Acoustic-based chemical tools for profiling the tumor microenvironment

Acoustic-based imaging modalities (e.g. ultrasonography and photoacoustic imaging) have emerged as powerful approaches to noninvasively visualize the interior of the body due to their biocompatibility and the ease of sound transmission in tissue. These technologies have recently been augmented with an array of chemical tools that enable the study and modulation of the tumor microenvironment at the molecular level. In addition, the application of ultrasound and ultrasound-responsive materials has been used for drug delivery with high spatiotemporal control. In this review, we highlight recent advances (in the last 2–3 years) in acoustic-based chemical tools and technologies suitable for furthering our understanding of molecular events in complex tumor microenvironments.