Bubblesomes: new tool in theranostics

Ultrasonography is a widely used imaging technology (e.g. echography), which is playing a vital role in clinical imaging diagnosis of many types of diseases. Development of ultrasound sensitive contrast agents (UCAs) is now leading to a revolution both in the diagnostics and therapeutics. UCAs formulations with various shells (polymers or phospholipids) and cores (gas, liquid, or solid) have been prepared and exhibit good contrast enhancement. Recently developed nanoscale bubbles have shown to be promising contrast agents for extravascular ultrasonic imaging. By reducing bubble size, the applicability of nanobubbles in molecular imaging and drug and gene delivery can be greatly enhanced; furthermore, the bubble stability and echogenicity seem not to be compromised due to bubble size reduction. Aim of the study that will be presented was to prepare and characterize nanoscale bubbles, coated by an amphiphilic shell. Bubblesomes (patent pending) were characterized in terms of dimensions, z-potential, on shelf and biological stability, morphological and structural organization and photoacoustic behavior in order to assure their applicability as delivery systems for lipophilic and hydrophilic therapeutic and diagnostic agents.