Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
07:44
Formulation and Acoustic Modulation of Optically Vaporized Perfluorocarbon Nanodroplets
Published on: July 16, 2021
Vaporization of perfluorocarbon droplets using optical irradiation
Biomedical Optics Express
|June 24, 2011
Summary
Researchers developed optical droplet vaporization (ODV) to activate perfluorocarbon (PFC) agents for medical imaging and cancer therapy. This laser-based method uses nanoparticles to vaporize PFC droplets, enabling new therapeutic possibilities.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Optics
- Acoustic Imaging
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Perfluorocarbon (PFC) droplets are investigated as activatable agents for medical imaging and cancer therapy.
- Current methods for PFC droplet vaporization rely on acoustic energy, limiting accessibility in certain tissues.
- PFC droplets have minimal infrared absorption, posing challenges for optical activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate optical droplet vaporization (ODV) as a novel method for activating perfluorocarbon (PFC) droplets.
- To investigate the use of optical-absorbing nanoparticles to facilitate ODV.
- To confirm successful vaporization using multi-modal measurements.
Main Methods:
- Micron-sized PFC droplets incorporating silica-coated lead sulfide (PbS) nanoparticles were prepared.
- Droplets were irradiated with a 1064 nm laser.
- Vaporization was assessed using ultra-high frequency photoacoustic ultrasound (200 and 375 MHz), acoustic, and optical measurements.
Main Results:
- Photoacoustic response correlated with nanoparticle loading.
- Successful optical droplet vaporization (ODV) of individual PFC droplets was confirmed.
- A minimum laser fluence of 1.4 J/cm(2) was determined for droplet vaporization.
Conclusions:
- Optical droplet vaporization (ODV) effectively induces perfluorocarbon (PFC) droplet vaporization using laser irradiation.
- Incorporation of lead sulfide (PbS) nanoparticles enables optical absorption for ODV.
- ODV offers a promising approach for activating PFC agents in previously inaccessible tissues.
More Related Videos
07:10Production of Membrane-Filtered Phase-Shift Decafluorobutane Nanodroplets from Preformed Microbubbles
Published on: March 23, 2021
12:05Preparation of Hydrophobic Metal-Organic Frameworks via Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition of Perfluoroalkanes for the Removal of Ammonia
Published on: October 10, 2013
Related Concept Videos
01:18Vaporization
The physical form of a substance changes by changing its temperature. For example, raising the temperature of a liquid causes the liquid to vaporize (convert into vapor). The process is called vaporization—a surface phenomenon. For vaporization to occur, kinetic energy must be greater than the intermolecular forces that keep molecules bonded. The amount of energy needed to vaporize a quantity of liquid at a given pressure and a constant temperature is called the heat of vaporization. When...
01:29Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (AFS) is an analytical technique that involves the electronic transitions of atoms in a flame, furnace, or plasma being excited by electromagnetic (EM) radiation. When these atoms absorb energy, they become excited and subsequently release energy as they return to their original state. This emitted light, or "fluorescence," is observed at a right angle to the incident beam. Both absorption and emission processes transpire at distinct wavelengths, which are...
01:25Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Atomization Methods
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) atomizes samples through flame atomization or electrothermal atomization. Flame atomization typically involves a nebulizer and spray chamber assembly to combine the sample with a fuel–oxidant mixture, creating a fine aerosol mist that enters a burner. Typically, the fuel and oxidant are combined in an approximately stoichiometric ratio. However, for atoms that are easily oxidized, a fuel-rich mixture may be more advantageous. Only about 5% of the aerosol...
01:05Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy
Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy or TIRF is an advanced microscopic technique used to visualize fluorophores in samples close to a solid surface with a higher refractive index, such as a glass coverslip. TIRF only allows fluorophores in proximity to the solid surface to be excited. When light from a medium with a lower refractive index (such as air) hits the glass coverslip at a critical angle, the light undergoes total internal reflection stead of passing through the glass.
01:03Sublimation
Sublimation is the direct transformation of a solid to a gaseous state. For instance, at standard pressure and room temperature, solid carbon dioxide sublimes to gaseous carbon dioxide. The phase diagram depicts the conditions required for sublimation. This process occurs at the solid-gas phase boundary and is not observed above the triple point of the substance. The reverse of sublimation is called deposition, where a gaseous substance condenses directly into a solid. Sublimation and...