Ultrasound‑Enhanced Drug Delivery: Applications and Therapeutic Advances

Dear Colleagues,

The intersection of therapeutic ultrasound with advanced drug delivery systems has emerged as a powerful platform for improving treatment precision and efficacy. Beyond traditional imaging, ultrasound modalities, such as high-intensity focused ultrasound, histotripsy, ultrasound-induced cavitation, and sonoporation, are now being harnessed to enhance permeability across biological barriers, including the blood–brain barrier and tumor vasculature.

Microbubbles and ultrasound-responsive nanocarriers (e.g., liposomes and nanoparticles) enable localized release upon acoustic activation, significantly boosting therapeutic payload delivery while minimizing systemic toxicity. Innovations such as in situ drug synthesis via ultrasound-triggered pro-drug carriers and integration with theragnostic approaches are demonstrating substantial advances in oncology, neurology, and immunomodulation.

The goal of this Special Issue is to spotlight cutting-edge research that spans mechanistic studies, carrier design, modeling, preclinical investigations, and early-phase clinical trials. Contributions are encouraged in areas that include

• Ultrasound-mediated disruption to barriers to drug delivery (e.g., tumor microenvironment, BBB).
• Development of smart acoustic carriers for targeted delivery and controlled release.
• Sonodynamic and immune-enhancement therapies.
• Real-time image guidance and monitoring.
• Novel techniques such as ultrasound-activated drug synthesis or the intralesional delivery method.
• Basic biology, immunology, and physics investigations highlighting the effect of ultrasound on key signaling mechanisms.

We aim to connect fundamental insights with translational impact, supporting submissions that demonstrate improved pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, safety profiles, and therapeutic outcomes leading toward clinical adoption.

We invite original research, reviews, or communication articles that contribute to the evolving landscape of ultrasound-enhanced drug delivery. We look forward to your innovative work shaping the future of precision therapeutics.

Prof. Dr. Gail Ter Haar
Dr. Petros Mouratidis
Guest Editors

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