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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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Ultrasonically triggered drug delivery: breaking the barrier
Ghaleb A Husseini1, William G Pitt2, Ana M Martins1
1American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces
|December 3, 2014
Summary
Ultrasound can precisely deliver chemotherapy drugs using acoustically activated carriers like micelles and liposomes. This targeted approach minimizes side effects by releasing therapeutics only at the desired site.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chemotherapy side effects can be reduced by targeted drug delivery.
- Ultrasound can trigger the release of therapeutics from nanocarriers.
- Conventional nanocarriers lack acoustic sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review ultrasound-activated drug delivery systems.
- To discuss novel nanocarrier designs for ultrasound-triggered release.
- To explore the future of ultrasound in targeted therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Review of in vitro and in vivo studies on ultrasound-activated drug delivery.
- Analysis of nanocarrier structures (micelles, liposomes, solid nanoparticles).
- Discussion of acoustic activation mechanisms involving gas-liquid interfaces.
Main Results:
- Acoustically activated carriers often incorporate a gas phase for enhanced ultrasound sensitivity.
- Novel structural concepts for micelles and liposomes improve ultrasonic responsiveness.
- Ultrasound enables precise spatiotemporal control over drug release.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasound-mediated drug delivery offers a promising strategy to enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce systemic toxicity.
- Further development of acoustically sensitive nanocarriers is crucial for clinical translation.
- Ultrasound-activated drug delivery holds significant potential for future cancer treatment.
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