Abstract
We report here the fabrication, characterization and use of PLGA hollow microbubbles (HMs) loaded with iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) and anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) for dual-mode ultrasound (US)/magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and drug delivery applications. In this study, a double emulsion technique was employed to prepare PLGA HMs, where hydrophobic superparamagnetic Fe3O4 NPs were encapsulated in the shell of the HMs, while DOX molecules were incorporated within the interior of the PLGA HMs. The formed multifunctional PLGA HMs were characterized via different techniques. We show that the HMs having a size of 1.0 μm are stable and can be potentially used as dual-mode contrast agents for US imaging and MR imaging applications. Furthermore, the HMs encapsulated with DOX are able to release DOX in a sustained manner with a higher release rate under an acidic pH condition than under the physiological pH condition. Importantly, cell viability assay data reveal that the DOX-loaded HMs are able to effectively inhibit the growth of cancer cells with a therapeutic efficacy comparable to free DOX. The fabricated PLGA-Fe3O4-DOX HMs could potentially be used as a theranostic agent for dual-mode US/MR imaging and anticancer drug delivery.
Keywords: Doxorubicin, drug delivery, hollow microbubbles, iron oxide nanoparticles, MR imaging, US imaging.
Graphical Abstract
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
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The application of nanoscience has brought about a revolution in the field of mechanical engineering by providing novel materials, boosting manufacturing processes, and generating cutting-edge products. The purpose of this special issue is to investigate the enormous impact that nanoscience has had on mechanical engineering, with a particular emphasis on ...read more
Advanced Inorganic Nanocomposites and Their Emerging Applications
This special issue collection will highlight developments on the recent trends about the synthesis of metal oxides, nanoclusters, biomaterials, 2D nanomaterials, nanocrystals, nanocomposites, etc. and their applications in electrochemical systems, tissue regeneration, energy storage and harvesting, sensors, etc. The novelty of the methods in the chemical synthesis and their characterizations, ...read more
Applicability of Nanotechnology for Performance Enhancement of Clean Energy Technologies
Population growth, industrialization, and improvement in living quality would lead to further increase in energy demand in near future. Regarding the disadvantages of fossil fuels such as fluctuations in their price, high emissions of greenhouse gases and restriction of their sources, it is crucial to use and exploit alternative energy ...read more
Graphene and 2D Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion
This thematic issue will discuss the recent advances in graphene-based nanomaterials for different energy technologies. Graphene possesses a high surface area, and stable structure and exhibits many interesting electronic, optical, and mechanical properties due to its 2D crystal structure. Graphene is of both fundamental interest and suitable for a wide ...read more
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