Nanoparticle-Based Ultrasound Imaging and Therapy Applications

Nanoparticle-based systems have emerged as versatile agents for both diagnostic ultrasound imaging and targeted therapeutic interventions. By engineering particle composition, size and surface properties, researchers have created constructs that enhance ultrasound backscatter, generate cavitation effects and deliver therapeutic payloads in response to acoustic or thermal triggers. Phase‐transition nanodroplets, perfluorocarbon‐filled capsules and mesoporous silica or metal‐based nanocages illustrate how controlled liquid‐to‐gas conversion under ultrasound or near‐infrared irradiation can improve contrast and ablate diseased tissue. Concurrently, functionalisation with photosensitisers, immunomodulators or piezoelectric components enables synergistic photothermal, photodynamic, immuno and mechanical therapies. Together, these advances offer real‐time imaging guidance, reduced off‐target effects and the capacity to modulate tumour microenvironments or fibrotic barriers, with growing applications in oncology, vascular intervention and inflammatory disease.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Researchers have demonstrated temperature‐responsive nanodevices capable of in situ generation of cell‐membrane‐derived nanovesicles to enhance tumour penetration for combined photothermal and photodynamic therapy. These constructs integrate porous gold nanocages loaded with perfluorohexane and oxygen-supplying haemoglobin, triggering phase transition under mild near-infrared illumination and yielding both efficient oxygen delivery and intensified phototherapy. In another seminal study, carbon nanoparticle-incorporated liquid-gas phase-transition droplets were shown to provide strong photoacoustic and ultrasound contrast for sentinel lymph node mapping in breast cancer. Upon laser irradiation, these droplets undergo vapourisation to generate dual-modality imaging signals and, at higher energy densities, elicit localized photothermal ablation of metastatic nodes. Earlier foundational work introduced rattle-type mesoporous silica nanoparticles designed with dual scattering interfaces, substantially improving ultrasound signal intensity and enabling intracellular molecular imaging with a single particle design.

Nanoparticle-Based Ultrasound Imaging and Therapy Applications publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in nanoparticle-based ultrasound imaging and therapy applications across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Phase‐transition nanodroplet: A nanoparticle containing a volatile liquid core that vaporises into gas bubbles under stimuli such as ultrasound or laser, enhancing imaging and therapy.

Cavitation: The formation, oscillation or collapse of gas bubbles in a liquid medium under ultrasound, generating mechanical forces that disrupt tissues or aid drug delivery.

Photothermal therapy: Treatment modality in which light‐absorbing agents convert electromagnetic energy into heat to induce cellular damage in targeted tissues.

Piezoelectric nanorobot: A nanoscale device made of materials that generate electrical charges under mechanical stress (e.g., ultrasound), used to modulate biological processes.

Ultrasound contrast agent: A substance that increases the echogenicity of tissues or fluids, improving the quality and diagnostic value of ultrasound images.

References

1. Hyperthermia-triggered biomimetic bubble nanomachines. Nature Communications (2023).
2. Phase-Transition Nanodroplets for Real-Time Photoacoustic/Ultrasound Dual-Modality Imaging and Photothermal Therapy of Sentinel Lymph Node in Breast Cancer. Scientific Reports (2017).
3. Double-scattering/reflection in a Single Nanoparticle for Intensified Ultrasound Imaging. Scientific Reports (2015).
4. Ultrasound-driven BaTiO 3 nanorobots patching immunologic barrier to cure chronic rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of Advanced Ceramics (2023).
5. Phase-transition nanodroplets with immunomodulatory capabilities for potentiating mild magnetic hyperthermia to inhibit tumour proliferation and metastasis. Journal of Nanobiotechnology (2023).
6. Ultrasound and nanomaterial: an efficient pair to fight cancer. Journal of Nanobiotechnology (2022).