Advances in ultrasound-mediated brain drug delivery

Abstract Objectives The primary objective of this review is to summarize research cases and recent advances in ultrasound technology for overcoming the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and facilitating drug delivery to the brain, thereby providing insights to promote research on enhancing drug permeation across the BBB. Key findings This review summarizes recent advances in focused ultrasound combined with microbubbles to enhance BBB permeability for brain-targeted drug delivery. It covers the mechanisms by which ultrasound and microbubbles open the BBB, the factors influencing this process, and their applications in brain diseases. Finally, existing challenges in the field are highlighted, and the prospects for clinical translation are discussed. Summary Ultrasound combined with microbubble technology can safely, non-invasively, and reversibly open the BBB and deliver drugs, offering novel strategies and methods for the treatment of brain diseases.