In Vivo Toxicity Study of Engineered Lipid Microbubbles in Rodents.

Real-time intraoperative imaging for brain tumor surgery is crucial for achieving complete resection. We are developing novel lipid-based microbubbles (MBs), engineered with specific ligands, which are able to interact with the integrins overexpressed in the endothelium of the brain tumor vasculature. These MBs are designed to visualize the tumor and to carry therapeutic molecules into the tumor tissue, preserving the ultrasound acoustic properties of the starting plain lipid MBs.

In Vivo Biodistribution of Engineered Lipid Microbubbles in Rodents.

Maximal resection of intrinsic brain tumors is a major prognostic factor for survival. Real-time intraoperative imaging tools, including ultrasound (US), are crucial for maximal resection of such tumors. Microbubbles (MBs) are clinically used in daily practice as a contrast agent for ultrasound and can be further developed to serve combined therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.