Combining Ultrasound-Mediated Intracellular Delivery with Microfluidics in Various Applications

Abstract

Ultrasound-mediated intracellular delivery is one of the popular technologies based on membrane rupture at present. To date, ultrasound directly acts on a large number of cells to achieve cargo delivery and has been widely used in drug delivery, disease therapy and other fields. However, the existing macroscopic methods can no longer meet the requirements of accurate tracking and analysis and are prone to extensive cell damage and even death. With the rapid advancements in microfluidic technologies, the combination of ultrasound and microfluidics (CUM) technology can effectively improve the delivery efficiency and cell survival rates. This new technology has rapidly become a new direction and focus of research. Thus, we analysed the mechanism of sonoporation and the effect of acoustic waves in a microfluidic channel. In addition, we reviewed the application of these new technologies in terms of structure and fabrication of ultrasound transducers and microfluidic devices. As regards our main objective, we hope to help researchers better understand the future developments and the challenges of new technologies. With this review, researchers can promote the development of new technologies to solve the current challenges of intracellular delivery and advance clinical applications.