ReviewSonoporation: Mechanistic insights and ongoing challenges for gene transfer

- sonoporation, a promising physical method for gene delivery
- interactions of microbubbles with cells by high speed imaging
- intracellular fate of cargo after sonoporation
- microbubble features for gene delivery by sonoporation

Microbubbles first developed as ultrasound contrast agents have been used to assist ultrasound for cellular drug and gene delivery. Their oscillation behavior during ultrasound exposure leads to transient membrane permeability of surrounding cells, facilitating targeted local delivery. The increased cell uptake of extracellular compounds by ultrasound in the presence of microbubbles is attributed to a phenomenon called sonoporation. In this review, we summarize current state of the art concerning microbubble-cell interactions and cellular effects leading to sonoporation and its application for gene delivery. Optimization of sonoporation protocol and composition of microbubbles for gene delivery are discussed.