Fundamentals and applications of nanoparticles for ultrasound-based imaging and therapy

Ultrasonography (US) is frequently applied in clinical imaging because of its inherent merits compared with those of other imaging methods. Nanoparticle (NP)-based imaging and therapeutic modalities have been widely used because of their unique functionalities and high performance. The report is mainly about the classifications and applications of NPs for US-based theranostic biomedicine. The US-based applications include single-modality US imaging, multimodality US imaging, high-intensity focused US, US-triggered drug release, US-enhanced gene transfection, and US-irradiated sonodynamic therapy. In addition, current challenges, including the biological effects and biosafety, are discussed in this interview. NPs have tremendous potential as a US-based theranostic tool and have revealed a new direction in cancer therapy.