USphere Series

Microbubble Contrast Agents for Ultrasound Imaging

Applications

Models & Specs

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Features

System Overview

The USphere Series of microbubble contrast agents have been specifically designed for preclinical imaging, working effectively at frequencies from 1-40MHz. Their small size distribution (1.1-1.4µm), and high concentration (~2.5×1010 bubbles/ml), makes them ideally suited for use in a variety of species from mice, rats, rabbits, non-human primates, etc. There are a variety of agents available including those to image perfusion, targeted biomarkers, as well as those that contain fluorescent dyes to allow for multi-modal imaging, and those designed for targeted drug delivery or gene transfection.

The USphere Series of microbubble contrast agents have been specifically designed for use in a variety of species used in preclinical research, anywhere from mice, rats, rabbits and even pigs; and have been tested and shown to work effectively at frequencies from 1 to 40MHz. Specifically, these agents have been tested on our Prospect T1 high frequency ultrasound system and have been found to perform well with both linear and harmonic contrast imaging modes.

There are a variety of bubble configurations available, those to study perfusion alone, others to aid in biomarker detection, and again others to perform ultrasound-mediated drug or gene delivery, as well as more advanced theranostic applications.

The key factors which control the particle size of the microbubble have been identified; by precisely adjusting the lipid formulation, the USphere agents have been designed to have the smallest size distribution (1.1-1.4µm) compared to others on the market today. The USphere agents have a phospholipid shell filled with perfluoropropane (C3F8) or optional perfluorobutane (C4F10). Additionally, the microbubble concentration has been optimized for small animal imaging (~2.5×1010 bubbles/ml), ensuring low volume injections provide adequate contrast signal in vivo without overwhelming their circulatory system.

Microbubble contrast agents can be used to visualize all levels of vasculature, providing detailed perfusion information which may be relevant in tumor and abdominal organ imaging, as well as in drug development studies, just to name a few.

Features & Benefits

High concentration of microbubbles per ml of activated contrast agent (~1-5×1010 bubbles/ml)

When working with small animals such as mice or rats, the suggested injection volume (1-20µL) is small enough as to not overwhelm the circulatory system, while containing sufficient microbubbles to result in desired contrast enhancement.

Further dilution of the microbubbles may be completed using sterile saline to allow for more accurate delivery of small numbers of microbubbles.

Small size distribution (1.1-1.4µm) of activated microbubbles

The small size of the microbubbles is necessary to allow for accurate perfusion characteristics of the microvasculature.

Once activated, the microbubble concentration is stable for 72 hours, when stored at 2-8oC

The stability of the microbubbles over 3 days allows the user to complete their required studies over the same period of time, utilizing the entire volume of agent and not wasting excess agent that cannot be used.

Microbubbles have been shown to work at a wide range of frequencies (1-40MHz).

The microbubbles can be used on a wide variety of species, from mice, rats, rabbits, to non-human primates and pigs.

The microbubbles have been used on a wide variety of ultrasound systems from varied manufacturers, using both linear and non-linear/harmonic contrast imaging modes.

Models & Specifications

Product Line Product Name Size Distribution Concentration

Applications

Perfusion Imaging

USphere Prime agents are gas filled (perfluoropropane or perfluorobutane) with a phosopholipid shell. The small size distribution allows the microbubbles to flow easily through all levels of the vascular tree, including the capillaries.

USphere Prime

Targeted Molecular Imaging

USphere Labeler agents have been functionalized with a variety of moieties such as biotin, avidin, and/or stretptavidin, to allow for the addition of specific targeting agents including small molecules and antibodies. These agents may be customized to target specific biomarkers of interest.

Usphere Labeler

Multi-Modal Imaging

The USphere Tracer agents and the USphere Labeler with Fluorescence, have been modified to include a fluorescent dye allowing for multi-modal imaging with a fluorescence imaging system. This may be relevant for pharmacodynamics/pharmacokinetics or other applications where fluorescent imaging is important.

USphere Tracer

Drug Delivery & Gene Transfection

The USphere Trans+ agents have been functionalized with a positively charged surface. These microbubbles can easily yield a high payload making drug delivery and gene transfection more targeted, effective, and simpler than traditional techniques.

Usphere Trans+

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Publications & Articles

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