There is a growing interest in nanobubble because of its wide range of potential applications. Nanobubble has been used for detergent-free cleaning, ultra-sound imaging and intracelluar drug delivery, enhanced drug susceptibility of cancer cells, and mineral processing etc. Nano-bubbles can be used as cleaning agents both for the prevention of surface fouling and for defouling surfaces. In particular nanobubbles produced by electrochemical treatment can be used to remove proteins that are already adsorbed to a surface. Gold nanobubbles are used for the purpose of drug delivery inside cancer cells. Nanobubbles can be used as an effective means for gene delivery without the use of viruses. Nanobubbles generated by hydrodynamic cavitation were found to improve coarse particles and fine particles flotation performances and reduce reagents consumption. The bridging of bubbles between hydrophobic surfaces favors fine particle flotation. The influence of nanobubbles/nanopancakes on the flotation of mineral and coal in saline environments is important due to the dramatic changes on the surface characteristics of the mineral species. Nanobubbles can be used as an effective means to treat wastewater.

This special issue is to better understand the mechanisms of nanobubble generation methods, its properties, and applications, especially in separation technologies. Original research papers are solicited in any aspect of nanobubble application technologies.

Aims and Scope:

1. Nanobubble generation methods
2. Nanobubble properties
3. Nanobubble application in solids-solids(minerals) separations
4. Nanobubble application in solids-liquids separations
5. Nanobubble application in liquids-liquids separations
6. Other applications