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Banala S, Fokong S, Brand C, Andreou C, Kräutler B, Rueping M, Kiessling F. Quinone-fused porphyrins as contrast agents for photoacoustic imaging. Chem Sci 2017; 8:6176-6181. [PMID: 28989649 PMCID: PMC5628350 DOI: 10.1039/c7sc01369h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoacoustic (PA) imaging is an emerging non-invasive diagnostic modality with many potential clinical applications in oncology, rheumatology and the cardiovascular field. For this purpose, there is a high demand for exogenous contrast agents with high absorption coefficients in the optical window for tissue imaging, i.e. the near infrared (NIR) range between 680 and 950 nm. We herein report the photoacoustic properties of quinone-fused porphyrins inserted with different transition metals as new highly promising candidates. These dyes exhibit intense NIR absorption, a lack of fluorescence emission, and PA sensitivity in concentrations below 3 nmol mL-1. In this context, the highest PA signal was obtained with a Zn(ii) inserted dye. Furthermore, this dye was stable in blood serum and free thiol solution and exhibited negligible cell toxicity. Additionally, the Zn(ii) probe could be detected with an up to 3.2 fold higher PA intensity compared to the clinically most commonly used PA agent, ICG. Thus, further exploration of the 'quinone-fusing' approach to other chromophores may be an efficient way to generate highly potent PA agents that do not fluoresce and shift their absorption into the NIR range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivas Banala
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging , University Clinic , RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelstraße 30 , D-52074 Aachen , Germany . ; ; Tel: +49 241 8085566
- Institute of Organic Chemistry , RWTH Aachen University , Landoltweg 1 , D-52074 Aachen , Germany
| | - Stanley Fokong
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging , University Clinic , RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelstraße 30 , D-52074 Aachen , Germany . ; ; Tel: +49 241 8085566
| | - Christian Brand
- Department of Radiology , Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , 1275 York Avenue , New York , NY 10065 , USA
| | - Chrysafis Andreou
- Department of Radiology , Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , 1275 York Avenue , New York , NY 10065 , USA
| | - Bernhard Kräutler
- Institute of Organic Chemistry , University of Innsbruck , Innrain 80-82 , A6020 , Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Magnus Rueping
- Institute of Organic Chemistry , RWTH Aachen University , Landoltweg 1 , D-52074 Aachen , Germany
- KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC) , King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) , Thuwal 23955-6900 , Saudi Arabia
| | - Fabian Kiessling
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging , University Clinic , RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelstraße 30 , D-52074 Aachen , Germany . ; ; Tel: +49 241 8085566
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Spivak I, Rix A, Schmitz G, Fokong S, Iranzo O, Lederle W, Kiessling F. Low-Dose Molecular Ultrasound Imaging with E-Selectin-Targeted PBCA Microbubbles. Mol Imaging Biol 2016; 18:180-90. [PMID: 26391990 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-015-0894-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Our objective was to determine the lowest diagnostically effective dose for E-selectin-targeted poly n-butyl cyanoacrylate (PBCA)-shelled microbubbles and to apply it to monitor antiangiogenic therapy effects. PROCEDURES PBCA-shelled microbubbles (MBs) coupled to an E-selectin-specific peptide were applied in mice carrying MLS or A431 carcinoma xenografts scaling down the MB dosage to the lowest level where binding could be examined with a 18-MHz small animal ultrasound transducer. Differences in E-selectin expression in the two carcinoma xenografts were confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, MLS tumor-bearing mice under antiangiogenic therapy were monitored using E-selectin-targeted MBs at the lowest applicable dose. Therapy effects on tumor vascularization were verified by immunohistological analyses. RESULTS The minimally required dosage was 7 × 10(7) MBs/kg body weight. This dosage was sufficient to enable E-selectin detection in high E-selectin-expressing MLS tumors, while low E-selectin-expressing A431 tumors required almost 2.5-fold higher doses. At the dose of 7 × 10(7) MBs/kg body weight, a decrease in E-selectin MB binding under antiangiogenic therapy could be assessed (being significant after 3 days of treatment; p < 0.0001), which was in line with the significant drop in E-selectin-positive area fractions that was found histologically (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Molecular ultrasound imaging with our E-selectin-targeted MB and therapy monitoring was possible down to a dose of 7 × 10(7) MBs/kg body weight (equates to 66 μg PBCA/kg and 4.6 mg PBCA/70 kg). Improvements in choice of targets, MB composition, and other MB detection methods may improve sensitivity and lead to reliable detection results of clinically transferrable MBs at even lower dosage levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Spivak
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Anne Rix
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Georg Schmitz
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Stanley Fokong
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Olga Iranzo
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal.,Aix Marseille Université, Centrale Marseille, CNRS, iSm2 UMR 7313, 13397, Marseille, France
| | - Wiltrud Lederle
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Fabian Kiessling
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany. .,Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
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Repenko T, Fokong S, De Laporte L, Go D, Kiessling F, Lammers T, Kuehne AJC. Water-soluble dopamine-based polymers for photoacoustic imaging. Chem Commun (Camb) 2015; 51:6084-7. [PMID: 25670068 DOI: 10.1039/c5cc00039d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Here we present a facile synthetic method yielding a linear form of polydopamine via Kumada-coupling, which can be converted into water-soluble melanin, generating high contrast in photoacoustic imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Repenko
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
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4
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Curaj A, Wu Z, Fokong S, Liehn EA, Weber C, Burlacu A, Lammers T, van Zandvoort M, Kiessling F. Noninvasive molecular ultrasound monitoring of vessel healing after intravascular surgical procedures in a preclinical setup. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2015; 35:1366-73. [PMID: 25838431 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.114.304857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cardiovascular interventions induce damage to the vessel wall making antithrombotic therapy inevitable until complete endothelial recovery. Without a method to accurately determine the endothelial status, many patients undergo prolonged anticoagulation therapy, denying them any invasive medical procedures, such as surgical operations and dental interventions. Therefore, we aim to introduce molecular ultrasound imaging of the vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 using targeted poly-n-butylcyanoacrylate microbubbles (MB(VCAM-1)) as an easy accessible method to monitor accurately the reendothelialization of vessels. APPROACH AND RESULTS ApoE(-/-) mice were fed with an atherogenic diet for 1 and 12 weeks and subsequently, endothelial denudation was performed in the carotid arteries using a guidewire. Molecular ultrasound imaging was performed at different time points after denudation (1, 3, 7, and 14 days). An increased MB(VCAM-1) binding after 1 day, a peak after 3 days, and a decrease after 7 days was found. After 12 weeks of diet, MB(VCAM-1) binding also peaked after 3 days but remained high until 7 days, indicating a delay in endothelial recovery. Two-photon laser scanning microscopy imaging of double fluorescence staining confirmed the exposure of VCAM-1 on the superficial layer after arterial injury only during the healing phase. After complete reendothelialization, VCAM-1 expression persisted in the subendothelial layer but was not reachable for the MBV(CAM-1) anymore. CONCLUSION Molecular ultrasound imaging with MB(VCAM-1) is promising to assess vascular damage and to monitor endothelial recovery after arterial interventions. Thus, it may become an important diagnostic tool supporting the development of adequate therapeutic strategies to personalize anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory therapy after cardiovascular intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelina Curaj
- From the Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (A.C., Z.W., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (A.C., Z.W., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Institute of Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany (C.W.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, partner site Munich Heart Alliance), Munich, Germany (C.W.); Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu" of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania (A.B.); Department of Controlled Drug Delivery, University of Twente, AE Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); and Department of Genetics and Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.)
| | - Zhuojun Wu
- From the Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (A.C., Z.W., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (A.C., Z.W., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Institute of Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany (C.W.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, partner site Munich Heart Alliance), Munich, Germany (C.W.); Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu" of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania (A.B.); Department of Controlled Drug Delivery, University of Twente, AE Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); and Department of Genetics and Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.)
| | - Stanley Fokong
- From the Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (A.C., Z.W., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (A.C., Z.W., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Institute of Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany (C.W.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, partner site Munich Heart Alliance), Munich, Germany (C.W.); Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu" of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania (A.B.); Department of Controlled Drug Delivery, University of Twente, AE Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); and Department of Genetics and Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.)
| | - Elisa A Liehn
- From the Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (A.C., Z.W., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (A.C., Z.W., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Institute of Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany (C.W.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, partner site Munich Heart Alliance), Munich, Germany (C.W.); Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu" of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania (A.B.); Department of Controlled Drug Delivery, University of Twente, AE Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); and Department of Genetics and Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.)
| | - Christian Weber
- From the Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (A.C., Z.W., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (A.C., Z.W., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Institute of Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany (C.W.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, partner site Munich Heart Alliance), Munich, Germany (C.W.); Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu" of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania (A.B.); Department of Controlled Drug Delivery, University of Twente, AE Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); and Department of Genetics and Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.)
| | - Alexandrina Burlacu
- From the Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (A.C., Z.W., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (A.C., Z.W., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Institute of Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany (C.W.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, partner site Munich Heart Alliance), Munich, Germany (C.W.); Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu" of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania (A.B.); Department of Controlled Drug Delivery, University of Twente, AE Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); and Department of Genetics and Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.)
| | - Twan Lammers
- From the Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (A.C., Z.W., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (A.C., Z.W., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Institute of Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany (C.W.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, partner site Munich Heart Alliance), Munich, Germany (C.W.); Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu" of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania (A.B.); Department of Controlled Drug Delivery, University of Twente, AE Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); and Department of Genetics and Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.)
| | - Marc van Zandvoort
- From the Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (A.C., Z.W., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (A.C., Z.W., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Institute of Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany (C.W.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, partner site Munich Heart Alliance), Munich, Germany (C.W.); Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu" of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania (A.B.); Department of Controlled Drug Delivery, University of Twente, AE Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); and Department of Genetics and Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.).
| | - Fabian Kiessling
- From the Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (A.C., Z.W., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (A.C., Z.W., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Institute of Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany (C.W.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, partner site Munich Heart Alliance), Munich, Germany (C.W.); Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu" of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania (A.B.); Department of Controlled Drug Delivery, University of Twente, AE Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); and Department of Genetics and Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.).
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Koczera P, Wu Z, Fokong S, Theek B, Appold L, Jorge S, Möckel D, Liu Z, Curaj A, Storm G, van Zandvoort M, Kiessling F, Lammers T. Fluorescently labeled microbubbles for facilitating translational molecular ultrasound studies. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2015; 2:56-64. [PMID: 25786599 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-011-0056-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Microbubbles (MB) are routinely used as contrast agents for functional and molecular ultrasound (US) imaging. For molecular US imaging, MB are functionalized with antibodies or peptides, in order to visualize receptor expression by angiogenic or inflamed endothelium. In general, initial in vitro binding studies with targeted MB are performed using phase contrast microscopy. Difficulties in the identification of MB in standard phase contrast microscopy, however, generally result in high variability, high observer dependency, and low reproducibility. To overcome these shortcomings, we here describe a simple post-loading strategy for labeling polymer-based MB with fluorophores, and we show that the use of rhodamine-loaded MB in combination with fluorescence microscopy substantially reduces the variability and the observer dependency of in vitro binding studies. In addition, we demonstrate that rhodamine-loaded MB can also be used for in vivo and ex vivo experimental setups, e.g., for analyzing MB binding to inflamed carotids using two-photon laser scanning microscopy, and for validating the binding of VEGFR2-targeted MB to tumor endothelium. These findings demonstrate that fluorescently labeled MB substantially facilitate translational molecular US studies, and they suggest that a similar synthetic strategy can be exploited for preparing drug-loaded MB, to enable image-guided, targeted, and triggered drug delivery to tumors and to sites of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Koczera
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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Lammers T, Koczera P, Fokong S, Gremse F, Ehling J, Vogt M, Pich A, Storm G, van Zandvoort M, Kiessling F. Theranostic USPIO-Loaded Microbubbles for Mediating and Monitoring Blood-Brain Barrier Permeation. Adv Funct Mater 2015; 25:36-43. [PMID: 25729344 PMCID: PMC4340520 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201401199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Efficient and safe drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) remains to be one of the major challenges of biomedical and (nano-) pharmaceutical research. Here, we show that poly(butyl cyanoacrylate)-based microbubbles (MB), carrying ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) nanoparticles within their shell, can be used to mediate and monitor BBB permeation. Upon exposure to transcranial ultrasound pulses, USPIO-MB are destroyed, resulting in acoustic forces inducing vessel permeability. At the same time, USPIO are released from the MB shell, they extravasate across the permeabilized BBB and they accumulate in extravascular brain tissue, thereby providing non-invasive R2*-based magnetic resonance imaging information on the extent of BBB opening. Quantitative changes in R2* relaxometry were in good agreement with 2D and 3D microscopy results on the extravascular deposition of the macromolecular model drug FITC-dextran into the brain. Such theranostic materials and methods are considered to be useful for mediating and monitoring drug delivery across the BBB, and for enabling safe and efficient treatment of CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrick Koczera
- Department for Experimental Molecular Imaging University Clinic and Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering RWTH Aachen University Pauwelsstrasse 20, 52074 Aachen (Germany) Tel: +49-241-8080116; Fax: +49-241-803380116
| | - Stanley Fokong
- Department for Experimental Molecular Imaging University Clinic and Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering RWTH Aachen University Pauwelsstrasse 20, 52074 Aachen (Germany) Tel: +49-241-8080116; Fax: +49-241-803380116
| | - Felix Gremse
- Department for Experimental Molecular Imaging University Clinic and Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering RWTH Aachen University Pauwelsstrasse 20, 52074 Aachen (Germany) Tel: +49-241-8080116; Fax: +49-241-803380116
| | - Josef Ehling
- Department for Experimental Molecular Imaging University Clinic and Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering RWTH Aachen University Pauwelsstrasse 20, 52074 Aachen (Germany) Tel: +49-241-8080116; Fax: +49-241-803380116
| | - Michael Vogt
- Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (IMCAR) University Clinic, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen (Germany)
| | - Andrij Pich
- Functional and Interactive Polymers, DWI, Leibniz Centre for Interactive Materials RWTH Aachen University, Aachen (Germany)
| | - Gert Storm
- Department of Controlled Drug Delivery MIRA Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Technical Medicine University of Twente, Enschede (The Netherlands); Department of Pharmaceutics Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences Utrecht University, Utrecht (The Netherlands)
| | - Marc van Zandvoort
- Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (IMCAR) University Clinic, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen (Germany); Department of Genetics and Cell Biology Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM) Maastricht University, Maastricht (The Netherlands)
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Kiessling F, Fokong S, Bzyl J, Lederle W, Palmowski M, Lammers T. Recent advances in molecular, multimodal and theranostic ultrasound imaging. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2014; 72:15-27. [PMID: 24316070 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2013.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Revised: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasound (US) imaging is an exquisite tool for the non-invasive and real-time diagnosis of many different diseases. In this context, US contrast agents can improve lesion delineation, characterization and therapy response evaluation. US contrast agents are usually micrometer-sized gas bubbles, stabilized with soft or hard shells. By conjugating antibodies to the microbubble (MB) surface, and by incorporating diagnostic agents, drugs or nucleic acids into or onto the MB shell, molecular, multimodal and theranostic MBs can be generated. We here summarize recent advances in molecular, multimodal and theranostic US imaging, and introduce concepts how such advanced MB can be generated, applied and imaged. Examples are given for their use to image and treat oncological, cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Furthermore, we discuss for which therapeutic entities incorporation into (or conjugation to) MB is meaningful, and how US-mediated MB destruction can increase their extravasation, penetration, internalization and efficacy.
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Theek B, Gremse F, Kunjachan S, Fokong S, Pola R, Pechar M, Deckers R, Storm G, Ehling J, Kiessling F, Lammers T. Characterizing EPR-mediated passive drug targeting using contrast-enhanced functional ultrasound imaging. J Control Release 2014; 182:83-9. [PMID: 24631862 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Revised: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effect is extensively used in drug delivery research. Taking into account that EPR is a highly variable phenomenon, we have here set out to evaluate if contrast-enhanced functional ultrasound (ceUS) imaging can be employed to characterize EPR-mediated passive drug targeting to tumors. Using standard fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) and two different protocols for hybrid computed tomography-fluorescence molecular tomography (CT-FMT), the tumor accumulation of a ~10 nm-sized near-infrared-fluorophore-labeled polymeric drug carrier (pHPMA-Dy750) was evaluated in CT26 tumor-bearing mice. In the same set of animals, two different ceUS techniques (2D MIOT and 3D B-mode imaging) were employed to assess tumor vascularization. Subsequently, the degree of tumor vascularization was correlated with the degree of EPR-mediated drug targeting. Depending on the optical imaging protocol used, the tumor accumulation of the polymeric drug carrier ranged from 5 to 12% of the injected dose. The degree of tumor vascularization, determined using ceUS, varied from 4 to 11%. For both hybrid CT-FMT protocols, a good correlation between the degree of tumor vascularization and the degree of tumor accumulation was observed, within the case of reconstructed CT-FMT, correlation coefficients of ~0.8 and p-values of <0.02. These findings indicate that ceUS can be used to characterize and predict EPR, and potentially also to pre-select patients likely to respond to passively tumor-targeted nanomedicine treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Theek
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Clinic and Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH-Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Felix Gremse
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Clinic and Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH-Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sijumon Kunjachan
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Clinic and Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH-Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stanley Fokong
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Clinic and Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH-Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Robert Pola
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Pechar
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Roel Deckers
- Imaging Sciences Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Storm
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Controlled Drug Delivery, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Josef Ehling
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Clinic and Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH-Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Fabian Kiessling
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Clinic and Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH-Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Twan Lammers
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Clinic and Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH-Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Controlled Drug Delivery, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
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Wu Z, Curaj A, Fokong S, Liehn EA, Weber C, Lammers T, Kiessling F, Zandvoort van M. Rhodamine-Loaded Intercellular Adhesion Molecule–1-targeted Microbubbles for Dual-Modality Imaging Under Controlled Shear Stresses. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2013; 6:974-81. [DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.113.000805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Background—
The ability to image incipient atherosclerosis is based on the early events taking place at the endothelial level. We hypothesized that the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 even in vessels with high flow rates can be imaged at the molecular level using 2 complementary imaging techniques: 2-photon laser scanning microscopy and contrast-enhanced ultrasound.
Methods and Results—
Using 2-photon laser scanning microscopy and contrast-enhanced ultrasound, intercellular adhesion molecule-1–targeted and rhodamine-loaded microbubbles were shown to be specifically bound to tumor necrosis factor-α–stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells and murine carotid arteries (44 wild-type mice) at shear stresses ranging from 1.25 to 120 dyn/cm
2
. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1–targeted and rhodamine-loaded microbubbles bound 8× more efficient (
P
=0.016) to stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells than to unstimulated cells and 14× more than nontargeted microbubbles (
P
=0.016). In excised carotids, binding efficiency did not decrease significantly when increasing the flow rate from 0.25 to 0.6 mL/min. Higher flow rates (0.8 and 1 mL/min) showed significantly reduced microbubbles retention, by 38% (
P
=0.03) and 55% (
P
=0.03), respectively. Ex vivo results were translatable in vivo, confirming that intercellular adhesion molecule-1–targeted and rhodamine-loaded microbubbles are able to bind specifically to the inflamed carotid artery endothelia under physiological flow conditions and to be noninvasively detected using contrast-enhanced ultrasound.
Conclusions—
Our data provide groundwork for the implementation of molecular ultrasound imaging in vessels with high shear stress and flow rates, as well as for the future development of image-guided therapeutic interventions, and multiphoton microscopy as the appropriate method of validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuojun Wu
- From the Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging (Z.W., A.C., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (Z.W., A.C., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH-Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Department of Targeted Therapeutics, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Section Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.); and
| | - Adelina Curaj
- From the Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging (Z.W., A.C., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (Z.W., A.C., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH-Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Department of Targeted Therapeutics, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Section Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.); and
| | - Stanley Fokong
- From the Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging (Z.W., A.C., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (Z.W., A.C., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH-Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Department of Targeted Therapeutics, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Section Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.); and
| | - Elisa A. Liehn
- From the Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging (Z.W., A.C., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (Z.W., A.C., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH-Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Department of Targeted Therapeutics, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Section Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.); and
| | - Christian Weber
- From the Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging (Z.W., A.C., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (Z.W., A.C., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH-Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Department of Targeted Therapeutics, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Section Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.); and
| | - Twan Lammers
- From the Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging (Z.W., A.C., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (Z.W., A.C., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH-Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Department of Targeted Therapeutics, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Section Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.); and
| | - Fabian Kiessling
- From the Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging (Z.W., A.C., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (Z.W., A.C., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH-Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Department of Targeted Therapeutics, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Section Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.); and
| | - Marc Zandvoort van
- From the Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging (Z.W., A.C., S.F., T.L., F.K.), Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (Z.W., A.C., E.A.L., M.v.Z.), University Clinic, RWTH-Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Department of Targeted Therapeutics, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands (T.L.); Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Section Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (M.v.Z.); and
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10
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Siepmann M, Fokong S, Mienkina M, Lederle W, Kiessling F, Gätjens J, Schmitz G. Phase shift variance imaging - a new technique for destructive microbubble imaging. IEEE Trans Ultrason Ferroelectr Freq Control 2013; 60:909-923. [PMID: 23661125 DOI: 10.1109/tuffc.2013.2648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The detection of microbubble contrast agents with ultrasound imaging techniques is the subject of ongoing research. Commonly, the nonlinear response of the agent is employed for detection. The performance of these techniques is, however, affected by nonlinear sound propagation. As an alternative, the change in echo response resulting from microbubble destruction can be employed to detect the agent. In this work, we propose a novel criterion for microbubble destruction detection that allows the rejection of tissue at a defined significance level even for highly echogenic structures in the presence of nonlinear propagation. Most clinical systems provide the hardware requirements for acquisitions consisting of multiple pulses transmitted at the same position, as used in Doppler imaging. Therefore, we develop a processing strategy that distinguishes contrast agent from other stationary or moving structures using these sequences. The proposed criterion is based on the variance of the phase shift of consecutive echoes in the sequence, which, in addition to tissue rejection, permits the distinction of motion from agent disruption. Phantom experiments are conducted to show the validity of the criterion and demonstrate the performance of the new method for contrast detection. Each detection series consists of 20 identical pulses at 9.5 MHz (4.7 MPa peak negative pressure) transmitted at a pulse repetition frequency of 5 kHz. The sequence is applied to phantoms under varied motion and flow conditions. As a first step toward molecular imaging, the technique is applied to microbubbles targeted to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in vitro. The results show a uniform rejection of the background signal while maintaining a contrast enhancement by more than 40 dB. The area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve is used as the performance metric for the separation of contrast agent and tissue signals, and values larger than 97% demonstrate that an excellent separation was achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Siepmann
- Department of Medical Engineering, Ruhr-Universitat Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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11
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Siepmann M, Bzyl J, Fokong S, Kiessling F, Schmitz G. Quantitative Phase Shift Variance Imaging. BIOMED ENG-BIOMED TE 2012. [DOI: 10.1515/bmt-2012-4125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Siepmann
- Department of Medical Engineering, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - J Bzyl
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging (ExMI), Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen, Germany
| | - S Fokong
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging (ExMI), Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen, Germany
| | - F Kiessling
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging (ExMI), Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen, Germany
| | - G Schmitz
- Department of Medical Engineering, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
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12
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Kiessling F, Bzyl J, Fokong S, Siepmann M, Schmitz G, Palmowski M. Targeted ultrasound imaging of cancer: an emerging technology on its way to clinics. Curr Pharm Des 2012; 18:2184-99. [PMID: 22352772 DOI: 10.2174/138161212800099900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2011] [Accepted: 12/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound is one of the workhorses in clinical cancer diagnosis. In particular, it is routinely used to characterize lesions in liver, urogenital tract, head and neck and soft tissues. During the last years image quality steadily improved, which, among others, can be attributed to the development of harmonic image analysis. Microbubbles were introduced as intravascular contrast agents and can be detected with superb sensitivity and specificity using contrast specific imaging modes. By aid of these unspecific contrast agents tissues can be characterised regarding their vascularity. Antibodies, peptides and other targeting moieties were bound to microbubbles to target sites of angiogenesis and inflammation intending to get more disease-specific information. Indeed, many preclinical studies proved the high potential of targeted ultrasound imaging to better characterize tumors and to more sensitively monitor therapy response. Recently, first targeted microbubbles had been developed that meet the pharmacological demands of a clinical contrast agent. This review articles gives an overview on the history and current status of targeted ultrasound imaging of cancer. Different imaging concepts and contrast agent designs are introduced ranging from the use of experimental nanodroplets to agents undergoing clinical evaluation. Although it is clear that targeted ultrasound imaging works reliably, its broad acceptance is hindered by the user dependency of ultrasound imaging in general. Automated 3D-scanning techniques-like being used for breast diagnosis - and novel 3D transducers will help to make this fascinating method clinical reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Kiessling
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH-Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
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13
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Abstract
Ultrasound imaging is clinically established for routine screening examinations of breast, abdomen, neck, and other soft tissues, as well as for therapy monitoring. Microbubbles as vascular contrast agents improve the detection and characterization of cancerous lesions, inflammatory processes, and cardiovascular pathologies. Taking advantage of the excellent sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound for microbubble detection, molecular imaging can be realized by binding antibodies, peptides, and other targeting moieties to microbubble surfaces. Molecular microbubbles directed against various targets such as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, selectins, and integrins were developed and were shown in preclinical studies to be able to selectively bind to tumor blood vessels and atherosclerotic plaques. Currently, the first microbubble formulations targeted to angiogenic vessels in prostate cancers are being evaluated clinically. However, microbubbles can be used for more than diagnosis: disintegrating microbubbles emit acoustic forces that are strong enough to induce thrombolysis, and they can also be used for facilitating drug and gene delivery across biologic barriers. This review on the use of microbubbles for ultrasound-based molecular imaging, therapy, and theranostics addresses innovative concepts and identifies areas in which clinical translation is foreseeable in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Kiessling
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH-Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
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14
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Fokong S, Siepmann M, Liu Z, Schmitz G, Kiessling F, Gätjens J. Advanced characterization and refinement of poly N-butyl cyanoacrylate microbubbles for ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound Med Biol 2011; 37:1622-34. [PMID: 21924206 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2011.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2011] [Revised: 06/30/2011] [Accepted: 07/01/2011] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to develop and characterize poly n-butylcyanoacrylate (PBCA) microbubbles (MBs) with a narrow size distribution. MBs were synthesized by established emulsion polymerization techniques, size-isolated by centrifugation and functionalized for molecular imaging by coating their surface with streptavidin. The physical and acoustic properties of the parent solution, different-size isolated populations and functionalized MBs were measured and compared. As expected from negative zeta potentials at pH 7, cryo scanning electron microscopy showed no aggregates. In phantoms MBs were destructible at high mechanical indices and showed a frequency-dependent attenuation and backscattering. The MBs were stable in solution for more than 14 weeks and could be lyophilized without major damage. However, for injection, small needle diameters and high injection rates are shown to be critical because both lead to MB destruction. In summary, when being handled correctly, size-isolated PBCA MBs are promising candidates for preclinical functional and molecular ultrasound imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Fokong
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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15
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Liu Z, Lammers T, Ehling J, Fokong S, Bornemann J, Kiessling F, Gätjens J. Iron oxide nanoparticle-containing microbubble composites as contrast agents for MR and ultrasound dual-modality imaging. Biomaterials 2011; 32:6155-63. [PMID: 21632103 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2011] [Accepted: 05/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance (MR) and ultrasound (US) imaging are widely used diagnostic modalities for various experimental and clinical applications. In this study, iron oxide nanoparticle-embedded polymeric microbubbles were designed as multi-modal contrast agents for hybrid MR-US imaging. These magnetic nano-in-micro imaging probes were prepared via a one-pot emulsion polymerization to form poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) microbubbles, along with the oil-in-water (O/W) encapsulation of iron oxide nanoparticles in the bubble shell. The nano-in-micro embedding strategy was validated using NMR and electron microscopy. These hybrid imaging agents exhibited strong contrast in US and an increased transversal relaxation rate in MR. Moreover, a significant increase in longitudinal and transversal relaxivities was observed after US-induced bubble destruction, which demonstrated triggerable MR imaging properties. Proof-of-principle in vivo experiments confirmed that these nanoparticle-embedded microbubble composites are suitable contrast agents for both MR and US imaging. In summary, these magnetic nano-in-micro hybrid materials are highly interesting systems for bimodal MR-US imaging, and their enhanced relaxivities upon US-induced destruction recommend them as potential vehicles for MR-guided US-mediated drug and gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Liu
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging (ExMI), Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen 52074, Germany
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