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Huang H, Zheng Y, Chang M, Song J, Xia L, Wu C, Jia W, Ren H, Feng W, Chen Y. Ultrasound-Based Micro-/Nanosystems for Biomedical Applications. Chem Rev 2024; 124:8307-8472. [PMID: 38924776 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Due to the intrinsic non-invasive nature, cost-effectiveness, high safety, and real-time capabilities, besides diagnostic imaging, ultrasound as a typical mechanical wave has been extensively developed as a physical tool for versatile biomedical applications. Especially, the prosperity of nanotechnology and nanomedicine invigorates the landscape of ultrasound-based medicine. The unprecedented surge in research enthusiasm and dedicated efforts have led to a mass of multifunctional micro-/nanosystems being applied in ultrasound biomedicine, facilitating precise diagnosis, effective treatment, and personalized theranostics. The effective deployment of versatile ultrasound-based micro-/nanosystems in biomedical applications is rooted in a profound understanding of the relationship among composition, structure, property, bioactivity, application, and performance. In this comprehensive review, we elaborate on the general principles regarding the design, synthesis, functionalization, and optimization of ultrasound-based micro-/nanosystems for abundant biomedical applications. In particular, recent advancements in ultrasound-based micro-/nanosystems for diagnostic imaging are meticulously summarized. Furthermore, we systematically elucidate state-of-the-art studies concerning recent progress in ultrasound-based micro-/nanosystems for therapeutic applications targeting various pathological abnormalities including cancer, bacterial infection, brain diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic diseases. Finally, we conclude and provide an outlook on this research field with an in-depth discussion of the challenges faced and future developments for further extensive clinical translation and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Huang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, P. R. China
| | - Meiqi Chang
- Laboratory Center, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, P. R. China
| | - Jun Song
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
| | - Lili Xia
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
| | - Chenyao Wu
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
| | - Wencong Jia
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
| | - Hongze Ren
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
| | - Wei Feng
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
| | - Yu Chen
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
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Melich R, Emmel P, Vivien A, Sechaud F, Mandaroux C, Mhedhbi S, Bussat P, Tardy I, Cherkaoui S. In Vitro and In Vivo Behavioral Evaluation of Condensed Lipid-Coated Perfluorocarbon Nanodroplets. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2024; 50:1010-1019. [PMID: 38637170 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2024.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Phase-shift contrast agents consist of a liquid perfluorocarbon core that can be vaporized by ultrasound to generate echogenic contrast with excellent spatiotemporal control. The purpose of the present work was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo behavior of condensed lipid-shelled nanodroplets (NDs) using different analytical procedures. METHODS Perfluorobutane NDs were prepared by condensation of precursor fluorescently labeled lipid-shelled microbubbles (MBs) and were characterized in terms of size distribution, gas core content and in vitro stability in blood, as well as for their acoustic vaporization behavior using a custom-made setup. In particular, the in vivo behavior of the NDs was thoroughly investigated after intravenous bolus injection in rats. To this end, we report, for the first time, the efficient use of three complementary detection procedures to assess the in vivo persistence of NDs: (i) ultrasound contrast imaging of vaporized NDs, (ii) gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to determine the perfluorobutane core content and (iii) fluorescence intensity measurement in the collected blood samples. RESULTS The Coulter Counter Multisizer results confirmed the size distribution shift post-condensation. Furthermore, similar PFB concentrations from MB and ND suspensions were obtained, indicating an exceptionally low rate of MB breakage and spontaneous nanodroplet vaporization. As expected, these nanoscale droplets have longer circulation times compared with clinically approved MBs, and only slight variations in half-life were observed between the three monitoring procedures. Finally, echogenic signal observed in focal areas of the liver and spleen after vaporization was confirmed by accumulation of fluorescent nanodroplets in these organs. CONCLUSION These results further contribute to our understanding of both the in vitro and in vivo behavior of sono-responsive nanodroplets, which is key to enabling efficient clinical translation.
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Shakya G, Cattaneo M, Guerriero G, Prasanna A, Fiorini S, Supponen O. Ultrasound-responsive microbubbles and nanodroplets: A pathway to targeted drug delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 206:115178. [PMID: 38199257 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Ultrasound-responsive agents have shown great potential as targeted drug delivery agents, effectively augmenting cell permeability and facilitating drug absorption. This review focuses on two specific agents, microbubbles and nanodroplets, and provides a sequential overview of their drug delivery process. Particular emphasis is given to the mechanical response of the agents under ultrasound, and the subsequent physical and biological effects on the cells. Finally, the state-of-the-art in their pre-clinical and clinical implementation are discussed. Throughout the review, major challenges that need to be overcome in order to accelerate their clinical translation are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gazendra Shakya
- Institute of Fluid Dynamics, D-MAVT, Sonneggstrasse 3, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Marco Cattaneo
- Institute of Fluid Dynamics, D-MAVT, Sonneggstrasse 3, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Giulia Guerriero
- Institute of Fluid Dynamics, D-MAVT, Sonneggstrasse 3, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Anunay Prasanna
- Institute of Fluid Dynamics, D-MAVT, Sonneggstrasse 3, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Samuele Fiorini
- Institute of Fluid Dynamics, D-MAVT, Sonneggstrasse 3, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Outi Supponen
- Institute of Fluid Dynamics, D-MAVT, Sonneggstrasse 3, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland.
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4
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Vlatakis S, Zhang W, Thomas S, Cressey P, Moldovan AC, Metzger H, Prentice P, Cochran S, Thanou M. Effect of Phase-Change Nanodroplets and Ultrasound on Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability In Vitro. Pharmaceutics 2023; 16:51. [PMID: 38258062 PMCID: PMC10818572 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Phase-change nanodroplets (PCND;NDs) are emulsions with a perfluorocarbon (PFC) core that undergo acoustic vaporisation as a response to ultrasound (US). Nanodroplets change to microbubbles and cavitate while under the effect of US. This cavitation can apply forces on cell connections in biological barrier membranes, such as the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and trigger a transient and reversible increased permeability to molecules and matter. This study aims to present the preparation of lipid-based NDs and investigate their effects on the brain endothelial cell barrier in vitro. The NDs were prepared using the thin-film hydration method, followed by the PFC addition. They were characterised for size, cavitation (using a high-speed camera), and PFC encapsulation (using FTIR). The bEnd.3 (mouse brain endothelial) cells were seeded onto transwell inserts. Fluorescein with NDs and/or microbubbles were applied on the bEND3 cells and the effect of US on fluorescein permeability was measured. The Live/Dead assay was used to assess the BBB integrity after the treatments. Size and PFC content analysis indicated that the NDs were stable while stored. High-speed camera imaging confirmed that the NDs cavitate after US exposure of 0.12 MPa. The BBB cell model experiments revealed a 4-fold increase in cell membrane permeation after the combined application of US and NDs. The Live/Dead assay results indicated damage to the BBB membrane integrity, but this damage was less when compared to the one caused by microbubbles. This in vitro study shows that nanodroplets have the potential to cause BBB opening in a similar manner to microbubbles. Both cavitation agents caused damage on the endothelial cells. It appears that NDs cause less cell damage compared to microbubbles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavros Vlatakis
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, UK; (S.V.); (W.Z.); (S.T.); (P.C.)
| | - Weiqi Zhang
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, UK; (S.V.); (W.Z.); (S.T.); (P.C.)
| | - Sarah Thomas
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, UK; (S.V.); (W.Z.); (S.T.); (P.C.)
| | - Paul Cressey
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, UK; (S.V.); (W.Z.); (S.T.); (P.C.)
| | - Alexandru Corneliu Moldovan
- James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK; (A.C.M.); (H.M.); (P.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Hilde Metzger
- James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK; (A.C.M.); (H.M.); (P.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Paul Prentice
- James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK; (A.C.M.); (H.M.); (P.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Sandy Cochran
- James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK; (A.C.M.); (H.M.); (P.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Maya Thanou
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, UK; (S.V.); (W.Z.); (S.T.); (P.C.)
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5
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Barmin RA, Moosavifar M, Dasgupta A, Herrmann A, Kiessling F, Pallares RM, Lammers T. Polymeric materials for ultrasound imaging and therapy. Chem Sci 2023; 14:11941-11954. [PMID: 37969594 PMCID: PMC10631124 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc04339h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound (US) is routinely used for diagnostic imaging and increasingly employed for therapeutic applications. Materials that act as cavitation nuclei can improve the resolution of US imaging, and facilitate therapeutic US procedures by promoting local drug delivery or allowing temporary biological barrier opening at moderate acoustic powers. Polymeric materials offer a high degree of control over physicochemical features concerning responsiveness to US, e.g. via tuning chain composition, length and rigidity. This level of control cannot be achieved by materials made of lipids or proteins. In this perspective, we present key engineered polymeric materials that respond to US, including microbubbles, gas-stabilizing nanocups, microcapsules and gas-releasing nanoparticles, and discuss their formulation aspects as well as their principles of US responsiveness. Focusing on microbubbles as the most common US-responsive polymeric materials, we further evaluate the available chemical toolbox to engineer polymer shell properties and enhance their performance in US imaging and US-mediated drug delivery. Additionally, we summarize emerging applications of polymeric microbubbles in molecular imaging, sonopermeation, and gas and drug delivery, based on refinement of MB shell properties. Altogether, this manuscript provides new perspectives on US-responsive polymeric designs, envisaging their current and future applications in US imaging and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman A Barmin
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University Hospital Aachen 52074 Germany
| | - MirJavad Moosavifar
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University Hospital Aachen 52074 Germany
| | - Anshuman Dasgupta
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University Hospital Aachen 52074 Germany
| | - Andreas Herrmann
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials Aachen 52074 Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University Aachen 52074 Germany
| | - Fabian Kiessling
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University Hospital Aachen 52074 Germany
| | - Roger M Pallares
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University Hospital Aachen 52074 Germany
| | - Twan Lammers
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University Hospital Aachen 52074 Germany
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Zhang W, Metzger H, Vlatakis S, Claxton A, Carbajal MA, Fung LF, Mason J, Chan KLA, Pouliopoulos AN, Fleck RA, Prentice P, Thanou M. Characterising the chemical and physical properties of phase-change nanodroplets. ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY 2023; 97:106445. [PMID: 37257208 PMCID: PMC10241977 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2023.106445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Phase-change nanodroplets have attracted increasing interest in recent years as ultrasound theranostic nanoparticles. They are smaller compared to microbubbles and they may distribute better in tissues (e.g. in tumours). They are composed of a stabilising shell and a perfluorocarbon core. Nanodroplets can vaporise into echogenic microbubbles forming cavitation nuclei when exposed to ultrasound. Their perfluorocarbon core phase-change is responsible for the acoustic droplet vaporisation. However, methods to quantify the perfluorocarbon core in nanodroplets are lacking. This is an important feature that can help explain nanodroplet phase change characteristics. In this study, we fabricated nanodroplets using lipids shell and perfluorocarbons. To assess the amount of perfluorocarbon in the core we used two methods, 19F NMR and FTIR. To assess the cavitation after vaporisation we used an ultrasound transducer (1.1 MHz) and a high-speed camera. The 19F NMR based method showed that the fluorine signal correlated accurately with the perfluorocarbon concentration. Using this correlation, we were able to quantify the perfluorocarbon core of nanodroplets. This method was used to assess the content of the perfluorocarbon of the nanodroplets in solutions over time. It was found that perfluoropentane nanodroplets lost their content faster and at higher ratio compared to perfluorohexane nanodroplets. The high-speed imaging indicates that the nanodroplets generate cavitation comparable to that from commercial contrast agent microbubbles. Nanodroplet characterisation should include perfluorocarbon concentration assessment as critical information for their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqi Zhang
- Institute of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Hilde Metzger
- School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Stavros Vlatakis
- Institute of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Amelia Claxton
- Institute of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Leong Fan Fung
- Department of Surgical & Interventional Engineering, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - James Mason
- Institute of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - K L Andrew Chan
- Institute of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Roland A Fleck
- Centre for Ultrastructural Imaging, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Prentice
- School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Maya Thanou
- Institute of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom.
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7
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Glickstein B, Levron M, Shitrit S, Aronovich R, Feng Y, Ilovitsh T. Nanodroplet-Mediated Low-Energy Mechanical Ultrasound Surgery. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2022; 48:1229-1239. [PMID: 35351316 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2022.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical ultrasound surgery methods use short, high-intensity pulses to fractionate tissues. This study reports the development of a two-step technology for low-energy mechanical ultrasound surgery of tissues using nanodroplets to reduce the pressure threshold. Step 1 consists of vaporizing the nanodroplets into gaseous microbubbles via megahertz ultrasound excitation. Then, low-frequency ultrasound is applied to the microbubbles, which turns them into therapeutic warheads that trigger potent mechanical effects in the surrounding tissue. The use of nanoscale nanodroplets coupled with low-frequency ultrasound reduces the pressure threshold required for mechanical ultrasound surgery by an order of magnitude. In addition, their average diameter of 300 nm can overcome challenges associated with the size of microbubbles. Optimization experiments were performed to determine the ultrasound parameters for nanodroplet vaporization and the subsequent microbubble implosion processes. Optimal vaporization was obtained when transmitting a 2-cycle excitation pulse at a center frequency of 5 MHz and a peak negative pressure of 4.1 MPa (mechanical index = 1.8). Low-frequency insonation of the generated microbubbles at a center frequency of 850, 250 or 80 kHz caused enhanced contrast reduction at a center frequency of 80 kHz, compared with the other frequencies, while operating at the same mechanical index of 0.9. Nanodroplet-mediated insonation of ex vivo chicken liver samples generated mechanical damage. Low-frequency treatment at a mechanical index of 0.9 and a center frequency of 80 kHz induced the largest lesion area (average of 0.59 mm2) compared with 250- and 850-kHz treatments with the same mechanical index (average lesions areas of 0.29 and 0.19 mm2, respectively, p < 0.001). The two-step approach makes it possible to conduct both the vaporization and implosion stages at mechanical indices below 1.9, thus avoiding undesired mechanical damage. The findings indicate that coupled with low-frequency ultrasound, nanodroplets can be used for low-energy mechanical ultrasound surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bar Glickstein
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Mika Levron
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sarah Shitrit
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ramona Aronovich
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yi Feng
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tali Ilovitsh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Zhang W, Shi Y, Abd Shukor S, Vijayakumaran A, Vlatakis S, Wright M, Thanou M. Phase-shift nanodroplets as an emerging sonoresponsive nanomaterial for imaging and drug delivery applications. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:2943-2965. [PMID: 35166273 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr07882h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nanodroplets - emerging phase-changing sonoresponsive materials - have attracted substantial attention in biomedical applications for both tumour imaging and therapeutic purposes due to their unique response to ultrasound. As ultrasound is applied at different frequencies and powers, nanodroplets have been shown to cavitate by the process of acoustic droplet vapourisation (ADV), causing the development of mechanical forces which promote sonoporation through cellular membranes. This allows drugs to be delivered efficiently into deeper tissues where tumours are located. Recent reviews on nanodroplets are mostly focused on the mechanism of cavitation and their applications in biomedical fields. However, the chemistry of the nanodroplet components has not been discussed or reviewed yet. In this review, the commonly used materials and preparation methods of nanodroplets are summarised. More importantly, this review provides examples of variable chemistry components in nanodroplets which link them to their efficiency as ultrasound-multimodal imaging agents to image and monitor drug delivery. Finally, the drawbacks of current research, future development, and future direction of nanodroplets are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqi Zhang
- School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, UK.
| | - Yuhong Shi
- School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, UK.
| | | | | | - Stavros Vlatakis
- School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, UK.
| | - Michael Wright
- School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, UK.
| | - Maya Thanou
- School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, UK.
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9
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Investigation of the different parameters contributing to bubble sticking inside physiological bifurcations. Med Biol Eng Comput 2022; 60:599-618. [PMID: 35029813 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-021-02485-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Gas embolotherapy (GE) is a developing medical method which can be utilized either as an autonomous therapeutic method to treat vascularized solid tumors, or it can be combined with other medical procedures-such as high-intensity focused ultrasound-to improve their efficiency. This paper is dedicated to investigating the different parameters which influence bubble lodging inside human vasculature via 2D-modeling of bubble dynamics in arteries' and arterioles' bifurcations which are potential sticking positions. Values used in the simulations are in accordance with the non-dimensional physiological numbers. It is found out that inlet pressure plays a decisive role in bubble lodging; the lower the value, the higher the possibility of bubble sticking. On the other hand, gravity has a counteracting effect on bubble lodging in arteries, but not on arterioles. The initial length of the bubble is not a determining factor in sticking behavior, even though it affects the flow rate behavior. Surface tension, another critical factor, has a semi-linear impact on bubble resisting power; lowering the surface tension will reduce bubble resistance to the flow, diminishing the possibility of bubble lodging. Finally, it is shown that lower values for the static contact angle impose higher resistance to the flow.
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10
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Holman R, Gui L, Lorton O, Guillemin P, Desgranges S, Contino-Pépin C, Salomir R. PFOB sonosensitive microdroplets: determining their interaction radii with focused ultrasound using MR thermometry and a Gaussian convolution kernel computation. Int J Hyperthermia 2022; 39:108-119. [PMID: 35000497 DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2021.2021304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Micron-sized perfluorocarbon droplet adjuvants to focused ultrasound therapies allow lower applied power, circumvent unwanted prefocal heating, and enhance thermal dose in highly perfused tissues. The heat enhancement has been shown to saturate at increasing concentrations. Experiments were performed to empirically model the saturating heating effects during focused ultrasound.Materials and methods: The measurements were made at varying concentrations using magnetic resonance thermometry and focused ultrasound by circulating droplets of mean diameter 1.9 to 2.3 µm through a perfused phantom. A simulation was performed to estimate the interaction radius size, empirically.Results: The interaction radius, representing the radius of a sphere encompassing 90% of the probability for the transformation of acoustic energy into heat deposition around a single droplet, was determined experimentally from ultrasonic absorption coefficient measurements The simulations suggest the interaction radius was approximately 12.5-fold larger than the geometrical radius of droplets, corresponding to an interaction volume on the order of 2000 larger than the geometrical volume.Conclusions: The results provide information regarding the dose-response relationship from the droplets, a measure with 15% precision of their interaction radii with focused ultrasound, and subsequent insights into the underlying physical heating mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Holman
- Image Guided Interventions Laboratory (GR-949), Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laura Gui
- Image Guided Interventions Laboratory (GR-949), Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Orane Lorton
- Image Guided Interventions Laboratory (GR-949), Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pauline Guillemin
- Image Guided Interventions Laboratory (GR-949), Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Rares Salomir
- Image Guided Interventions Laboratory (GR-949), Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Radiology Division, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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11
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Durham PG, Dayton PA. Applications of sub-micron low-boiling point phase change contrast agents for ultrasound imaging and therapy. Curr Opin Colloid Interface Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cocis.2021.101498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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12
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Le TNQ, Tran NN, Escribà-Gelonch M, Serra CA, Fisk I, McClements DJ, Hessel V. Microfluidic encapsulation for controlled release and its potential for nanofertilisers. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:11979-12012. [PMID: 34515721 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00465d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nanotechnology is increasingly being utilized to create advanced materials with improved or new functional attributes. Converting fertilizers into a nanoparticle-form has been shown to improve their efficacy but the current procedures used to fabricate nanofertilisers often have poor reproducibility and flexibility. Microfluidic systems, on the other hand, have advantages over traditional nanoparticle fabrication methods in terms of energy and materials consumption, versatility, and controllability. The increased controllability can result in the formation of nanoparticles with precise and complex morphologies (e.g., tuneable sizes, low polydispersity, and multi-core structures). As a result, their functional performance can be tailored to specific applications. This paper reviews the principles, formation, and applications of nano-enabled delivery systems fabricated using microfluidic approaches for the encapsulation, protection, and release of fertilizers. Controlled release can be achieved using two main routes: (i) nutrients adsorbed on nanosupports and (ii) nutrients encapsulated inside nanostructures. We aim to highlight the opportunities for preparing a new generation of highly versatile nanofertilisers using microfluidic systems. We will explore several main characteristics of microfluidically prepared nanofertilisers, including droplet formation, shell fine-tuning, adsorbate fine-tuning, and sustained/triggered release behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tu Nguyen Quang Le
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia. .,Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nam Nghiep Tran
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia. .,School of Chemical Engineering, Can Tho University, Can Tho City, Vietnam
| | - Marc Escribà-Gelonch
- Higher Polytechnic Engineering School, University of Lleida, Igualada (Barcelona), 08700, Spain
| | - Christophe A Serra
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Institut Charles Sadron UPR 22, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Ian Fisk
- Division of Food, Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK.,The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Volker Hessel
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia. .,School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Library Rd, Coventry, UK
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Dong F, An J, Zhang J, Yin J, Guo W, Wang D, Feng F, Huang S, Zhang J, Cheng H. Blinking Acoustic Nanodroplets Enable Fast Super-resolution Ultrasound Imaging. ACS NANO 2021; 15:16913-16923. [PMID: 34647449 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c07896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The advent of localization-based super-resolution ultrasound (SRUS) imaging creates a vista for precision vasculature and hemodynamic measurements in brain science, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. As blinking fluorophores are crucial to super-resolution optical imaging, blinking acoustic contrast agents enabling ultrasound localization microscopy have been highly sought, but only with limited success. Here we report on the discovery and characterization of a type of blinking acoustic nanodroplets (BANDs) ideal for SRUS. BANDs of 200-500 nm diameters comprise a perfluorocarbon-filled core and a shell of DSPC, Pluronic F68, and DSPE-PEG2000. When driven by clinically safe acoustic pulses (MI < 1.9) provided by a diagnostic ultrasound transducer, BANDs underwent reversible vaporization and reliquefaction, manifesting as "blinks", at rates of up to 5 kHz. By sparse activation of perfluorohexane-filled BANDs-C6 at high concentrations, only 100 frames of ultrasound imaging were sufficient to reconstruct super-resolution images of a no-flow tube through either cumulative localization or temporal radiality autocorrelation. Furthermore, the use of high-density BANDs-C6-4 (1 × 108/mL) with a 1:9 admixture of perfluorohexane and perfluorobutane supported the fast SRUS imaging of muscle vasculature in live animals, at 64 μm resolution requiring only 100 frames per layer. We anticipate that the BANDs developed here will greatly boost the application of SRUS in both basic science and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feihong Dong
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jian An
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jiabin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jingyi Yin
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wenyu Guo
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Di Wang
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Feng Feng
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Shuo Huang
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jue Zhang
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Heping Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Research Unit of Mitochondria in Brain Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, PKU-Nanjing Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanjing 211899, China
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14
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Qin D, Zou Q, Lei S, Wang W, Li Z. Predicting initial nucleation events occurred in a metastable nanodroplet during acoustic droplet vaporization. ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY 2021; 75:105608. [PMID: 34119737 PMCID: PMC8207230 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2021.105608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Acoustic droplet vaporization (ADV) capable of converting liquid perfluorocarbon (PFC) micro/nanodroplets into gaseous microbubbles has gained much attention due to its medical potentials. However, its physical mechanisms for nanodroplets have not been well understood due to the disappeared superharmonic focusing effect and the prominent Laplace pressure compared to microdroplets, especially for the initial ADV nucleation occurring in a metastable PFC nanodroplet. The classical nucleation theory (CNT) was modified to describe the ADV nucleation via combining the phase-change thermodynamics of perfluoropentane (PFP) and the Laplace pressure effect on PFP nanodroplets. The thermodynamics was exactly predicted by the Redlich-Kwong equation of state (EoS) rather than the van der Waals EoS, based on which the surface tension of the vapor nucleus as a crucial parameter in the CNT was successfully obtained to modify the CNT. Compared to the CNT, the modified CNT eliminated the intrinsic limitations of the CNT, and it predicted a larger nucleation rate and a lower ADV nucleation threshold, which agree much better with experimental results. Furthermore, it indicated that the nanodroplet properties exert very strong influences on the nucleation threshold instead of the acoustic parameters, providing a potential strategy with an appropriate droplet design to reduce the ADV nucleation threshold. This study may contribute to further understanding the ADV mechanism for PFC nanodroplets and promoting its potential theranostic applications in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dui Qin
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Medical Electronics and Information Technology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Bioinformatics, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, PR China.
| | - Qingqin Zou
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Medical Electronics and Information Technology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Bioinformatics, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, PR China
| | - Shuang Lei
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Medical Electronics and Information Technology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Bioinformatics, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Medical Electronics and Information Technology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Bioinformatics, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, PR China
| | - Zhangyong Li
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Medical Electronics and Information Technology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Bioinformatics, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, PR China.
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15
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Wang H, Ding L, Xu F, He L, Ye L, Huang L, Zhang L, Luo B. Construction of novel amphiphilic chitosan-polylactide graft copolymer nanodroplets for contrast enhanced ultrasound tumor imaging. J Biomater Appl 2021; 36:613-625. [PMID: 33899561 DOI: 10.1177/08853282211011766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
In this experiment, a new amphiphilic chitosan-poly(lactide) graft copolymer was synthesized and characterized by IR, 1H-NMR, XRD, TGA. The obtained chitosan-poly (lactide) graft copolymer was used as the matrix material to prepare nanodroplets (NDs) encapsulating with liquid PFP by double-emulsion and solvent evaporation method. The resulting NDs were characterized by photon correlation spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The biocompatibility was explored by cytotoxicity assay, cell migration assay and blood biochemistry analysis. The experiments of ultrasonic imaging in vitro and in vivo were carried out with a B-mode clinical ultrasound imaging system. The results of FI-IR and 1H-NMR confirmed the successful grafting reaction of polylactic acid(PLLA) to chitosan with a graft rate of 365%. The average size of the NDs was 101.1 ± 2.7 nm, with the polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.127 ± 0.020, and the zeta potential was -31.8 ± 1.5 mV. From the TEM results, NDs were highly dispersed and had a spherical shape with a distinct capsule structure. The NDs exhibited good stability during storage at 4°C. The NDs solution with different concentrations did not affect cell growth and showed good biocompatibility in cytotoxicity, cell migration and blood biochemistry studies. Under the irradiation of ultrasonic waves, the NDs formed an ultrasonic high signal, which could significantly enhance the ultrasound imaging of tumor tissue in vivo. Taken together, the NDs hold great potential for ultrasound imaging as a nanosized contrast agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huili Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Liqiong Ding
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Fengnan Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Liu He
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Lin Ye
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Lingping Huang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Xianning Central Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Binhua Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
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