A method of producing lipid-based micro/nano bubbles includes steps of (a) preparing a lipid mixture including one or more first lipids with different phase transition temperature, and a second lipid bonding with a hydrophilic polymer moiety or molecules capable of getting across a lipid membrane and decreasing van der Waals forces between lipid bilayers; (b) emulsifying the lipid mixture with a solvent, to form a transparent lipid carrier solution; (c) placing the transparent lipid carrier solution in a closed vessel with halo-substituted hydrocarbon; (d) manipulating temperature of the transparent lipid carrier solution to be close to a main phase transition temperature thereof; and (e) agitating in a mechanical manner the vessel containing the transparent lipid carrier solution to form micro/nano bubbles within the closed vessel. This method contributes to form micro/nano bubbles with desired diameters in a way of optimal material utilization efficiency.

A method of producing lipid-based micro/nano bubbles includes steps of (a) preparing a lipid mixture including one or more first lipids with different phase transition temperature, and a second lipid bonding with a hydrophilic polymer moiety or molecules capable of getting across a lipid membrane and decreasing van der Waals forces between lipid bilayers; (b) emulsifying the lipid mixture with a solvent, to form a transparent lipid carrier solution; (c) placing the transparent lipid carrier solution in a closed vessel with halo-substituted hydrocarbon; (d) manipulating temperature of the transparent lipid carrier solution to be close to a main phase transition temperature thereof; and (e) agitating in a mechanical manner the vessel containing the transparent lipid carrier solution to form micro/nano bubbles within the closed vessel. This method contributes to form micro/nano bubbles with desired diameters in a way of optimal material utilization efficiency.

The invention relates to an ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) comprising an outer shell and a gas core. The gas core is filled with oxygen, and the outer shell comprises a first surfactant and a second surfactant. The invention also relates to a method of making an oxygen-filled UCA and delivering oxygen to a local area of a subject's body. The method comprises injecting a composition comprising an oxygen-filled UCA of the invention into the subject's body; directing ultrasound radiation to the local area in an intensity sufficient to rupture the UCA.

Stable perfluorocarbon nanodroplet compositions with properties such as low-boiling points and small particle diameters are provided for improved performance in ultrasound imaging and therapeutic applications. Methods of producing stabilized nanodroplet compositions and methods of using the compositions are further provided to allow for improved performance in ultrasound imaging techniques and/or therapeutic applications.

A theranostic agent can be used in both photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and photothermal therapy (PTT) applications. The theranostic agent can include a small molecule, organic compound with absorption in the near-infrared (NIR) interrogation window (700-900 nm). The compound can be a biocompatible organic nanoparticle (ONP). The theranostic agent can be effectively used in PAI and PAI-guided PTT applications. The theranostic agent can be administered to a patient to locate a tumor site in the patient using in vivo imaging techniques. Once the tumor site has been determined, the tumor site can be irradiated with near-infrared light to stop or inhibit the growth of the tumor. An exemplary theranostic agent is provided below ##STR00001##

A theranostic agent can be used in both photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and photothermal therapy (PTT) applications. The theranostic agent can include a small molecule, organic compound with absorption in the near-infrared (NIR) interrogation window (700-900 nm). The compound can be a biocompatible organic nanoparticle (ONP). The theranostic agent can be effectively used in PAI and PAI-guided PTT applications. The theranostic agent can be administered to a patient to locate a tumor site in the patient using in vivo imaging techniques. Once the tumor site has been determined, the tumor site can be irradiated with near-infrared light to stop or inhibit the growth of the tumor. An exemplary theranostic agent is provided below ##STR00001##

Described herein are processes and compositions for ultrasound-triggered liposome payload release, including a process for gelation and a process for enzyme catalysis.

One aspect of the invention provides a method for freeze-drying surfactant-stabilized microbubbles. The method includes: preparing vials comprising a mixture comprising microbubbles; partially submerging the vials in a chilled water bath, wherein the water bath has a sub-freezing temperature; placing the vials on a cooled shelf of a lyophilizer; freeze-drying the vials in the lyophilizer; and capping the freeze-dried vials. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for annealing surfactant-stabilized microbubbles. The method includes: preparing vials comprising a mixture comprising microbubbles; passing the vials in and out of liquid nitrogen (LN.sub.2) until the mixture is frozen; holding the vials at −20° C.; placing the vials on a cooled shelf of a lyophilizer; freeze-drying the vials in the lyophilizer; and capping the freeze-dried vials.

A device includes a syringe having a barrel and a syringe tip; an aerator having (i) a generally cylindrical exterior body; (ii) an inlet end; (iii) an outlet end; (iv) a tapered outlet port at its outlet end; and (v) an interior cavity comprising (A) an input port section, (B) a converging section, (C) a throat section, (D) a diverging section, (E) an outlet section, (F) a first vent that fluidly couples at least one of the throat section or the diverging section to an area outside and adjacent to the exterior body, and (G) a second vent that fluidly couples the outlet section to the area; and a housing that (x) circumferentially surrounds an end of the barrel and the aerator, (z) has an interior surface, (aa) forms a circumferential gas pocket between the interior surface and the exterior body, and (bb) has a housing discharge tip.

In various aspects, the present disclosure provides methods, compositions, and kits for treating a target tissue with one or more active agents. In embodiments, delivering an active agent to a target tissue comprises administration of microbubbles and ultrasound.