title: Multifunctional microbubbles for image-guided antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy.
abstract: We synthesize multifunctional microbubbles (MBs) for targeted delivery of antivascular endothelial growth factor (antiVEGF) therapy with multimodal imaging guidance. Poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) MBs encapsulating Texas Red dye are fabricated by a modified double-emulsion process. Simultaneous ultrasound and fluorescence imaging are achieved using Texas Red encapsulated MBs. The MBs are conjugated with Avastin, an antiVEGF antibody for treating neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The conjugation efficiency is characterized by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The efficiency for targeted binding of Avastin-conjugated MBs is characterized by microscopic imaging. Our work demonstrates the technical potential of using multifunctional MBs for targeted delivery of antiVEGF therapy in the treatment of exudative AMD.
authors.forename: Leilei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Jeff S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Virginia M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Sanders
authors.forename: Alan D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Letson
authors.forename: Cynthia J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.forename: Ronald X
authors.initials: RX
authors.lastname: Xu
mesh_terms: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000188:drug therapy*; D045423:Microbubbles; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D000068258:Bevacizumab