Summary
Encapsulated gas microbubbles are well-known as ultrasound contrast agents for medical ultrasound imaging. Researchers are exploring the potential of microbubbles as drug/gene carriers in targeted drug and gene delivery.
Microbubbles are small enough to penetrate blood capillaries and release drugs or genes under the action of ultrasound. Recently, researchers have attached targeting ligands to the surface of microbubbles, creating “targeted microbubbles” that can be used to deliver drugs or genes to specific cells or tissues.
This review article discusses the characterization of novel targeted ultrasonic contrast agents or microbubbles and their potential applications in drug delivery or gene therapy.
