[Target and therapeutic microbubbles].
Because ultrasound microbubbles lower the threshold for cavitation by ultrasound energy, they may be used as cavitation nuclei for drug and gene delivery. By tailoring the physical properties of microbubbles and coating materials, drugs and genetic drugs can be incorporated into ultrasound contrast agents. As the microbubbles enter the region of insonation, the microbubbles cavitate, locally releasing the therapeutic agents.
Vanoverschelde
J L
JL
Université de Louvain, clinique Saint-Luc, 10, avenue Hippocrate, 1200 Bruxelles, Belgique. vanoverschelde@card.ucl.ac.be
D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D004452:Echocardiography; D000431:Ethanol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D011817:Rabbits; D051381:Rats; D014465:Ultrasonics
D003287:Contrast Media; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D000431:Ethanol