Mikrobubblor

Mikrobubblor is a term used in discussions of microbubble technology to denote a class of microscopic gas-filled spheres designed for biomedical applications. In typical descriptions, mikrobubblor are microbubbles with diameters on the order of 1 to 10 micrometers, though some variants extend to submicrometer scales. They consist of a gaseous core—commonly air or a perfluorocarbon gas—encapsulated by a stabilizing shell formed from lipids, proteins, polymers, or hybrid materials. The shell serves to stabilize the bubble in circulation and can be engineered to carry targeting ligands or therapeutic payloads.

Applications center on ultrasound contrast enhancement and ultrasound-triggered therapy. When subjected to diagnostic ultrasound, mikrobubblor provide strong echogenic signals, improving visualization of vascular and organ structures. Under higher acoustic pressures, they can oscillate (stable cavitation) or collapse (inertial cavitation), processes that may temporarily increase tissue permeability or release drugs from attached or encapsulated carriers.

Production techniques include microfluidic fabrication, jetting, or sonication, with ongoing research aimed at achieving narrow size distributions, shell uniformity, and longevity in circulation. Factors affecting performance include gas type, shell material, and surface functionalization; PEGylation and ligand attachment are common strategies to extend half-life and enable targeting.

Safety and regulatory considerations emphasize biocompatibility, dose limits, and potential risks of cavitation, which depend on bubble size, shell properties, and ultrasound parameters. Mikrobubblor remain an active area of research, with several related microbubble contrast agents approved for clinical use, while mikrobubblor as a specific formal designation varies by source.