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NIR-Responsive Microbubble Delivery Platforms for Controlled Drug Release in Cancer Therapy
Kibeom Kim1,2, Been Yoon3, Jungmin Lee3
1Department of Convergence Science, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 27, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a novel near-infrared (NIR)-responsive microbubble system for targeted cancer drug delivery. The system uses phase transition to precisely release chemotherapy drugs, improving treatment efficacy and reducing side effects.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Oncology
Background:
- Conventional chemotherapy faces challenges like low bioavailability and poor distribution, leading to significant side effects and limited therapeutic outcomes.
- Stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems are crucial for targeted drug release at specific sites, enhancing treatment efficacy.
- Developing advanced drug delivery platforms is essential for overcoming limitations in current cancer therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel near-infrared (NIR) responsive microbubble system for controlled drug release.
- To utilize a phase transition-based mechanism for triggered drug release in cancer therapy.
- To enhance the targeted delivery and efficacy of anticancer drugs like paclitaxel.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of stable microbubbles using 2H,3H-perfluoropentane (PFC) as the oil phase, encapsulating IR-780 and paclitaxel.
- Application of near-infrared (NIR) irradiation to induce photothermal conversion by IR-780, increasing local temperature.
- Observation of PFC phase transition to gas upon reaching critical temperature, leading to microbubble disruption and drug release.
Main Results:
- The NIR-responsive microbubbles successfully facilitated triggered release of encapsulated paclitaxel.
- The system demonstrated precise control over drug release through NIR-induced photothermal effects and phase transition.
- Targeted and selective drug release was achieved, indicating potential for localized cancer treatment.
Conclusions:
- The developed NIR-responsive microbubble system offers a novel platform for targeted and stimuli-controlled drug delivery in cancer therapy.
- This approach has the potential to significantly improve therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic side effects associated with conventional chemotherapy.
- Further research into this phase transition-based drug delivery system could lead to advanced cancer treatment strategies.
