The application of microbubbles for targeted drug delivery

Abstract

Interest in microbubbles as vehicles for drug delivery has grown in recent years, due in part to characteristics that make them well suited for this role and in part to the need the for localized delivery of drugs in a number of applications. Microbubbles are inherently small, allowing transvascular passage, they can be functionalized for targeted adhesion, and can be acoustically driven, which facilitates ultrasound detection, production of bioeffects and controlled release of the cargo. This article provides an overview of related microbubble biofluid mechanics and reviews recent developments in the application of microbubbles for targeted drug delivery. Additionally, related advances in non-bubble microparticles for drug delivery are briefly described in the context of targeted adhesion.

Keywords::

• cardiovascular fluid mechanics
• contrast agent
• interfacial flows
• localized chemotherapy
• microbubble
• ultrasound

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by NIH Grant Number EB003541 and NSF Grant Number BES-0301278.

Notes