Recent Trend of Ultrasound-Mediated Nanoparticle Delivery for Brain Imaging and Treatment

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.

Second Near-Infrared Macrophage-Biomimetic Nanoprobes for Photoacoustic Imaging of Neuroinflammation

“…The MSINPs bind with endothelial cells and enter the brain parenchyma, which may be due to BBB permeability in neuroinflammation model mice. The BBB hinders the entry of imaging probes into the brain, and nanoparticles larger than 70 nm may not be effective in diagnosing and treating of diseases of the brain . In our study, the BBB was disrupted after 24 h of LPS injection.…”

Stimuli‐Responsive Nanocarriers for Transcytosis‐Based Cancer Drug Delivery

“…[80][81][82] Numerous studies corroborate that US can be applied for efficient drug delivery to tissues such as tumors and the brain. [83,84] This augmented uptake is realized mainly by cavitation or sonoporation effect (Figure 5). [85] Jia et al [86] revealed that dynamic magnetic resonance imaging and tumor chemotherapy could be significantly augmented through the application of US-induced sonoporation.…”

Blood–Brain Barrier-Targeting Nanoparticles: Biomaterial Properties and Biomedical Applications in Translational Neuroscience

“…In addition to various routes of administration, emerging technologies facilitate the uptake of NPs across the BBB locally. Focused ultrasound (FUS), generated from a curved transducer or phased array, has become a common method for enhancing drug delivery by transiently opening the BBB [136]. FUS-induced BBB opening allows NP-based drug delivery systems to efficiently reach the brain.…”

“…Furthermore, photoacoustic brain imaging using NP-based contrast agents effectively visualizes brain morphologies or diseases. The application of FUS-mediated NP delivery has been extensively reviewed [136]. In addition to leveraging technological adjuncts, NP delivery can be enhanced through co-delivery or combination strategies.…”