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Continuous motion of particles attached to cavitation bubbles

Summary

Researchers discovered that cavitation bubbles (tiny bubbles created by ultrasound) can push particles through liquid in a controlled manner. The bubbles expand and collapse in a way that creates a net forward push, similar to a pulse engine. This discovery could revolutionize drug delivery by allowing medications to be attached to particles and guided through the body using ultrasound, potentially improving treatments for heart disease and cancer.

Background

Microbubble-mediated drug delivery is a promising strategy for cardiovascular disease treatment, but efficiency and precision need improvement. Cavitation bubbles in ultrasonic fields can generate forces to propel particles, offering potential applications for targeted drug and gene delivery.

Objective

To investigate the continuous motion of particles propelled by cavitation bubbles in ultrasonic fields and establish a theoretical framework for bubble-pulse-driven particle propulsion. The study aims to elucidate the mechanisms of particle motion and develop methods for controlled particle trajectory.

Results

Particles attached to cavitation bubbles exhibited translation, rotation, attitude variation, and circular motion. Cavitation bubbles expand spherically but collapse asymmetrically along an axis perpendicular to the particle surface, generating greater push force during expansion than pull force during collapse, resulting in net forward propulsion.

Conclusion

A bubble-pulse-driving theory was established with derived formulas for time-averaged thrust. The continuous motion of bubble-attached particles is driven by asymmetric bubble deformation and is influenced by attachment position, particle shape, and the interplay between cavitation-bubble-driven force and primary Bjerknes force.
  • Published in:Ultrasonics Sonochemistry,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2024.106888, PMID: 38697875
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