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Multi-timescale Microscopy Methods for the Characterization of Fluorescently-labeled Microbubbles for Ultrasound-Triggered Drug Release
Published on: June 12, 2021
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Nonspherical ultrasound microbubbles
Anshuman Dasgupta1,2,3, Tao Sun2,3,4, Roberto Palomba5
1Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Medical Faculty, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
Summary
Researchers engineered nonspherical microbubbles (MB) for improved biomedical applications. These anisotropic MB demonstrated enhanced blood-brain barrier permeation and longer circulation times compared to spherical MB.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Surface tension naturally shapes microbubbles (MB) into spheres.
- Engineering nonspherical MB offers potential for novel biomedical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer anisotropic microbubbles (MB) with unique features for biomedical applications.
- To evaluate the performance of nonspherical MB compared to spherical MB.
Main Methods:
- Anisotropic MB were fabricated by stretching spherical poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) MB above their glass transition temperature.
- Performance was assessed through in vitro and in vivo studies, including margination behavior, macrophage uptake, circulation time, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeation with focused ultrasound (FUS).
Main Results:
- Nonspherical polymeric MB exhibited increased margination in blood vessel-like flow.
- Reduced macrophage uptake was observed in vitro.
- Prolonged circulation time in vivo and enhanced BBB permeation with FUS were achieved.
- Shape was identified as a critical design parameter for MB.
Conclusions:
- Engineered nonspherical MB offer superior performance for biomedical applications.
- Anisotropic MB provide a robust framework for ultrasound-enhanced drug delivery and imaging.
