Review: optically-triggered phase-transition droplets for photoacoustic imaging

• Published in: Biomedical engineering letters Vol. 8; no. 2; pp. 223 - 229
• Main Authors: Chen, Qiyang, Yu, Jaesok, Kim, Kang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea The Korean Society of Medical and Biological Engineering 01.05.2018; Springer Nature B.V; 대한의용생체공학회
• Subjects: Biological and Medical Physics; Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering; Biomedicine; Biophysics; Contrast agents; Droplets; Engineering; Image resolution; Medical and Radiation Physics; Molecular chains; Phase transitions; Review; Review Article; Ultrasonic imaging; Ultrasound; Vaporization; 의공학; Recondensation; Multi-mode agent; Droplet; Optical vaporization; Photoacoustic agent; Perfluorocarbon
• ISSN: 2093-9868; 2093-985X
• DOI: 10.1007/s13534-018-0069-0

Optically-triggered phase-transition droplets have been introduced as a promising contrast agent for photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging that not only provide significantly enhanced contrast but also have potential as photoacoustic theranostic molecular probes incorporated with targeting molecules and therapeutics. For further understanding the dynamics of optical droplet vaporization process, an innovative, methodical analysis by concurrent acoustical and ultrafast optical recordings, comparing with a theoretical model has been employed. In addition, the repeatability of the droplet vaporization-recondensation process, which enables continuous photoacoustic imaging has been studied through the same approach. Further understanding the underlying physics of the optical droplet vaporization and associated dynamics may guide the optimal design of the droplets. Some innovative approaches in preclinical studies have been recently demonstrated, including sono-photoacoustic imaging, dual-modality of photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging, and super-resolution photoacoustic imaging. In this review, current development of optically triggered phase-transition droplets and understanding on the vaporization dynamics, their applications are introduced and future directions are discussed.