Ultrasound-stimulated Brownian ratchet enhances diffusion of molecules retained in hydrogels.
Nanomedicine
; 31: 102308, 2021 01.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33011391
ABSTRACT
We demonstrate that low-frequency ultrasonic stimulation applied directly to a hydrogel, at energy levels below the cavitation threshold, can control the release of a therapeutic molecule. The hydrogel that contained the molecules was enclosed within a hollow acoustic horn. The harmonic modes in the acoustic horn combined with the physical gel structure to induce a flashing ratchet that released all of the retained molecules in less than 90â¯s at an intensity of 1.5â¯Wâ¯cm-2 (applied energy of 135â¯Jâ¯cm-2, ultrasound center frequency of 27.9⯱â¯1.5â¯kHz). In contrast, ultrasound is used currently as a remote stimulus for drug-delivery systems, at energy levels above the cavitation threshold. The low-energy flashing ratchet approach that we describe is applicable to drive the diffusion of molecules in a range of gels that are ubiquitous in biomedical systems, including for example in drug delivery, molecule identification and separation systems.
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Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Ultrassonografia
/
Hidrogéis
Tipo de estudo:
Diagnostic_studies
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2021
Tipo de documento:
Article