Preparation and in vivo evaluation of ligand-conjugated polymeric microbubbles as targeted ultrasound contrast agents.

Highlights: [•] The polymeric microbubbles show narrow average size and size distribution. [•] The carboxyl groups on the polymeric microbubbles surface were activated by EDC/NHS. [•] The microbubbles can locate on inflamed plaque by modifying the surface with ligand. [•] The high conjugation efficiency makes the microbubbles use in clinical applications. [•] The targeted microbubbles have a significant ultrasound contrast-enhanced property. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]