Flow attachment assessment of a peptide-conjugated polymeric contrast agent for targeted ultrasound imaging

Fibronectin peptide fragments were conjugated to PIA ultrasound contrast agents to develop a targeted contrast agent that enhances ultrasound imaging. The microspheres were coated with generic GRGDS and REDV peptide sequences that target integrins expressed in angiogenesis, α_vβ₃ and α_vβ₅. The microspheres bound to human breast cancer cells in vitro within 3 minutes under flow conditions. The GRGDS and REDV peptide modified microspheres show promise as candidates for targeted therapeutic imaging and eventually drug delivery vehicles.