Stability and stabilization of fluorocarbon emulsions destined for injection.

The factors that have an impact on the stability, and the mechanisms of degradation of fluorocarbon emulsions suited for intravascular use, are briefly reviewed. Various ways of prolonging shelf stability are discussed. The effectiveness of perfluoroalkylated surfactants and/or co-surfactants as stabilizers is demonstrated. New means of stabilizing fluorocarbon-in-water emulsions using molecular dowels are presented.