Abstract
The University of Central Florida invention is a novel synthesis method that uses ultrasonic shearing to generate
monodisperse nanobubbles with controllable size and acoustic response for gene
and drug delivery.
The nanobubbles have a perfluorocarbon gas core and an albumin outer shell stabilized with human serum albumin (HSA). The ultrasonic shearing method includes optimization phases for:
- Determining the optimal amount of HSA for stabilizing the nanobubbles
- Evaluating the different ultrasonic shear methods for their effects on the monodispersity, protein release rates, and nanobubble sensitivity to ultrasound
In addition to serving as a platform for drug/gene delivery systems, the nanobubbles have potential applications as an ultrasound contrast agent for biodistribution studies and clinical diagnostics.
Implementing ultrasonic shearing based nanobubble fabrication
can significantly impact on-demand multiplex gene delivery for sequential or
simultaneous delivery of multiple therapeutics by creating a nanobubble library
of various sizes and acoustic signatures.
Technical Details
The ultrasonic shearing method combines the use of a sonotrode for ultrasonication with a rotor-stator system to homogenize the perfluorocarbon (PFC) emulsion. This technique prevents perfluorocarbon (PFC)-in-water separation, decreases sound wave absorption, and produces monodisperse, size-tunable nanobubbles.
The nanobubbles can be ruptured using low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), low intensity continuous ultrasound (LICUS), or focused ultrasound (FUS). Additionally, the LICUS, LIPUS, or FUS can be connected to an imaging probe such as ultrasound, for image-guided diagnostic purposes as well as nanobubble destruction and therapeutic delivery.
The nanobubble platform is currently being optimized for delivery of
anti-osteoporosis siRNA to the bone and can be developed for a variety of
therapeutic applications.
Partnering Opportunity
The research team is seeking partners for licensing, research collaboration, or both.
Stage of Development
Prototype available.
The nanobubble system has been tested for delivery of siRNA to bone cells in vitro and in a pilot study in vivo.
Benefit
Improved monodispersity values of the synthesized nanobubbles Increases production capacity, allowing for more cost-effectiveness and efficiencyEnables a nanobubble library with varying sizes and acoustic signaturesMarket Application
Gene and drug deliveryUltrasound contrast agentPublications
