Towards monodisperse microbubble populations via microfluidic chip flow-focusing

Encapsulated ultrasound contrast agents (UCA) have received considerable attention recently, not only because of their echogenic properties which aid diagnostic imaging, but also for their ability to mediate targeted drug and gene delivery. Certain advantages may arise if monodisperse populations of microbubbles can be developed: specifically, an abrupt, well controlled response may be achievable which would lend itself to enhanced delivery efficiencies. In this paper, we highlight the rationale for the development of our own in-house approach to microbubble generation, and set this in the context of some contemporary bubble preparation technologies based on microfludic methods.