Zonyl FSP fluorosurfactant stabilized perfluorohexane nanoemulsions as stable contrast agents

Nanoemulsions have been used as theranostic agents for both imaging cancer, (using various imaging modalities) as well as for therapy through drug loading/release and vaporization. However, some of these imaging contrast agents are not stable enough to be used for long term monitoring of tumor growth/regression during therapy. When used in vivo, several nanoparticle agents rely on the use of optical absorbers which may have systemic toxicity. The current work uses perfluorohexane nanoemulsions (PFH-NEs) stabilized by a highly biocompatible optically absorbing fluorosurfactant shell that can be used to not only give stable PA signals but also enhance signals through the presence of long lasting perfluorohexane (PFH) bubbles formed after vaporization.