Oxygen-carrying micro/nanobubbles: Composition, synthesis techniques and potential prospects in photo-triggered theranostics

Muhammad Saad Khan, Jangsun Hwang, Kyungwoo Lee, Yonghyun Choi, Kyobum Kim, Hyung Jun Koo, Jong Wook Hong, Jonghoon Choi

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

62 Scopus citations

Abstract

Microbubbles and nanobubbles (MNBs) can be prepared using various shells, such as phospholipids, polymers, proteins, and surfactants. MNBs contain gas cores due to which they are echogenic and can be used as contrast agents for ultrasonic and photoacoustic imaging. These bubbles can be engineered in various sizes as vehicles for gas and drug delivery applications with novel properties and flexible structures. Hypoxic areas in tumors develop owing to an imbalance of oxygen supply and demand. In tumors, hypoxic regions have shown more resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and photodynamic therapies. The efficacy of photodynamic therapy depends on the effective accumulation of photosensitizer drug in tumors and the availability of oxygen in the tumor to generate reactive oxygen species. MNBs have been shown to reverse hypoxic conditions, degradation of hypoxia inducible factor 1α protein, and increase tissue oxygen levels. This review summarizes the synthesis methods and shell compositions of micro/nanobubbles and methods deployed for oxygen delivery. Methods of functionalization of MNBs, their ability to deliver oxygen and drugs, incorporation of photosensitizers and potential application of photo-triggered theranostics, have also been discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2210
JournalMolecules
Volume23
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - 31 Aug 2018

Keywords

  • Microbubbles
  • Nanobubbles
  • Oxygen delivery
  • Photoacoustic imaging
  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS)
  • Ultrasonic imaging

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Oxygen-carrying micro/nanobubbles: Composition, synthesis techniques and potential prospects in photo-triggered theranostics'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this