Effect of Media on the Stability and Acoustic Behavior of Lipid-Microbubbles for Controlled Release Applications

Qiang Wu – Postdoc, Engineering Science, University of Oxford; Meng Chen Michelle Li – Postdoc, University of Southampton; Dariusz Kosk – PhD, University of Southampton; Janos Kanczler – Professor, University of Southampton; Nick Evans – Professor, University of Southampton; Dario Carugo – Associate Prof., NDORMS, University of Oxford; Eleanor Stride – Professor, Engineering Science, University of Oxford

Introduction: Microbubbles (MBs) are gas-filled particles used with ultrasound for imaging and therapeutic applications, including drug and protein delivery¹. Their performance depends on stability, clearance, and acoustic response, all influenced by the surrounding environment. However, MBs are typically characterized in simple buffers like PBS, which poorly mimic physiological conditions². Here, we compare the stability and acoustic behavior of lipid-shelled MBs in PBS, fetal bovine serum, and porcine whole blood.