US EPA

2373791 

Journal Article 

Encapsulated microbubbles and echogenic liposomes for contrast ultrasound imaging and targeted drug delivery 

Paul, S; Nahire, R; Mallik, S; Sarkar, K 

2014 

Yes 

Computational Mechanics
ISSN: 0178-7675 

53 

3 

413-435 

English 

26097272 

10.1007/s00466-013-0962-4 

WOS:000331955900003 

Micron- to nanometer-sized ultrasound agents, like encapsulated microbubbles and echogenic liposomes, are being developed for diagnostic imaging and ultrasound mediated drug/gene delivery. This review provides an overview of the current state of the art of the mathematical models of the acoustic behavior of ultrasound contrast microbubbles. We also present a review of the in vitro experimental characterization of the acoustic properties of microbubble based contrast agents undertaken in our laboratory. The hierarchical two-pronged approach of modeling contrast agents we developed is demonstrated for a lipid coated (Sonazoid and a polymer shelled (poly D-L-lactic acid) contrast microbubbles. The acoustic and drug release properties of the newly developed echogenic liposomes are discussed for their use as simultaneous imaging and drug/gene delivery agents. Although echogenicity is conclusively demonstrated in experiments, its physical mechanisms remain uncertain. Addressing questions raised here will accelerate further development and eventual clinical approval of these novel technologies. 

Ultrasound contrast agents; Encapsulated microbubbles; Liposomes; Drug delivery