The interaction between ultrasound and bubbles in liquids has led to the
development of a number of applications. The scattering of sound waves by bubbles has
been utilized in ultrasound contrast imaging. The absorption of sound energy by bubbles
that exist in liquids can lead to acoustic cavitation, the growth and violent collapse of
microbubbles. Extreme temperature conditions and highly reactive radicals are
generated during acoustic cavitation, which have been utilized in a number of processes
that include the synthesis of a variety of nanomaterials. Acoustic cavitation also
generates strong shear forces and streaming effects in liquids that have been used for the
deactivation of pathogens and modification of the properties of bioactive molecules.
This chapter aims to provide an overview of the recent work that has been carried out in
our laboratory that includes the ultrasonic and sonochemical synthesis of biofunctional
metal nanoparticles, polymers, and microspheres.
Keywords: Sound waves, acoustic cavitation, sonochemical synthesis, ultrasonic
synthesis, microspheres.
