Nano-lipospheres as acoustically active ultrasound contrast agents: Evolving tumor imaging and therapy technique
Journal
Nanotechnology
Journal Volume
30
Journal Issue
18
Pages
182001
Date Issued
2019
Author(s)
Abstract
Applying nanobubbles (NBs) for contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging has received increased attention. NBs are biocompatible, multifunctional, theranostic agents. Their properties of high echogenicity and stability create an agent suitable for ultrasonography diagnosis. Their favorable properties of size, in vivo stability, and ease of modification are being exploited to implement a theranostic platform for cancer treatment. The considerable development offers the potential to overcome drug resistance and adverse side effects that are associated with traditional chemotherapy. This review outlines the principles of ultrasonography and angiogenesis. Microbubbles and micelles are also discussed to underline the superior capabilities of NBs for the application. NBs could passively accumulate to tumor tissue by enhanced permeability and retention effect. In addition, it can also achieve the active transportation by surface modification. Active targeting modalities and stimuli-responsive drug delivery modifications generate a therapeutic vehicle. The cytotoxicity of NBs formulations, multimodal imaging capability, active targeting mechanisms, and drug delivery methods are highlighted to confirm the NB as a vehicle for targeted treatment and enhanced ultrasound imaging. ? 2019 IOP Publishing Ltd.
Subjects
active targeting; drug delivery; nanobubbles; theranostic; ultrasonography
SDGs
Other Subjects
Biocompatibility; Chemotherapy; Controlled drug delivery; Diagnosis; Drug delivery; Micelles; Tumors; Ultrasonic applications; Ultrasonography; Active targeting; Active transportations; Contrast enhanced ultrasound; Enhanced Permeability and Retention effect; Nanobubbles; Stimuli-responsive drug deliveries; theranostic; Ultrasound contrast agent; Targeted drug delivery; contrast medium; nanoparticle; diagnostic imaging; drug delivery system; drug effect; drug resistance; echography; human; microbubble; neoplasm; procedures; theranostic nanomedicine; Contrast Media; Drug Delivery Systems; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Humans; Microbubbles; Nanoparticles; Neoplasms; Theranostic Nanomedicine; Ultrasonography
Type
journal article