Controlled positioning of microbubbles and induced cavitation using a dual-frequency transducer and microfiber adhesion techniques

Abstract

We report a study on two methods that enable spatial control and induced cavitation on targeted microbubbles (MBs). Cavitation is known to be present in many situations throughout nature. This phenomena has been proven to have the energy to erode alloys, like steel, in propellers and turbines. It is recently theorized that cavitation occurs inside the skull during a traumatic-brain injury (TBI) situation. Controlled cavitation methods could help better understand TBIs and explain how neurons respond at moments of trauma. Both of our approaches involve an ultrasonic transducer and bio-compatible Polycaprolactone (PCL) microfibers. These methods are reproducible as well as affordable, providing more control and efficiency compared to previous techniques found in literature. We specifically model three-dimensional spatial control of individual MBs using a 1.6 MHz transducer. Using a 100 kHz transducer, we also illustrate induced cavitation on an individual MB that is adhered to the surface of a PCL microfiber. The goal of future studies will involve characterization of neuronal response to cavitation and seek to unmask its linkage with TBIs.

Characterization of Astrocytic Response after Experiencing Cavitation In Vitro

“…We made advancements to an apparatus designed in previous studies that creates, traps, positions, and collapses MBs that realistically resemble those in a blast-TBI event. [39] Our study uses PCL microfibers to mimic a biocompatible and sterile neuronal environment for mouse astrocyte cells in-vitro. We document a visual study that demonstrates surrounding cavitation has a profound effect on astrocytic activation.…”

“…[5,40] This study used controlled cavitation techniques from previous studies and made modifications and advancements in order to obtain biocompatibility and sterility, allowing for the incorporation of mouse astrocytes. [39] We used astrocytes in this study because of their documented role in TBI response and recovery. [19,29] In future studies, we plan to further characterize the radial response that astrocytes undergo post-cavitation via advanced immunocytochemistry techniques.…”

“…This apparatus was also designed to realistically mimic the cavitation phenomena that exists during a TBI. [39] Our study seeks to advance this design by making it biocompatible and sterile for cell incorporation. Introducing astrocytes in this apparatus and performing visual and gene expression analytic techniques, we demonstrate that cavitation has an adverse effect on astrocytic morphology and genetics.…”

Effects of graphene layer and gold nanoparticles on sensitivity of humidity sensors

“…Graphene is light, strong, and thin, making it a superior thermally and electrically conductive material. [1][2][3][4][5][6] It also has great physical, chemical, and mechanical properties that are useful in various applications. [7][8][9] Graphite has been studied for many decades since scientists first imagined that a single layer of graphene could be isolated from graphite.…”

Investigation of cavitation-induced damage on PDMS films

“…The apparatus used to create cavitation on the PDMS lms is similar to that used in previous studies. 19 This method is advantageous because it allows for controlled cavitation, enabling a similar cavitation exposure from one sample to the next. Characterization of cavitation aermath is conducted using 3D confocal microscopy and interferometry methods.…”