Development and characterization of a nano-sized surfactant stabilized contrast agent for diagnostic ultrasound

ST68 is a surfactant based contrast agent being used to enhance diagnostic ultrasound imaging as well as develop a technique for targeting. The size of the ST68 nanobubbles is being reduced in order to facilitate passage through the tumor blood vessel pores. Different sonication times are being investigated in order to determine the smallest size of the nanobubbles. The contrast agent is characterized by dynamic light scattering and acoustic dose response to develop the maximum enhancement.