Drug-loaded perfluorocarbon nanodroplets for ultrasound-mediated drug delivery

Abstract

The interaction of nanoparticles with directed energy is a novel application in targeted drug delivery. This chapter focuses on perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions, whose action in drug delivery depends on the ultrasound-triggered phase shift from liquid to gaseous state. These nanoemulsions have great potential for unloading encapsulated drugs at a desired time and location in the body in response to directed ultrasound. In addition, they actively alter their nano-environment for enhancing drug transport through various biological barriers to sites of action, which significantly enhances therapeutic outcome.