Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Enhances Uptake of Doxorubicin-Loaded Gold Nanoparticles in Cancer Cells

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Research conducted by the Institute for Biomedical Engineering has found that low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) significantly enhances the cellular uptake of drug-loaded gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in cancer cells. The study used cell experiments, finite element simulations, and dark-field/hyperspectral cell imaging to demonstrate the efficacy of LIPUS in facilitating the transport of AuNPs through cell membranes. The results showed that LIPUS enhanced the cellular uptake of doxorubicin-loaded AuNPs and free drug, leading to a substantial improvement in treatment efficacy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The distinctive physicochemical properties of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) make them suitable candidates for cancer nanomedicine applications, but achieving efficient uptake of drug-loaded AuNPs into cancer cells has been a significant challenge.
  • LIPUS has been identified as a promising non-invasive, pleiotropic modality that can enhance the cellular uptake of drug-loaded AuNPs by facilitating transport through cell membranes.
  • The synergistic effects of low-intensity ultrasound and therapeutic agents reduced cell viability, exceeding the effects of ultrasound or doxorubicin-loaded AuNPs alone.
  • The study employed cell experiments, finite element simulations, and dark-field/hyperspectral cell imaging to demonstrate the efficacy of LIPUS in enhancing cellular uptake.
  • The use of LIPUS significantly enhanced the cellular uptake of doxorubicin-loaded AuNPs and free drug in cancer cells, leading to improved treatment efficacy.
  • The research was conducted by the Institute for Biomedical Engineering, a partnership between St. Michael's Hospital and Toronto Metropolitan University.
  • The study's authors include Farshad Moradi Kashkooli, Anshuman Jakhmola, Graham A. Ferrier, Monika Lodyga, Kevin Rod, Jahangir Jahan Tavakkoli, and Michael C. Kolios.

Statistics:

  • 120:107417 is the reference number for the research article in Ultrasonics Sonochemistry.
  • 2025 is the year of publication for the research article.
  • 29 is the number of the building where Elsevier, the publisher of Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, is located.
  • 1043 NX is the postal code of Amsterdam, Netherlands.
  • 683 is the page number for the news report in Nanotechnology Weekly.

Sources:

  • "Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound enhances uptake of doxorubicin-loaded gold nanoparticles in cancer cells." Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, 2025;120:107417.
  • Elsevier. (www.elsevier.com)
  • Ultrasonics Sonochemistry. (www.journals.elsevier.com/ultrasonics-sonochemistry/)
  • Institute for Biomedical Engineering. (partner with St. Michael's Hospital and Toronto Metropolitan University)
  • NewsRx. Institute for Biomedical Engineering Reports Findings in Cancer (Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound enhances uptake of doxorubicin-loaded gold nanoparticles in cancer cells). Nanotechnology Weekly. July 7, 2025; p 683.