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Tuning Coalescence Stability and Acoustic Properties of High-Production-Rate Fabricated DSPC-Based Monodisperse
Chunjie Tan1, Hongyi Zhang1, Xiang Ji2
1School of Automation and Intelligent Sensing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
Summary
Researchers developed a cost-effective method for producing monodisperse microbubbles (MDMBs) using microfluidics and Tween 20. This technique minimizes bubble coalescence under low lipid concentrations, enabling tunable acoustic properties for advanced ultrasound applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Microfluidics
- Acoustics
Background:
- Monodisperse microbubbles (MDMBs) are crucial for ultrasound imaging and therapy due to their uniform size and acoustic properties.
- High lipid concentrations are typically needed for stable MDMB production, increasing costs and waste.
- Optimizing MDMB fabrication for cost-effectiveness and tunable acoustics is essential for broader medical use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for producing high-yield, low-cost MDMBs with tunable acoustic properties under low lipid concentrations.
- To investigate the role of Tween 20 in preventing bubble coalescence during microfluidic fabrication.
- To characterize the acoustic properties and cavitation dynamics of MDMBs produced with varying Tween 20 and lipid concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a flow-focusing microfluidic chip for MDMB fabrication.
- Varied lipid concentrations, Tween 20 concentrations, and production rates.
- Analyzed bubble coalescence using high-speed imaging and statistically evaluated bubble PDI.
- Characterized acoustic attenuation spectra and cavitation dynamics after MDMB stabilization.
Main Results:
- Tween 20 effectively suppressed bubble coalescence at low lipid concentrations, achieving a low PDI.
- Increased Tween 20 to lipid ratio enhanced steric repulsion, preventing bubble coalescence.
- Higher Tween 20 concentration increased shell elasticity and cavitation stability.
- Elevated lipid concentration decreased shell elasticity and cavitation stability.
Conclusions:
- A feasible method for high-production-rate, low-lipid MDMB fabrication with low PDI and tunable acoustics was established.
- Tween 20 incorporation is key to achieving stable MDMBs under cost-effective conditions.
- This approach advances the development of microbubbles for ultrasound-based medical applications.
