Issue 4, 2007

On-chip generation of microbubbles as a practical technology for manufacturing contrast agents for ultrasonic imaging

Abstract

This paper presents a new manufacturing method to generate monodisperse microbubble contrast agents with polydispersity index (σ) values of <2% through microfluidic flow-focusing. Micron-sized lipid shell-based perfluorocarbon (PFC) gas microbubbles for use as ultrasound contrast agents were produced using this method. The poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)-based devices feature expanding nozzle geometry with a 7 μm orifice width, and are robust enough for consistent production of microbubbles with runtimes lasting several hours. With high-speed imaging, we characterized relationships between channel geometry, liquid flow rate Q, and gas pressure P in controlling bubble sizes. By a simple optimization of the channel geometry and Q and P, bubbles with a mean diameter of <5 μm can be obtained, ideal for various ultrasonic imaging applications. This method demonstrates the potential of microfluidics as an efficient means for custom-designing ultrasound contrast agents with precise size distributions, different gas compositions and new shell materials for stabilization, and for future targeted imaging and therapeutic applications.

Graphical abstract: On-chip generation of microbubbles as a practical technology for manufacturing contrast agents for ultrasonic imaging

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
29 Sep 2006
Accepted
06 Feb 2007
First published
08 Mar 2007

Lab Chip, 2007,7, 463-468

On-chip generation of microbubbles as a practical technology for manufacturing contrast agents for ultrasonic imaging

K. Hettiarachchi, E. Talu, M. L. Longo, P. A. Dayton and A. P. Lee, Lab Chip, 2007, 7, 463 DOI: 10.1039/B701481N

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