Ultrasound-mediated therapies using oil and perfluorocarbon-filled nanodroplets

Over the past decade, nanotechnology has emerged as a research tool with applications in virtually all areas of science ranging from the computer industry to biotechnology. With respect to the latter, nanoparticles, or solid nanometer-sized bodies, have been incorporated into biotechnology as drug-delivery agents. We have developed a novel variant of the biotechnology, however, designing targeted, oil and perfluorocarbon-filled, malleable nanodropets that are able to carry therapeutics selectively to areas of disease. In order to help facilitate delivery, we have combined this technology with ultrasound to aid and enhance the delivery of drug payloads via these nanodroplets, thereby increasing effective delivery of therapeutic and minimizing systemic toxicity effects.