System Overview
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 2-8oC
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
USphereTM Prime |
Prime |
1.1-1.4µm |
>2.5x10 microbubbles/ml; Each vial contains 0.8ml |
|
USphereTM Prime |
Prime C4F10 |
1.1-1.4µm |
>2.5x10 microbubbles/ml; Each vial contains 0.8ml |
|
USphere TM Tracer |
Tracer FD-Red |
1.1-1.4µm |
>2.5x10 microbubbles/ml; Each vial contains 0.8ml |
|
USphereTM Tracer |
Tracer FD-Green |
1.1-1.4µm |
>2.5x10 microbubbles/ml; Each vial contains 0.8ml |
|
USphereTM Labeler |
Labeler LB (Biotin) |
1.1-1.4µm |
>2.5x10 microbubbles/ml; Each vial contains 0.8ml |
|
USphere TM Labeler |
Labeler LA (Biotin and Avidin) |
1.1-1.4µm |
>2.5x10 microbubbles/ml; Each vial contains 0.8ml |
|
USphere TM Labeler |
Labeler FLA (LA with Fluorescence) |
1.1-1.4µm |
>2.5x10 microbubbles/ml;
Each vial contains 0.8ml |
|
USphere TM Labeler |
Labeler LS (Biotin and Streptavidin) |
1.1-1.4µm |
>2.5x10 microbubbles/ml;
Each vial contains 0.8ml |
|
USphereTMTrans+ |
Trans+ TP |
1.1-1.4µm |
>2.5x10 microbubbles/ml;
Each vial contains 0.8ml |
Applications
Perfusion Imaging
USphere Prime agents are gas filled (perfluoropropane or perfluorobutane) with a phosopholipid shell. The small size distribution allows the microbubbles to flow easily through all levels of the vascular tree, including the capillaries.
USphere Prime
Targeted Molecular Imaging
USphere Labeler agents have been functionalized with a variety of moieties such as biotin, avidin, and/or stretptavidin, to allow for the addition of specific targeting agents including small molecules and antibodies. These agents may be customized to target specific biomarkers of interest.
Usphere Labeler
Multi-Modal Imaging
The USphere Tracer agents and the USphere Labeler with Fluorescence, have been modified to include a fluorescent dye allowing for multi-modal imaging with a fluorescence imaging system. This may be relevant for pharmacodynamics/pharmacokinetics or other applications where fluorescent imaging is important.
USphere Tracer
Drug Delivery & Gene Transfection
The USphere Trans+ agents have been functionalized with a positively charged surface. These microbubbles can easily yield a high payload making drug delivery and gene transfection more targeted, effective, and simpler than traditional techniques.
Usphere Trans+
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Publications & Articles
Science Corner: Innovations in Radiolabelling Techniques
Innovations in Radiolabelling Techniques and Radioimmunotherapy Enhanced by Ultrasound Imaging Dr. Jason Holland’s
Allogeneic Expanded Human Peripheral NK Cells Control Prostate Cancer Growth in a Preclinical Mouse Model of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
System Used:Prospect T1 Fangming Wang, Xuejiao Dong, Jing Wang, Feiya Yang, Donghua Liu,
(April 5, 2023) Webinar: Prodigy Open-Platform Research Ultrasound System Overview
(April 5, 2023) Webinar: Prodigy Open-Platform Research Ultrasound System Overview Overview:In this webinar,