Fibrin-Targeted Polymerized Shell Microbubbles as Potential Theranostic Agents for Surgical Adhesions.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Medical Imaging
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Surgical adhesions pose a significant clinical challenge, complicating subsequent surgeries and patient recovery.
• Current methods for assessing adhesion treatment efficacy in clinical trials are invasive, often requiring repeat surgical procedures.
• There is a critical need for non-invasive diagnostic tools and effective therapeutic strategies for surgical adhesions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate targeted microbubbles for the non-invasive diagnosis and potential treatment of surgical adhesions.
• To assess the specificity, stability, and safety of CREKA-targeted microbubbles for fibrin detection.
• To explore the potential of these microbubbles in identifying and potentially resolving fibrin-based adhesion formations.

Main Methods:

• Lipid microbubble formulations were developed using a CREKA peptide targeting fibrin.
• Specificity of CREKA-targeted microbubbles for fibrin over fibrinogen was assessed.
• Stability of microbubbles was evaluated over time (approximately 48 hours).
• Ultrasound imaging was used to visualize bound microbubbles.
• Cytotoxicity assays were performed on mesothelial cells in vitro to assess safety.

Main Results:

• CREKA-targeted microbubbles demonstrated preferential binding to fibrin compared to fibrinogen.
• Microbubbles exhibited long-term stability (∼48 hours).
• Bound microbubbles were successfully visualized using ultrasound.
• In vitro studies showed no damage to mesothelial cells from the microbubbles or ultrasound-induced vibrations.
• The microbubbles showed potential in identifying adhesion-like fibrin formations.

Conclusions:

• Targeted polymerized shell microbubbles (PSMs) offer a promising non-invasive method for visualizing early surgical adhesions via ultrasound.
• The CREKA-peptide targeting ensures specificity for fibrin, a key component of nascent adhesions.
• These microbubbles are stable and safe for use in vitro, with potential for in vivo diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
• Further research into their in vivo efficacy for blocking or breaking up fibrin formations is warranted.