Fluorine in medical microbubbles - Methodologies implemented for engineering and investigating fluorocarbon-based microbubbles

Fluorocarbon gases are a key element for the stabilization of medical microbubbles currently used for ultrasound diagnosis, and with potential for molecular imaging and targeted drug and gene delivery. Fluorosurfactants that provide exceptional shell elasticity could uplift bubble technology. We review the principal laboratory microbubble preparation procedures and sizing methods, as well as techniques implemented for investigating Gibbs and Langmuir films, which are essential models for studying microbubble shell structure and properties.