What Are the Toxicological Concerns Related to Microbubble Agents?
The key toxicological concerns include:
Cardiovascular Effects: There is a potential risk of microvascular embolism if microbubbles aggregate or persist in the bloodstream longer than intended. Immune Response: The body might recognize the microbubble's shell as foreign, potentially eliciting an immune response. Shell Material Toxicity: The materials used for the microbubble shell, like lipids or polymers, might have toxic effects, particularly if they degrade into harmful by-products. Gas Core Toxicity: The type of gas used in the microbubble core can influence toxicity. For example, perfluorocarbon gases are generally inert, but other gases might pose risks.
