These microbubbles, which are smaller than red blood cells and filled with gas, create tiny pores in the membranes, facilitating drug uptake.

Remarkably, only a few pulses of ultrasound are required to perforate a cell membrane, enhancing both the safety and efficacy of the treatment.

The ultrasound pressure needed to activate this jet mechanism is similar to normal atmospheric pressure, which contributes to the method's safety for patients.

This innovative research addresses the significant challenge of delivering drugs to the brain, particularly for conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and brain tumors, by effectively overcoming the blood-brain barrier.

Led by Professor Outi Supponen, the research team utilized advanced techniques, including a high-speed camera and specialized microscope, to observe the interactions between microbubbles and cells.

Researchers at ETH Zurich have pioneered a groundbreaking method that employs microbubbles to deliver drugs into cells using ultrasound, marking the first visualization of this mechanism.

The microjets can travel at impressive speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour, allowing for precise perforations without causing damage to the cells.

Additionally, the findings suggest that the coatings on microbubbles can be customized to improve their performance in drug delivery.

The study revealed that when activated by ultrasound, microbubbles deform and generate liquid jets, known as microjets, which can penetrate cell membranes.

The research also provides valuable insights into the physical principles of targeted drug delivery, enabling the optimization of factors such as frequency, pressure, and microbubble size for better therapeutic outcomes.