Ultrasound mediated release from stimuli-responsive core-shell capsules

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Acoustic Engineering

Background:

• Non-invasive, real-time drug release control is crucial for therapeutics.
• Stimuli-responsive delivery systems enhance treatment efficacy and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate core-shell particles for ultrasound-mediated drug delivery.
• To evaluate the impact of perfluorohexane (PFH) and ultrasound parameters on dye release.

Main Methods:

• Core-shell particles fabricated via coaxial electrohydrodynamic atomization.
• Polymethylsilsesquioxane shell encapsulating perfluorohexane (PFH) and Evans Blue dye.
• Controlled ultrasound exposure (20 kHz, 0.7-26 W/cm², 30-90% duty cycle, 0-600s) to assess dye release and morphology.

Main Results:

• PFH incorporation significantly increased dye release rates compared to dye-only capsules.
• Dye release positively correlated with ultrasound intensity, duty cycle, and exposure time.
• Ultrasound induced cavitation, leading to pore formation, cracking, and disintegration of particle shells at higher intensities.

Conclusions:

• PFH-containing core-shell particles exhibit enhanced ultrasound sensitivity.
• This system demonstrates potential for developing effective stimuli-responsive drug delivery platforms.
• Ultrasound parameters can be tuned to control the rate and extent of drug release.