Acoustic cavitation-induced shear: a mini-review

Acoustic cavitation (or the formation of bubbles using acoustic or ultrasound-based devices) has been extensively exploited for biological applications in the form of bioprocessing and drug delivery/uptake. However, the governing parameters behind the several physical effects induced by cavitation are generally lacking in quantity in terms of suitable operating parameters of ultrasonic units. This review elaborates the current gaps in this realm and summarizes suitable investigative tools to explore the shear generated during cavitation. The underlying physics behind these events are also discussed. Furthermore, current advances of acoustic shear on biological specimens as well as future prospects of this cavitation-induced shear are also described.