Our brain is constantly working to keep the body functioning and, therefore, requires the utmost protection. In addition to a thick skull, the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a natural protective membrane, prevents microscopic intruders such as toxins and pathogens from entering the nervous system.
Unfortunately, this also limits medical treatment for neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, brain tumors, and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). But recent developments in medical physics have introduced ultrasound-activated microbubbles that temporarily open the BBB, allowing targeted drug delivery. This innovation could revolutionize healthcare by enhancing treatment precision and reducing side effects.
To better understand the physical mechanisms behind microbubble drug delivery, researchers from ETH Zurich, Switzerland, published their findings in Nature Physics, offering insights into the future of targeted therapies.
