Designing Acoustically Active Colloids using Biologically Derived and Bioinspired Materials

Microbubbles, due to their strong sound-reflecting properties, have been the considered as the gold standard in enhancing visual contrast and help obtain clearer ultrasound images for effective diagnosis of diseases. In this current thesis, small, bubble-generating and gas-containing materials were developed using natural and biologically inspired materials, specifically red blood cells and bioinspired polydopamine. This combines the capability of microbubbles to act as ultrasound contrast enhancing agents and the natural compatibility of these components, which can extend their applications from imaging to controlled drug release and enhanced efficacy of therapeutics.