# Nanobiotechnology-driven advances in sonodynamic therapy: unlocking the potential of sonosensitizers in clinical translation

## TL;DR

This review explores how nanobiotechnology is advancing sonodynamic therapy for cancer treatment by improving sonosensitizers and their clinical potential.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of recent nanobiotechnology-based sonosensitizers and their role in advancing sonodynamic therapy.

## Key findings

- Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) offers deeper tissue penetration and fewer side effects compared to photodynamic therapy.
- Recent advances include inorganic, organic, and hybrid sonosensitizers with improved therapeutic efficacy.
- Challenges remain in translating SDT into clinical practice, including sonosensitizer design and delivery.

## Abstract

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is an emerging, non-invasive modality to cancer treatment, notable for its ability to overcome the limited tissue penetration of photodynamic therapy (PDT) while delivering enhanced precision and reduced adverse effects. This distinctive advantage has positioned SDT as a highly compelling approach within the biomedical landscape. Central to the success of SDT is the development of sonosensitizers, whose design and functionality critically influence therapeutic efficacy. This review discussed the fundamental principles and mechanism of SDT. It highlighted recent advances in nanobiotechnology-based sonosensitizers, including inorganic sonosensitizers, organic sonosensitizers, inorganic–organic hybrid sonosensitizers and other sonosensitizers, and also indicated the specific designs and potential challenges of sonosensitizers. Furthermore, this review outlined the obstacles that need to be overcome for the successful clinical translation and application of SDT. In conclusion, SDT represents a promising strategy for cancer therapy, with sonosensitizers expected to play a pivotal role in integrating diagnostics, enhancing drug delivery, and enabling multimodal treatment approaches.

Schematic illustration of the sonosensitizers used for SDT.