Definition of Microbubble
Microbubbles are bubbles smaller than one hundredth of a millimetre in diameter, but larger than one micrometre. They have widespread application in industry, medicine, life science, and food technology. The composition of the bubble shell and filling material determine important design features such as buoyancy, crush strength, thermal conductivity, and acoustic properties.
They are used in medical diagnostics as a contrast agent for ultrasound imaging.
The gas-filled microbubbles, typically air or perfluorocarbon, oscillate, and vibrate if a sonic energy field is applied and may reflect ultrasound waves. This distinguishes the microbubbles from surrounding tissues. Because gas bubbles in liquid lack stability and would therefore quickly dissolve, microbubbles are typically encapsulated by shells. The shell is made from elastic, viscoelastic, or viscous material. Common shell materials are lipid, albumin, and protein.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Microbubble?
Microbubbles are bubbles smaller than one hundredth of a millimetre in diameter, but larger than one micrometre. They have widespread application in industry, medicine, life science, and food technology.