Ultrasound Opens Doors in Living Cells

Researchers have learned how to use ultrasound energy to create temporary holes in the protective outer membrane of living cells. The advance could one day help in gene therapy, allow targeted chemotherapy of specific cells and the administration of drugs that are too large to move through cell membranes unaided.

The living cells are suspended in a liquid medium and subjected to high frequency pulses of sound. The ultrasound creates tiny bubbles, which quickly collapse in violent implosions with enough force to open holes in the membranes of the cells. The holes, which can be up to 50 nanometers in size, are closed by the cells in a matter of minutes.

--LiveScience Staff

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Credit:  Robyn Schlicher, Robert Apkarian and Mark Baran