Ultrasound-responsive droplets for therapy: A review

H Lea-Banks; M A O'Reilly; K Hynynen

doi:10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.11.028

Ultrasound-responsive droplets for therapy: A review

J Control Release. 2019 Jan 10:293:144-154. doi: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.11.028. Epub 2018 Nov 29.

Authors

H Lea-Banks¹, M A O'Reilly², K Hynynen³

Affiliations

¹ Physical Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. Electronic address: harriet.lea-banks@sri.utoronto.ca.
² Physical Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
³ Physical Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.

Abstract

The last two decades have seen the development of acoustically activated droplets, also known as phase-change emulsions, from a diagnostic tool to a therapeutic agent. Through bubble effects and triggered drug release, these superheated agents have found potential applications from oncology to neuromodulation. The aim of this review is to summarise the key developments in therapeutic droplet design and use, to discuss the current challenges slowing clinical translation, and to highlight the new frontiers progressing towards clinical implementation. The literature is summarised by addressing the droplet design criteria and by carrying out a multiparametric study of a range of droplet formulations and their associated vaporisation thresholds.

Keywords: Cavitation; Focused ultrasound; Phase-change emulsions.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Drug Delivery Systems*
Humans
Ultrasonics*
Volatilization

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Grants and funding