Microbubbles are comprised of lipid- or detergent-stabilized gas-filled cavities and have found wide application in diagnostics and therapeutics. Mechanical agitation is the primary method for creating microbubbles in sufficient yields for biomedical purposes but suffers from broad distribution of bubble sizes. Size affects microbubble behaviors and properties which directly impacts resonance frequency, gas release profile, bio distribution, and pharmacodynamics. This technology describes a simple and rapid technique for isolating sub populations of microbubbles based on differential centrifugation. A mathematical model is used to calculate the relative centrifugal force need for a microbubble-size class to rise through a length of column for a fixed centrifugation time. These parameters are employed to isolate microbubbles in narrow size fractions for consistent application and improved stability.
Model-based differential centrifugation provides a fast and easy means for size-based microbubble selection. Narrow size ranges are critical for dependable use. Additionally, the stability of isolated microbubbles has been shown over a six week period, a timescale sufficient for biomedical applications.
This technology has been demonstrated to successfully isolate microbubbles at 1-2, 4-5, and 6-8 micrometer fractions.
Mark A. Borden, Ph.D.
Available for licensing and sponsored research support
Tech Ventures Reference: IR M09-026
Further Information: Columbia | Technology Ventures Email: TechTransfer@columbia.edu