Figure 5-3.1.4: Rupture of microbubbles by ultrasound resulting in enhanced membrane permeability caused by shear stress, increased temperature and activation of reactive oxygen species. Drug delivery by microbubbles by (a) transient holes induced by shear stress for drug delivery (b) increase in membrane fluidity (c) endocytosis of microbubbles (d) microbubble- cell membrane fusion.
(Adapted from http://88proof.com/synthetic_biology/blog/archives/192)

5-3.1.4(a). Advantages

• Simpleand highly efficient gene transfer method.
• No significant damage is cause to the target tissue.