IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO CONTRAST AGENTS

摘要

2110590 9221382 PCTABS00017 Ultrasound contrast agents in the form of microparticles comprising a biotolerable matrix (e.g. of a carbohydrate or an X-ray contrast agent) in association with a gas or a precursor therefor are stabilised to enhance their in vivo stability and/or echogenicity by covalently modifying the structure of the matrix, e.g. to introduce crosslinking groups or to attach lipophilic groups and/or molecules. The covalent moieties may include biodegradable linkages to assist rapid subsequent elimination of the contrast agents from the system.