Perfluoroalkyl chains as tools for film surface nano-patterning and soft microbubble engineering and decoration

Molecular perfluoroalkylated components provide powerful tools for the elaboration, stabilization and control of organized nano- and micrometre scale soft matter constructs. The examples discussed here include patterning of thin interfacial films with self-assembled organized domains of fluorocarbon/hydrocarbon diblocks, formation and stabilization of size-controlled, resilient soft-shell microbubbles for ultrasound diagnostic imaging, and microbubbles self-assembled from a perfluoroalkylated amphiphile and decorated with iron oxide nanoparticles on their outer surface that are both highly echogenic and magnetic. The latter devices have potential as contrast agents for both ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, and as targeted drug delivery agents and devices.