Ultrasound Theranostics with Lipid Bubbles

Abstract

“Theranostics” is a portmanteau word of therapeutics and diagnostics. The term “Theranostics” describes technology with concurrent and complementary diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. Among all diagnostic imaging techniques, ultrasound imaging has a unique advantage because it is real-time, low-cost, safe, and easy to incorporate into portable devices. We recently developed intelligent lipid bubbles called “Bubble liposomes” (BLs) based on liposome technology. BLs contain echo contrast gas, which can function as an ultrasound imaging and delivery tool for drug and gene with ultrasound exposure in vitro and in vivo. Combination of BLs and ultrasound can use for the neovasuculature opening in solid tumor and thrombolysis. Here we describe about the ultrasound theranostics using a combination method with BLs and ultrasound.