Issue

Vol. 18 (2026)

Wearable Ultrasound Devices for Therapeutic Applications

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-025-01890-2
Sicheng Chen
Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
Qunle Ouyang
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
Xuanbo Miao
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
Feng Zhang
Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
Zehua Chen
Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
Xiaoyan Qian
Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
Jinwei Xie
Department of Surgery‑Transplant and Mary and Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
Zheng Yan
Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA

Corresponding Author: Zheng Yan

yanzheng@missouri.edu

Nano-Micro Letters, Vol. 18 (2026), Article Number: 45

Abstract

Wearable ultrasound devices represent a transformative advancement in therapeutic applications, offering noninvasive, continuous, and targeted treatment for deep tissues. These systems leverage flexible materials (e.g., piezoelectric composites, biodegradable polymers) and conformable designs to enable stable integration with dynamic anatomical surfaces. Key innovations include ultrasound-enhanced drug delivery through cavitation-mediated transdermal penetration, accelerated tissue regeneration via mechanical and electrical stimulation, and precise neuromodulation using focused acoustic waves. Recent developments demonstrate wireless operation, real-time monitoring, and closed-loop therapy, facilitated by energy-efficient transducers and AI-driven adaptive control. Despite progress, challenges persist in material durability, clinical validation, and scalable manufacturing. Future directions highlight the integration of nanomaterials, 3D-printed architectures, and multimodal sensing for personalized medicine. This technology holds significant potential to redefine chronic disease management, postoperative recovery, and neurorehabilitation, bridging the gap between clinical and home-based care.


Highlights:
1 Flexible ultrasound devices enable deep-tissue therapy via conformable designs, overcoming limitations of rigid systems for continuous monitoring and treatment.
2 Cavitation-enhanced drug delivery and neuromodulation demonstrate noninvasive, targeted interventions for chronic diseases and neural disorders.
3 Wireless, AI-integrated platforms pave the way for personalized, adaptive therapeutics in home-based and clinical settings.

Keywords

Wearable ultrasound devices Drug delivery Tissue regeneration Closed-loop therapy Neurorehabilitation
Chen, Sicheng, Qunle Ouyang, Xuanbo Miao, Feng Zhang, Zehua Chen, Xiaoyan Qian, Jinwei Xie, and Zheng Yan. 2025. “Wearable Ultrasound Devices for Therapeutic Applications”. Nano-Micro Letters 18 (August):45. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-025-01890-2.
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