OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study is to prepare a nanoscale ultrasound contrast agent and to investigate its characterization and ultrasonic imaging in vivo. METHODS: Nanoscale ultrasound contrast agent was prepared by machine vibration and low speed centrifugation, and the appearance, distribution, diameter, and zeta potential of the nanoscale ultrasound contrast agent were measured. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was performed on normal rabbit liver to observe the duration and intensity of enhancement. RESULTS: The nanoscale ultrasound contrast agent had a good shape and uniform distribution by light microscope and transmission electron microscope, with average diameters of 623.4 nm and average zeta potential of 1.3 mV. The contrast imaging study in vivo showed that the nanoscale ultrasound contrast agent could significantly enhance the duration and echo intensity of the vessels and parenchyma in rabbit livers, and there were no obvious difference with micro-scale microbubbles. CONCLUSIONS: The nanoscale ultrasound contrast agent is stable and effective for the enhancement of ultrasound imaging. This study provides an important platform for miniaturizing and improving the targeting performance of ultrasound contrast agents.
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