Phase change nanodroplets: Challenges and clinical potential

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Theranostics

Background:

• Phase change nanodroplets (PCND) integrate nanoparticle stability with microbubble functionality.
• They possess a liquid fluorocarbon core that vaporizes upon energy excitation, encased in a stabilizing shell.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the biological behavior, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution of PCND.
• To identify inconsistencies in current data and highlight knowledge gaps, especially concerning safety.
• To summarize advances in PCND-based imaging and therapy and propose strategies for clinical translation.

Main Methods:

• Focused review of existing literature on PCND biological behavior.
• Comparison of pharmacokinetic and biodistribution data across multiple studies.
• Analysis of physicochemical properties influencing in vivo fate.

Main Results:

• PCND exhibit nanoparticle-like pharmacokinetics and microbubble-like imaging/therapeutic capabilities.
• Significant inconsistencies exist in reported PCND pharmacokinetics and limited safety data.
• Advances in PCND theranostics show potential for thrombolysis, ablation, and drug delivery.

Conclusions:

• PCND represent a promising theranostic platform with dual imaging and therapeutic applications.
• Addressing data inconsistencies and safety concerns is crucial for clinical translation.
• Systematic, clinically focused research will accelerate the development of PCND.