Microfluidic generation of microbubbles for ultrasound contrast agent and therapeutics applications

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We are proposing to develop a microfluidics-platform to generate microbubbles for ultrasound imaging and therapeutics applications. Microbubbles are clinically approved for ultrasound contrast agent applications, and are also being developed as ultrasound-based therapeutic delivery vehicles. However, current microbubble extrusion methods used to generate microbubbles do not result in highly monodisperse microbubbles. With microfluidics, it is possible to manufacture highly monodisperse and uniform microbubbles whose size can be accurately tuned. MD Precision Inc. is a Canadian company with engineering and product development expertise in ultrasound-related medical technology. They have previously manufactured ultrasound transducers, high-frequency imaging systems, photoacoustics imaging systems, as well as low-frequency ultrasoundsystems. They now seek to develop a technique that generates monodisperse microbubbles that can be used as ultrasound contrast agents or ultrasound-triggered delivery vehicles. In this NSERC Engage project, we will work with MD Precision Inc. to develop a microfluidics approach to manufacture monodisperse and highly controlled microbubbles. We will apply our fluid mechanics and microfluidics expertise to develop the system, and MD Precision will work closely with us, over the next six months, to ensure the future mass manufacturability of the device. Upon completion of this project, the results of our development will lead to a new product line for MD Precision, that uses microfluidics to generate microbubbles for ultrasound applications.