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Hallam KA, Nikolai RJ, Jhunjhunwala A, Emelianov SY. Laser-activated perfluorocarbon nanodroplets for intracerebral delivery and imaging via blood-brain barrier opening and contrast-enhanced imaging. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:356. [PMID: 38902773 PMCID: PMC11191388 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02601-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ultrasound and photoacoustic (US/PA) imaging is a promising tool for in vivo visualization and assessment of drug delivery. However, the acoustic properties of the skull limit the practical application of US/PA imaging in the brain. To address the challenges in targeted drug delivery to the brain and transcranial US/PA imaging, we introduce and evaluate an intracerebral delivery and imaging strategy based on the use of laser-activated perfluorocarbon nanodroplets (PFCnDs). METHODS Two specialized PFCnDs were developed to facilitate blood‒brain barrier (BBB) opening and contrast-enhanced US/PA imaging. In mice, PFCnDs were delivered to brain tissue via PFCnD-induced BBB opening to the right side of the brain. In vivo, transcranial US/PA imaging was performed to evaluate the utility of PFCnDs for contrast-enhanced imaging through the skull. Ex vivo, volumetric US/PA imaging was used to characterize the spatial distribution of PFCnDs that entered brain tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to confirm the spatial extent of BBB opening and the accuracy of the imaging results. RESULTS In vivo, transcranial US/PA imaging revealed localized photoacoustic (PA) contrast associated with delivered PFCnDs. In addition, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging confirmed the presence of nanodroplets within the same area. Ex vivo, volumetric US/PA imaging revealed PA contrast localized to the area of the brain where PFCnD-induced BBB opening had been performed. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the spatial distribution of immunoglobulin (IgG) extravasation into the brain closely matched the imaging results. CONCLUSIONS Using our intracerebral delivery and imaging strategy, PFCnDs were successfully delivered to a targeted area of the brain, and they enabled contrast-enhanced US/PA imaging through the skull. Ex vivo imaging, and immunohistochemistry confirmed the accuracy and precision of the approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina A Hallam
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Robert J Nikolai
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anamik Jhunjhunwala
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stanislav Y Emelianov
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Zha S, Liu H, Li H, Li H, Wong KL, All AH. Functionalized Nanomaterials Capable of Crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier. ACS NANO 2024; 18:1820-1845. [PMID: 38193927 PMCID: PMC10811692 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c10674] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a specialized semipermeable structure that highly regulates exchanges between the central nervous system parenchyma and blood vessels. Thus, the BBB also prevents the passage of various forms of therapeutic agents, nanocarriers, and their cargos. Recently, many multidisciplinary studies focus on developing cargo-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) to overcome these challenges, which are emerging as safe and effective vehicles in neurotheranostics. In this Review, first we introduce the anatomical structure and physiological functions of the BBB. Second, we present the endogenous and exogenous transport mechanisms by which NPs cross the BBB. We report various forms of nanomaterials, carriers, and their cargos, with their detailed BBB uptake and permeability characteristics. Third, we describe the effect of regulating the size, shape, charge, and surface ligands of NPs that affect their BBB permeability, which can be exploited to enhance and promote neurotheranostics. We classify typical functionalized nanomaterials developed for BBB crossing. Fourth, we provide a comprehensive review of the recent progress in developing functional polymeric nanomaterials for applications in multimodal bioimaging, therapeutics, and drug delivery. Finally, we conclude by discussing existing challenges, directions, and future perspectives in employing functionalized nanomaterials for BBB crossing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zha
- Hubei
University of Chinese Medicine, School of
Laboratory Medicine, 16
Huangjia Lake West Road, Wuhan 430065, China
- Hubei
Shizhen Laboratory, Wuhan 430061, China
| | - Haitao Liu
- Hong
Kong Baptist University, Department of Chemistry, Ho Sin Hang Campus, 224 Waterloo
Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Hengde Li
- Hong
Kong Baptist University, Department of Chemistry, Ho Sin Hang Campus, 224 Waterloo
Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Haolan Li
- Dalian
University of Technology School of Chemical
Engineering, Lingshui
Street, Ganjingzi District, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Ka-Leung Wong
- The
Hong Kong Polytechnic University Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Building Y815, 11 Yuk Choi Road, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Angelo Homayoun All
- Hong
Kong Baptist University, Department of Chemistry, Ho Sin Hang Campus, 224 Waterloo
Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
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Spatarelu CP, Jandhyala S, Luke GP. Dual-drug loaded ultrasound-responsive nanodroplets for on-demand combination chemotherapy. ULTRASONICS 2023; 133:107056. [PMID: 37269682 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultras.2023.107056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Phase-changing nanodroplets are nanometric sized constructs that can be vaporized via external stimuli, such as focused ultrasound, to generate gaseous bubbles that are visible in ultrasound. Their activation can also be leveraged to release their payload, creating a method for ultrasound-modulated localized drug delivery. Here, we develop a perfluoropentane core nanodroplet that can simultaneously load paclitaxel and doxorubicin, and release them in response to an acoustic trigger. A double emulsion method is used to incorporate the two drugs with different physio-chemical properties, which allows for a combinatorial chemotherapy regimen to be used. Their loading, release, and biological effects on a triple negative breast cancer mouse model are investigated. We show that activation enhances the drug-delivery effect and delays the tumor growth rate in vivo. Overall, the phase-changing nanodroplets are a useful platform to allow on-demand delivery of combinations of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina-Paula Spatarelu
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, 15 Thayer Drive, Hanover, NH 03755, United States
| | - Sidhartha Jandhyala
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, 15 Thayer Drive, Hanover, NH 03755, United States
| | - Geoffrey P Luke
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, 15 Thayer Drive, Hanover, NH 03755, United States; Translational Engineering in Cancer Research Program, Dartmouth Cancer Center, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03766, United States.
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4
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Jo S, Sun IC, Ahn CH, Lee S, Kim K. Recent Trend of Ultrasound-Mediated Nanoparticle Delivery for Brain Imaging and Treatment. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:120-137. [PMID: 35184560 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c22803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In view of the fact that the blood-brain barrier (BBB) prevents the transport of imaging probes and therapeutic agents to the brain and thus hinders the diagnosis and treatment of brain-related disorders, methods of circumventing this problem (e.g., ultrasound-mediated nanoparticle delivery) have drawn much attention. Among the related techniques, focused ultrasound (FUS) is a favorite means of enhancing drug delivery via transient BBB opening. Photoacoustic brain imaging relies on the conversion of light into heat and the detection of ultrasound signals from contrast agents, offering the benefits of high resolution and large penetration depth. The extensive versatility and adjustable physicochemical properties of nanoparticles make them promising therapeutic agents and imaging probes, allowing for successful brain imaging and treatment through the combined action of ultrasound and nanoparticulate agents. FUS-induced BBB opening enables nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems to efficiently access the brain. Moreover, photoacoustic brain imaging using nanoparticle-based contrast agents effectively visualizes brain morphologies or diseases. Herein, we review the progress in the simultaneous use of nanoparticles and ultrasound in brain research, revealing the potential of ultrasound-mediated nanoparticle delivery for the effective diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- SeongHoon Jo
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5, Hwarang-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Advanced Materials (RIAM), Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul08826, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Cheol Sun
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5, Hwarang-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheol-Hee Ahn
- Research Institute of Advanced Materials (RIAM), Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangmin Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul02447, Korea
| | - Kwangmeyung Kim
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5, Hwarang-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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5
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Vidallon MLP, Teo BM, Bishop AI, Tabor RF. Next-Generation Colloidal Materials for Ultrasound Imaging Applications. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2022; 48:1373-1396. [PMID: 35641393 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2022.04.001] [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: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound has important applications, predominantly in the field of diagnostic imaging. Presently, colloidal systems such as microbubbles, phase-change emulsion droplets and particle systems with acoustic properties and multiresponsiveness are being developed to address typical issues faced when using commercial ultrasound contrast agents, and to extend the utility of such systems to targeted drug delivery and multimodal imaging. Current technologies and increasing research data on the chemistry, physics and materials science of new colloidal systems are also leading to the development of more complex, novel and application-specific colloidal assemblies with ultrasound contrast enhancement and other properties, which could be beneficial for multiple biomedical applications, especially imaging-guided treatments. In this article, we review recent developments in new colloids with applications that use ultrasound contrast enhancement. This work also highlights the emergence of colloidal materials fabricated from or modified with biologically derived and bio-inspired materials, particularly in the form of biopolymers and biomembranes. Challenges, limitations, potential developments and future directions of these next-generation colloidal systems are also presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Boon Mian Teo
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alexis I Bishop
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rico F Tabor
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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Spatarelu CP, Van Namen A, Jandhyala S, Luke GP. Fluorescent Phase-Changing Perfluorocarbon Nanodroplets as Activatable Near-Infrared Probes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137312. [PMID: 35806326 PMCID: PMC9266996 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The sensitivity of fluorescence imaging is limited by the high optical scattering of tissue. One approach to improve sensitivity to small signals is to use a contrast agent with a signal that can be externally modulated. In this work, we present a new phase-changing perfluorocarbon nanodroplet contrast agent loaded with DiR dye. The nanodroplets undergo a liquid-to-gas phase transition when exposed to an externally applied laser pulse. This results in the unquenching of the encapsulated dye, thus increasing the fluorescent signal, a phenomenon that can be characterized by an ON/OFF ratio between the fluorescence of activated and nonactivated nanodroplets, respectively. We investigate and optimize the quenching/unquenching of DiR upon nanodroplets’ vaporization in suspension, tissue-mimicking phantoms and a subcutaneous injection mouse model. We also demonstrate that the vaporized nanodroplets produce ultrasound contrast, enabling multimodal imaging. This work shows that these nanodroplets could be applied to imaging applications where high sensitivity is required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Austin Van Namen
- Dartmouth College, 15 Thayer Drive, Hanover, NH 03755, USA; (C.-P.S.); (A.V.N.); (S.J.)
| | - Sidhartha Jandhyala
- Dartmouth College, 15 Thayer Drive, Hanover, NH 03755, USA; (C.-P.S.); (A.V.N.); (S.J.)
| | - Geoffrey P. Luke
- Dartmouth College, 15 Thayer Drive, Hanover, NH 03755, USA; (C.-P.S.); (A.V.N.); (S.J.)
- Norris Cotton Cancer Center, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA
- Correspondence:
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Hersh AM, Alomari S, Tyler BM. Crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier: Advances in Nanoparticle Technology for Drug Delivery in Neuro-Oncology. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:4153. [PMID: 35456971 PMCID: PMC9032478 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) constitutes a microvascular network responsible for excluding most drugs from the brain. Treatment of brain tumors is limited by the impermeability of the BBB and, consequently, survival outcomes for malignant brain tumors remain poor. Nanoparticles (NPs) represent a potential solution to improve drug transport to brain tumors, given their small size and capacity to target tumor cells. Here, we review the unique physical and chemical properties of NPs that aid in BBB transport and discuss mechanisms of NP transport across the BBB, including paracellular transport, carrier-mediated transport, and adsorptive- and receptor-mediated transcytosis. The major types of NPs investigated for treatment of brain tumors are detailed, including polymeric NPs, liposomes, solid lipid NPs, dendrimers, metals, quantum dots, and nanogels. In addition to their role in drug delivery, NPs can be used as imaging contrast agents and can be conjugated with imaging probes to assist in visualizing tumors, demarcating lesion boundaries and margins, and monitoring drug delivery and treatment response. Multifunctional NPs can be designed that are capable of targeting tumors for both imaging and therapeutic purposes. Finally, limitations of NPs for brain tumor treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Betty M. Tyler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (S.A.)
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8
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Namen AV, Jandhyala S, Jordan T, Luke GP. Repeated Acoustic Vaporization of Perfluorohexane Nanodroplets for Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Imaging. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ULTRASONICS, FERROELECTRICS, AND FREQUENCY CONTROL 2021; 68:3497-3506. [PMID: 34191726 PMCID: PMC8667194 DOI: 10.1109/tuffc.2021.3093828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Superheated perfluorocarbon nanodroplets are emerging ultrasound imaging contrast agents that boast biocompatible components, unique phase-change dynamics, and therapeutic loading capabilities. Upon exposure to a sufficiently high-intensity pulse of acoustic energy, the nanodroplet's perfluorocarbon core undergoes a liquid-to-gas phase change and becomes an echogenic microbubble, providing ultrasound contrast. The controllable activation leads to high-contrast images, while the small size of the nanodroplets promotes longer circulation times and better in vivo stability. One drawback, however, is that the nanodroplets can only be vaporized a single time, limiting their versatility. Recently, we and others have addressed this issue by using a perfluorohexane core, which has a boiling point above body temperature. Thus after vaporization, the microbubbles recondense back into their stable nanodroplet form. Previous work with perfluorohexane nanodroplets relied on optical activation via pulsed laser absorption of an encapsulated dye. This strategy limits the imaging depth and temporal resolution of the method. In this study, we overcome these limitations by demonstrating acoustic droplet vaporization with 1.1-MHz high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). A short-duration, high-amplitude pulse of focused ultrasound provides a sufficiently strong peak negative pressure to initiate vaporization. A custom imaging sequence was developed to enable the synchronization of a HIFU transducer and a linear array imaging transducer. We show a visualization of repeated acoustic activation of perfluorohexane nanodroplets in polyacrylamide tissue-mimicking phantoms. We further demonstrate the detection of hundreds of vaporization events from individual nanodroplets with activation thresholds well below the tissue cavitation limit. Overall, this approach has the potential to result in reliable and repeatable contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging at clinically relevant depths.
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9
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Brain-targeted drug delivery assisted by physical techniques and its potential applications in traditional Chinese medicine. JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICAL SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcms.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
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10
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Larin KV, Zhu D, Priezzhev A, Sampson DD. Recent progress in optical probing and manipulation of tissue: introduction. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2019; 10:5159-5161. [PMID: 31646038 PMCID: PMC6788591 DOI: 10.1364/boe.10.005159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
This feature issue of Biomedical Optics Express represents a cross-section of the most recent work in tissue optics, including exciting developments in tissue optical clearing, deep tissue imaging, optical elastography, nanophotonics in tissue, and therapeutic applications of light, amongst others. A collection of 33 papers provides a comprehensive overview of current research in tissue optics, much of it inspired and informed by the pioneering work of Prof. Valery Tuchin. The issue contains three invited manuscripts and several mini-reviews that we hope will benefit researchers in this exciting area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirill V Larin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, 3605 Cullen Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77204, USA
| | - Dan Zhu
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Alexander Priezzhev
- Department of Physics and International Laser Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1-2 Leninskie Gory, Moscow, 119992, Russia
| | - David D Sampson
- Surrey Biophotonics, School of Biosciences and Medicine, and Department of Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
- Optical + Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, Department of Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia
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