Erbium-Based Perfusion Contrast Agent for Small-Animal Microvessel Imaging

Figure 1

Confocal fluorescence microscopy images of (a) nonsonicated raw Er₂O₃ powder naturally aggregated to large microsized (>10 m) particles when mixed within the two-part silicone elastomer, making the suspension not suitable for microvascular perfusion. However, with sonication, nanosized (~70 nm) particles were achieved (b).

(a)

(b)