Oxygen-sensitive hemoglobin microbubbles: Advancing ultrasound imaging and targeted drug delivery

The use of ultrasound contrast agents for biosensing physiological parameters such as pressure, pH, and oxygen levels is an exciting, rapidly advancing field. In our recent work, we have developed oxygen-sensitive hemoglobin microbubbles (HbMBs) designed for both imaging and therapeutic applications. These innovative microbubbles feature shells made entirely of bioactive hemoglobin, which undergo structural changes in response to oxygen binding, thereby altering their acoustic properties. Our studies have demonstrated their effectiveness, showing an extended circulation half-life when pegylated and filled with PFB gas, all while maintaining their sensitivity to oxygen. Notably, these microbubbles align with the capabilities of existing ultrasound contrast agents, offering the potential to carry therapeutic payloads. Using focused ultrasound energy, they can be precisely triggered to release these payloads, unlocking new possibilities for targeted drug delivery. This presentation will highlight our recent progress in developing hemoglobin microbubbles and explore the innovative strategies we envision for their future applications.