Construction of Silica‐Based Micro/Nanoplatforms for Ultrasound Theranostic Biomedicine

Ultrasound (US)‐based biomedicine has been extensively explored for its applications in both diagnostic imaging and disease therapy. The fast development of theranostic nanomedicine significantly promotes the development of US‐based biomedicine. This progress report summarizes and discusses the recent developments of rational design and fabrication of silica‐based micro/nanoparticles for versatile US‐based biomedical applications. The synthetic strategies and surface‐engineering approaches of silica‐based micro/nanoparticles are initially discussed, followed by detailed introduction on their US‐based theranostic applications. They have been extensively explored in contrast‐enhanced US imaging, US‐based multi‐modality imaging, synergistic high‐intensity focused US (HIFU) ablation, sonosensitizer‐enhanced sonodynamic therapy (SDT), as well as US‐triggered chemotherapy. Their biological effects and biosafety have been briefly discussed to guarantee further clinical translation. Based on the high biocompatibility, versatile composition/structure and high performance in US‐based theranostic biomedicine, these silica‐based theranostic agents are expected to pave a new way for achieving efficient US‐based theranostics of disease by taking the specific advantages of material science, nanotechnology and US‐based biomedicine.