Preclinical Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound

USphere Microbubbles

Preclinical Ultrasound Contrast for Perfusion, Molecular Imaging & Ultrasound-Mediated Delivery

Select application-focused USphere agents for perfusion imaging, molecular targeting, multimodal fluorescence, and ultrasound-mediated drug or gene delivery.

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USphere Microbubble Contrast Agents

The USphere Series is a family of microbubble contrast agents developed for preclinical ultrasound research. The agents are available in configurations for perfusion imaging, targeted molecular imaging, fluorescence-enabled multimodal workflows, and ultrasound-mediated drug or gene delivery.

USphere microbubbles use a phospholipid shell with a perfluorocarbon gas core and are designed with a narrow activated size distribution and high microbubble concentration to support low-volume injections in small-animal studies.

USphere at a Glance

Key specifications and handling characteristics of the USphere microbubble contrast agent series.

Bubble Size

1.1–1.4 µm

Activated microbubble size distribution

Concentration

~2.5 × 10¹⁰

Microbubbles/mL after activation

Vial Volume

0.8 mL

Per vial

Activated Stability

72 Hours

When stored at 2–8 °C

USphere Families

Prime, Labeler, Tracer & Trans+

Designed for Preclinical Ultrasound Workflows

USphere supports practical contrast-enhanced ultrasound workflows across small-animal models, injection requirements, and contrast imaging modes.

Low-Volume Injection Workflow

For mice and rats, Scintica lists suggested injection volumes of 1–20 µL. USphere microbubbles can also be further diluted with sterile saline when more precise delivery of small microbubble quantities is required.

Across Preclinical Animal Models

USphere microbubbles are used across a range of preclinical animal models, including mice, rats, rabbits, non-human primates, and pigs.

Contrast Imaging Compatibility

USphere microbubbles support contrast-enhanced ultrasound workflows using linear and non-linear/harmonic contrast imaging modes across compatible ultrasound systems.

Which USphere Agent Fits Your Study?

USphere includes four application-focused microbubble families. Select the formulation based on the imaging or delivery objective of the study.

USphere Prime

Gas-filled phospholipid microbubbles designed for contrast-enhanced ultrasound perfusion imaging throughout the vascular tree, including microvascular circulation.

Primary Application

Perfusion Imaging

USphere Labeler

Functionalized microbubbles that support the addition of targeting agents for imaging specific biomarkers of interest.

Primary Application

Targeted Molecular Imaging

USphere Tracer

Fluorescently labeled microbubbles designed to support multimodal workflows combining ultrasound with fluorescence imaging.

Primary Application

Ultrasound + Fluorescence Imaging

USphere Trans+

Positively charged microbubbles designed for ultrasound-mediated drug delivery and gene transfection research.

Primary Application

Drug Delivery & Gene Transfection

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Applications in Preclinical Research

USphere microbubble contrast agents support a range of preclinical ultrasound applications, from perfusion and vascular imaging to molecular targeting, multimodal fluorescence, and ultrasound-mediated delivery workflows.

Perfusion Imaging

USphere Prime microbubbles are designed for contrast-enhanced ultrasound perfusion imaging. Their small activated size distribution supports circulation through the vascular tree, including the microvasculature.

Research Uses

Vascular perfusion
Microvascular circulation
Blood-flow-related imaging workflows
Longitudinal contrast-enhanced ultrasound studies

Tumor & Organ Perfusion

Microbubble contrast imaging can provide perfusion information relevant to tumor and abdominal organ imaging in preclinical studies.

Research Uses

Tumor perfusion
Abdominal organ imaging
Vascular response assessment
Drug-development studies involving perfusion changes

Targeted Molecular Imaging

USphere Labeler microbubbles support functionalization with targeting agents for imaging biomarkers of interest in preclinical ultrasound studies.

Available Targeting Approaches

Biotin-based configurations
Avidin-based configurations
Streptavidin-based configurations
Targeting with compatible small molecules or antibodies

Ultrasound + Fluorescence Imaging

USphere Tracer and fluorescent Labeler configurations incorporate fluorescent dyes to support multimodal workflows combining ultrasound and fluorescence imaging.

Research Uses

Multimodal imaging workflows
Fluorescence-enabled localization
Pharmacodynamic studies
Pharmacokinetic research where fluorescence imaging is relevant

Drug Delivery & Gene Transfection

USphere Trans+ microbubbles use a positively charged surface for ultrasound-mediated drug-delivery and gene-transfection research.

Research Uses

Ultrasound-mediated delivery
Gene transfection studies
Sonoporation-related workflows
Delivery-focused preclinical research

From Microbubbles to Imaging Insights

Explore More with Prospect T2

Explore contrast-enhanced ultrasound for perfusion and vascular imaging in preclinical research.

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Action

Visualizing perfusion and vascular response with contrast-enhanced ultrasound.

Prospect T2 nonlinear contrast imaging example

Microbubble Formulation & Handling

Microbubble Formulation

USphere microbubbles use a phospholipid shell surrounding a perfluorocarbon gas core. Available configurations use either perfluoropropane (C3F8) or perfluorobutane (C4F10), depending on the formulation.

Low-Volume Preclinical Workflow

For mice and rats, Scintica lists suggested injection volumes of 1–20 µL. USphere microbubbles can also be diluted with sterile saline when more precise delivery of small microbubble quantities is required.

Once activated, the microbubble concentration is stable for up to 72 hours when stored at 2–8 °C.

USphere Families & Specifications

USphere is available in multiple application-focused formulations with C3F8 or C4F10 gas-core options. Use the table below to compare available families and configurations.

Product Family	Configuration	Gas Core	Size Distribution	Concentration / Vial
Prime	Prime	C3F8 / C4F10	1.1–1.4 µm	>2.5 × 10¹⁰ microbubbles/mL 0.8 mL/vial
Tracer	FD-Red	C3F8 / C4F10	1.1–1.4 µm	>2.5 × 10¹⁰ microbubbles/mL 0.8 mL/vial
Tracer	FD-Green	C3F8 / C4F10	1.1–1.4 µm	>2.5 × 10¹⁰ microbubbles/mL 0.8 mL/vial
Labeler	LB (Biotin)	C3F8 / C4F10	1.1–1.4 µm	>2.5 × 10¹⁰ microbubbles/mL 0.8 mL/vial
Labeler	LA (Biotin + Avidin)	C3F8 / C4F10	1.1–1.4 µm	>2.5 × 10¹⁰ microbubbles/mL 0.8 mL/vial
Labeler	FLA (LA + Fluorescence)	C3F8 / C4F10	1.1–1.4 µm	>2.5 × 10¹⁰ microbubbles/mL 0.8 mL/vial
Labeler	LS (Biotin + Streptavidin)	C3F8 / C4F10	1.1–1.4 µm	>2.5 × 10¹⁰ microbubbles/mL 0.8 mL/vial
Trans+	TP	C3F8 / C4F10	1.1–1.4 µm	>2.5 × 10¹⁰ microbubbles/mL 0.8 mL/vial

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USphere Microbubble FAQ

Common questions about USphere microbubble applications, formulation, handling, and available configurations.

What are USphere microbubble contrast agents used for?

USphere microbubble contrast agents are designed for preclinical ultrasound research, including perfusion imaging, targeted molecular imaging, multimodal ultrasound and fluorescence workflows, and ultrasound-mediated drug or gene delivery research.

Which USphere agent is used for perfusion imaging?

USphere Prime is the family intended for contrast-enhanced ultrasound perfusion imaging and vascular imaging workflows.

Which USphere agent supports targeted molecular imaging?

USphere Labeler formulations are functionalized to support the addition of targeting agents for imaging biomarkers of interest.

Which USphere agents support ultrasound and fluorescence imaging?

USphere Tracer and fluorescent Labeler configurations are designed for multimodal workflows combining ultrasound and fluorescence imaging.

Which USphere agent supports drug delivery and gene transfection research?

USphere Trans+ uses a positively charged surface and is intended for ultrasound-mediated drug-delivery and gene-transfection research.

What are the typical size, concentration, and activated stability of USphere microbubbles?

Current Scintica specifications list an activated size distribution of 1.1–1.4 µm, a concentration of more than 2.5 × 10¹⁰ microbubbles/mL, and stability for up to 72 hours when stored at 2–8 °C after activation.

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Explore available USphere formulations online or contact Scintica for help selecting an agent for your preclinical ultrasound workflow.

USphere Series

Microbubble Contrast Agents for Ultrasound Imaging

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Models & Specs

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Features

Features & Benefits

Applications

Models & Specs

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System Overview

The USphere Series of microbubble contrast agents have been specifically designed for preclinical imaging, working effectively at frequencies from 1-40MHz. Their small size distribution (1.1-1.4µm), and high concentration (~2.5×10¹⁰ bubbles/ml), makes them ideally suited for use in a variety of species from mice, rats, rabbits, non-human primates, etc. There are a variety of agents available including those to image perfusion, targeted biomarkers, as well as those that contain fluorescent dyes to allow for multi-modal imaging, and those designed for targeted drug delivery or gene transfection.

The USphere Series of microbubble contrast agents have been specifically designed for use in a variety of species used in preclinical research, anywhere from mice, rats, rabbits and even pigs; and have been tested and shown to work effectively at frequencies from 1 to 40MHz. Specifically, these agents have been tested on our Prospect T1 high frequency ultrasound system and have been found to perform well with both linear and harmonic contrast imaging modes.

There are a variety of bubble configurations available, those to study perfusion alone, others to aid in biomarker detection, and again others to perform ultrasound-mediated drug or gene delivery, as well as more advanced theranostic applications.

The key factors which control the particle size of the microbubble have been identified; by precisely adjusting the lipid formulation, the USphere agents have been designed to have the smallest size distribution (1.1-1.4µm) compared to others on the market today. The USphere agents have a phospholipid shell filled with perfluoropropane (C₃F₈) or optional perfluorobutane (C₄F₁₀). Additionally, the microbubble concentration has been optimized for small animal imaging (~2.5×10¹⁰ bubbles/ml), ensuring low volume injections provide adequate contrast signal in vivo without overwhelming their circulatory system.

Microbubble contrast agents can be used to visualize all levels of vasculature, providing detailed perfusion information which may be relevant in tumor and abdominal organ imaging, as well as in drug development studies, just to name a few.

Features & Benefits

High concentration of microbubbles per ml of activated contrast agent (~1-5×10¹⁰ bubbles/ml)

When working with small animals such as mice or rats, the suggested injection volume (1-20µL) is small enough as to not overwhelm the circulatory system, while containing sufficient microbubbles to result in desired contrast enhancement.

Further dilution of the microbubbles may be completed using sterile saline to allow for more accurate delivery of small numbers of microbubbles.

Small size distribution (1.1-1.4µm) of activated microbubbles

The small size of the microbubbles is necessary to allow for accurate perfusion characteristics of the microvasculature.

Once activated, the microbubble concentration is stable for 72 hours, when stored at 2-8^oC

The stability of the microbubbles over 3 days allows the user to complete their required studies over the same period of time, utilizing the entire volume of agent and not wasting excess agent that cannot be used.

Microbubbles have been shown to work at a wide range of frequencies (1-40MHz).

The microbubbles can be used on a wide variety of species, from mice, rats, rabbits, to non-human primates and pigs.

The microbubbles have been used on a wide variety of ultrasound systems from varied manufacturers, using both linear and non-linear/harmonic contrast imaging modes.

Models & Specifications

Product Line	Product Name	Size Distribution	Concentration
USphere^TM Prime	Prime C3F8	1.1-1.4µm	>2.5x¹⁰ microbubbles/ml; Each vial contains 0.8ml
USphere^TM Prime	Prime C4F10	1.1-1.4µm	>2.5x¹⁰ microbubbles/ml; Each vial contains 0.8ml
USphere ^TM Tracer	Tracer FD-Red – C3F8	1.1-1.4µm	>2.5x¹⁰ microbubbles/ml; Each vial contains 0.8ml
USphere^TM Tracer	Tracer FD-Green – C3F8	1.1-1.4µm	>2.5x¹⁰ microbubbles/ml; Each vial contains 0.8ml
USphere^TMLabeler	Labeler LB (Biotin) – C3F8	1.1-1.4µm	>2.5x¹⁰ microbubbles/ml; Each vial contains 0.8ml
USphere ^TMLabeler	Labeler LA (Biotin and Avidin) – C3F8	1.1-1.4µm	>2.5x¹⁰ microbubbles/ml; Each vial contains 0.8ml
USphere ^TM Labeler	Labeler FLA (LA with Fluorescence) – C3F8	1.1-1.4µm	>2.5x¹⁰ microbubbles/ml; Each vial contains 0.8ml
USphere ^TM Labeler	Labeler LS (Biotin and Streptavidin) – C3F8	1.1-1.4µm	>2.5x¹⁰ microbubbles/ml; Each vial contains 0.8ml
USphere^TMTrans+	Trans+ TP – C3F8	1.1-1.4µm	>2.5x¹⁰ microbubbles/ml; Each vial contains 0.8ml
USphere ^TMTracer	Tracer FD-Red – C4F10	1.1-1.4µm	>2.5x¹⁰ microbubbles/ml; Each vial contains 0.8ml
USphere^TM Tracer	Tracer FD-Green – C4F10	1.1-1.4µm	>2.5x¹⁰ microbubbles/ml; Each vial contains 0.8ml
USphere^TMLabeler	Labeler LB (Biotin) – C4F10	1.1-1.4µm	>2.5x¹⁰microbubbles/ml; Each vial contains 0.8ml
USphere^TMLabeler	Labeler LA (Biotin and Avidin) – CF410	1.1-1.4µm	>2.5x¹⁰ microbubbles/ml; Each vial contains 0.8ml
USphere ^TM Labeler	Labeler FLA (LA with Fluorescence) – C4F10	1.1-1.4µm	>2.5x¹⁰ microbubbles/ml; Each vial contains 0.8ml
USphere ^TMLabeler	Labeler LS (Biotin and Streptavidin) – C4F10	1.1-1.4µm	>2.5x¹⁰ microbubbles/ml; Each vial contains 0.8ml
USphere^TMTrans+	Trans+ TP – C4F10	1.1-1.4µm	>2.5x¹⁰ microbubbles/ml; Each vial contains 0.8ml

Applications

USphere Prime

Usphere Labeler

USphere Tracer

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USphere Microbubbles

Preclinical Ultrasound Contrast for Perfusion, Molecular Imaging & Ultrasound-Mediated Delivery

USphere Microbubble Resources

USphere Microbubble Contrast Agents

USphere at a Glance

Designed for Preclinical Ultrasound Workflows

Low-Volume Injection Workflow

Across Preclinical Animal Models

Contrast Imaging Compatibility

Which USphere Agent Fits Your Study?

USphere Prime

USphere Labeler

USphere Tracer

USphere Trans+

Ready to Select a USphere Agent?