Micro-nucleation in supersaturated oxygen solution injection

Abstract

We present here an example of an important biomedical technique in which it is critical to understand and avoid bubble nucleation in supersaturated aqueous solutions of oxygen. By doing so it is possible to inject highly supersaturated oxygen solutions through a small capillary without the formation of significant gas bubbles. The potential medical benefits of a successful technique of this kind are substantial and multi-faceted. Deprivation of oxygen even for brief periods of time such as occur during heart attacks or strokes results in cell damage or death - and is a primary cause of permanent physiological damage. Consequently rapid therapeutic oxygen delivery systems could substantially enhance the treatment, for example, of acute myocardial infarction or acute cerebral stroke.