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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 26, 2026

Multi-timescale Microscopy Methods for the Characterization of Fluorescently-labeled Microbubbles for Ultrasound-Triggered Drug Release
06:02

Multi-timescale Microscopy Methods for the Characterization of Fluorescently-labeled Microbubbles for Ultrasound-Triggered Drug Release

Published on: June 12, 2021

Nanobody-coupled microbubbles as novel molecular tracer.

Sophie Hernot1, Sunil Unnikrishnan, Zhongmin Du

  • 1In vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium. Sophie.Hernot@gmail.com

Journal of Controlled Release : Official Journal of the Controlled Release Society
|December 27, 2011
PubMed
Summary

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Camelid single-domain antibody fragments, known as nanobodies, were used to create targeted microbubbles for molecular imaging. VCAM-1 targeted microbubbles showed enhanced ultrasound signals in tumors, demonstrating their potential as novel contrast agents.

Area of Science:

  • Biotechnology
  • Molecular Imaging
  • Nanomedicine

Background:

  • Camelid single-domain antibody fragments (nanobodies) offer high affinity and tailorability for molecular imaging and drug delivery.
  • Microbubbles (microBs) are established ultrasound contrast agents, but targeted applications require specific molecular coupling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and characterize nanobody-targeted microbubbles for molecular imaging.
  • To investigate the utility of nanobody-coupled microbubbles as ultrasound contrast agents targeting VCAM-1.

Main Methods:

  • Site-specific biotinylation of anti-eGFP and anti-VCAM-1 nanobodies using a bacterial metabolic method.
  • Coupling biotinylated nanobodies to biotinylated lipid microbubbles via streptavidin-biotin linkage.
  • In vitro validation using fluorescent microscopy and dynamic flow studies; in vivo evaluation in tumor-bearing mice using ultrasound imaging.

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Fabricating and Labeling Microbubbles with Fluorescent and Radioactive Tracers
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Fabricating and Labeling Microbubbles with Fluorescent and Radioactive Tracers

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Last Updated: May 26, 2026

Multi-timescale Microscopy Methods for the Characterization of Fluorescently-labeled Microbubbles for Ultrasound-Triggered Drug Release
06:02

Multi-timescale Microscopy Methods for the Characterization of Fluorescently-labeled Microbubbles for Ultrasound-Triggered Drug Release

Published on: June 12, 2021

Fabricating and Labeling Microbubbles with Fluorescent and Radioactive Tracers
10:40

Fabricating and Labeling Microbubbles with Fluorescent and Radioactive Tracers

Published on: January 24, 2025

Main Results:

  • Proof-of-principle demonstrated specific binding of microbubble-coupled nanobodies to their respective targets (eGFP and VCAM-1).
  • VCAM-1 targeted microbubbles exhibited specific binding under flow conditions (up to 5 dynes/cm(2)).
  • In vivo studies showed significantly enhanced ultrasound echo intensity in tumors targeted with VCAM-1 microbubbles compared to controls (p<0.05).

Conclusions:

  • A method for developing nanobody-coupled microbubbles was established using site-specific biotinylation.
  • Nanobody-targeted microbubbles, specifically those targeting VCAM-1, show promise as novel molecular ultrasound contrast agents for in vivo imaging.