title: Methods of Generating Submicrometer Phase-Shift Perfluorocarbon Droplets for Applications in Medical Ultrasonography.
abstract: Continued advances in the field of ultrasound and ultrasound contrast agents have created new approaches to imaging and medical intervention. Phase-shift perfluorocarbon droplets, which can be vaporized by ultrasound energy to transition from the liquid to the vapor state, are one of the most highly researched alternatives to clinical ultrasound contrast agents (i.e., microbubbles). In this paper, part of a special issue on methods in biomedical ultrasonics, we survey current techniques to prepare ultrasound-activated nanoscale phase-shift perfluorocarbon droplets, including sonication, extrusion, homogenization, microfluidics, and microbubble condensation. We provide example protocols and discuss advantages and limitations of each approach. Finally, we discuss best practice in characterization of this class of contrast agents with respect to size distribution and ultrasound activation.
authors: Paul S
authors: PS
authors: Sheeran
authors: Naomi
authors: N
authors: Matsuura
authors: Mark A
authors: MA
authors: Borden
authors: Ross
authors: R
authors: Williams
authors: Terry O
authors: TO
authors: Matsunaga
authors: Peter N
authors: PN
authors: Burns
authors: Paul A
authors: PA
authors: Dayton
mesh_terms: D003287:Contrast Media / Q000737:chemistry*; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000737:chemistry*; D045423:Microbubbles; D010316:Particle Size; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D005466:Fluorocarbons