Microbubble-Encapsulated Microcapsule for Ultrasound-Triggered Drug Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for novel ultrasound contrast agents that can also function as targeted drug delivery vehicles, offering superior imaging capabilities and controlled drug release.
Innovation Solution
A construct comprising a microbubble encapsulated within an aqueous core of an echogenic microcapsule, where the shell becomes permeable upon exposure to ultrasound intensity above a certain threshold, allowing for controlled drug release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a microcapsule shell is used to encapsulate microbubbles for long-lasting ultrasound contrast, then the duration of action is improved, but the shell prevents drug release at low ultrasound intensities which limits controlled drug delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The microcapsule shell transitions from a stable, intact state at low ultrasound intensities to a permeable state at high ultrasound intensities. This dynamic response allows the shell to maintain its integrity for long-lasting contrast while enabling controlled drug release when activated by threshold ultrasound intensity
Solution Approach 2:
The shell's permeability is changed by altering the ultrasound intensity parameter. At low intensities, the shell remains impermeable providing long-lasting contrast. When ultrasound intensity exceeds the leakage threshold, the shell becomes permeable enabling drug release
2Reliability
If the microcapsule shell is made stable to prevent coalescence and extend microbubble lifetime, then reliability is improved, but the shell must be breached for drug delivery which reduces stability
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is designed with preliminary stability to prevent coalescence and extend microbubble lifetime during circulation. The shell's inherent stability properties are built-in beforehand to ensure reliability, while the ultrasound activation provides the counter-action needed to breach the shell for drug delivery
3Measurement precision
If conventional microbubbles are used for ultrasound imaging, then imaging capability is achieved, but they lack targeted drug delivery functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The microcapsule construct serves multiple functions: it provides ultrasound contrast imaging through the encapsulated microbubbles and simultaneously enables targeted drug delivery through the aqueous core. The shell's ultrasound-responsive permeability change allows both imaging and therapeutic functions to be achieved by the same construct
Solution Approach 2:
The microbubble is nested within the aqueous core of the microcapsule, creating a hierarchical structure. This nested configuration allows the microbubble to provide imaging functionality while the outer microcapsule structure provides drug delivery capability, combining both functions in a single construct
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The construct provides long-lasting ultrasound contrast and controlled drug delivery, with the microcapsule shell preventing drug release at low ultrasound intensities and facilitating release at higher intensities, enhancing the longevity and targeting of therapeutic agents.
Implementation Method 1
The shell of the microcapsule becomes permeable when irradiated with an ultrasound intensity that is equal to or higher than the leakage threshold intensity of the microcapsule
Implementation Method 2
Ultrasound contrast agents used for enhancement of ultrasonic images have gone through several generations of development
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a construct that comprises at least one microbubble encapsulated within the aqueous core of a microcapsule. The present invention also includes a pharmaceutical composition comprising a construct comprising at least one microbubble encapsulated within the aqueous core of a microcapsule. The present invention further includes a method of imaging a tissue or organ in a subject, a method of delivering a therapeutic cargo to a tissue or organ in a subject, and a method of treating a disease or disorder in a subject.