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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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Lipid-based microbubbles and ultrasound for therapeutic application
Daiki Omata1, Johan Unga1, Ryo Suzuki1
1Laboratory of Drug and Gene Delivery Research, Faculty of Pharma-Science, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan.
Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
|July 14, 2020
Summary
Microbubbles combined with ultrasound, known as sonoporation, enhance drug delivery by temporarily opening biological barriers. This review covers advancements in microbubble technology and their therapeutic uses in targeted therapies and immunotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Ultrasound Therapeutics
Background:
- Microbubbles have a long history in diagnostic ultrasound.
- Sonoporation, the use of microbubbles and ultrasound, is emerging as a therapeutic tool.
- Microbubble oscillation/collapse can transiently open biological barriers, enhancing drug transport.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development of functionalized lipid-stabilized microbubbles.
- To describe the therapeutic applications of sonoporation.
- To discuss the current status and future potential of microbubble-mediated therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on lipid-stabilized microbubbles.
- Analysis of functional advancements: long circulation and drug loading.
- Examination of sonoporation applications in targeted therapies.
Main Results:
- Development of advanced microbubbles with enhanced circulation and drug-carrying capabilities.
- Demonstrated efficacy of sonoporation in tumor-targeted therapy, brain-targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
- Identification of key advancements in microbubble design and sonoporation protocols.
Conclusions:
- Functionalized microbubbles significantly improve therapeutic agent delivery via sonoporation.
- Sonoporation holds considerable promise for targeted cancer therapy, brain drug delivery, and immunotherapy.
- Continued research into microbubble engineering and sonoporation techniques will drive future clinical translation.
