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Multi-timescale Microscopy Methods for the Characterization of Fluorescently-labeled Microbubbles for Ultrasound-Triggered Drug Release
Published on: June 12, 2021
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Ultrasound-directed drug delivery
Michiel Postema1, Odd Helge Gilja
1Department of Engineering, The University of Hull, Kingston Upon Hull, HU6 7RX, UK. m.postema@hull.ac.uk
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
|February 22, 2008
Summary
Ultrasound enhances drug and gene delivery into cells through sonoporation, especially with contrast agents. Microbubble jetting is unlikely the main mechanism, making ultrasound drug delivery promising for cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ultrasound insonification increases cellular uptake of drugs and genes.
- Ultrasound contrast agents enhance this effect through sonoporation, creating transient cell membrane pores.
- Novel contrast agents incorporating therapeutic compounds are of significant interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms of ultrasound-mediated drug delivery.
- To evaluate the potential of ultrasound contrast agents for targeted therapeutic delivery.
- To explore the application of this technology in treating malignant disorders.
Main Methods:
- Modeling of microbubble behavior near cell membranes.
- High-speed photography to visualize microbubble dynamics.
- Cellular uptake measurements to quantify drug/gene transport.
Main Results:
- Sonoporation, the formation of transient cell membrane pores, facilitates drug and gene uptake.
- Microbubble oscillations, not jetting, are suggested as the dominant sonoporation mechanism.
- Ultrasound-directed drug delivery shows promise for treating malignant disorders.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasound-mediated drug delivery using contrast agents is a viable and potentially cost-effective therapeutic strategy.
- This technique offers a simple method for instant treatment upon diagnosis using conventional ultrasound scanners.
- Further research into ultrasound-directed delivery holds great potential for oncology applications.
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