Abstract: AimTo compare sonoporation effect of two phospholipids-based vectors-liposomes and microbubbles on cultured cell membrane. MethodsA breast cancer cell line SK-BR-3 was exposed to ultrasound alone, 2% or 5% liposome + ultrasound and 2% or 5% microbubble + ultrasound, separately. Immediately after the experiment and 24 h after ultrasound exposure, atomic-force microscopy (AFM) scanning was used to observe the membrane change of SK-BR-3 cells. ResultsAfter ultrasound exposure, normal SK-BR-3 cells more or less lost their natural shape, showing elliptic outline with obtuse curved boundary. In groups added with phospholipids-based microbubbles, more obtuse curved boundary of cells was observed. The membrane pores of SK-BR-3 cells had apparent changes after ultrasound exposure. With AFM technique, membrane pores under ultrasound alone or ultrasound with liposomes conditions were enlarged, the diameter of some pores exceeding 1 μm. But all the membrane pores in these conditions returned to normal appearance after 24 hours. In ultrasound with 2% microbubble condition, most membrane pores were about 1-3 μm in size and returned to normal appearance after 24 h. In ultrasound with 5% microbubble condition, however, pores of most cell membrane porosity was about 2-4 μm and did not totally return to normal appearance after 24 h. ConclusionAt 2%concentration, phospholipids-based microbubble could enhance ultrasonic sonoporation effect and produce reparable membrane pores on SK-BR-3 cells, which appeared to be a promising vehicle for drug and gene delivery.