Cell membrane permeability induced by sonoporation via ultrasound-activated microbubbles (Sonoporation-induced cell membrane permeability)

Sonoporation describes the temporary increase in cell membrane permeability caused by microbubble cavitation when exposed to ultrasound. Microbubbles respond to ultrasound by oscillating, which generates forces (e.g., shear stress, microstreaming) sufficient to disrupt the plasma membrane, creating transient pores that allow macromolecules—such as drugs or genetic material—to enter the cell. The process is distinguished by: - Use of ultrasound and microbubbles as mediators, - Induction of reversible (if controlled) changes in membrane integrity, - Enhancement of drug or gene delivery specifically at sites of ultrasound application, - Mechanisms including direct pore formation, endocytosis, and related signaling changes, - Application primarily as a platform for targeted delivery, not as a molecular target per se. This entry reflects a modality (mechanical membrane perturbation), not a classical molecular/biochemical target. It should not be considered a "therapeutic target" in the way receptor proteins, enzymes, or transporters are, but rather a process or effect harnessed for delivery strategies in biomedicine.

Other names

SonoporationUltrasound-mediated membrane permeabilizationMicrobubble-mediated sonoporationUltrasound-triggered cell membrane disruption

Physical creation of transient pores in the cell membrane via acoustic cavitation Enhanced cellular uptake through increased membrane permeability or endocytosis Triggering endocytotic pathways via local mechanical stress and signaling