Ultrasound-mediated gene delivery.

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD: The use of ultrasound with microbubbles raises the possibility of an efficient and safe gene delivery. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW: This review summarizes the current state of the art of gene delivery by sonoporation under the following topics. First, the basic ultrasound parameters and the characteristics of microbubble in biological systems are discussed. Second, the extensions of sonoporation to other fields of gene delivery such as viral and non-viral vector are briefly reviewed. Finally, recent applications in an animal model for various diseases are introduced. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN: Information and comments on gene delivery by sonoporation or enhanced cell membrane permeability by means of ultrasound. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Ultrasound-mediated gene delivery combined with microbubble agents provides significant safety advantages over other methods of local gene delivery.