Theranostic phospholipid-coated ultrasound contrast agents: response on demand
Assoc. Prof. Dr. K. Kooiman1), Erasmus MC University, Medical Center Rotterdam/The Netherlands
People involved
Simone A.G. Langeveld, MSc (PhD fellow sponsored by the PRC) – Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands (s.a.g.langeveld@erasmusmc.nl)
Abstract
Ultrasound contrast agents are comprised of phospholipid-coated gas microbubbles, 1-10 μm in size, that vibrate (expand and compress) in response to ultrasound. However, the vibration of current microbubbles is unpredictable and thus a huge problem for the new theranostic applications of microbubbles: ultrasound molecular imaging and drug delivery.1)2)3)4)5)6)
The aim of this proposal is to produce an innovative phospholipid-coated microbubble that does respond on demand, controlled by ultrasound. Three innovative steps must be taken to achieve this goal: 1. selection of phospholipids, 2. production of the microbubbles, and 3. characterization with state-of-the-art techniques like unique high-speed optical imaging (15 million frames per s recordings) to assess the microbubble’s vibration and 4Pi confocal microscopy to asses lipid miscibility and phase.
The new theranostic microbubbles will be evaluated in vitro and in vivo for their therapeutic drug delivery and diagnostic properties using up-to-date marker drugs and ultrasound scanner machines. This multi-disciplinary innovative project is expected to result in a breakthrough in the predictable response of theranostic microbubbles in an ultrasound field. This proposal brings two large research areas together which were up to now largely separated, namely the world of microbubbles as theranostics and the world of phospholipid research. The knowledge gained will greatly advance diagnoses and augment drug delivery. As a result, cancer and cardiovascular disease patients will benefit.
Benefit for the community
Most importantly, patients suffering from cardiovascular disease and cancer will benefit because of improved ultrasound molecular imaging and local drug uptake using microbubbles that respond predictable and on demand to ultrasound. In addition, this improvement will have an enormous impact on the quality of life during treatment and by that having a big social impact.
Visit the supervisors lab
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