Ultrasound-Enabled Therapeutic Delivery and Regenerative Medicine: Physical and Biological Perspectives

Abstract

The role of ultrasound in medicine and biological sciences is expanding rapidly beyond its use in conventional diagnostic imaging. Numerous studies have reported the effects of ultrasound on cellular and tissue physiology. Advances in instrumentation and electronics have enabled successful in vivo applications of therapeutic ultrasound. Despite path breaking advances in understanding the biophysical and biological mechanisms at both microscopic and macroscopic scales, there remain substantial gaps. With the progression of research in this area, it is important to take stock of the current understanding of the field and to highlight important areas for future work. We present herein key developments in the biological applications of ultrasound especially in the context of nanoparticle delivery, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine. We conclude with a brief perspective on the current promise, limitations, and future directions for interfacing ultrasound technology with biological systems, which could provide guidance for future investigations in this interdisciplinary area.

Recent advances in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems for rheumatoid arthritis treatment

“…Such ultrasound triggers exploit the idea of using localised heat at the site of delivery which in turn discharge the cargo as the delivery system is disrupted (111). The product generated after the ultrasonic trigger interacts with the membrane of the liposome and releases drugs due to the peroxidation of unsaturated lipids present in the membrane (117).…”

“… 111 The product generated after the ultrasonic trigger interacts with the membrane of the liposome and releases drugs due to the peroxidation of unsaturated lipids present in the membrane. 117 Such a strategy gives flexibility to regulate the concentration and extent of local anaesthesia release, also no other tissue injury was detected. 118 It was suggested that the sonosensitizer discharges ROS when an ultrasonic trigger was given to the liposome.…”

Advances in ultrasound-responsive hydrogels for biomedical applications

“…[63][64][65][66] Compared with other stimulation conditions, ultrasonic triggering is noninvasive, safe, controllable, and economical, and thus deserves attention under novel triggering conditions. Currently, ultrasoundresponsive hydrogels, combining the characteristics of hydrogels and ultrasound, have made many outstanding achievements in biomedical applications, such as drug delivery, [67][68][69][70][71] biomedical imaging 64,72,73 and smart materials, [74][75][76][77] and shown increasingly powerful functions in biomedical applications.…”

Ultrasound‐Mediated Release of Gaseous Signaling Molecules for Biomedical Applications

“…The physical, biological, and chemical effects of ultrasound-induced cavitation that enhance therapeutic outcomes. Adapted with permission [43]. Copyright 2021, American Chemical Society.…”