Focused ultrasonic acoustic processing is used to prepare formulations particles ranging between approximately 10 nm and approximately 50 microns (e.g., between 1 micron and 20 microns), or between approximately 10 nm approximately 400 nm (e.g., between 10 nm and 100 nm). Formulations (e.g., nanoformulations) may include a suspension (e.g., nanosuspension), an emulsion (e.g., nanoemulsion) or another small particle system. Formulations may be used as delivery systems for therapeutic agents. A formulation may also include a suspension of micron or submicron sized particles dispersed within a solvent. Or, a formulation may include a bioactive agent and a carrier compound such as a surfactant that encapsulates the bioactive agent (e.g., liposome/micelle containing a pharmaceutical, polynucleotide, etc.). In some cases, the polydispersity index of the particle size distribution in a formulation is less than 0.1. Formulations may be suitably prepared using focused acoustic energy that results in a reduction of the average particle size of a mixture. Alternatively, suitable formulations may be prepared using focused acoustics in a manner that does not reduce the average particle size of the mixture.