Point Biomedical Corporation

University of Pittsburgh

Microsome

Delineate

Point Medical Corporation

Robert E Short

Thomas B Ottoboni

Ronald Kenichi Yamamoto

E Glenn Tickner

David H Rammler

Jeffrey D Gabe

Ernest G Tickner

A composition is provided accompanying nanoparticles having diameters in the range of about 100 to 800 nanometers with hollow cores and outer shells with mechanical properties such that they rupture on exposure to predetermined ultrasound energy. The composition is useful for identifying sentinel lymph nodes.

Nanobubbles useful as an ultrasonic contrast agent for the lymphatic system

Methods and suspensions are provided that are useful for preparing readily reconstitutable, dry compositions of micro- or nanospheres. The dry compositions find use in diagnostic applications such as ultrasonic imaging. The suspension includes as key ingredients one or both of t-butyl alcohol and/or an amorphous sugar (or mixture of amorphous sugar) in specified amounts that reduce aggregation of the particles comprising the suspension.

Reconstitutable microsphere compositions useful as ultrasonic contrast agents

A method is provided to prepare gas-filled, porous microparticles having a polymer matrix interior which are useful as ultrasound echogenic contrast agents. An oil-in-water suspension is formed, both phases are frozen, then the aqueous and nonaqueous frozen phases are removed by sublimation. The resulting porous microparticles can receive a gas and be used as an ultrasound contrast agent.

Method of preparing gas-filled polymer matrix microparticles useful for echographic imaging

A composition for ultrasonic imaging is described having a microbubble population of controlled fragility. The microbubbles comprise an outer shell and a hollow core. The ratio of shell thickness to microbubble diameter is substantially similar across the population of microbubbles. A method of using such composition for imaging a fluid filled cavity, vessel or tissue is described.

Hollow microspheres with controlled fragility for medical use

An excipient for lyophilizing a suspension of microparticles is provided comprising an oil-in-water emulsion of an aqueous phase and an organic phase where the organic phase has a freezing point of about or higher than the freezing point of the aqueous phase. When frozen and dried with a suspension of microparticles, the organic phase is substantially removed and a dry formulation is formed of discrete microparticles substantially free of aggregates.

Excipient for the lyophilization of aqueous suspensions of microparticles

Microparticles are provided comprising a shell of an outer layer of a biologically compatible material and an inner layer of biodegradable polymer. The core of the microparticles contain a gas, liquid or solid for use in drug delivery or as a contrast agent for ultrasonic contrast imaging. The microparticles are capable of passing through the capillary systems of a subject.

Microparticles useful as ultrasonic contrast agents

Flowable polymeric microparticulate surgical adhesive formulations are provided which can be activated at the site of the repair to produce a cohesive material with tissue bonding properties to adjacent tissues. The formulation may be activated at the site of repair by mechanical shear forces, heat, ultrasound, UV, or other forms of energy directed at the site.

Microparticulate surgical adhesive

A sculpting medium is provided comprising a filler of polymeric microspheres and optionally, a fibrous filler, a thixotropic hydrogel binder and water, all blended in a proportion such that the color of the medium is due primarily to the color(s) of the polymeric medium.

Moldable sculpting medium

Ultrasonic contrast media are provided comprising small particles with entrapped gas, where the compositions can be selected for rapid dissolution with production of microbubbles or maintaining the gas in microtubules, microchambers or microcracks, providing for echogenicity. The particles are readily formed by precipitation from a liquid, either solution or melt, of a monomeric material, followed by drying and mechanically reducing the size of the particles.

Microparticles as ultrasonic contrast media

A syntactic foam product having a desired configuration is set forth. The product comprises a plurality of rigid gas filled bubbles arranged in the desired configuration. The bubbles are defined by respective individual and discrete substantially spherical shells preferably formed of a biodegradable shell material. The shells abut one another. They define open spaces where they are not abutting. Attaching material attaches the abutting shells to one another. The open spaces between the shells are not filled by the attaching material. The attaching material is environmentally degradable. It releases the bubbles under ambient conditions after a selected time interval. The shells are in contact with their surroundings and can relatively rapidly biodegrade.

Growing community of inventors

Los Gatos, CA, United States of America

Robert E Short