Acoustically-Activated Liposomal Nanocarriers to Mitigate the Side Effects of Conventional Chemotherapy with a Focus on Emulsion-Liposomes

Abstract

To improve currently available cancer treatments, nanomaterials are employed as smart drug delivery vehicles that can be engineered to locally target cancer cells and respond to stimuli. Nanocarriers can entrap chemotherapeutic drugs and deliver them to the diseased site, reducing the side effects associated with the systemic administration of conventional anticancer drugs. Upon accumulation in the tumor cells, the nanocarriers need to be potentiated to release their therapeutic cargo. Stimulation can be through endogenous or exogenous modalities, such as temperature, electromagnetic irradiation, ultrasound (US), pH, or enzymes. This review discusses the acoustic stimulation of different sonosensitive liposomal formulations. Emulsion liposomes, or eLiposomes, are liposomes encapsulating phase-changing nanoemulsion droplets, which promote acoustic droplet vaporization (ADV) upon sonication. This gives eLiposomes the advantage of delivering the encapsulated drug at low intensities and short exposure times relative to liposomes. Other formulations integrating microbubbles and nanobubbles are also discussed.

Multicompartment colloid systems with lipid and polymer membranes for biomedical applications

“…eLiposomes with perfluorocarbons can be considered as stimuli-responsive liposomes that are triggered by ultrasound. 63,65,122…”

“…eLiposomes with perfluorocarbons can be considered as stimuli-responsive liposomes that are triggered by ultrasound. 63,65,122 eLiposomes with nanoemulsion droplets of perfluoropentane or perfluorohexane of 50-150 nm and liposomal membranes of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine were produced (Fig. 7a).…”

Encapsulation and release of calcein from Herceptin- conjugated eLiposomes

“…The large size of microbubbles (Figure 5) incentivized the development of nanoscale-sized nanobubbles and nanoemulsions that would easily extravasate into the tumor tissues and become endocytosed into the tumor cells. Upon exposure to ultrasound, nanoemulsion droplets of per uorocarbon liquids transform from liquid to gas, resulting in an increased volume within the liposomal vesicle, subsequently leading to rupture and prompt release of the enclosed drug [97], [112],…”

Tailoring Magnetite-Nanoparticle-Based Nanocarriers for Gene Delivery: Exploiting CRISPRa Potential in Reducing Conditions

“…In the long term, side effects may necessitate additional efforts, such as medication changes or dosage increases, from patients and healthcare institutions [7,8]. Delivery methods have been used to mitigate some side effects related to the immune response, unspecific tissue delivery, and rapid molecule degradation [9,10]. However, certain therapeutic agents, such as poorly soluble molecules, large proteins, or genetic material, are less effective when administered through conventional delivery methods such as direct injections, systemic administration, or oral administration [11,12].…”