Ultrasound-induced and MRI-monitored CuO nanoparticles release from micelle encapsulation

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) exhibit anticancer and antimicrobial properties, with potential as contrast agents in MRI and ultrasound.
• Controlling CuO NP toxicity and enabling on-demand release are crucial for therapeutic applications.
• Encapsulation strategies are necessary to manage side effects and achieve targeted delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a methodology for encapsulating and releasing CuO NPs from micelles using ultrasound-induced hyperthermia.
• To monitor the encapsulation, release, and theranostic potential of CuO NPs using MRI.
• To investigate the controlled release of CuO NPs triggered by external stimuli.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of CuO NPs loaded poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PEG-b-PLA) micelles.
• Assessment of copper release profiles using a colorimetric method under ultrasound application.
• Acquisition of T1-weighted MRI images of micelle suspensions and ex vivo samples before and after ultrasound treatment.

Main Results:

• Encapsulated CuO NPs were detectable by MRI T1 mapping, showing significant T1 shortening (1872 ± 62 ms to 683 ± 20 ms).
• Ultrasonic hyperthermia increased CuO NP release approximately threefold compared to non-treated samples.
• The release of CuO NPs was visually confirmed by T1-weighted imaging, with a mean signal increase ratio of 2.29.

Conclusions:

• A novel noninvasive methodology for CuO NP-based theranostics was demonstrated.
• Ultrasound-induced hyperthermia effectively triggers and controls the release of encapsulated CuO NPs.
• MRI serves as a viable tool for monitoring the release process and theranostic efficacy.