Electronic band structure modulation for sonodynamic therapy

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is a burgeoning and newfangled therapy modality with great application potential. Sonosensitizers are essential factors used to ensure the effectiveness of SDT. For the past few years, a lot of scientists have discovered many valid ways to refine and improve the performance of SDT. Among these methods, modulating the electronic band structure of sonosensitizers is one of the eminent measures to improve SDT, but relevant research studies on this are still unsatisfactory for actual transformation. Herein, this review provides a brief and comprehensive introduction of common ways to modulate electronic band structure, such as forming defects, doping, piezoelectric effect and heterostructure. Then, some nanomaterials with excellent properties that can be used as a sonosensitizer to enhance the SDT effect by modulating electronic band structure are overviewed, such as Ti-based, Zn-based, Bi-based, noble metal-based and MOF-based nanomaterials. At the same time, this paper also discusses the problems and challenges that may be encountered in the future application progress of SDT. In conclusion, the strategy of enhancing SDT through modulating electronic band structure will promote the rapid development of nanomedicine and provide a great research direction for SDT.