Real-time imaging of nanobubble ultrasound contrast agent flow, extravasation, and diffusion through an extracellular matrix using a microfluidic model.

ABSTRACT: Lipid shell-stabilized nanoparticles with a perfluorocarbon gas-core, or nanobubbles, have recently attracted attention as a new contrast agent for molecular ultrasound imaging and image-guided therapy. Due to their small size (∼275 nm diameter) and flexible shell, nanobubbles have been shown to extravasate through hyperpermeable vasculature (e.g., in tumors). However, little is known about the dynamics and depth of extravasation of intact, acoustically active nanobubbles. Accordingly, in this work, we developed a microfluidic chip with a lumen and extracellular matrix (ECM) and imaging method that allows real-time imaging and characterization of the extravasation process with high-frequency ultrasound. The microfluidic device has a lumen and is surrounded by an extracellular matrix

SUBMITTER: Cooley MB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11684791 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature