Synthesis,characterization, and in vitro evaluation of targeted gold nanoshelled poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles carrying anti p53 antibody as a theranostic agent for ultrasound contrast imaging and photothermal therapy

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women and earlier detection can substantially reduce deaths from breast cancer. Polymers with targeted ligands are widely used in the field of molecular ultrasound imaging and targeted tumor therapy. In our study, the nanotheranostic agent was fabricated through filling perfluoropropane (C₃F₈) into poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA NPs), followed by the formation of gold nanoshell on the surface, then conjugated with anti p53 antibody which has high specificity with the p53 protein overexpressing in breast cancer. The average diameter of the gold nanoshelled PLGA NPs carrying anti p53 antibody (p53-PLGA@Au NPs) was 247 ± 108.2 nm. The p53-PLGA@Au NPs had well-defined spherical morphology and hollow interiors observed by electron microscope, and had a good photothermal effect under the irradiation of an 808 nm laser. The results of laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) and flow cytometer (FCM) indicated the specific targeting of p53-PLGA@Au NPs conjugating with breast cancer MCF-7 cells overexpressing p53 protein in vitro. Also the ultrasound imaging experiments in vitro showed that p53-PLGA@Au NPs were suitable for ultrasound contrast imaging. In conclusion, the p53-PLGA@Au NPs are demonstrated to be novel targeted UCAs and may have potential applications in the early diagnosis and targeted near-infrared (NIR) photothermal therapy of breast cancer in the future.     

Biodegradable nanoparticles for targeted ultrasound imaging of breast cancer cells in vitro

Disease-specific enhanced imaging through a targeted agent promises to improve the specificity of medical ultrasound. Nanoparticles may provide unique advantages for targeted ultrasound imaging due to their novel physical and surface properties. In this study, we examined a nanoparticle agent developed from a biodegradable polymer, polylactic acid (PLA). The nanoparticles (mean diameter = 250 nm) were surface conjugated to an anti-Her2 antibody (i.e., Herceptin) for specific binding to breast cancer cells that overexpress Her2 receptors. We examined the targeting specificity and the resultant ultrasound enhancement in Her2-positive and negative cells. Flow cytometry and confocal imaging were used to assess the nanoparticle-cell binding. Her2-positive cells demonstrated substantial staining after incubation with nanoparticle/antibody conjugates, while minimal staining was found in Her2-negative cells, indicating receptor-specific binding of the conjugated PLA nanoparticles. In high-resolution ultrasound B-mode images, the average gray scale of the Her2-positive cells was consistently and significantly higher after nanoparticle treatment (133 +/- 4 in treated cells versus 109 +/- 4 in control, p < 0.001, n = 5), while no difference was detected in the cells that did not overexpress the receptors (117 +/- 3 in treated cells versus 118 +/- 5 in control). In conclusion, the feasibility of using targeted nanoparticles to enhance ultrasonic images was demonstrated in vitro. This may be a promising approach to target cancer biomarkers for site-specific ultrasound imaging.     

超声多模态技术对非哺乳期乳腺炎与乳腺癌的鉴别诊断价值

目的:探讨常规超声结合超声造影以及弹性成像对非哺乳期乳腺炎和乳腺癌的鉴别诊断价值。方法:回顾性分析58例乳腺癌、52例非哺乳期乳腺炎的常规超声、超声造影和弹性成像的声像图表现。结果:非哺乳期乳腺炎组和乳腺癌组两种病灶的BI-RADS分级及弹性成像评分、造影增强模式比较差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。结论:仅通过二维超声诊断非哺乳期乳腺炎和乳腺癌经常会导致误诊,而结合超声造影以及超声弹性成像则能够更好地进行鉴别诊断。     

超声造影结合实时弹性成像技术评估乳腺癌患者血流动力学指标

【摘要】目的:探讨分析超声造影结合实时弹性成像技术对乳腺癌患者血流动力学指标的评估价值。方法:选择127例女性患者156个乳腺肿块,肿块均经病理证实,患者术前均经超声造影、实时弹性成像及彩色多普勒超声血流动力学检查。以病理检查结果作为标准,分析良恶性肿瘤患者超声造影、实时弹性成像及血流动力学相关指标差异。结果:超声造影显示良性肿块121个,恶性肿块35个。实时弹性成像显示良性肿块120个,恶性肿块36个。恶性肿块组收缩期峰值血流速度和阻力指数高于良性肿块组（P<0.05）。超声造影、实时弹性成像联合血流动力学诊断灵敏度和特异度高于超声造影、实时弹性成像和血流动力学单项诊断。结论:超声造影、实时弹性成像技术联合血流动力学诊断乳腺癌具有重要意义,可提高灵敏度和特异度。     

Photoacoustic/ultrasound dual-modality contrast agent and its application to thermotherapy

This study investigates a photoacoustic/ultrasound dual-modality contrast agent, including extending its applications from image-contrast enhancement to combined diagnosis and therapy with site-specific targeting. The contrast agent comprises albumin-shelled microbubbles with encapsulated gold nanorods (AuMBs). The gas-filled microbubbles, whose diameters range from submicrometer to several micrometers, are not only echogenic but also can serve as drug-delivery vehicles. The gold nanorods are used to enhance the generation of both photoacoustic and photothermal signals. The optical absorption peak of the gold nanorods is tuned to 760 nm and is invariant after microbubble encapsulation. Dual-modality contrast enhancement is first described here, and the applications to cellular targeting and laser-induced thermotherapy in a phantom are demonstrated. Photoacoustic imaging can be used to monitor temperature increases during the treatment. The targeting capability of AuMBs was verified, and the temperature increased by 26°C for a laser power of 980 mW, demonstrating the potential of combined diagnosis and therapy with the dual-modality agent. Targeted photo- or acoustic-mediated delivery is also possible.     

乳腺三维断层摄影与乳腺彩超在乳腺疾病诊断中的效能对比

【摘 要】 目的:研究数字乳腺三维断层技术（DBT）和乳腺超声在诊断乳腺病变效能的不同以及联合应用对于乳腺诊断的价值。 方法:收集1 065例乳腺病变患者,其中333例有完整的病理检查资料。以乳腺影像报告和数据系统（BI-RADS）分类为标准,分析DBT、超声、DBT+超声在乳腺病变诊断中的分布差异。根据333例病理结果,比较3种诊断模式的诊断效能。 结果:DBT与超声的BI-RADS分布有显着性差异（P=0.001）,DBT与DBT+超声或超声与DBT+超声的BI-RADS分布无显著性差异（P=0.258, 0.394）。3种诊断模式均可明显区分恶性和良性乳腺病变（P<0.001）。多组独立样本Kruskal-Wallis秩和检验分析显示3种诊断模型存在差异（[χ2]=14.982, P=0.001）。DBT的特异性、误诊率、准确性和阳性预测值明显优于超声。超声显示囊性病变优于DBT,且超声对确定良性肿块的敏感性优于DBT。DBT+超声的特异性为99.5％,误诊率为0.5%,阳性预测值也达到99%。DBT+超声的检查模式优于单独使用DBT或超声。 结论:与单独的DBT或超声相比,DBT和超声的组合可以提高乳腺病变的诊断效能。     

Automated Extraction of BI-RADS Final Assessment Categories from Radiology Reports with Natural Language Processing

The objective of this study is to evaluate a natural language processing (NLP) algorithm that determines American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) final assessment categories from radiology reports. This HIPAA-compliant study was granted institutional review board approval with waiver of informed consent. This cross-sectional study involved 1,165 breast imaging reports in the electronic medical record (EMR) from a tertiary care academic breast imaging center from 2009. Reports included screening mammography, diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasound, combined diagnostic mammography and breast ultrasound, and breast magnetic resonance imaging studies. Over 220 reports were included from each study type. The recall (sensitivity) and precision (positive predictive value) of a NLP algorithm to collect BI-RADS final assessment categories stated in the report final text was evaluated against a manual human review standard reference. For all breast imaging reports, the NLP algorithm demonstrated a recall of 100.0 % (95 % confidence interval (CI), 99.7, 100.0 %) and a precision of 96.6 % (95 % CI, 95.4, 97.5 %) for correct identification of BI-RADS final assessment categories. The NLP algorithm demonstrated high recall and precision for extraction of BI-RADS final assessment categories from the free text of breast imaging reports. NLP may provide an accurate, scalable data extraction mechanism from reports within EMRs to create databases to track breast imaging performance measures and facilitate optimal breast cancer population management strategies.     

Accuracy of lymph nodes cell block preparation according to ultrasound features in preoperative staging of breast cancer

To analyse the correlation between axillary ultrasonography (US), cell block (CBs) preparation, and histological diagnosis of lymph nodes from patients with primary breast cancer with the intention to assess the accuracy of cell block (CB) technique in preoperative staging. We tested a series of 26 patients who underwent axillary cell blocks from ultrasound guided fine‐needle aspiration with histologic follow‐up (axillary lymph nodes dissection). The specificity of axillary cell block was 100% vs. 14% for axillary ultrasound and the sensitivity was 73% for axillary cell block and 87% for axillary ultrasound. The positive and negative predictive values of cell block were respectively, 100 and 78%. Based on these results, we concluded that CB preparation was a feasible and specific technique to evaluate axillary lymph nodes status of patients with primary invasive breast cancer. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Imaging diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma: Future directions with special emphasis on hepatobiliary magnetic resonance imaging and contrast-enhanced ultrasound

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a unique cancer entity that can be noninvasively diagnosed using imaging modalities without pathologic confirmation. In 2018, several major guidelines for HCC were updated to include hepatobiliary contrast agent magnetic resonance imaging (HBA-MRI) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) as major imaging modalities for HCC diagnosis. HBA-MRI enables the achievement of high sensitivity in HCC detection using the hepatobiliary phase (HBP). CEUS is another imaging modality with real-time imaging capability, and it is reported to be useful as a second-line modality to increase sensitivity without losing specificity for HCC diagnosis. However, until now, there is an unsolved discrepancy among guidelines on whether to accept “HBP hypointensity” as a definite diagnostic criterion for HCC or include CEUS in the diagnostic algorithm for HCC diagnosis. Furthermore, there is variability in terminology and inconsistencies in the definition of imaging findings among guidelines; therefore, there is an unmet need for the development of a standardized lexicon. In this article, we review the performance and limitations of HBA-MRI and CEUS after guideline updates in 2018 and briefly introduce some future aspects of imaging-based HCC diagnosis.     

Recent advances in breast MRI and MRS

Breast MRI is an area of intense research and is fast becoming an important tool for the diagnosis of breast cancer. This review covers recent advances in breast MRI, MRS, and image post-processing and analysis. Several studies have explored a multi-parametric approach to breast imaging that combines analysis of traditional contrast enhancement patterns and lesion architecture with novel methods such as diffusion, perfusion, and spectroscopy to increase the specificity of breast MRI studies. Diffusion-weighted MRI shows some potential for increasing the specificity of breast lesion diagnosis and is even more promise for monitoring early response to therapy. MRS also has great potential for increasing specificity and for therapeutic monitoring. A limited number of studies have evaluated perfusion imaging based on first-pass contrast bolus tracking, and these clearly identify that vascular indices have great potential to increase specificity. The review also covers the relatively new acquisition technique of MR elastography for breast lesion characterization. A brief survey of image processing algorithms tailored for breast MR, including registration of serial dynamic images, segmentation and extraction of morphological features of breast lesions, and contrast uptake modeling, is also included. Recent advances in MRI, MRS, and automated image analysis have increased the utility of breast MR in diagnosis, screening, management, and therapy monitoring of breast cancer.     

Frontiers of cancer imaging and guided therapy using ultrasound,light, and microwaves

This review describes emerging techniques within the last 5 years that employ ultrasound for detecting and staging malignancy, tracking metastasis, and guiding treatment. Ultrasound elastography quantifies soft tissue elastic properties that change as a tumor grows and proliferates. Hybrid imaging modalities that combine ultrasound with light or microwave energy provide novel contrast for mapping blood oxygen saturation, transport of particles through lymphatic vessels and nodes, and real-time feedback for guiding needle biopsies. Combining these methods with smart nanoparticles and contrast agents further promotes new paradigms for cancer imaging and therapy.     

Diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and enhanced magnetic resonance for breast nodules

In the current study, we sought to evaluate the diagnostic efficacies of conventional ultrasound (US), contrastenhanced US (CEUS), combined US and CEUS and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting focal solid breast lesions. Totally 117 patients with 120 BI-RADS category 4A-5 breast lesions were evaluated by conventional US and CEUS, and MRI, respectively. SonoVue was used as contrast agent in CEUS and injected as an intravenous bolus; nodule scan was performed 4 minutes after bolus injection. A specific sonographic quantification software was used to obtain color-coded maps of perfusion parameters for the investigated lesion, namely the time-intensity curve. The pattern of contrast enhancement and related indexes regarding the time-intensity curve were used to describe the lesions, comparatively with pathological results. Histopathologic examination revealed 46 benign and 74 malignant lesions. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of US in detecting malignant breast lesions were 90.14%, 95.92%, and 92.52%, respectively. Meanwhile, CE-MRI showed sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 88.73%, 95.92%, and 91.67%, respectively. The area under the ROC curve for combined US and CEUS in discriminating benign from malignant breast lesions was 0.936, while that of MRI was 0.923, with no significant difference between them, as well as among groups. The time-intensity curve of malignant hypervascular fibroadenoma and papillary lesions mostly showed a fast-in/fast-out pattern, with no good correlation between them (kappa < 0.20). In conclusion, the combined use of conventional US and CEUS displays good agreement with MRI in differentiating benign from malignant breast lesions.     

Detection of breast cancer with ultrasound tomography: first results with the Computed Ultrasound Risk Evaluation (CURE) prototype

Although mammography is the gold standard for breast imaging, its limitations result in a high rate of biopsies of benign lesions and a significant false negative rate for women with dense breasts. In response to this imaging performance gap we have been developing a clinical breast imaging methodology based on the principles of ultrasound tomography. The Computed Ultrasound Risk Evaluation (CURE) system has been designed with the clinical goals of whole breast, operator-independent imaging, and differentiation of breast masses. This paper describes the first clinical prototype, summarizes our initial image reconstruction techniques, and presents phantom and preliminary in vivo results. In an initial assessment of its in vivo performance, we have examined 50 women with the CURE prototype and obtained the following results. (1) Tomographic imaging of breast architecture is demonstrated in both CURE modes of reflection and transmission imaging. (2) In-plane spatial resolution of 0.5 mm in reflection and 4 mm in transmission is achieved. (3) Masses > 15 mm in size are routinely detected. (4) Reflection, sound speed, and attenuation imaging of breast masses are demonstrated. These initial results indicate that operator-independent, whole-breast imaging and the detection of breast masses are feasible. Future studies will focus on improved detection and differentiation of masses in support of our long-term goal of increasing the specificity of breast exams, thereby reducing the number of biopsies of benign masses.     

微泡型超声造影剂制备及其靶向应用研究进展

超声诊断技术是世界上最广泛的影像技术之一，随着生物医学和高分子学科的发展，超声造影剂无论从制备方法、材料还是应用范围都发生了很大的变化。从制备方法、材料及其靶向应用等多方面对超声造影剂作简单的介绍。     

S-Detect技术在乳腺超声检查中的诊断性能

目的:分析S-Detect技术在乳腺超声检查中的诊断性能。方法:选择2018年6月~12月接受检查的的女性患者175例,共纳入192个乳腺肿块。分别通过超声医生和S-Detect技术来评估其对乳腺超声检查结果的一致性。比较两者的诊断性能,包括敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值、准确性和接受者操作特征曲线下面积。结果:192个乳腺肿块中,恶性72个（37.5%）,良性120个（62.5%）。对于4a类良性肿块,相比超声医生,S-Detect技术具有较高的良性评估率。S-Detect技术的特异性、阳性预测值、准确性和接受者操作特征曲线下面积显著高于超声医生,而诊断敏感度、阴性预测值低于超声医生（P<0.05）。超声医生和S-Detect技术的最终评估结果显示中度一致（κ=0.58）。结论:S-Detect技术可作为提高乳腺超声诊断特异性的一种辅助诊断手段,可指导乳腺肿块的诊断。     

超声与MRI诊断乳腺癌及不同病理分型影像特点分析

探讨超声与MRI诊断乳腺癌的效果及不同病理分型影像特点。方法:比较分析112例疑似乳腺癌表现患者的超声、MRI及联合检查诊断效果及病理分型情况。结果:超声、MRI及联合诊断对乳腺癌的检出率并无统计学差异（90.36% vs 95.18% vs 98.80%, P>0.05）;联合诊断漏诊率和误诊率均显著低于超声诊断（1.79% vs 13.39%,0.89% vs 6.25%, P<0.05）;联合诊断灵敏度、特异度、准确率、阳性预测值、阴性预测值均显著高于超声诊断（97.59% vs 81.93%, 96.55% vs 75.86%, 97.32% vs 80.36%, 98.78% vs 90.67%, 93.33% vs 59.46%, P<0.05）;联合诊断准确率显著高于MRI诊断（97.32% vs 89.29%, P<0.05）;超声与MRI图像特征与病理分型有一定联系,二者与手术病理结果符合率较高。结论:超声与MRI联合诊断乳腺癌能够提高诊断准确率,二者图像特征能够为乳腺癌诊断和病理分型判断提供良好依据。     

Serum microRNA-21 as a potential diagnostic biomarker for breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Serum microRNA-21 (miR-21) expression has been shown to be significantly up-regulated in breast cancer, which implies that it could be a biomarker to discriminate breast cancer patients from healthy controls. We therefore performed this meta-analysis to assess the diagnostic value of miR-21 for breast cancer. Relevant articles were collected from PubMed, Scopus, Embase, the Cochrane Library, BioMed Central, ISI Web of Knowledge, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang Data and Technology of Chongqing databases, from inception to June 10, 2014 by two independent researchers. Diagnostic capacity of miR-21 for breast cancer was assessed using pooled sensitivity and specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (AUC) and Fagan’s nomogram. Meta-Disc software and Stata SE 12.0 were used to investigate the source of heterogeneity and to perform the meta-analysis. We used six studies with a total of 438 patients and 228 healthy controls in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity and DOR were 0.79 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.66–0.87], 0.85 (95 % CI 0.75–0.91) and 19.46 (95 % CI 8.74–43.30), respectively; positive and negative likelihood ratios were 5 and 0.25, and AUC was 0.89 (95 % CI 0.86–0.91). In addition, heterogeneity was clearly apparent but was not caused by the threshold effect. This meta-analysis suggests that miR-21 is a potential biomarker for early diagnosis of breast cancer with high sensitivity and specificity, and its clinical application warrants further investigation.     

The destructive effects of high-intensity focused ultrasound on hydatid cysts enhanced by ultrasound contrast agent and superabsorbent polymer alone or in combination

Cystic echinococcosis, caused by the metacestode stage of Echincoccus granulosus, remains endemic in many regions around the world. The present work evaluated whether or not a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) alone or in combination could enhance damage efficacy of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) on hydatid cysts in vitro. HIFU of 100 W acoustic power, with the aid of 0.1 ml UCA and 0.1 g SAP alone or in combination, was used to ablate hydatid cysts in vitro. The comparison of ultrasound image for each layer of hydatid cyst before and after HIFU ablation was made immediately, and the protoscolices of the cysts were stained by eosin exclusion assay, and the structures of protoscolices were observed by light microscopy. To understand the destructive effects of HIFU, the pathological changes in cyst walls of hydatid cyst ablated with HIFU were examined. The results demonstrated that HIFU had some lethal effect on hydatid cysts: echo enhancement of ultrasound image, increase of mortality rate of protoscolices, serious structural damage of protoscolices, and complete destruction or even disappearance of laminated layer and germinal layer was observed in the group of HIFU combined with UCA and SAP alone or in combination. It was found that the destructive effect of HIFU aided with a combination of UCA and SAP to hydatid cysts was more effective than that of HIFU just aided with UCA or SAP alone. These results suggested that UCA and SAP might be used as a HIFU enhancing agent to improve the efficacy of HIFU ablation to hydatid cysts, which could be a possible therapeutic option for cystic echinococcosis.     

高分子材料超声对比剂的制备及显影特征

背景：目前所用的超声对比剂均为内含不同气体成分的微气泡,其外壳材料多数为表面活性剂类、人血蛋白质类、脂类等。随着高分子化学的发展,高分子材料对比剂成为超声对比剂研究领域的热点。 目的：探讨各种超声对比剂制备中遇到的困难以及解决方法,从而最终寻找合理的高分子材料超声对比剂。 方法：采用电子检索的方式,在万方数据库(http://www.wanfangdata.com.cn/)中检索2005-01/2010-12有关高分子材料应用于超声造影方面的研究文章,关键词为“高分子材料,超声,对比剂”。排除重复研究、普通综述或Meta分析类文章,筛选纳入26篇文献进行评价。 结果与结论：近年来随着高分子科学与多学科融合的分子医学的兴起和快速发展,显像对比剂受到了越来越广泛的关注。高分子材料超声对比剂由于具有好的生物相容性,粒径大小均匀,良好的抗压性能,较长的显影持续时间等特点,已成为目前研究的热点。其中靶向微泡对比剂经静脉注射可到达特定靶区,低功率超声作用下可提高局部组织显影的分辨率。携带治疗药物或基因的靶向微泡对比剂在低频(1 MHz)超声作用下可以产生瞬态空化效应,迫使细胞膜的通透性增加,从而有效提高了药物或基因的转染率。如今,靶向微泡携抗肿瘤药物联合超声作用正逐渐成为治疗肿瘤的一种新模式,是近期医学研究的一个热点。超声联合靶向微泡技术在临床诊断和治疗中显示出了较大的优势,但其准确的生物学机制目前医学界还未清楚,超声治疗参数需进一步优化。     

构建叶酸修饰的乳腺癌靶向纳米超声造影微粒

BACKGROUND: Studies have testified that nano-ultrasound contrast agents have a strong permeability, making it possible to image the targeted tissues outside blood vessels and overcome the limitation that micron contrast agents are only available for the blood pool imaging. OBJECTIVE: To construct the folate-modified nanoparticles targeting breast cancer as ultrasound contrast agents, as well as to observe their ability to specifically bind to cells and imaging effect in vitro. METHODS: Both contrast agents, pegylated lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer wrapping liquid fluorocarbon formed nanoparticles (mPP/PFOB) and folate modified pegylated lactic acid-glycolic acid wrapping liquid fluorocarbon formed nanoparticles (mPPF/PFOB), were constructed by phacoemulsification-evaporation method. (1)Biocompatibility detection: HFF-1 and MCF-7 cells in the logarithmic phase were cultivated with various concentrations (0, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and 1 g/L) of mPP/PFOB or mPPF/PFOB for 24 hours respectively, and then the cell viability was measured. (2)Targeting ability detection in vitro: HFF-1 and MCF-7 cells in the logarithmic phase were divided into three groups. Cy5-labled mPP/PFOB and mPPF/PFOB were added into groups A and B, respectively; the cells in group C were pretreated with folate for 2 hours, and sequentially Cy5-labled mPPF/PFOB was added into group C. Fluorescence intensity was detected by flow cytometry after 0.5 hours of culture. The distribution of contrast agents in cells was observed using confocal microscopy after 20 minutes of culture. (3)Ultrasound imaging in vitro: there were three groups: saline was as group A; the suspension of saline and mPPF/PFOB nanoparticles was prepared as group B; MCF-7 cells were resuspended with the mixture of saline and mPPF/PFOB nanoparticles to prepare the suspension of nanoparticles and cells as group C. In each group, the suspension was added into latex gloves, that were then tightened and immersed in water. Finally, the ultrasound was use to detect the ultrasound imaging effect in vitro. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Neither nanoparticles were with significant cytotoxicity. The flow cytometry showed that the mean fluorescence intensity in MCF-7 cells of group B was significantly higher than that of groups A and C. But there were no significant differences in the mean fluorescence intensity in HFF-1 cells among the three groups. It was observed that mPPF/PFOB mainly gathered around the MCF-7 cell membrane, while mPP/PFOB randomly distributed in the cytoplasm. After mPPF/PFOB binding to MCF-7 cells, they could enhance ultrasound echo in vitro. These findings indicate that the targeted nanoparticles mPPF/PFOB have good biocompatibility and can specifically bind to breast cancer MCF-7 cells in vitro and enhance the imaging capability.