Improved hybrid-shelled perfluorocarbon microdroplets as ultrasound- and laser-activated phase-change platform

We propose significant improvements to perfluorocarbon microdroplets, conferring them colloidal stability, chemical versatility, and size control. Decafluoropentane cores are stabilized by biocompatible interfaces – either a monolayer of the cationic surfactant dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide (DDAB) or double shell obtained adding crosslinked dextran methacrylate as further coating functionalised with gold nanoparticles. hypothesize that this formulation enables dual, acoustic (ADV) optical (ODV) vaporisation microdroplets into microbubbles, yielding versatile “phase-change” theranostic platform. Microdroplets synthesis is optimized high-speed homogenization methodology. Functionalisation nanoparticles achieved electrostatic decoration. The suspension characterised concerted use dynamic light scattering, electrophoresis, confocal microscopy, assess microdroplets’ stability. Additional structural details provided small-angle X-ray scattering. analysed ultrasound- laser-stimulated transition microbubbles their response ultrasound spectroscopy. Hybrid-shelled were produced at high density, narrow diameter distribution (~1 µm). highly charged surface long hydrocarbon tails DDAB protruding within core provide elastomeric layer water interface allows obtaining stable cavitating ADV exhibiting interesting viscoelastic features. presence unlocks opto-thermal microdroplet vaporisation.