[Construction and validation of a multiple scattering FIG nano contrast agent with antibody targeting and high...

Objective This study is aimed to maximize the contrast of ultrasound imaging in limited nanometer size range, and enhance the accuracy of imaging by introducing specific targeting antibody. Methods A multiple scattering "FIG" nano contrast agent system was established by conventional nanobubble synthesis method. The structure of "FIG" nano contrast agent was composed of phospholipid as the bubble shell with self-decomposable nanoparticles loaded on the inner wall, and the specific antibody to glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1) on the surface. Characterizations, in vitro and in vivo studies were employed to investigate the contrast and the accuracy of established nano bubble contrast agent. Results The in vitro imaging results revealed that with or without targeting ligand decoration, the "FIG" nano contrast agent system presented similar imaging enhancement, when compared with clinical used contrast imaging agent Sonovue. However, the imaging studies results in vivo showed that the "FIG" nano contrast agent system with targeting ligand decoration presented better imaging contrast and accuracy than free "FIG" nano contrast agent system, and both were better than Sonovue. Conclusion The antibody-targeted multiple scattering "FIG" nano contrast agents possesses the characteristics of high targeting and high enhancement resolution.