Cellular biomolecules in the ultrasound-exposed region

Cellular biomolecules in the ultrasound-exposed region refers to the collective biological components—including lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids—located within the focal volume of an applied ultrasound field. These biomolecules are subjected to physical forces such as acoustic radiation force, acoustic streaming, and cavitation, as well as thermal energy resulting from acoustic absorption (Miller et al., 2012, J Ultrasound Med). In therapeutic applications, these interactions are leveraged to achieve specific outcomes: for instance, sonoporation involves the transient permeabilization of cell membranes to facilitate the entry of large or polar molecules (Lentacker et al., 2014, Adv Drug Deliv Rev). Additionally, focused ultrasound can be used to non-invasively and reversibly open the blood-brain barrier by disrupting tight junction proteins, thereby allowing therapeutic agents to reach the brain parenchyma (Hynynen et al., 2001, Radiology). While not a single molecular target, this region represents a localized site for physical-biological interaction, enabling targeted drug delivery, gene therapy, and non-invasive surgery (Pitt et al., 2004, Expert Opin Drug Deliv). This approach is particularly relevant in oncology for tumor ablation and in neurology for bypassing the blood-brain barrier.

Other names

Ultrasound-exposed tissueSonoporation targetsAcoustically-responsive biomoleculesFocal zone biomolecules

Ultrasound-mediated physical and thermal modulation of cellular structures to enhance drug delivery or induce tissue necrosis.