Multifunctional microbubbles and nanobubbles for photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging

Abstract

We develop a novel dual-modal contrast agent - encapsulated-ink poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microbubbles and nanobubbles - for photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging. Soft gelatin phantoms with embedded tumor simulators of encapsulated-ink PLGA microbubbles and nanobubbles in various concentrations are clearly shown in both photoacoustic and ultrasound images. In addition, using photoacoustic imaging, we successfully image the samples positioned below 1.8-cm-thick chicken breast tissues. Potentially, simultaneous photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging enhanced by encapsulated-dye PLGA microbubbles or nanobubbles can be a valuable tool for intraoperative assessment of tumor boundaries and therapeutic margins. © 2010 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.