RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To prepare lipid microbubbles as well as to evaluate their characteristics and efficacy. METHODS: Octafluoropropane-containing lipid microbubbles were prepared by high speed shearing method. Orthogonal experimental design was used to optimize the prescription. The resultant microbubbles were characterized, in terms of morphology, concentration, size, distribution and the octafluoropropane content. Moreover, the contrast effect of the microbubbles in New Zealand rabbit's kidney and liver was studied. RESULTS: The average concentration of microbubbles was (2.99±0.19)×109 their average size was (2.46±0.05) μm, and 97% of them were smaller than 7 μm. Octafluoropropane content was (387.81±35.28) μg·mL-1. With the help of the lipid microbubbles, satisfactory ultrasound contrast images of rabbit's kidney and liver were got. CONCLUSION: The microbubbles prepared by high speed shearing method have regular morphology, and their size distribution is small and even. It can be used as an excellent ultrasound contrast agent which can enhance significantly the yield of ultrasound examination and thus allow better imaging. Copyright 2012 by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.