Ultrasound-mediated delivery of enzyme sensitive nanoparticles for the treatment of subcutaneous tumors
To improve current cancer therapy, the delivery of drug-loaded NPs has to be enhanced. Within this project, a novel NP drug delivery system will be developed and tested, which will, due to its dual targeting system and combination with ultrasound and microbubbles, result in a more targeted and local release of drugs in cancerous tissue. Besides an improved delivery efficiency, it will probably reduce adverse side effects. Furthermore, during this project, fundamental knowledge will be gained about the mechanism behind delivery of NPs to cancerous tissue.
In this study we have the following aims:
- Studying the effect of ultrasound and microbubbles on the delivery of the novel nanoparticle to tumors
- Investigate the optimal ultrasound settings for the ultrasound mediated delivery of the novel nanoparticles
- Determine the circulation life time of the NP in vivo
- Gain time resolved understanding of the behavior of the novel nanoparticles when exposed to ultrasound in combination with microbubbles
To investigate all of these research questions we will be using 96 mice. We expect that they will have minimum distress. Most of the animals will be sacrificed straight after the experiment has been performed and will not regain consciousness. Of the animals that will regain consciousness it is expected that they will feel minimal distress. In case they do show signs of pain or discomfort, they will receive pain medication or other measures to end the discomfort.
In this study we have the following aims:
- Studying the effect of ultrasound and microbubbles on the delivery of the novel nanoparticle to tumors
- Investigate the optimal ultrasound settings for the ultrasound mediated delivery of the novel nanoparticles
- Determine the circulation life time of the NP in vivo
- Gain time resolved understanding of the behavior of the novel nanoparticles when exposed to ultrasound in combination with microbubbles
To investigate all of these research questions we will be using 96 mice. We expect that they will have minimum distress. Most of the animals will be sacrificed straight after the experiment has been performed and will not regain consciousness. Of the animals that will regain consciousness it is expected that they will feel minimal distress. In case they do show signs of pain or discomfort, they will receive pain medication or other measures to end the discomfort.