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Preparation of targeted microbubbles: ultrasound contrast agents for molecular imaging

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Abstract

Targeted ultrasound contrast agents can be prepared by attaching targeting ligands to the lipid, protein or polymer shell coating of gas-filled microbubbles. These materials are stable on storage, fully biocompatible and can be administered parenterally. Detection of microbubble contrast agents by ultrasound is very efficient (single particles with picogram mass can be visualized). Covalent or noncovalent binding techniques can be used to attach targeting ligands. Ligand-carrying microbubbles adhere to the respective molecular targets in vitro and in vivo. Several biomechanical methods are available to improve targeting efficacy, such as the use of a flexible tether spacer arm between the ligand and the bubble, and the use of folds on the microbubble shell, that project out, enhancing the contact area and increasing the length of the lever arm.

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Acknowledgments

Help and support from the University of Virginia Cardiovascular Division, Cardiovascular Research Center and Cardiovascular Imaging center is appreciated. This study is supported in part via NIH 5R01EB002185 and R21/33CA102880. Ongoing collaboration with C.T. Chin and C. Hall (Philips Research North America), K. Ley (La Jolla Institute of Allergy and Immunology), J. Hossack (University of Virginia), J. Rychak (Targeson) is gratefully acknowledged. Generous donation of laboratory equipment by Mallinckrodt Inc. (Hazelwood MO) to A. Klibanov’s laboratory at the University of Virginia is appreciated.

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  1. Cardiovascular Division, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908-0158, USA

    Alexander L. Klibanov

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Correspondence to Alexander L. Klibanov.

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Klibanov, A.L. Preparation of targeted microbubbles: ultrasound contrast agents for molecular imaging. Med Biol Eng Comput 47, 875–882 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11517-009-0498-0

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