Ultrasound-responsive hybrid liposome-polymer nanoparticles for enhanced stability and cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agent

To develop and evaluate a biocompatible, stable, ultrasound-responsive hybrid nanocarrier for effective therapeutic outcomes.

The hybrid liposome-polymer drug delivery system (hLPDS) was characterised using dynamic light scattering, photoluminescence, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and evaluated for drug release, cytotoxicity, cell uptake, and biodistribution.

The hLPDS demonstrated mean diameter of 120 ± 5 nm and polydispersity index of 0.58 ± 0.83, zeta potential of 30 ± 5 mV, encapsulation efficiency of 93 ± 2.9%, loading capacity of 13 ± 1.5% (w/w) and remained stable for 90 days. The hLPDS showed 10% cell viability and lower IC₅₀ (1.274 ± 0.32 µM) compared to free drug (1.842 ± 0.32 µM). Ultrasound at 4 MHz frequency increased drug release above 90% (w/v), enhanced cellular internalisation (p < 0.0001), and anti-proliferative effects.

Ultrasound-triggered hLPDS exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity, cell uptake, stability, and therapeutic effect compared to liposomes and micelles alone.