Abstract: An acoustically activatable particle of material includes a first substance that includes a component that is a gas 25° C. and atmospheric pressure. A second substance, different from the first substance, encapsulates the first substance to create a droplet or emulsion that is stable at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. At least some of the first substance exists in a gaseous phase at the time of encapsulation of the first substance within the second substance to form a bubble. After formation of the bubble, the bubble is condensed into a liquid phase, which causes the bubble to transform into the droplet or emulsion having a core consisting of a liquid. The droplet or emulsion is an activatable phase change agent having a core consisting of a liquid at 25° C. and atmospheric pressure. The first substance has a boiling point below 25° C. at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Acoustically activatable particles having low vaporization energy and methods for making and using same are disclosed. A particle of material includes a first substance that includes at least one component that is a gas 25° C. and atmospheric pressure. A second substance, different from the first substance, encapsulates the first substance to create a droplet or emulsion that is stable at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. At least some of the first substance exists in a gaseous phase at the time of encapsulation of the first substance within the second substance to form a bubble. After formation of the bubble, the bubble is condensed into a liquid phase, which causes the bubble to transform into the droplet or emulsion having a core consisting of a liquid. The droplet or emulsion is an activatable phase change agent that remains a droplet having a core consisting of a liquid at 25° C. and atmospheric pressure. The first substance has a boiling point below 25° C. at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for acoustic detection of activated phase-change contrast agents are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for acoustic detection of activated ultrasound phase-change contrast agents includes initiating a phase transition in a phase change contrast agent causing a change of the diameter of the activated phase change contrast agent, and detecting an acoustic signature of the change of diameter of the activated phase change contrast agent.

Abstract: Novel targeted delivery systems for bioactive agents. In preferred form, the delivery systems comprise, in combination with an effective amount of a bioactive agent, a targeted matrix comprising a polymer and a targeting ligand. Preferably, the targeting ligand is covalently associated with the polymer and the bioactive agent is associated non-covalently with the polymer. Also in preferred embodiments, the bioactive agent is substantially homogeneously dispersed throughout the matrix. The compositions are particularly suitable as delivery vehicles with bioactive agents that have limited water solubility.