Thermally Activated Ultrasound Contrast Agents

Researchers at Purdue University have created a new thermally activated ultrasound contrast agent composed of nanodroplets. Unlike current technologies, the contrast agent solution lasts in the body for days if not up to months. This advantage greatly enhances patient care by eliminating need for repeated use of contrast agents. Another problem with traditional typical gas-filled solutions is product loss, as heat in the body can pop the gas bubbles. The agent created by Purdue researchers is activated by heating it outside the body to ensure that it remains stable. In addition, nanodroplets in the new contrast agent can reach as far as endothelial cells for enhanced imaging, whereas traditional agents have not been able to produce high-resolution images. These nanodroplets can be labeled for a variety of biomedical applications, as well, including tumor detection and tracking cells.

Advantages:

-Stable

-Long Lasting

-Heat Activated

-Easy to Label

Potential Applications:

-Ultrasound Imaging

-Drug Delivery

-Tumor Detection

-Tracking Cells

TRL: 4

Intellectual Property:

Keywords: thermally activated, ultrasound contrast agent, nanodroplets, long lasting, heat activated, stable contrast agent, biomedical imaging, tumor detection, tracking cells, drug delivery