Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

In addition to improving image contrast, microbubbles have shown great potential in molecular imaging and drug/gene delivery. Previous work by the authors showed that considerable improvements in gene transfection efficiency were obtained using microbubbles loaded with magnetic nanoparticles under simultaneous exposure to ultrasound and magnetic fields. The aim of this study was to characterise the effect of nanoparticles on the dynamic and acoustic response of the microbubbles. High-speed video microscopy indicated that the amplitude of oscillation was very similar for magnetic and nonmagnetic microbubbles of the same size for the same ultrasound exposure (0.5 MHz, 100 kPa, 12-cycle pulse) and that this was minimally affected by an imposed magnetic field. The linear scattering to attenuation ratio (STAR) was also similar for suspensions of both bubble types although the nonlinear STAR was ~50% lower for the magnetic microbubbles. Both the video and acoustic data were supported by the results from theoretical modelling.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2012.01.027

Type

Journal article

Journal

Ultrasound med biol

Publication Date

05/2012

Volume

38

Pages

864 - 875

Keywords

Computer Simulation, Contrast Media, Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation, High-Energy Shock Waves, Magnetic Fields, Materials Testing, Microbubbles, Models, Chemical, Radiation Dosage