Gas vesicles, protein variants and related compositions methods and systems for singleplexed and/or multiplexed ultrasound imaging of a target site in which a gas vesicle provides contrast for the imaging which is modifiable by application of a selectable acoustic collapse pressure value of the gas vesicle.

Markers (e.g., treatment site markers, biopsy site markers) are composed of a non-metallic material having a composition and/or other features or characteristics such that the markers will generate twinkling artifacts when imaged with ultrasound. In this way, the composition of the markers enables their detection and localization using ultrasound. The markers are generally composed of non-metallic materials that enhance the twinkling artifact.

A method of preparing biocompatible and stable gold nanoparticles comprises preparing at least one flavonoid-rich plant extract, and mixing at least one of the plant extracts with an aqueous solution of at least one gold salt. The flavonoid-rich plant extract is an extract of Hubertia ambavilla or Hypericum lanceolatum. The gold nanoparticles may be used for medical and/or cosmetic purposes.

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.

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 and method of using the device to detect the presence and composition of clots and other target objects in a circulatory vessel of a living subject is described. In particular, devices and methods of detecting the presence and composition of clots and other target objects in a circulatory vessel of a living subject using in vivo photoacoustic flow cytometry techniques is described.

A device and method of using the device to detect the presence and composition of clots and other target objects in a circulatory vessel of a living subject is described. In particular, devices and methods of detecting the presence and composition of clots and other target objects in a circulatory vessel of a living subject using in vivo photoacoustic flow cytometry techniques is described.

Provided is a bilirubin derivative-based ultrasound contrast agent for diagnosis and treatment. The fine particles including the bilirubin derivative are sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS), bind with hydrophobic drugs, and can effectively chelate metals such as iron oxide nanoparticles. Therefore, the fine particle of the present invention can be used as an ultrasound contrast agent for diagnosis, as a magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent, or as a carrier for hydrophobic drugs or platinum-based drugs.

Disclosed are a pharmaceutical preparation with a tracing function, and a delivery system therefor. The pharmaceutical preparation comprises a first drug and a second drug in a liquid or gaseous state, wherein the first drug and the second drug are each divided into multiple sections, which are arranged in series at intervals in a conduit. One of the first drug and the second drug is a tracer drug that can be developed in a medical imaging device in the human body. The first drug and the second drug are immiscible and satisfy compatibility requirements. The pharmaceutical preparation can comprise an aerobic contrast agent, an aerobic embolic agent and an aerobic perfusion agent. Same can be applied to a variety of contrast techniques by means of a one-step simple operation, saving the dosage of a drug while maintaining a high concentration of the drug.

The present invention generally relates to the field of ultrasound contrast-agents (USCA). In particular, it relates to a freeze-dried composition comprising an amphiphilic material and a freeze-drying protecting component, which may be reconstituted for preparing a suspension of gas-filled microvesicles with calibrated size, useful in diagnostic or therapeutic applications. It further relates to the method for the preparation of such freeze-dried composition.