| 초록 |
Ultrasound imaging is one of the most popular, non-invasive, and inexpensive imaging modalities used for clinical diagnosis. However, its functionality in early cancer detection is limited because of its relatively low contrast resolution. Because it has a high degree of echogenicity, a microbubble contrast agent is often used to overcome this intrinsic limitation of imaging at low-contrast resolution. Both targeted and drug-loaded microbubbles for simultaneous diagnosis and therapy have recently been investigated. However, no optimized theragnostic ultrasound microbubbles have been developed. In the present study, the conjugation of PTX-encapsulating HSA-NPs onto the ultrasound microbubbles simultaneously provided (1) enhanced ultrasound signal generation, (2) sufficient drug-loading capacity, (3) ability to deliver drugs to a preferred tumor site, and (4) increased stability in blood circulation. |
