Liposome destruction by a collapsing cavitation microbubble: A numerical study
1University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Aškerčeva cesta 6, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Ultrasonics Sonochemistry
|August 19, 2021
Summary
Hydrodynamic cavitation can damage liposomes through bubble collapse and contraction. Understanding these mechanisms is key for optimizing wastewater treatment and predicting vesicle rupture.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Fluid Dynamics
- Environmental Engineering
Background:
- Hydrodynamic cavitation is a promising wastewater treatment technology.
- The precise damaging mechanisms of cavitation on biological structures remain unclear.
- Liposomes are model systems for biological membranes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To numerically investigate the interaction between a single cavitation microbubble and a lipid vesicle.
- To identify and characterize the modes of vesicle deformation caused by cavitation.
- To determine critical parameters for liposome poration and rupture.
Main Methods:
- A coupled fluid-structure interaction model was employed.
- Simulations focused on the dynamic interaction between a microbubble and a liposome.
- Analysis of vesicle deformation modes and their temporal relation to bubble dynamics.
Main Results:
- Three critical modes of vesicle deformation were identified: unilateral stretching, local wrinkling, and bilateral stretching.
- Vesicle rupture is dependent on the dimensionless distance (δ) from the collapsing bubble.
- A critical distance of δ=1.9 was found for vesicles with pre-existing pores.
Conclusions:
- The study elucidates the physical mechanisms of cavitation-induced liposome damage.
- Results provide critical insights into the conditions required for vesicle poration and rupture.
- Larger cavitation bubbles exhibit a higher potential for causing liposome destruction.
