Molecular imaging of atherosclerotic plaque with lipid nanobubbles as targeted ultrasound contrast agents.

•The surface of these nanobubbles which functionalized with anti-VEGFR-2 ligands can selectively attach to atherosclerotic plaque.•The targeted nanobubbles exhibit a desired nanoscale range which is suitable for passively targeted delivery.•The targeted ultrasound contrast agents can utilized in vivo ultrasound imaging to identify rabbit abdominal aorta atherosclerotic plaque.•The targeted ultrasound contrast agents have a significant ultrasound enhanced property and are stable enough for clinical ultrasonic molecular imaging.