Charaterizing Effects of Dye on Microbubble Shells

In photoacoustic (PA) imaging, pulsed light irradiates a sample. Light-absorbing molecules experience a pressure rise and generate an ultrasound wave, from which, an image of the sample is obtained. If the image contrast is insufficient, contrast enhancement is applied by locally introducing stronger light absorbers. In ultrasound imaging (US), shelled gas bubbles are used to enhance contrast. Dyed-bubbles have been proven to be successful PA-US multimodal contrast agents. However, we propose that the process of dying these shells alters the efficacy of the bubbles in US. We aim to study the effects of dye on micro- and nano-sized bubbles on US imaging through computational and experimental methods. Using developed mathematical models, we will estimate the effect of dye on the shell and associated consequences to bubble dynamics. We will validate model results with experimental data. This approach has the potential to optimize bubbles as multimodal contrast agents for PA-US imaging.

Faculty Supervisor:

Michael Kolios

Student:

Partner:

Case Western Reserve University

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Biotechnology; Nanotechnology

University:

Toronto Metropolitan University

Program: