Acoustically responsive monodisperse nanodroplets stabilized with biocompatible fluorinated surfactants

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Perfluorocarbon nanodroplets (PFC-NDs) are promising for ultrasound diagnostics and therapy.
• Limited physicochemical stability of PFC-NDs hinders their clinical application.
• Biocompatible surfactants in the nanodroplet shell are key to improving stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To formulate and characterize stable perfluorocarbon nanodroplets using a microfluidic approach.
• To investigate the impact of biocompatible fluorinated surfactants (BFS) and process parameters on PFC-ND properties.
• To assess the stability and acoustic vaporization behavior of engineered PFC-NDs.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of two families of biocompatible fluorinated surfactants (F-TAC and DendriTAC).
• Preparation of perfluorocarbon nanodroplets (PFC-NDs) with perfluoropentane core using microfluidics and nanoprecipitation.
• Systematic investigation of formulation parameters (surfactant type, ratio, dilution) and process parameters (flow rate, storage conditions).

Main Results:

• Microfluidic approach enabled precise size control and uniform distribution of PFC-NDs.
• Surfactant choice and process parameters significantly influenced nanodroplet size and stability.
• Enhanced stability was observed with BFS, further improved by trehalose, especially under freezing conditions.
• All formulations exhibited comparable vaporizable thresholds.

Conclusions:

• Formulation and process parameters are critical for controlling PFC-ND properties.
• Developed PFC-NDs demonstrate notable stability and potential for biomedical applications.
• This study provides insights for optimizing PFC-NDs for diagnostic and therapeutic uses.