Multimodal imaging: Nanocrystal loaded PLA-shelled contrast agents

Ultrasound Contrast Agents (UCA) are microencapsulated gas bubbles used to increase the overall contrast of the ultrasound (US) image. Novel multimodal polymeric UCA containing additional contrast agents that are active in multiple imaging modalities have been developed. Four platforms of loaded poly (lactic acid) (PLA) shelled UCA are presented. The first two platforms co-encapsulate aqueous or organic Quantum Dots (QD). The third platform contains magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNP). The fourth platform contains gold nanoparticles (AuNP). All platforms showed that the properties of UCA are maintained as well as the properties of additional encapsulated contrast agent. This study explores the potential application for improving the screening of a subject using at least two different modalities.