Novel Echogenic Drug-Immunoliposomes for Drug Delivery

Abstract

We have developed a novel acoustic drug-liposomal agent that can deliver drugs to cultured cells. Although in vivo translation is required, this technique has potential for site-specific drug delivery.

Ultrasound-facilitated thrombolysis using tissue-plasminogen activator-loaded echogenic liposomes

“…We have demonstrated specific highlighting of atheroma with intraarterial injection of anti-intercellular adhesion molecule-1-conjugated ELIP [15], as well as targeted highlighting of a left ventricular thrombus with intravenous injection of anti-fibrinogen-conjugated ELIP [16]. We have also reported entrapment of an antibiotic and of reporter genes into these ELIP with demonstration of microbial growth inhibition and gene transfection, respectively, in cultured cells [17,18]. We have reported enhanced gene uptake and transfection with the addition of ultrasound treatment to the genebearing ELIP [19].…”

“…We have previously reported development of echogenic liposomes (ELIP) for the targeted highlighting of structures [15,16] with potential for drug and gene delivery [17][18][19]. This study aimed to explore the potential of ELIP for thrombolytic loading, and to evaluate the effect of directed ultrasound exposure of the thrombolytic-loaded ELIP on effecting drug release and promoting thrombolysis.…”

Physical Principles of Microbubbles for Ultrasound Imaging and Therapy

“…1c). This type of agent also offers enhanced stability compared with gas microbubbles and is particularly attractive for drug delivery applications, as larger quantities of either aqueous or non-aqueous material can be encapsulated [41]. Due to their lower gas content compared with microbubble agents, higher doses of echogenic liposomes (i.e.…”

Ultrasound imaging of atherosclerotic plaques

“…It should be mentioned that the overall dose to ultrasound signal relationship was high for the immunoliposome agents, in part because of the small volume of entrained gas. However, the aqueous core of these immunoliposomes makes them an ideal agent for combined ligand-and ultrasoundtargeted drug delivery [44].…”