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Melo-Guímaro S, Cardoso R, Lobo CS, Pereira DA, Varela C, Santos J, João CP, Serpa C, Arnaut LG. Delivery of minoxidil encapsulated in cyclodextrins with photoacoustic waves enhances hair growth. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024:114390. [PMID: 38950716 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114390] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
The current pharmacological management of androgenetic alopecia is inconvenient and requires a discipline that patients find difficult to follow. This reduces compliance with treatment and satisfaction with results. It is important to propose treatment regimens that increase patient compliance and reduce adverse effects. This work describes transdermal delivery of minoxidil partially encapsulated in β-cyclodextrin and assisted by photoacoustic waves. Photoacoustic waves transiently increase the permeability of the skin and allow for the delivery of encapsulated minoxidil. A minoxidil gel formulation was developed and the transdermal delivery was studied in vitro in the presence and absence of photoacoustic waves. A 5-min stimulus with photoacoustic waves generated by light-to-pressure transducers increases minoxidil transdermal delivery flux by approximately 3-fold. The flux of a 1% minoxidil formulation promoted by photoacoustic waves is similar to the passive flux of a 2% minoxidil commercial formulation. Release of minoxidil from β-cyclodextrin increases dermal exposure without increasing peak systemic exposure. This promotes hair growth with fewer treatments and reduced adverse effects. In vivo studies using encapsulated minoxidil and photoacoustic waves yielded 86% hair coat recovery (vs. 29% in the control group) and no changes in the blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Melo-Guímaro
- CQC-IMS, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga 2, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal; LaserLeap Technologies, Rua Coronel Júlio Veiga Simão, CTCV Edifício B, 3025-307 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Renato Cardoso
- LaserLeap Technologies, Rua Coronel Júlio Veiga Simão, CTCV Edifício B, 3025-307 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Catarina S Lobo
- LaserLeap Technologies, Rua Coronel Júlio Veiga Simão, CTCV Edifício B, 3025-307 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diogo A Pereira
- CQC-IMS, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga 2, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carla Varela
- CQC-IMS, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga 2, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Santos
- LaserLeap Technologies, Rua Coronel Júlio Veiga Simão, CTCV Edifício B, 3025-307 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Celso P João
- LaserLeap Technologies, Rua Coronel Júlio Veiga Simão, CTCV Edifício B, 3025-307 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carlos Serpa
- CQC-IMS, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga 2, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal; LaserLeap Technologies, Rua Coronel Júlio Veiga Simão, CTCV Edifício B, 3025-307 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís G Arnaut
- CQC-IMS, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga 2, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal; LaserLeap Technologies, Rua Coronel Júlio Veiga Simão, CTCV Edifício B, 3025-307 Coimbra, Portugal.
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2
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Nozdriukhin D, Kalva SK, Özsoy C, Reiss M, Li W, Razansky D, Deán‐Ben XL. Multi-Scale Volumetric Dynamic Optoacoustic and Laser Ultrasound (OPLUS) Imaging Enabled by Semi-Transparent Optical Guidance. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306087. [PMID: 38115760 PMCID: PMC10953719 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306087] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Major biological discoveries are made by interrogating living organisms with light. However, the limited penetration of un-scattered photons within biological tissues limits the depth range covered by optical methods. Deep-tissue imaging is achieved by combining light and ultrasound. Optoacoustic imaging exploits the optical generation of ultrasound to render high-resolution images at depths unattainable with optical microscopy. Recently, laser ultrasound has been suggested as a means of generating broadband acoustic waves for high-resolution pulse-echo ultrasound imaging. Herein, an approach is proposed to simultaneously interrogate biological tissues with light and ultrasound based on layer-by-layer coating of silica optical fibers with a controlled degree of transparency. The time separation between optoacoustic and ultrasound signals collected with a custom-made spherical array transducer is exploited for simultaneous 3D optoacoustic and laser ultrasound (OPLUS) imaging with a single laser pulse. OPLUS is shown to enable large-scale anatomical characterization of tissues along with functional multi-spectral imaging of chromophores and assessment of cardiac dynamics at ultrafast rates only limited by the pulse repetition frequency of the laser. The suggested approach provides a flexible and scalable means for developing a new generation of systems synergistically combining the powerful capabilities of optoacoustics and ultrasound imaging in biology and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniil Nozdriukhin
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Institute for Biomedical EngineeringFaculty of MedicineUniversity of ZürichWinterthurerstrasse 190Zürich8057Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical EngineeringETH ZürichWolfgang‐Pauli‐Strasse 27Zürich8093Switzerland
| | - Sandeep Kumar Kalva
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Institute for Biomedical EngineeringFaculty of MedicineUniversity of ZürichWinterthurerstrasse 190Zürich8057Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical EngineeringETH ZürichWolfgang‐Pauli‐Strasse 27Zürich8093Switzerland
| | - Cagla Özsoy
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Institute for Biomedical EngineeringFaculty of MedicineUniversity of ZürichWinterthurerstrasse 190Zürich8057Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical EngineeringETH ZürichWolfgang‐Pauli‐Strasse 27Zürich8093Switzerland
| | - Michael Reiss
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Institute for Biomedical EngineeringFaculty of MedicineUniversity of ZürichWinterthurerstrasse 190Zürich8057Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical EngineeringETH ZürichWolfgang‐Pauli‐Strasse 27Zürich8093Switzerland
| | - Weiye Li
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Institute for Biomedical EngineeringFaculty of MedicineUniversity of ZürichWinterthurerstrasse 190Zürich8057Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical EngineeringETH ZürichWolfgang‐Pauli‐Strasse 27Zürich8093Switzerland
| | - Daniel Razansky
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Institute for Biomedical EngineeringFaculty of MedicineUniversity of ZürichWinterthurerstrasse 190Zürich8057Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical EngineeringETH ZürichWolfgang‐Pauli‐Strasse 27Zürich8093Switzerland
| | - Xosé Luís Deán‐Ben
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Institute for Biomedical EngineeringFaculty of MedicineUniversity of ZürichWinterthurerstrasse 190Zürich8057Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical EngineeringETH ZürichWolfgang‐Pauli‐Strasse 27Zürich8093Switzerland
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3
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Mendes MIP, Coelho CDF, Schaberle FA, Moreno MJ, Calvete MJF, Arnaut LG. Nanodroplet vaporization with pulsed-laser excitation repeatedly amplifies photoacoustic signals at low vaporization thresholds. RSC Adv 2023; 13:35040-35049. [PMID: 38046627 PMCID: PMC10690495 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra05639b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanodroplets' explosive vaporization triggered by absorption of laser pulses produces very large volume changes. These volume changes are two orders of magnitude higher than those of thermoelastic expansion generated by equivalent laser pulses, and should generate correspondingly higher photoacoustic waves (PAW). The generation of intense PAWs is desirable in photoacoustic tomography (PAT) to increase sensitivity. The biocompatibility and simplicity of nanodroplets obtained by sonication of perfluoropentane (PFP) in an aqueous solution of bovine serum albumin (BSA) containing a dye make them particularly appealing for use as contrast agents in clinical applications of PAT. Their usefulness depends on stability and reproducible vaporization of nanodroplets (liquid PFP inside) to microbubbles (gaseous PFP inside), and reversible condensation to nanodroplets. This work incorporates porphyrins with fluorinated chains and BSA labelled with fluorescent probes in PFP nanodroplets to investigate the structure and properties of such nanodroplets. Droplets prepared with average diameters in the 400-1000 nm range vaporize when exposed to nanosecond laser pulses with fluences above 3 mJ cm-2 and resist coalescence. The fluorinated chains are likely responsible for the low vaporization threshold, ∼2.5 mJ cm-2, which was obtained from the laser fluence dependence of the photoacoustic wave amplitudes. Only ca. 10% of the droplets incorporate fluorinated porphyrins. Nevertheless, PAWs generated with nanodroplets are ten times higher than those generated by aqueous BSA solutions containing an equivalent amount of porphyrin. Remarkably, successive laser pulses result in similar amplification, indicating that the microbubbles revert back to nanodroplets at a rate faster than the laser repetition rate (10 Hz). PFP nanodroplets are promising contrast agents for PAT and their performance increases with properly designed dyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Inês P Mendes
- CQC-IMS, Chemistry Department, University of Coimbra 3004-535 Coimbra Portugal
- LaserLeap Technologies Rua Coronel Júlio Veiga Simão, Edifício B, CTCV, S/N 3025-307 Coimbra Portugal
| | - Carlos D F Coelho
- CQC-IMS, Chemistry Department, University of Coimbra 3004-535 Coimbra Portugal
| | - Fábio A Schaberle
- CQC-IMS, Chemistry Department, University of Coimbra 3004-535 Coimbra Portugal
| | - Maria João Moreno
- CQC-IMS, Chemistry Department, University of Coimbra 3004-535 Coimbra Portugal
| | - Mário J F Calvete
- CQC-IMS, Chemistry Department, University of Coimbra 3004-535 Coimbra Portugal
| | - Luis G Arnaut
- CQC-IMS, Chemistry Department, University of Coimbra 3004-535 Coimbra Portugal
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4
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Pinto TB, Pinto SMA, Piedade AP, Serpa C. Ultrathin materials for wide bandwidth laser ultrasound generation: titanium dioxide nanoparticle films with adsorbed dye. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2023; 5:4191-4202. [PMID: 37560435 PMCID: PMC10408605 DOI: 10.1039/d3na00451a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Materials that convert the energy of a laser pulse into heat can generate a photoacoustic wave through thermoelastic expansion with characteristics suitable for improved sensing, imaging, or biological membrane permeation. The present work involves the production and characterization of materials composed of an ultrathin layer of titanium dioxide (<5 μm), where a strong absorber molecule capable of very efficiently converting light into heat (5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfonylphenyl)porphyrin manganese(iii) acetate) is adsorbed. The influence of the thickness of the TiO2 layer and the duration of the laser pulse on the generation of photoacoustic waves was studied. Strong absorption in a thin layer enables bandwidths of ∼130 MHz at -6 dB with nanosecond pulse laser excitation. Bandwidths of ∼150 MHz at -6 dB were measured with picosecond pulse laser excitation. Absolute pressures reaching 0.9 MPa under very low energy fluences of 10 mJ cm-2 enabled steep stress gradients of 0.19 MPa ns-1. A wide bandwidth is achieved and upper high-frequency limits of ∼170 MHz (at -6 dB) are reached by combining short laser pulses and ultrathin absorbing layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago B Pinto
- CQC-IMS, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra 3004-535 Coimbra Portugal
| | - Sara M A Pinto
- CQC-IMS, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra 3004-535 Coimbra Portugal
| | - Ana P Piedade
- CEMMPRE, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Coimbra 3030-788 Coimbra Portugal
| | - Carlos Serpa
- CQC-IMS, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra 3004-535 Coimbra Portugal
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5
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Lewis-Thompson I, Zhang EZ, Beard PC, Desjardins AE, Colchester RJ. All-optical ultrasound catheter for rapid B-mode oesophageal imaging. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2023; 14:4052-4064. [PMID: 37799692 PMCID: PMC10549740 DOI: 10.1364/boe.494878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
All-optical ultrasound (OpUS) is an imaging paradigm that uses light to both generate and receive ultrasound, and has progressed from benchtop to in vivo studies in recent years, demonstrating promise for minimally invasive surgical applications. In this work, we present a rapid pullback imaging catheter for side-viewing B-mode ultrasound imaging within the upper gastrointestinal tract. The device comprised an ultrasound transmitter configured to generate ultrasound laterally from the catheter and a plano-concave microresonator for ultrasound reception. This imaging probe was capable of generating ultrasound pressures in excess of 1 MPa with corresponding -6 dB bandwidths > 20 MHz. This enabled imaging resolutions as low as 45 µm and 120 µm in the axial and lateral extent respectively, with a corresponding signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 42 dB. To demonstrate the potential of the device for clinical imaging, an ex vivo swine oesophagus was imaged using the working channel of a mock endoscope for device delivery. The full thickness of the oesophagus was resolved and several tissue layers were present in the resulting ultrasound images. This work demonstrates the promise for OpUS to provide rapid diagnostics and guidance alongside conventional endoscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- India Lewis-Thompson
- Department of Medical Physics and
Biomedical Engineering,
University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional
and Surgical Sciences,
University College London, Charles Bell House, Foley Street, London, W1W 7TY, UK
| | - Edward Z. Zhang
- Department of Medical Physics and
Biomedical Engineering,
University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Paul C. Beard
- Department of Medical Physics and
Biomedical Engineering,
University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional
and Surgical Sciences,
University College London, Charles Bell House, Foley Street, London, W1W 7TY, UK
| | - Adrien E. Desjardins
- Department of Medical Physics and
Biomedical Engineering,
University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional
and Surgical Sciences,
University College London, Charles Bell House, Foley Street, London, W1W 7TY, UK
| | - Richard J. Colchester
- Department of Medical Physics and
Biomedical Engineering,
University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional
and Surgical Sciences,
University College London, Charles Bell House, Foley Street, London, W1W 7TY, UK
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6
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Lobo CS, Mendes MIP, Pereira DA, Gomes-da-Silva LC, Arnaut LG. Photodynamic therapy changes tumour immunogenicity and promotes immune-checkpoint blockade response, particularly when combined with micromechanical priming. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11667. [PMID: 37468749 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38862-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with redaporfin stimulates colon carcinoma (CT26), breast (4T1) and melanoma (B16F10) cells to display high levels of CD80 molecules on their surfaces. CD80 overexpression amplifies immunogenicity because it increases same cell (cis) CD80:PD-L1 interactions, which (i) disrupt binding of T-cells PD-1 inhibitory receptors with their ligands (PD-L1) in tumour cells, and (ii) inhibit CTLA-4 inhibitory receptors binding to CD80 in tumour cells. In some cancer cells, redaporfin-PDT also increases CTLA-4 and PD-L1 expressions and virtuous combinations between PDT and immune-checkpoint blockers (ICB) depend on CD80/PD-L1 or CD80/CTLA-4 tumour overexpression ratios post-PDT. This was confirmed using anti-CTLA-4 + PDT combinations to increase survival of mice bearing CT26 tumours, and to regress lung metastases observed with bioluminescence in mice with orthotopic 4T1 tumours. However, the primary 4T1 responded poorly to treatments. Photoacoustic imaging revealed low infiltration of redaporfin in the tumour. Priming the primary tumour with high-intensity (~ 60 bar) photoacoustic waves generated with nanosecond-pulsed lasers and light-to-pressure transducers improved the response of 4T1 tumours to PDT. Penetration-resistant tumours require a combination of approaches to respond to treatments: tumour priming to facilitate drug infiltration, PDT for a strong local effect and a change in immunogenicity, and immunotherapy for a systemic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina S Lobo
- CQC, Chemistry Department, University of Coimbra, 3004-535, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Inês P Mendes
- CQC, Chemistry Department, University of Coimbra, 3004-535, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diogo A Pereira
- CQC, Chemistry Department, University of Coimbra, 3004-535, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Luis G Arnaut
- CQC, Chemistry Department, University of Coimbra, 3004-535, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Barbosa RCS, Mendes PM. A Comprehensive Review on Photoacoustic-Based Devices for Biomedical Applications. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:9541. [PMID: 36502258 PMCID: PMC9736954 DOI: 10.3390/s22239541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The photoacoustic effect is an emerging technology that has sparked significant interest in the research field since an acoustic wave can be produced simply by the incidence of light on a material or tissue. This phenomenon has been extensively investigated, not only to perform photoacoustic imaging but also to develop highly miniaturized ultrasound probes that can provide biologically meaningful information. Therefore, this review aims to outline the materials and their fabrication process that can be employed as photoacoustic targets, both biological and non-biological, and report the main components' features to achieve a certain performance. When designing a device, it is of utmost importance to model it at an early stage for a deeper understanding and to ease the optimization process. As such, throughout this article, the different methods already implemented to model the photoacoustic effect are introduced, as well as the advantages and drawbacks inherent in each approach. However, some remaining challenges are still faced when developing such a system regarding its fabrication, modeling, and characterization, which are also discussed.
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8
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Vella D, Mrzel A, Drnovšek A, Shvalya V, Jezeršek M. Ultrasonic photoacoustic emitter of graphene-nanocomposites film on a flexible substrate. PHOTOACOUSTICS 2022; 28:100413. [PMID: 36276232 PMCID: PMC9579491 DOI: 10.1016/j.pacs.2022.100413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Photoacoustic devices generating high-amplitude and high-frequency ultrasounds are attractive candidates for medical therapies and on-chip bio-applications. Here, we report the photoacoustic response of graphene nanoflakes - Polydimethylsiloxane composite. A protocol was developed to obtain well-dispersed graphene into the polymer, without the need for surface functionalization, at different weight percentages successively spin-coated onto a Polydimethylsiloxane substrate. We found that the photoacoustic amplitude scales up with optical absorption reaching 11 MPa at ∼ 228 mJ/cm2 laser fluence. We observed a deviation of the pressure amplitude from the linearity increasing the laser fluence, which indicates a decrease of the Grüneisen parameter. Spatial confinement of high amplitude (> 40 MPa, laser fluence > 55 mJ/cm2) and high frequency (Bw-6db ∼ 21.5 MHz) ultrasound was achieved by embedding the freestanding film in an optical lens. The acoustic gain promotes the formation of cavitation microbubbles for moderate fluence in water and in tissue-mimicking material. Our results pave the way for novel photoacoustic medical devices and integrated components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Vella
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Laboratory for Laser Techniques, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 6, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Aleš Mrzel
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Complex Matter, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Aljaž Drnovšek
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Thin Films and Surfaces, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vasyl Shvalya
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Gaseous Electronic, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matija Jezeršek
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Laboratory for Laser Techniques, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 6, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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9
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Melo-Guímaro S, Cardoso R, João CP, Santos J, Melro E, Arnaut LG, Pereira JC, Serpa C. Efficient dermal delivery of ascorbic acid 2-glucoside with photoacoustic waves. Int J Cosmet Sci 2022; 44:453-463. [PMID: 35670051 DOI: 10.1111/ics.12793] [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: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ascorbic acid (i.e., vitamin C) is an important antioxidant present in skin. The protective role of vitamin C against photoaging motivated numerous attempts to promote its topical delivery, with a success limited by its chemical instability and poor skin permeability. Vitamin C precursors, such as ascorbic acid 2-glucoside (AA2G), that are metabolized to vitamin C by enzymes present in the skin, solve the problem of stability but are limited by low skin permeability. We developed a 2% (w/v) gel formulation of AA2G application (viscosity 4.30 × 104 Pa.s, pH 5.94) and compared its passive dermal delivery with the delivery promoted by photoacoustic waves that transiently perturb the skin barrier. METHODS Photoacoustic (PA) waves were generated by laser pulses absorbed by piezophotonic (light-to-pressure) transducers. Pig skin samples were exposed to the 2% AA2G formulation alone or combined with 5 minutes of PA waves. One hour later, AA2G was extracted from the skin and quantified by reverse-phase HPLC. AA2G transdermal fluxes using Franz cells with 760 μm thick pig skin samples were also measured. RESULTS PA waves transiently enhanced skin permeability and increased dermal delivery of AA2G. AA2G was released from the formulation nearly quantitatively (92.6 ± 6.2%) in 24 hours, showing a non-Fickian behaviour controlled by diffusion and swelling. AA2G dermal delivery with exposure for 5 minutes to PA waves was compared with passive delivery to pig skin. PA waves increased the delivery of AA2G to the skin by a factor of 15 fold with respect to passive delivery, as measured from skin extracts after 1 hour of contact of the formulation with the skin. CONCLUSION 5 minutes of exposure to PA waves is a safe and effective method to deliver large quantities of AA2G to the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Melo-Guímaro
- CQC-IMS, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Renato Cardoso
- LaserLeap Technologies, Rua Coronel Júlio Veiga Simão, CTCV, Edifício B, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Celso Paiva João
- LaserLeap Technologies, Rua Coronel Júlio Veiga Simão, CTCV, Edifício B, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Santos
- LaserLeap Technologies, Rua Coronel Júlio Veiga Simão, CTCV, Edifício B, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Elodie Melro
- CQC-IMS, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís G Arnaut
- CQC-IMS, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,LaserLeap Technologies, Rua Coronel Júlio Veiga Simão, CTCV, Edifício B, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - J Costa Pereira
- CQC-IMS, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carlos Serpa
- CQC-IMS, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,LaserLeap Technologies, Rua Coronel Júlio Veiga Simão, CTCV, Edifício B, Coimbra, Portugal
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10
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Li J, Ma Y, Zhang T, Shung KK, Zhu B. Recent Advancements in Ultrasound Transducer: From Material Strategies to Biomedical Applications. BME FRONTIERS 2022; 2022:9764501. [PMID: 37850168 PMCID: PMC10521713 DOI: 10.34133/2022/9764501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound is extensively studied for biomedical engineering applications. As the core part of the ultrasonic system, the ultrasound transducer plays a significant role. For the purpose of meeting the requirement of precision medicine, the main challenge for the development of ultrasound transducer is to further enhance its performance. In this article, an overview of recent developments in ultrasound transducer technologies that use a variety of material strategies and device designs based on both the piezoelectric and photoacoustic mechanisms is provided. Practical applications are also presented, including ultrasound imaging, ultrasound therapy, particle/cell manipulation, drug delivery, and nerve stimulation. Finally, perspectives and opportunities are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiapu Li
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Optics Valley Laboratory, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China, 430074
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China
| | - Yuqing Ma
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Optics Valley Laboratory, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China, 430074
| | - Tao Zhang
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Optics Valley Laboratory, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China, 430074
| | - K. Kirk Shung
- NIH Resource Center for Medical Ultrasonic Transducer Technology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Benpeng Zhu
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Optics Valley Laboratory, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China, 430074
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China
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11
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Ai X, Lin F, Tong T, Chen D, Yue S, Mohebinia M, Napagoda J, Qiu Y, Tong X, Yu P, Chu WK, Bao J, Wang Z. Photoacoustic laser streaming with non-plasmonic metal ion implantation in transparent substrates. OPTICS EXPRESS 2021; 29:22567-22577. [PMID: 34266016 DOI: 10.1364/oe.430025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Photoacoustic laser streaming provides a versatile technique to manipulate liquids and their suspended objects with light. However, only gold was used in the initial demonstrations. In this work, we first demonstrate that laser streaming can be achieved with common non-plasmonic metals such as Fe and W by their ion implantations in transparent substrates. We then investigate the effects of ion dose, substrate material and thickness on the strength and duration of streaming. Finally, we vary laser pulse width, repetition rate and power to understand the observed threshold power for laser streaming. It is found that substrate thickness has a negligible effect on laser streaming down to 0.1 mm, glass and quartz produce much stronger streaming than sapphire because of their smaller thermal conductivity, while quartz exhibits the longest durability than glass and sapphire under the same laser intensity. Compared with Au, Fe and W with higher melting points show a longer lifetime although they require a higher laser intensity to achieve a similar speed of streaming. To generate a continuous laser streaming, the laser must have a minimum pulse repetition rate of 10 Hz and meet the minimum pulse width and energy to generate a transient vapor layer. This vapor layer enhances the generation of ultrasound waves, which are required for observable fluid jets. Principles of laser streaming and temperature simulation are used to explain these observations, and our study paves the way for further materials engineering and device design for strong and durable laser streaming.
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