Stabilized Gas Microbubbles (N/A)

Stabilized gas microbubbles are engineered microstructures, typically 1-10 μm in diameter, consisting of a gas core (e.g., perfluorocarbon) surrounded by a stabilizing shell (e.g., phospholipid, protein, or polymer). They are designed to enhance acoustic reflection, enabling improved ultrasound imaging and targeted drug/gene delivery. The acoustic impedance mismatch between the gas core and surrounding tissue causes strong ultrasound backscatter. The bubbles' resonant behavior under ultrasound further amplifies the signal. They are not biological targets themselves but function as physical enhancers of ultrasound effects.

Other names

Ultrasound contrast agentsMicrobubble contrast agentsGas-filled microbubblesEchogenic microbubbles

Enhanced acoustic reflection due to impedance mismatch and resonant behavior; sonoporation for drug/gene delivery; acoustic energy conversion for tissue ablation.