An easy-to-prepare microshotgun for efficient transmembrane delivery by powering nanoparticles
Zhongping Liang1, Hang Yu1, Jianfeng Lai1
1School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Center of Topical Precise Drug Delivery System, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
Researchers developed a novel, metal-free microshotgun device for drug delivery across biological barriers like the tympanic membrane. This safe and efficient platform utilizes gas-generating reactions and magnetic fields for enhanced therapeutic delivery to the middle and inner ear.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Biological barriers, such as the tympanic membrane, pose significant challenges for effective drug delivery.
- Existing strategies for overcoming these barriers often require complex procedures or exhibit limited safety and efficacy.
- There is a critical need for innovative and safe delivery systems to target therapies to difficult-to-reach anatomical sites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and evaluate a novel, metal-free microshotgun delivery device for efficient penetration of biological membranes.
- To assess the biocompatibility and safety profile of the developed microshotgun device.
- To demonstrate the capability of the device for targeted nanoparticle delivery to the middle and inner ear.
Main Methods:
- Construction of a "slim waist" shaped, metal-free microshotgun device utilizing gas-generating chemical reactions for initial propulsion.
- Evaluation of device biocompatibility through cytotoxicity assays, blood cell parameter analysis, and histological examination after administration.
- Utilizing an external magnetic field as a secondary power source to guide and accelerate loaded nanoparticles for enhanced membrane penetration.
Main Results:
- The microshotgun device successfully penetrated the tympanic membrane and round window membrane, powered by self-contained chemical reactions.
- The device demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, with no significant cytotoxicity, normal blood parameters, and preserved histological morphology.
- Nanoparticles were actively delivered, penetrating epithelial and endothelial layers, with micro-penetrations showing rapid recovery.
- High-resolution scanning electron microscopy confirmed the efficiency and minimal invasiveness of the micro-penetration process.
Conclusions:
- The developed metal-free microshotgun is a safe, efficient, and easily producible platform for drug delivery across biological barriers.
- This innovative device offers a promising new approach for treating middle and inner ear diseases by overcoming physiological delivery obstacles.
- The technology holds potential for broader applications in overcoming various physiological barriers within the body.
