Ultrastable shelled PFC nanobubbles: A platform for ultrasound-assisted diagnostics, and therapy

• DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2022.102611
• Publication Date: 2022-10-10T16:58:50Z
• Authors: Patrizia Nadia Ha...; Caterina Ricci; Andrea Bettucci; Roberto Marotta; Carmel Mary Moran; Laura Cantù; Maria Carafa; Federica Rinaldi; Elena Del Favero; Carlotta Marianecci
• Keywords: theranostics; Microbubbles; Acoustics; Drug delivery; Nanobubbles; Theranostics; Ultrasound contrast agents; ultrasound contrast agents; Contrast Media; Acoustics; 02 engineering and technology; 3. Good health; Nanobubbles; Ultrasound contrast agents; Acoustics; Theranostics; Drug delivery; Nanobubbles; Drug delivery; acoustics; 0210 nano-technology; Ultrasonography

Nanoscale echogenic bubbles (NBs), can be used as a theranostic platform for the localized delivery of encapsulated drugs. However, the generation of NBs is challenging, because they have lifetimes as short as milliseconds in solution. The aim of this work has been the optimization of a preparation method for the generation of stable NBs, characterized by measuring: a) acoustic efficiency, b) nano-size, to ensure passive tumour targeting, c) stability during storage and after injection and d) ability to entrap drugs. NBs are monodisperse and ultra-stable, their stability achieved by generation of an amphiphilic multilamellar shell able to efficiently retain the PFC gas. The NBs perform as good acoustic enhancers over a wide frequency range and out of resonant conditions, as tested in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, proving to be a potential platform for the production of versatile carriers to be used in ultrasound-assisted diagnostic, therapeutic and theranostic applications.