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Abstract
Originally developed as contrast agents for ultrasound imaging and diagnostics, in
the past years, microbubbles have made their way back from the patients' bedside to
the researcher's laboratory. Microbubbles are currently believed to have great potential
as carriers for drugs, small molecules, nucleic acids, and proteins. This review provides
insight into this intriguing new frontier from the perspective of the pharmaceutical
scientist. First, basic aspects on the application of ultrasound-targeted microbubble
destruction for drug delivery will be presented. Next, we will review the recently
applied approaches for manufacturing and drug-loading microbubbles. Important quality
issues and characterization techniques for advanced microbubble formulation will be
discussed. Finally, we will provide an assessment of the prospects for microbubbles
in drug and gene therapy, illustrating the problems and requirements for their future
development.
(c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.