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 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.