Microbubbles in Medicine

4 days ago

Microbubbles are gas-filled spheres that can burst on command to deliver drugs, overcoming the challenge of targeted drug delivery in the body.
The brain's blood-brain barrier blocks most drugs, but microbubbles can temporarily open it via sonoporation, allowing treatments to pass through.
Microbubbles were originally developed for ultrasound imaging as contrast agents, evolving with shells like albumin and heavier gases to improve stability.
They can be steered magnetically or by ultrasound to target specific sites, such as tumors or clots, minimizing systemic side effects.
Potential applications include treating brain cancer, pancreatic cancer, stroke (dissolving clots), and kidney stones, with early trials showing promise.
Unlike systemic drug delivery, microbubbles offer precision release at the target, reducing waste and off-target damage.

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