Journal of Southern Medical University ›› 2015, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (12): 1672-.

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Preparation and characterization of microbubbles loaded with hydrogen sulfide

CHEN Gangbin1, YANG Li2, LI Xinzhong1, ZHONG Lintao1, WU Juefei1, BIN Jianping1   

  • Online:2015-12-20 Published:2015-12-20

Abstract: Objective To prepare a phospholipid-coated microbubble loaded with hydrogen sulfide (HSMB) and evaluate its
physicochemical and acoustic properties. Methods Hydrogen sulfide and perfluoropropane were mixed at the ratios of 4:0, 3:
1, 2:2, 1:3, and 0:4 to prepare hydrogen sulfide-loaded microbubbles (termed HSMB4:0, HSMB3:1, HSMB2:2, HSMB1:3, and HSMB0:4,
respectively). The microbubble concentration and diameter were investigated and their stability were evaluated. The optimal
ratio of hydrogen sulfide and perfluoropropane was determined according to the changes of microbubble concentration. The
changes of dissolved hydrogen sulfide and concentration of the microbubbles were investigated after exposure to ultrasound,
and their acoustic enhancement effects in the myocardium and kidney were observed after intravenous injection in rats.
Results HSMBs were milky in color and spherical in shape without aggregations. The concentrations of HSMB4:0 and HSMB3:1
were lower than that of HSMB2:2 and decreased with time. HSMB2:2, HSMB1:3 and HSMB0:4 showed comparable concentrations
and were stable within 72 h. After exposure to ultrasound, the concentration of HSMB2:2 decreased while the dissolved
hydrogen sulfide increased significantly. Intravenous injection of HSMB2:2 produced a satisfactory contrast-enhancing effect in
the myocardium and kidney of rats. Conclusion HSMB prepared with the hydrogen sulfide to perfluoropropane ratio of 2:2
has excellent contrast-enhancing effect and is capable of carrying and releasing hydrogen sulfide upon ultrasound exposure to
potentially allow visual site-specific delivery of hydrogen sulfide.