Laser-induced cavitation in nanoemulsion with gold nanospheres for blood clot disruption: in vitro results.
Optically activated cavitation in a nanoemulsion contrast agent is proposed for therapeutic applications. With a 56°C boiling point perfluorohexane core and highly absorptive gold nanospheres at the oil-water interface, cavitation nuclei in the core can be efficiently induced with a laser fluence below medical safety limits (70 mJ/cm2 at 1064 nm). This agent is also sensitive to ultrasound (US) exposure and can induce inertial cavitation at a pressure within the medical diagnostic range. Images from a high-speed camera demonstrate bubble formation in these nanoemulsions. The potential of using this contrast agent for blood clot disruption is demonstrated in an in vitro study. The possibility of simultaneous laser and US excitation to reduce the cavitation threshold for therapeutic applications is also discussed.
Chen-wei
CW
Wei
Jinjun
J
Xia
Michael
M
Lombardo
Camilo
C
Perez
Bastien
B
Arnal
Kjersta
K
Larson-Smith
Ivan
I
Pelivanov
Thomas
T
Matula
Lilo
L
Pozzo
Matthew
M
O'Donnell
D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D004655:Emulsions; D005740:Gases / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006046:Gold / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D061185:Mechanical Thrombolysis / Q000379:methods*; D054118:Nanospheres / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011829:Radiation Dosage
D004655:Emulsions; D005740:Gases; D006046:Gold