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Singh D, Memari E, He S, Yusefi H, Helfield B. Cardiac gene delivery using ultrasound: State of the field. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101277. [PMID: 38983873 PMCID: PMC11231612 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, there has been tremendous and exciting progress toward extending the use of medical ultrasound beyond a traditional imaging tool. Ultrasound contrast agents, typically used for improved visualization of blood flow, have been explored as novel non-viral gene delivery vectors for cardiovascular therapy. Given this adaptation to ultrasound contrast-enhancing agents, this presents as an image-guided and site-specific gene delivery technique with potential for multi-gene and repeatable delivery protocols-overcoming some of the limitations of alternative gene therapy approaches. In this review, we provide an overview of the studies to date that employ this technique toward cardiac gene therapy using cardiovascular disease animal models and summarize their key findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davindra Singh
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Elahe Memari
- Department of Physics, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stephanie He
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Hossein Yusefi
- Department of Physics, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Brandon Helfield
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Physics, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Falatah HA, Lacerda Q, Wessner CE, Lo S, Wheatley MA, Liu JB, Eisenbrey JR. Influence of Phase Change Droplet Activation and Microbubble Cavitation on the Microenvironment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2024; 50:1387-1394. [PMID: 38876912 PMCID: PMC11298311 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2024.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Both microbubble ultrasound contrast agents and acoustic phase change droplets (APCD) have been explored in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This work aimed to evaluate changes to the HCC microenvironment following either microbubble or APCD destruction in a syngeneic pre-clinical model. METHODS Mouse RIL-175 HCC tumors were grown in the right flank of 64 immunocompetent mice. Pre-treatment, photoacoustic volumetric tumor oxygenation, and power Doppler measurements were obtained using a Vevo 3100 system (VisualSonics, Toronto, Canada). The experimental groups received a 0.1 mL bolus injection of either Definity ultrasound contrast agent (Lantheus Medical Imaging) or APCD fabricated by condensing Definity. Following injection, ultrasound destruction was performed using flash-replenishment sequences on a Sequoia with a 10L4 probe (Siemens) for the duration of enhancement. Tumor oxygenation and power Doppler measurements were then repeated immediately post-ultrasound treatment. Twenty-four hours post-treatment, animals were euthanized, and tumors were harvested and stained for CD31, Cleaved Caspase 3 and CD45. RESULTS Imaging biomarkers demonstrated a significant reduction in percent vascularity following either microbubble or APCD destruction in the tumor microenvironment ( p < 0.022) but no significant changes in tumor oxygenation (p = 0.12). Similarly, immunohistochemistry data demonstrated a significant decrease in CD31 expression (p < 0.042) and an increase in apoptosis (p < 0.014) in tumors treated with destroyed microbubbles or APCD relative to controls. Finally, a significant increase in CD45 expression was observed in tumors treated with APCD (p = 0.046), indicating an increase in tumor immune response. CONCLUSION Ultrasound-triggered destruction of both microbubbles and APCD reduces vascularity, increases apoptosis, and may also increase immune response in this HCC model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hebah A Falatah
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA; School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA; College of Applied Medical Sciences King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Quezia Lacerda
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA; School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Corinne E Wessner
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA; School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Standley Lo
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Margaret A Wheatley
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ji-Bin Liu
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John R Eisenbrey
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Memari E, Helfield B. Shear stress preconditioning and microbubble flow pattern modulate ultrasound-assisted plasma membrane permeabilization. Mater Today Bio 2024; 27:101128. [PMID: 38988819 PMCID: PMC11234154 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The recent and exciting success of anti-inflammatory therapies for ischemic heart disease (e.g. atherosclerosis) is hindered by the lack of site-specific and targeted therapeutic deposition. Microbubble-mediated focused ultrasound, which uses circulating, lipid-encapsulated intravascular microbubbles to locally enhance endothelial permeability, offers an exciting approach. Atherosclerotic plaques preferentially develop in regions with disturbed blood flow, and microbubble-endothelial cell membrane interactions under such flow conditions are not well understood. Here, using an acoustically-coupled microscopy system, endothelial cells were sonicated (1 MHz, 20 cycle bursts, 1 ms PRI, 4 s duration, 300 kPa peak-negative pressure) under perfusion with Definity™ bubbles to examine microbubble-mediated endothelial permeabilization under a range of physiological conditions. Endothelial preconditioning under prolonged shear influenced physiology and the secretome, inducing increased expression of pro-angiogenesis analytes, decreasing levels of pro-inflammatory ones, and increasing the susceptibility of ultrasound therapy. Ultrasound treatment efficiency was positively correlated with concentrations of pro-angiogenic cytokines (e.g. VEGF-A, EGF, FGF-2), and negatively correlated with pro-inflammatory chemokines (e.g. MCP-1, GCP-2, SDF-1). Furthermore, ultrasound therapy under non-reversing pulsatile flow (∼4-8 dyne/cm2, 0.5-1 Hz) increased permeabilization up to 2.4-fold compared to shear-matched laminar flow, yet treatment under reversing oscillatory flow resulted in more heterogeneous modulation. This study provides insight into the role of vascular physiology, including endothelial biology, into the design of a localized ultrasound drug delivery system for ischemic heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elahe Memari
- Department of Physics, Concordia University, Montreal, H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Brandon Helfield
- Department of Physics, Concordia University, Montreal, H4B 1R6, Canada
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, H4B 1R6, Canada
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Memari E, Khan D, Alkins R, Helfield B. Focused ultrasound-assisted delivery of immunomodulating agents in brain cancer. J Control Release 2024; 367:283-299. [PMID: 38266715 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Focused ultrasound (FUS) combined with intravascularly circulating microbubbles can transiently increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to enable targeted therapeutic delivery to the brain, the clinical testing of which is currently underway in both adult and pediatric patients. Aside from traditional cancer drugs, this technique is being extended to promote the delivery of immunomodulating therapeutics to the brain, including antibodies, immune cells, and cytokines. In this manner, FUS approaches are being explored as a tool to improve and amplify the effectiveness of immunotherapy for both primary and metastatic brain cancer, a particularly challenging solid tumor to treat. Here, we present an overview of the latest groundbreaking research in FUS-assisted delivery of immunomodulating agents to the brain in pre-clinical models of brain cancer, and place it within the context of the current immunotherapy approaches. We follow this up with a discussion on new developments and emerging strategies for this rapidly evolving approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elahe Memari
- Department of Physics, Concordia University, Montreal H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Dure Khan
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Ryan Alkins
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada; Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Brandon Helfield
- Department of Physics, Concordia University, Montreal H4B 1R6, Canada; Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal H4B 1R6, Canada.
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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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Conway GE, Paranjape AN, Chen X, Villanueva FS. Development of an In Vitro Model to Study Mechanisms of Ultrasound-Targeted Microbubble Cavitation-Mediated Blood-Brain Barrier Opening. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2024; 50:425-433. [PMID: 38158246 PMCID: PMC10843834 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2023.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ultrasound-targeted microbubble cavitation (UTMC)-mediated blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening is being explored as a method to increase drug delivery to the brain. This strategy has progressed to clinical trials for various neurological disorders, but the underlying cellular mechanisms are incompletely understood. In the study described here, a contact co-culture transwell model of the BBB was developed that can be used to determine the signaling cascade leading to increased BBB permeability. METHODS This BBB model consists of bEnd.3 cells and C8-D1A astrocytes seeded on opposite sides of a transwell membrane. Pulsed ultrasound (US) is applied to lipid microbubbles (MBs), and the change in barrier permeability is measured via transendothelial electrical resistance and dextran flux. Live cell calcium imaging (Fluo-4 AM) is performed during UTMC treatment. RESULTS This model exhibits important features of the BBB, including endothelial tight junctions, and is more restrictive than the endothelial cell (EC) monolayer alone. When US is applied to MBs in contact with the ECs, BBB permeability increases in this model by two mechanisms: UTMC induces pore formation in the EC membrane (sonoporation), leading to increased transcellular permeability, and UTMC causes formation of reversible inter-endothelial gaps, which increases paracellular permeability. Additionally, this study determines that calcium influx into ECs mediates the increase in BBB permeability after UTMC in this model. CONCLUSION Both transcellular and paracellular permeability can be used to increase drug delivery to the brain. Future studies can use this model to determine how UTMC-induced calcium-mediated signaling increases BBB permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace E Conway
- Center for Ultrasound Molecular Imaging and Therapeutics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Anurag N Paranjape
- Center for Ultrasound Molecular Imaging and Therapeutics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Xucai Chen
- Center for Ultrasound Molecular Imaging and Therapeutics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Flordeliza S Villanueva
- Center for Ultrasound Molecular Imaging and Therapeutics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Graceffa V. Intracellular protein delivery: New insights into the therapeutic applications and emerging technologies. Biochimie 2023; 213:82-99. [PMID: 37209808 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.05.011] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The inability to cross the plasma membranes traditionally limited the therapeutic use of recombinant proteins. However, in the last two decades, novel technologies made delivering proteins inside the cells possible. This allowed researchers to unlock intracellular targets, once considered 'undruggable', bringing a new research area to emerge. Protein transfection systems display a large potential in a plethora of applications. However, their modality of action is often unclear, and cytotoxic effects are elevated, whereas experimental conditions to increase transfection efficacy and cell viability still need to be identified. Furthermore, technical complexity often limits in vivo experimentation, while challenging industrial and clinical translation. This review highlights the applications of protein transfection technologies, and then critically discuss the current methodologies and their limitations. Physical membrane perforation systems are compared to systems exploiting cellular endocytosis. Research evidence of the existence of either extracellular vesicles (EVs) or cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs)- based systems, that circumvent the endosomal systems is critically analysed. Commercial systems, novel solid-phase reverse protein transfection systems, and engineered living intracellular bacteria-based mechanisms are finally described. This review ultimately aims at finding new methodologies and possible applications of protein transfection systems, while helping the development of an evidence-based research approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Graceffa
- Cellular Health and Toxicology Research Group (CHAT), Centre for Mathematical Modelling and Intelligent Systems for Health and Environment (MISHE), Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Sligo, Ireland.
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Pakdaman Zangabad R, Li H, Kouijzer JJP, Langeveld SAG, Beekers I, Verweij M, De Jong N, Kooiman K. Ultrasonic Characterization of Ibidi μ-Slide I Luer Channel Slides for Studies With Ultrasound Contrast Agents. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ULTRASONICS, FERROELECTRICS, AND FREQUENCY CONTROL 2023; 70:422-429. [PMID: 37027575 DOI: 10.1109/tuffc.2023.3250202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Understanding and controlling the ultrasound contrast agent (UCA)'s response to an applied ultrasound pressure field are crucial when investigating ultrasound imaging sequences and therapeutic applications. The magnitude and frequency of the applied ultrasonic pressure waves affect the oscillatory response of the UCA. Therefore, it is important to have an ultrasound compatible and optically transparent chamber in which the acoustic response of the UCA can be studied. The aim of our study was to determine the in situ ultrasound pressure amplitude in the ibidi μ -slide I Luer channel, an optically transparent chamber suitable for cell culture, including culture under flow, for all microchannel heights (200, 400, 600, and [Formula: see text]). First, the in situ pressure field in the 800- [Formula: see text] high channel was experimentally characterized using Brandaris 128 ultrahigh-speed camera recordings of microbubbles (MBs) and a subsequent iterative processing method, upon insonification at 2 MHz, 45° incident angle, and 50-kPa peak negative pressure (PNP). Control studies in another cell culture chamber, the CLINIcell, were compared with the obtained results. The pressure amplitude was -3.7 dB with respect to the pressure field without the ibidi μ -slide. Second, using finite-element analysis, we determined the in situ pressure amplitude in the ibidi with the 800- [Formula: see text] channel (33.1 kPa), which was comparable to the experimental value (34 kPa). The simulations were extended to the other ibidi channel heights (200, 400, and [Formula: see text]) with either 35° or 45° incident angle, and at 1 and 2 MHz. The predicted in situ ultrasound pressure fields were between -8.7 and -1.1 dB of the incident pressure field depending on the listed configurations of ibidi slides with different channel heights, applied ultrasound frequencies, and incident angles. In conclusion, the determined ultrasound in situ pressures demonstrate the acoustic compatibility of the ibidi μ -slide I Luer for different channel heights, thereby showing its potential for studying the acoustic behavior of UCAs for imaging and therapy.
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Hu Y, Wei J, Shen Y, Chen S, Chen X. Barrier-breaking effects of ultrasonic cavitation for drug delivery and biomarker release. ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY 2023; 94:106346. [PMID: 36870921 PMCID: PMC10040969 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2023.106346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Recently, emerging evidence has demonstrated that cavitation actually creates important bidirectional channels on biological barriers for both intratumoral drug delivery and extratumoral biomarker release. To promote the barrier-breaking effects of cavitation for both therapy and diagnosis, we first reviewed recent technical advances of ultrasound and its contrast agents (microbubbles, nanodroplets, and gas-stabilizing nanoparticles) and then reported the newly-revealed cavitation physical details. In particular, we summarized five types of cellular responses of cavitation in breaking the plasma membrane (membrane retraction, sonoporation, endocytosis/exocytosis, blebbing and apoptosis) and compared the vascular cavitation effects of three different types of ultrasound contrast agents in breaking the blood-tumor barrier and tumor microenvironment. Moreover, we highlighted the current achievements of the barrier-breaking effects of cavitation in mediating drug delivery and biomarker release. We emphasized that the precise induction of a specific cavitation effect for barrier-breaking was still challenged by the complex combination of multiple acoustic and non-acoustic cavitation parameters. Therefore, we provided the cutting-edge in-situ cavitation imaging and feedback control methods and suggested the development of an international cavitation quantification standard for the clinical guidance of cavitation-mediated barrier-breaking effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxin Hu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, PR China; National-regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, PR China
| | - Jianpeng Wei
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, PR China; National-regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Shen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, PR China; National-regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, PR China
| | - Siping Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, PR China; National-regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, PR China
| | - Xin Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, PR China; National-regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, PR China.
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Faster calcium recovery and membrane resealing in repeated sonoporation for delivery improvement. J Control Release 2022; 352:385-398. [PMID: 36273528 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In sonoporation-based macromolecular delivery, repetitive microbubble cavitation in the bloodstream results in repeated sonoporation of cells or sonoporation of non-sonoporated neighboring cells (i.e., adjacent to the sonoporated host cells). The resealing and recovery capabilities of these two types of sonoporated cells affect the efficiency and biosafety of sonoporation-based delivery. Therefore, an improved understanding of the preservation of viability in these sonoporated cells is necessary. Using a customized platform for single-pulse ultrasound exposure (pulse length 13.33 μs, peak negative pressure 0.40 MPa, frequency 1.5 MHz) and real-time recording of membrane perforation and intracellular calcium fluctuations (using propidium iodide and Fluo-4 fluorescent probes, respectively), spatiotemporally controlled sonoporation was performed to administer first and second single-site sonoporations of a single cell or single-site sonoporation of a neighboring cell. Two distinct intracellular calcium changes, reversible and irreversible calcium fluctuations, were identified in cells undergoing repeat reversible sonoporation and in neighboring cells undergoing reversible sonoporation. In addition to an increased proportion of reversible calcium fluctuations that occurred with repeated sonoporation compared with that in the initial sonoporation, repeated sonoporation resulted in significantly shorter calcium fluctuation durations and faster membrane resealing than that produced by initial sonoporation. Similarly, compared with those in sonoporated host cells, the intracellular calcium fluctuation recovery and membrane perforation resealing times were significantly shorter in sonoporated neighboring cells. These results demonstrated that the function recovery and membrane resealing capabilities after a second sonoporation or sonoporation of neighboring cells were potentiated in the short term. This could aid in sustaining the long-term viability of sonoporated cells, therefore improving delivery efficiency and biosafety. This investigation provides new insight into the resealing and recovery capabilities in re-sonoporation of sonoporated cells and sonoporation of neighboring cells and can help develop safe and efficient strategies for sonoporation-based drug delivery.
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Stable Cavitation-Mediated Delivery of miR-126 to Endothelial Cells. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122656. [PMID: 36559150 PMCID: PMC9784098 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In endothelial cells, microRNA-126 (miR-126) promotes angiogenesis, and modulating the intracellular levels of this gene could suggest a method to treat cardiovascular diseases such as ischemia. Novel ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles offer a means to deliver therapeutic payloads to target cells and sites of disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of gene delivery by stimulating miR-126-decorated microbubbles using gentle acoustic conditions (stable cavitation). A cationic DSTAP microbubble was formulated and characterized to carry 6 µg of a miR-126 payload per 109 microbubbles. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated at 20−40% duty cycle with miR-126-conjugated microbubbles in a custom ultrasound setup coupled with a passive cavitation detection system. Transfection efficiency was assessed by RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and endothelial tube formation assay, while HUVEC viability was monitored by MTT assay. With increasing duty cycle, the trend observed was an increase in intracellular miR-126 levels, up to a 2.3-fold increase, as well as a decrease in SPRED1 (by 33%) and PIK3R2 (by 46%) expression, two salient miR-126 targets. Under these ultrasound parameters, HUVECs maintained >95% viability after 96 h. The present work describes the delivery of a proangiogenic miR-126 using an ultrasound-responsive cationic microbubble with potential to stimulate therapeutic angiogenesis while minimizing endothelial damage.
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Singh E, Banerjee R. In vivo efficacy & phantom imaging connote the theranostic potential of a drug-loaded lipid nanobubble. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Beekers I, Langeveld SAG, Meijlink B, van der Steen AFW, de Jong N, Verweij MD, Kooiman K. Internalization of targeted microbubbles by endothelial cells and drug delivery by pores and tunnels. J Control Release 2022; 347:460-475. [PMID: 35545132 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasound insonification of microbubbles can locally enhance drug delivery by increasing the cell membrane permeability. To aid development of a safe and effective therapeutic microbubble, more insight into the microbubble-cell interaction is needed. In this in vitro study we aimed to investigate the initial 3D morphology of the endothelial cell membrane adjacent to individual microbubbles (n = 301), determine whether this morphology was affected upon binding and by the type of ligand on the microbubble, and study its influence on microbubble oscillation and the drug delivery outcome. High-resolution 3D confocal microscopy revealed that targeted microbubbles were internalized by endothelial cells, while this was not the case for non-targeted or IgG1-κ control microbubbles. The extent of internalization was ligand-dependent, since αvβ3-targeted microbubbles were significantly more internalized than CD31-targeted microbubbles. Ultra-high-speed imaging (~17 Mfps) in combination with high-resolution confocal microscopy (n = 246) showed that microbubble internalization resulted in a damped microbubble oscillation upon ultrasound insonification (2 MHz, 200 kPa peak negative pressure, 10 cycles). Despite damped oscillation, the cell's susceptibility to sonoporation (as indicated by PI uptake) was increased for internalized microbubbles. Monitoring cell membrane integrity (n = 230) showed the formation of either a pore, for intracellular delivery, or a tunnel (i.e. transcellular perforation), for transcellular delivery. Internalized microbubbles caused fewer transcellular perforations and smaller pore areas than non-internalized microbubbles. In conclusion, studying microbubble-mediated drug delivery using a state-of-the-art imaging system revealed receptor-mediated microbubble internalization and its effect on microbubble oscillation and resulting membrane perforation by pores and tunnels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inés Beekers
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Office Ee2302, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Health, ORTEC B.V., Houtsingel 5, 2719 EA Zoetermeer, the Netherlands.
| | - Simone A G Langeveld
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Office Ee2302, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bram Meijlink
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Office Ee2302, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Antonius F W van der Steen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Office Ee2302, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nico de Jong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Office Ee2302, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Medical Imaging, Department of Imaging Physics, Delft University of Technology, Building 22, Room D218, Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Martin D Verweij
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Office Ee2302, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Medical Imaging, Department of Imaging Physics, Delft University of Technology, Building 22, Room D218, Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Klazina Kooiman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Office Ee2302, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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14
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Jia C, Shi J, Han T, Yu ACH, Qin P. Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Mechanisms of Actin Cytoskeletal Re-modeling in Cells Perforated by Ultrasound-Driven Microbubbles. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2022; 48:760-777. [PMID: 35190224 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2021.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
To develop new strategies for improving the efficacy and biosafety of sonoporation-based macromolecule delivery, it is essential to understand the mechanisms underlying plasma membrane re-sealing and function recovery of the cells perforated by ultrasound-driven microbubbles. However, we lack a clear understanding of the spatiotemporal dynamics of the disrupted actin cytoskeleton and its role in the re-sealing of sonoporated cells. Here we used a customized experimental setup for single-pulse ultrasound (133.33-µs duration and 0.70-MPa peak negative pressure) exposure to microbubbles and for real-time recording of single-cell (human umbilical vein endothelial cell) responses by laser confocal microscopic imaging. We found that in reversibly sonoporated cells, the locally disrupted actin cytoskeleton, which was spatially correlated with the perforated plasma membrane, underwent three successive phases (expansion; contraction and re-sealing; and recovery) to re-model and that each phase of the disrupted actin cytoskeleton was approximately synchronized with that of the perforated plasma membrane. Moreover, compared with the closing time of the perforated plasma membrane, the same time was used for the re-sealing of the actin cytoskeleton in mildly sonoporated cells and a longer time was required in moderately sonoporated cells. Further, the generation, directional migration, accumulation and re-polymerization of globular actin polymers during the three phases drove the re-modeling of the actin cytoskeleton. However, in irreversibly sonoporated cells, the actin cytoskeleton, which underwent expansion and no contraction, was progressively de-polymerized and could not be re-sealed. Finally, we found that intracellular calcium transients were essential for the recruitment of globular actin and the re-modeling of the actin cytoskeleton. These results provide new insight into the role of actin cytoskeleton dynamics in the re-sealing of sonoporated cells and serve to guide the design of new strategies for sonoporation-based delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caixia Jia
- School of Sensing Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianmin Shi
- School of Sensing Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Han
- School of Sensing Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Alfred C H Yu
- Schlegel Research Institute for Aging, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peng Qin
- School of Sensing Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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15
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An Overview of Cell Membrane Perforation and Resealing Mechanisms for Localized Drug Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14040886. [PMID: 35456718 PMCID: PMC9031838 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14040886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Localized and reversible plasma membrane disruption is a promising technique employed for the targeted deposition of exogenous therapeutic compounds for the treatment of disease. Indeed, the plasma membrane represents a significant barrier to successful delivery, and various physical methods using light, sound, and electrical energy have been developed to generate cell membrane perforations to circumvent this issue. To restore homeostasis and preserve viability, localized cellular repair mechanisms are subsequently triggered to initiate a rapid restoration of plasma membrane integrity. Here, we summarize the known emergency membrane repair responses, detailing the salient membrane sealing proteins as well as the underlying cytoskeletal remodeling that follows the physical induction of a localized plasma membrane pore, and we present an overview of potential modulation strategies that may improve targeted drug delivery approaches.
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16
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Borden MA, Shakya G, Upadhyay A, Song KH. Acoustic Nanodrops for Biomedical Applications. Curr Opin Colloid Interface Sci 2020; 50:101383. [PMID: 33100885 PMCID: PMC7581261 DOI: 10.1016/j.cocis.2020.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Acoustic nanodrops are designed to vaporize into ultrasound-responsive microbubbles, which presents certain challenges nonexistent for conventional nano-emulsions. The requirements of biocompatibility, vaporizability and colloidal stability has focused research on perfluorocarbons (PFCs). Shorter PFCs yield better vaporizability via their lower critical temperature, but they also dissolve more easily owing to their higher vapor pressure and solubility. Thus, acoustic nanodrops have required a tradeoff between vaporizability and colloidal stability in vivo. The recent advent of vaporizable endoskeletal droplets, which are both stable and vaporizable, may have solved this problem. The purpose of this review is to justify this premise by pointing out the beneficial properties of acoustic nanodrops, providing an analysis of vaporization and dissolution mechanisms, and reviewing current biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. Borden
- Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA
| | - Gazendra Shakya
- Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA
| | - Awaneesh Upadhyay
- Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA
| | - Kang-Ho Song
- Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA
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17
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Haugse R, Langer A, Murvold ET, Costea DE, Gjertsen BT, Gilja OH, Kotopoulis S, Ruiz de Garibay G, McCormack E. Low-Intensity Sonoporation-Induced Intracellular Signalling of Pancreatic Cancer Cells, Fibroblasts and Endothelial Cells. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12111058. [PMID: 33171947 PMCID: PMC7694645 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12111058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of ultrasound (US) and microbubbles (MB), usually referred to as sonoporation, has great potential to increase the efficacy of chemotherapy. However, the molecular mechanisms that mediate sonoporation response are not well-known, and recent research suggests that cell stress induced by US + MBs may contribute to the treatment benefit. Furthermore, there is a growing understanding that the effects of US + MBs are beyond only the cancer cells and involves the tumour vasculature and microenvironment. We treated pancreatic cancer cells (MIA PaCa-2) and stromal cells, fibroblasts (BJ) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), with US ± MB, and investigated the extent of uptake of cell impermeable dye (calcein, by flow cytometry), viability (cell count, Annexin/PI and WST-1 assays) and activation of a number of key proteins in important intracellular signalling pathways immediately and 2 h after sonoporation (phospho flow cytometry). Different cell types responded differently to US ± MBs in all these aspects. In general, sonoporation induces immediate, transient activation of MAP-kinases (p38, ERK1/2), and an increase in phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 together with dephosphorylation of 4E-BP1. The sonoporation stress-response resembles cellular responses to electroporation and pore-forming toxins in membrane repair and restoring cellular homeostasis, and may be exploited therapeutically. The stromal cells were more sensitive to sonoporation than tumoural cells, and further efforts in optimising sonoporation-enhanced therapy should be targeted at the microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragnhild Haugse
- Centre for Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Science, The University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway;
- Department of Quality and Development, Hospital Pharmacies Enterprise in Western Norway, Møllendalsbakken 9, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Science, The University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway; (A.L.); (D.E.C.); (B.T.G.); (G.R.d.G.)
| | - Anika Langer
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Science, The University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway; (A.L.); (D.E.C.); (B.T.G.); (G.R.d.G.)
| | - Elisa Thodesen Murvold
- KinN Therapeutics AS, Jonas Lies vei 91B, 5021 Bergen, Norway;
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway; (O.H.G.); (S.K.)
| | - Daniela Elena Costea
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Science, The University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway; (A.L.); (D.E.C.); (B.T.G.); (G.R.d.G.)
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway; (O.H.G.); (S.K.)
| | - Bjørn Tore Gjertsen
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Science, The University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway; (A.L.); (D.E.C.); (B.T.G.); (G.R.d.G.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology Section, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Odd Helge Gilja
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway; (O.H.G.); (S.K.)
- National Centre for Ultrasound in Gastroenterology, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Spiros Kotopoulis
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway; (O.H.G.); (S.K.)
- National Centre for Ultrasound in Gastroenterology, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- EXACT Therapeutics AS, Ullernchausseen 64, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Gorka Ruiz de Garibay
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Science, The University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway; (A.L.); (D.E.C.); (B.T.G.); (G.R.d.G.)
| | - Emmet McCormack
- Centre for Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Science, The University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway;
- Department of Quality and Development, Hospital Pharmacies Enterprise in Western Norway, Møllendalsbakken 9, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Science, The University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway; (A.L.); (D.E.C.); (B.T.G.); (G.R.d.G.)
- KinN Therapeutics AS, Jonas Lies vei 91B, 5021 Bergen, Norway;
- Department of Clinical Science, The University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Correspondence:
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