Color-coded perfluorocarbon nanodroplets for multiplexed ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging

Laser-activated perfluorocarbon nanodroplets are an emerging class of phase-change, dual-contrast agents that can be utilized in ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging. Through the ability to differentiate subpopulations of nanodroplets via laser activation at different wavelengths of near-infrared light, optically-triggered color-coded perfluorocarbon nanodroplets present themselves as an attractive tool for multiplexed ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging. In particular, laser-activated droplets can be used to provide quantitative spatiotemporal information regarding distinct biological targets, allowing for their potential use in a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic applications. In the work presented, laser-activated color-coded perfluorocarbon nanodroplets are synthesized to selectively respond to laser irradiation at corresponding wavelengths. The dynamic ultrasound and photoacoustic signals produced by laser-activated perfluorocarbon nanodroplets are evaluated in situ prior to implementation in a murine model. In vivo, these particles are used to distinguish unique particle trafficking mechanisms and are shown to provide ultrasound and photoacoustic contrast for up to 72 hours within lymphatics. Overall, the conducted studies show that laser-activated color-coded perfluorocarbon nanodroplets are a promising agent for multiplexed ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging.