One-step microencapulation of nanoparticles and perfluorocarbon inmicrobubbles for potential application in controlled activation

Silver nanoparticles and perfluorocarbon are encapsulated in multilayered lipid microbubbles by a coaxial electro-flow focusing process. The process is characterized as a coaxial liquid jet in the core of a high-speed coflowing gas stream under an axial electric field. Different flow modes are identified and the stable cone-jet structure is formed in a wide range of process parameters. Core-shell structures of microbubbles with nanoparticles inside the shell are clearly observed. The effects of the main process parameters on the process outcome are studied systemically for the enhanced microbubble morphology. The preliminary elevation of the temperature in silver nanoparticle suspended perfluorcarbon is observed upon exposure to broadband light illumination, indicating the technical potential for light-activated drug delivery.