Bubbles, they come in all shapes and sizes; bubbles contained in a liquid are visible to the eyes when the bubble sizes are large enough, as we can see bubbles in carbonated drinks. Bubbles with the size of a few millimeters in diameter show visible surfacing action in a liquid, and the presence of fine bubbles of dozens of microns in diameter can be confirmed with white turbidity in a liquid, because these bubbles are scattering substances.
Bubbles in diameter smaller than the wavelength of light are called ultrafine bubbles (also called nano bubbles), and they are invisible to the naked eye.
Ultrafine bubbles have many other remarkable features that ordinary bubbles do not possess. For example, these bubbles can stay in a liquid for a long time, and are electrically charged, and are extra highly pressurized as well. These special features of ultrafine bubbles have attracted the attention from many industries such as food, cosmetics, chemical, medical, semi-conductor, and agriculture.
For example, using the ultrafine bubble technology in a new type of medical treatment, Oxford University biomedical engineers have developed a way to put drugs into ultrafine bubbles which can be injected into the bloodstream in the treatment of cancer. When the bubbles – each a hundredth the width of a human hair – reach their targeted destination, they burst the bubbles and release drugs at a specific target exactly where it is needed. This could reduce risks of side-effects of chemotherapy and make medication more effective. Experts have already started clinical trials on one part of the technology.
Ozone nano bubble water, which is a powerful antiseptic and antibacterial, holds promise for the treatment of periodontitis, or severe gum infections, according to a new research. This method was researched in vitro (in glass), and is still being tested in the laboratories to find out its effects on human tissues. (Floro Mercene)