Acoustic and optical characterization of ultrasound contrast agents via flow cytometry

Abstract

Characterizing ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) involve measuring the size and population distribution. However, these instruments do not allow for characterization of shell properties, which are important for (1) stability to administration and circulation throughout the vasculature; (2) UCA response to ultrasound; and (3) conjugating ligands for molecular imaging. Thus it is critical to understand the physical and rheological properties of shells. We previously developed a light scattering technique to characterize the shell properties of UCAs [Guan and Matula, JASA, Vol 116(5), 2004; Tu, et al., IEEE Trans. Ultrason., Ferroelec., and Freq. Control, vol. 58(5), 2011]. The most recent manifestation involves a flow cytometer modified with a custom square quartz flow cell in place of the standard nozzle and fluid jet. Acoustic coupling to the carrier sheath fluid and UCA samples occurred through a PZT bonded to one side of the flow cell. The PZT-driven UCA oscillations were processed and fitted to the Marmottant UCA model. Shell properties for UCAs (including Definity, Optison, SonoVue, and even homemade bubbles) were determined. The focus of this talk will be on pressure calibration and additional measurements of unpublished data from Optison and homemade bubbles. (Funded in part by the Life Sciences Discovery Fund #3292512)