Ultrasound-Responsive Nanodroplet-Based Targeted Therapy via Conversion to Microbubbles

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Ultrasound therapy offers wireless, remote treatment options, including for the brain.
• Microbubbles are crucial for ultrasound therapy but their size hinders targeted delivery.
• Current limitations in microbubble size restrict precise in vitro/in vivo targeting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate novel nanodroplets convertible to microbubbles for enhanced targeted therapy.
• To enable cell/subcellular targeting using smaller nanodroplets before therapeutic conversion.
• To investigate ultrasound-induced conversion for drug release and reactive oxygen species generation.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of perfluorohexane nanodroplets (70-130 nm) functionalized with folate/dopamine.
• Loading nanodroplets with molecular drugs for targeted delivery.
• Ultrasound exposure to convert nanodroplets to microbubbles, triggering drug release and ROS generation.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated successful conversion of nanodroplets to microbubbles via ultrasound.
• Achieved selective cell targeting and subsequent therapeutic effects.
• Confirmed ultrasound-induced drug release and intracellular reactive oxygen species generation.

Conclusions:

• Developed a versatile nanodroplet system for ultrasound-triggered targeted therapy.
• The approach allows for precise targeting and enhanced therapeutic outcomes.
• This technology holds potential for improving the efficacy of existing drugs.