Dataset: Microbubble Oscillations Induced by Focused Ultrasound: Key Parameters Influencing Cavitation Dose

Abstract from the article:
In therapeutic ultrasound, intravenously administered microbubbles (MBs) — gas-filled agents encapsulated by lipid or protein shells — play an increasingly significant role. Originally used as ultrasound contrast agents (UCA), MBs can e.g. transiently increase BBB permeability. Under focused ultrasound, they undergo oscillations, exerting mechanical forces that temporarily disrupt tight junctions between endothelial cells, enabling localized delivery of macromolecules (e.g., >400 Da), which has therapeutic potential for CNS disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and glioblastoma. This study investigated how acoustic parameters and MB (SonoVue, Bracco) properties influence their acoustic response. Four experimental protocols assessed the effects of MB concentration (0.0008%, 0.004%, 0.016%, 0.08%, 0.4% v/v), peak negative pressure (61.5 ± 8 to 2600 ± 340 kPa), sonication time, and pulse duration (95, 190, 952 µs). Reproducibility was also evaluated. Experiments were conducted in a flow system with a focused ultrasound transducer (H101, Sonic Concepts, f 0 = 1.05 MHz) and a passive receiver. Cavitation activity was quantified using three metrics: SCD har (harmonic emissions), SCD ultra (ultraharmonic emissions), and ICD (broadband inertial cavitation). SCD har and ICD showed monotonic trends within 61.5–1300 kPa and 0.0008–0.08% MB concentration. SCD ultra was most evident at 600 and 1300 kPa for 0.016% MBs. Cavitation doses were reproducible, with 10% variability in SCD har and ICD. The number of acoustic pulses had a greater impact on cavitation dose than total effective sonication time. These findings contribute to better understanding of MB behavior in ultrasound field and may support optimization of safe and effective therapeutic protocols.