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Formulation and Acoustic Modulation of Optically Vaporized Perfluorocarbon Nanodroplets
Published on: July 16, 2021
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Quantifying activation of perfluorocarbon-based phase-change contrast agents using simultaneous acoustic and optical
Sinan Li1, Shengtao Lin1, Yi Cheng1
1Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK.
Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology
|February 7, 2015
Summary
Ultrasound activates phase-change nanodroplets into microbubbles for enhanced medical imaging. Simultaneous optical and acoustic methods quantify this activation, showing linear concentration relationships at lower levels.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Acoustic Imaging
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Phase-change nanodroplets are ultrasound-activated contrast agents.
- Ultrasound can convert nanodroplets into microbubbles, extending contrast beyond vasculature.
- Quantifying this activation is crucial for optimizing contrast agent performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe simultaneous optical and acoustical measurements for quantifying ultrasound activation of phase-change contrast agents.
- To investigate the relationship between nanodroplet concentration and microbubble formation.
- To compare bubble formation at body and room temperatures.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous optical and acoustic measurements were used.
- Decafluorobutane nanodroplets were sonicated with activation and interrogation pulses.
- Acoustic signals and optical images were analyzed to quantify microbubble concentration.
Main Results:
- Both optical and acoustic measurements showed linear relationships with droplet concentration below 10(8)/mL at body temperature.
- Higher droplet concentrations led to saturation of the acoustic signal.
- Room temperature resulted in fewer and larger microbubbles compared to body temperature.
Conclusions:
- Simultaneous optical and acoustic measurements provide reliable quantification of ultrasound-activated phase-change contrast agents.
- Concentration-dependent behavior and temperature effects on bubble formation were elucidated.
- Findings contribute to the development and application of advanced ultrasound contrast agents.
