The phenomenon of bubble growth around a laser-heated nanoparticle suspended in a carrier liquid is analytically and numerically investigated. The amount of particle coagulation occurring while the carrier fluid is in the liquid phase is estimated by a monodispersed particle coagulation model using three different estimates of increasing accuracy, but also complexity, in determining the characteristic time of vapor formation as the relevant coagulation duration parameter. The effect of the particle on the bubble stability and the bubble dynamics is also demonstrated. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.