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Real-Time Optical and Acoustic Characterization of Phase-Shift Droplets for Drug-Delivery Applications
Bachir Ahmed Abeid1, Ze Qi Chan2, Mario L Fabiilli1,3,4
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-5667, United States.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|September 5, 2025
Summary
Acoustic droplet vaporization (ADV) enables controlled drug release. Droplet properties, not just ultrasound parameters, dictate release kinetics and acoustic emissions, crucial for optimizing ultrasound-mediated therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Acoustic Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Acoustic droplet vaporization (ADV) is a key technology for ultrasound-mediated drug delivery.
- Precise control over payload release is essential for therapeutic efficacy.
- Understanding ADV dynamics requires multimodal investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the effects of driving pressure, pulse duration, and droplet boiling point on ADV.
- Characterize payload release dynamics and acoustic emissions during ADV.
- Correlate bubble behavior with payload release using advanced imaging.
Main Methods:
- Utilized ultra-high-speed brightfield (10 Mfps) and fluorescence (2 Mfps) microscopy.
- Employed confocal microscopy (1 fps) for real-time payload release visualization.
- Integrated passive cavitation detection for acoustic emission analysis.
Main Results:
- Payload release velocities reached 2-4 m/s during ADV, slowing post-ultrasound.
- Droplet thermophysical properties significantly influenced long-term bubble behavior and release kinetics.
- Acoustic emissions correlated positively with pressure and pulse number, but negatively with boiling point.
Conclusions:
- Ultra-high-speed imaging revealed direct coupling between bubble dynamics and payload release.
- Payload release continues via diffusion post-ultrasound, exceeding bubble growth rates.
- Multimodal imaging is vital for advancing ADV-based hydrogel drug delivery systems.
