
Abstract
Objective
The purpose of the present study is to prepare a nanoscale ultrasound contrast agent and to investigate its characterization and ultrasonic imaging in vivo.
Methods
Nanoscale ultrasound contrast agent was prepared by machine vibration and low speed centrifugation, and the appearance, distribution, diameter, and zeta potential of the nanoscale ultrasound contrast agent were measured. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was performed on normal rabbit liver to observe the duration and intensity of enhancement.
Results
The nanoscale ultrasound contrast agent had a good shape and uniform distribution by light microscope and transmission electron microscope, with average diameters of 623.4 nm and average zeta potential of 1.3 mV. The contrast imaging study in vivo showed that the nanoscale ultrasound contrast agent could significantly enhance the duration and echo intensity of the vessels and parenchyma in rabbit livers, and there were no obvious difference with micro-scale microbubbles.
Conclusions
The nanoscale ultrasound contrast agent is stable and effective for the enhancement of ultrasound imaging. This study provides an important platform for miniaturizing and improving the targeting performance of ultrasound contrast agents.
aDepartment of Ultrasound, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
bDepartment of Cell Biology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
Corresponding author. Department of Ultrasound, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China. Tel.: +86 23 68774698; fax: +86 23 68755631.
☆ Supported by general project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 60601023).
ABSTRACT