Perfluorocarbon (PFC) nanodroplets (NDs) are expanding
in a wide
range of applications in biotechnology and nanotechnology. Their efficacy
in biological systems is significantly influenced by their size uniformity
and stability within bioelectrolyte contexts. Presently, methods for
creating monodisperse, highly concentrated, and well-stabilized PFC
NDs under harsh conditions using low energy consumption methods have
not been thoroughly developed, and their stability has not been sufficiently
explored. This gap restricts their applicability for advanced medical
interventions in tissues with high pH levels and various electrolytic
conditions. To tackle these challenges and to circumvent potential
toxicity from surface stabilizers, we have conducted an in-depth investigation
into the formation and stability of uncoated perfluorohexane (PFH)
NDs, which were synthesized by using a low-energy consumption solvent
exchange technique, across complex electrolyte compositions or a broad
spectrum of pH levels. The results indicated that low concentrations
of low-valent electrolyte ions facilitate the nucleation of NDs and
consistently accelerate Ostwald ripening over an extended period.
Conversely, high concentrations of highly valent electrolyte ions
inhibit nucleation and decelerate the ripening process over time.
Given the similarities between the properties of NDs and nanobubbles,
we propose a potential stabilization mechanism. Electrolytes influence
the Ostwald ripening of NDs by adjusting the adsorption and distribution
of ions on the NDs’ surface, modifying the thickness of the
electric double layer, and fine-tuning the energy barrier between
droplets. These insights enable precise control over the stability
of PFC NDs through the meticulous adjustment of the surrounding electrolyte
composition. This offers an effective preparation method and a theoretical
foundation for employing bare PFC NDs in physiological settings.