Skip to main content

Table 1 The values of various parameters, i.e. NM composition, NM average sizes, ultrasound frequency/intensity/focusing/MI, and their associated in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor efficacies as well as mechanisms of action, where tumor diagnosis and therapy are covered

From: Ultrasound and nanomaterial: an efficient pair to fight cancer

NM composition

NM average size

Therapy (Th)

Diagnosis (Di)

Ultrasound parameters

Intensity (I);

Frequency (f);

Mechanical index (MI);

focused (fo) vs unfocused (ufo)

In vitro/In vivo/ex vivo efficacy

Mechanism of action

References

MNP + DOX at the surface of MB

MB: 0.4–200 µM

MNP (Fe3O4): 50 nm

Th

f = 0.5–2 MHz

Oscillation thresold: 0.4 bar

Pressure either above or below 0.5 bar

Focused transducer

Delivery of MNP + DOX to mouse tumor tissue

Release of MNP/DOX from MB by ultrasounds above oscillation threshold

Diffusion of MNP from MB by several 100 µm

[47]

Magnetic Polylactic co-glycolic acid Nanocapsules (MNC) + 5-fluorouracil

70 nm

Di: PA

f = 3 MHz

I between 0,3 and 1 W/cm2

NA

Release of + 5-fluorouracil from MNC

(increasing release with increasing US intensity)

[205]

Phosphilpid NB

Phosphilipd MB

Self-assembled amphiphilic polymers (hydrophobic core + hydrophilic exterior): MI

MB: 1–4 µm

(Definity, CAV)

NB: 100–500 nm

MI: 10–100 nm

Di

Frequency larger than 20 MHz

NA (review)

1/ NB: diffuse in tumor by EPR, requires pluoronic acid to be echogenic, can transport drugs;

2/ MB: does not diffuse to tumor via EPR, highly echogenic;

3/ MI: diffuse to tumor via EPR; requires specifc phospholipid concentration to be echogenic, unstable

[33]

Nanodroplet (ND) loaded with Iodine

60 nm

Di

B-mode imaging

iv injection of ND in mice bearing Hepatocellular carcinoma

ND targets liver and hepatocyte

Precise tumor volume measurement

CT + US CA combined

[27]

Silica NC containing NIR-dyes-modified polymers and ultrasmall gold NP

Silica NC: 100 nm

Di

f = 13–24 MHz

Combination of US and PA features of Silica NC validated ex vivo

Silica NC: US CA

Gold NP: PA CA

[41]

MB liposomes conjugated with anti-Her2 antibodies loaded with survivin-targeted siRNA and doxorubicin

NA

Th

f = 5–12 MHz

MI = 0,61

MB injected in mice bearing LNCaP prostate tumor xenograft followed by US application: tumor cell apoptosis + suppression of survivin expression

Specifically target PC-3 and LNCaP prostate tumor cells;

Intra-cellular delivery observed by CM;

Delivery of MB by US application;

Survivin expression was suppressed in vivo

[32]

Au NP

IONP

Nano-graphene oxide (NGO)

Au: 6 nm

IONP: 10 nm

NGO: 22 nm

Th

f = 1 MHz;

i = 2 W/cm2;

NP brought into presence of CT26 tumors exposed to US: temperature elevation rates of 12.5%, 20.4%, and 37.5% for IONP, NGO, and AuNP

Temperature increase is more pronounced in the presence than absence of NP

[45]

Liposomes containing Cis-platine

100 nm

Th

Di

1 MHz

2 W/cm2

B-mode observation of ND

Inhibition of 4T1 human breast cancer cells growth by ND exposed to US

Release of 63% of Curcumin under US application;

Acoustic droplet vaporization

[34]

Liposomes containing Cis-platin

NA

Th

20 kHz

Treatment of mice bearing C26 footpad murine tumors with NM + US results in negligible tumor growth one moth following treatment compared with untreated mice

Increase in local

Cisplatin concentration in C26 footpad murine tumor following NM administration + US application to 70% in US treated tumors compared with 3% in untreated tumors

[35]

DPP-TPA NP

100 nm

Di

Use of a Nexus128 small animal PA

imaging system with 680 nm laser (1 W/cm2)

PA of xenografted tumors filled with NP

Increase of PA signal with increasing NP concentration

[156]

NB associated with siRNA (NB-siRNA)

625 nm

Th

f = 1 MHz;

i = 0.88 W/cm2;

Mice bearing U87 GBM tumors injected iv with NB-SiRNA followed by US application: Tumor growth delay (compared with treatment of NB-SiRNA without US)

NB can accumulate in intercellular spaces (due to their nm size);

“Sonoporation” produced by UTD: increase cell membrane permeability;

NB exposed to US: improve siRNA transfection and silencing of targeted genes;

[24]

Hollow mesoporous organosilica NP functionalized with fluorocarbon chains + IR780 (SS) + O2

180 nm

Th

f = 1 MHz

I = 1 W/cm2

Destruction of PANC-1 cells in vitro;

Shrinkage of hypoxic PANC-1 pancreatic subcutaneous mouse tumors in vivo

NP delivers O2 to tumors and reduces tomor hypoxia

Production of ROS to destroy tumors

[42]

Theranostic polymer microcapsules composed of hydrogen-bonded multilayers of tannic acid and poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) loaded with DOX

5 µm

Th

Dia

1/Diagnostic US: f = 2 MHz, i = 115 mW/cm2;

2/ Therapeutic US: f = 20 kHz, i = 15–257 W/cm2

50% DOX release from NM exposed to US → 97% destruction of MCF-7 human cancer cells in vitro (no cytotoxicity without US application)

Capsules can be imaged under B-mode US

1/low intensity diagnostic US → 20–30% DOX release from NM

2/high intensity therapeutic US → up to 75% DOX release from NM

[65]

MB with Porphyrin Grafted Lipid (PGL) + 

Camptothecin-Floxuridine Conjugate (CF)

0,5–9 µm (MB)

30–100 nm (NB)

Th

Dia

f = 1–7 MHz;

i = 1 W/cm2;

MI < 0.06

MB + ultrasound + laser leads to 90% tumor inhibition rate of HT-29 colorectal cancer with no recurrence in vivo

Transformation of MB into NB under US application produces accumulation of chemo-drugs/photosensitizer in tumors due to enhanced EPR effect

PDT (laser) leads to reduction of (ATP)-binding cassette subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2) expression responsible for the drug resistance in chemotherapy

[162]

MB containing a core of PFP-Oxygen and a shell of PLGA loaded with ICG and PTX

150 nm (before laser irradiation)

700 nm (after laser irradiation)

Th

Di

f = 1 MHz

I = 1 W/cm2

MB exposed to laser + US: apoptosis of SKOV3 cells in vitro + SKOV3 tumor growth inhibition in vivo

 → MB can be monitored by US/PA and guided towards tumors

MB release PTX and generate ROS under laser and US exposure

MB increase US contrast and improve PA imaging;

[163, 164]

MnOx/TiO-Graphene-polyvinylpyrrolidone

Nanocomposite

260 nm

Th

Di

f = 1 MHz;

I = 1–1.5 W/cm2;

Complete eradication of 4T1 subcutaneous mouse tumors without re-occurrence following NM injection and US + laser administration;

(60 °C during 600 s reached during treatment)

Association of TiO2 and graphene prevents electron/hole recombination upon US application and facilitates ROS generation;

MnOx enables T1-weighted MRI

[64]

Hydrophilized Au-TiO2 nanocomposites

200 nm

Th

NA

Mice bearing SCC7 tumor injected iv with Au-TiO2 nanocomposites and exposed to US → ROS production + tumor suppression

Combination of TiO2 with Au improves ROS generation by TiO2

[51]

Au NP

15 nm

Th

HIFU

i = 10–20 W;

f = 1.2 MHz;

For US intensity of 10 W, the maximum temperature rise increased by 32% and 43% for Au NPs concentrations of 0.0625% and 0.125%, compared with the heating without NP;

For US intensity of 20 W the lesion volume doubled and tripled for Au concentrations of 0.0625% and 0.125% compared with the heated volume without NP

Application of US in the presence of Au NP:larger temperature increase and larger heated volume than in the absence of NP

[46]

NB conjugated with folate (FOL)

287 nm

Th

Di

f = 9 MHz;

MI = 0.12;

MCF-7 over-expressing FR: enhanced targeting of NB and better US imaging;

Greater cellular targeting ability for (FOL)-NB than for non targeted NB

[25]

Naturally occuring heme-based pigment biliverdin NP

100 nm

Di

Photoacoustic imaging with Endra Nexus 128 photoacoustic tomographer (excitation between 680 and 800 nm)

NP injected in mouse leg: Detection of NP in lymph nodes using PA

NP strong absorbance at 365 and 680 nm. Excitation in near-infrared: PA signal

Excitation in UV: fluorescence

[55]

PFP/C9F17-PAsp(DET)/CAD/PGA-g-mPEG ND

400 nm

Th

Di

Di: 3.5 MHz, MI = 0.08;

Increased ND internalization in HepG2 and CT-26 cells following US application

ND: i) contrast agent in US imaging, ii) can release DOX at acidic pH, iii) efficient carrier due to cationic amphiphilic fluorinated polymer

[28, 29, 52]

Oxygen-deficient bimetallic oxide MnWOX NP

6 nm

Th

Di

f = 40 kHz;

i = 3 W/cm2;

iv/it injection of NP in 4T1-tumor bearing mice → tumor growth retardation;

NP metabolized without long-term toxicity

NP stable, biocompatible, produce more ROS than protoporphyrin IX and titanium dioxide, (MnWOX traps electrons/prevents electron–hole recombination

[28, 29, 52]

Outer membrane vesicles (OMV) encapsulating biopolymer melanine

100 nm

Di

f = 5 MHz

It administration of OMV in subcutaneous 4T1 mouse tumors followed by laser irradiation (1.5 W/cm2, 800 nm, 6 min) → tumor disappearance

OMV produces heat under laser irradiation that can be used to destroy tumors and for PA imaging

[57]

PLGA-R837/PLGA-MPLA NP

100 nm

Th

HIFU (f = 4 MHz; i = 43 W)

Colorectal tumors (CT26) grown on both mouse flanks; tumor on one flank removed with HIFU therapy to remove the larger tumor; 40 days after treatment, NP injected and second tumor disappears

R-837/MPLA: agonists of TLR7/TRL4

HIFU → produces tumor antigen;

NP → adjuvants stimulating immature DC and naive T cells at tumor sites and tumor-draining lymph nodes

[10]

Liquid perfluorocarbon (PFC) NP conjugated to 9E5 (antibody targeting epiregulin)

140 nm

Th

f = 5 MHz;

Peak negative pressure = 1.5 MPa

NPs target 97.8% of EREG expressing cancer cells and kill 57% of those cells following US application;

intracellular vaporization changes cell morphology;

Liquid PFC transformed in gas following US exposure;

NPs conjugated to 9E5 selectively internalize in cancer cells; kill these cells by US-induced intracellular vaporization

[74]

DOX loaded human serum albumin NP attached at the

surface of Chlorin e6 encapsulated MB

2500 nm

Th

f = 1 MHz;

i = 0,2 W/cm2

NP/MB + US treatment reduces the number of cells with cancer stem-like cell property

Maximize anticancer efficiency by overcoming MDR

NP/MB complex delivered to cells by sonoporation caused by MB cavitation

ROS generated by intracellular delivered Ce6 under laser irradiation stops

ABCG2 efflux receptor activity overexpressed in doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer cells (MCF-7/ADR), leading to improved chemotherapy efficacy

[36, 37, 38]

Membrane fusogenic liposomes loaded with Docetaxel (MFL-DCT)

100 nm

Th

f = 1.1 MHz;

i = 20 W;

focused

Mice bearing MDA-MB-231 tumors treated by iv injection of DTX-MFLs + MB followed by US application → tumor growth retardation

MFL-DCT can fuse with cell membrane and thereby efficiently deliver DCT inside cells;

[36,37,38]

pH-sensitive reduced albumin NP loaded with DOX

146 nm

Th

f = 1.1 MHz;

i = 20 W;

focused

Mice bearing MDA-MB 231 breast tumors injected with NP and treated by US: Tumor growth retaradation

Application of US improves the efficacy of EPR effect and the diffusion of NP in the tumor

[36,37,38]

Gaz vesicles (GV): gas-filled protein-shelled NC (produced intracellularly by certain bacteria/archaea

140–800 nm

Di

Imaging at 6 MHz (peak positive pressure of 0.3–1.2 MPa)

In vivo ultrasound imaging during passage through the inferior vena cava (IVC) in mice

US imaging of gas vesicles that can be genetically engineered

[58, 59]

Polymeric (poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) NP containing calcium carbonate, where NP are bound to rabies virus glycoprotein (RVG) peptide (a targeting moiety to neuroblastoma)

220 nm

Di

Th

f = 15 MHz (imaging);

Iv injection of NP in mice bearing N2a (neuroblastoma) tumors; NP accumulate at tumor site, NP increase US signals, NP reduce tumor growth

NPs produce carbon dioxide bubbles under acidic conditions (pH change) and enhance US signals

NPs generating gas induces necrosis and reduces tumor growth

[169]

H2O2 encapsulated in Fe3O4-PLGA polymersomes

412 nm

Th

Di

f = 40 MHz

Mice bearing HeLa tumors injected iv with polymersomes followed by US exposure display tumor disappearance

O2 is used as echogenic source for US imaing;

OH production through the Fenton reaction by reaction of H2O2 and Fe3O4

[60]

Long-circulating lipid-coated MB

1500 nm

Di

f = 2.8 MHz

Mice bearing liver tumors injected with MB and SonoVue and imaged with US, MB stay in tumors longer than SonoVue and hence enable US contrast imaging for longer time

MB fabricated by changing the core of SonoVue microbubbles to a higher–molecular weight gas (C3F8)

MB have smaller diameter and higher inertial cavitation threshold than Sonovue: better/longer organ imaging

[206, 207]

Liposomes co-encapsulating doxorubicin (DOX), hollow gold nanospheres (HAuNS), and perfluorocarbon (PFC)

200 nm

Th

Di

f = 1.9 MHz

Mice bearing 4T1tumors injected iv with liposomes and tumors heated by laser irradiation (2 W/cm2); US signal detected in tumors; treatment leads to DOX release and increase of tumor temperature to 70 °C; tumor growth retardation

Heating of HAuNS by 808 nm NIR laser irradiation;

Liposome tumor accumulation due to their nm sizes;

Heating triggers DOX release;

Gasification of PFC enhances US imaging signal;

[39]

Pt-CuS Janus NM composed of Pt and CuS with inner cavities loaded with sonosensitizers (tetra-(4-aminophenyl) porphyrin, TAPP)

285 nm

Th

Di

f = 1 MHz

i = 1 W/cm2

Mice bearing CT26 xenograft tumors treated by NM iv administration followed by 808 nm laser irradiation and US

Almost complete tumor resection without obvious reoccurrence (heat at 70 °C);

Photoacoustic (PA) imaging and NIR thermal imaging

Pt enhances photothermal performance

Pt leads to nanozyme activity for transforming H2O2 to O2 and overcome tumor hypoxia

NM leads to ROS production

[72]

MON@C: Mesoporous organo-silica nanoparticles (MON) containing catalases (c) inserted inside pores

150 nm

Th

f = 1.1–3.5 MHz;

i = 70–100 W;

Nude mice bearing MB231 xenograft tumors injected iv with MON@C followed by HIFU: O2 production yields an increase in tumor ablated volume by 10 compared with HIFU treatment with MON (no O2 production)

MON@C transforms H2O2 into oxygen bubbles more efficiently than free catalase

Bubbles amplify echo signal to guide HIFU surgery;

Bubbles intensify cavitation effect under HIFU irradiations

Cancerous region displays larger H2O2 concentration compared to the normal tissue (effect specific to tumor region)

[40, 130]

AML: Liposome containing: i) Anethole Dithiolethione (ADT) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) pro-drug, embedded in lipid bilayer, ii) SPION in liposome core

166 nm (liposome)

7 nm (MNP)

Th

Di

f = 18 MHz; B mode imaging

NB specifically target tumor in vivo following magnetic field application

Intra-tumoral conversion of nanostructure to microstructure: better anticancer efficacy

Transformation monitored by MRI/US imaging

AML generate intra-tumoral H2S bubbles used for tumor imaging and tumor destruction (gas emission) under HIFU

AML exposed to magnetic field: significant inhibition of tumor growth

[40, 43, 130]

NC: GPC3 antibody linked to PEGylated nanometric-reduced-graphene-oxide associated with NB

700 nm

Th

F = 1 MHz;

I = 1–3.5 W/cm2

NC inhibit HepG2 cells following US and laser applications

US application leads to NB destruction and an increase in NC concentration around the HepG2 cells

Heat at 60 °C by laser irradiation helps to destroy tumor cells

[208]

NB associated with fluorescent dyes

112 nm

Di

F = 4,4 MHz;

MI = 0,1

NB: efficient imaging of mouse breast tumor (higher concentration in tumor compared with commercially available US CA agent)

Dyes yield BRET − FRET mechanism and large increase in fluorescent signal

NB enables imaging by US of delineation of tissue microvasculature

[26]

EXO-DVDMS: sinoporphyrin sodium (DVDMS), attached to tumor cell-derived exosomes (EXO)

150 nm

Di

Th

f = 1 MHz;

i = 3 W;

EXO-DVDMS followed by ultrasound applications: growth inhibition of breast cancer-lung metastasis

Exosomes serve as camouflage to enable DVDMS to reach tumor sites;

Exosomes target specifically homotypic tumors

US is applied to enhance accumulation of EXO-DVDMS is tumors (improved efficacy of EPR effect)

EXO-DVDMS endocytosed by lysosomes; low lysosome pH yields DVDMS release and triggers cell death-signaling pathways

[56]

NP: (mPEG-PLGA) associated with anti-carcinoembryonic antigen and anti-carbohydrate antigen 19–9 encapsulating PTX

100 nm

Di

Th

f = 1 MHz

i = 1 W/cm2

UTMD (ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction)

NP have prolonged imaging time in rabbit kidney and tumor of nude mice compared with Sonovue

NP have potential enhanced antitumor effect due to longer tumor residence time

NP internalization facilitated by the application of US

[209]

NC: PLGA NC coated with a thin Silica layer encapsulating i) perfluorocarbon (PFOB), ii) antitumor Ruhenium complex, iii) superparamagnetic Fe3O4 NP

225 nm

Di

Th

i = 270 W (HIFU)

HeLa tumor-bearing nude mice injected iv with NC followed by HIFU treatment resulted in more tumor inhibition than HIFU alone

Imaging by US and MRI

Image-guided HIFU-triggered chemotherapy

PFOB/gas in NC causes collapse of the shell under HIFU and releases Ruhenium complex

[44]

Self-assembled peptide-based NP encasulating phalloidin

300/1200 nm

Di

NA

Internalization in A549 cells of phalloidin into cells following US-triggered rupture of nano-peptisomes

Phalloidin delivered to cell cytoplasm upon US-mediated rupture of nano-peptisomes

[63]

NC: Anti-cancer drug + PFP encapsulated in glycol chitosan NP

Hydrophobic core/hydrophilic shell

432 nm

Di

Th

i = 0.0676 W/cm2;

f = 10 MHz;

MI = 0.235;

Mice bearing SCC7 tumors injected IV with NC followed by US application: accumulation in tumor + tumor growth retardation (effect more pronounced than in the absence of US application)

NC echogenic due to MB formation

US-triggered drug release

Enhanced EPR effect (nanometric size)

[174]

Carbonate NP (pluronic external surface) + inner part: gaz/DTX (chemotherapeutic drug)

100–300 nm

Th

Di

f = 10 MHz;

MI: 0.235;

i: 0.0676 W/cm2

Mice bearing SCC7 tumors injected iv with NC followed by US applications: tumor growth retardation

Generates bubbles under US application;

Release drugs under US application;

[137]

MB loaded with porphyrin

NA

NA

F = 1 MHz

Extravasation of MB outside of bllod vessels in vivo under US exposure

Transformation of MB to NB (gaz loss + shell shedding)

[68,69,70]

TNB: NB linked to NPY (Y1 receptor ligand) + DOX

300 nm

Th

f = 1,5–10 MHz;

MI = 0,7;

Mice bearing 4T1 tumors treated by iv injection of TNB + DOX followed by US application: tumor growth retardation;

DOX and TNB are injected separately;

US irradiation favors EPR effect of DOX and DOX diffusion in tumor (with better efficacy than MB);

[210]

NC: hollow mesoporous TiO2 surrounded by DsDNA containing DOX

126 nm

Th

i = 1 W/cm2

Mice bearing MCF-7/ADR tumors injected iv with NC followed by US application: tumor growth retardation

Treatment enables to overcome drug resistance towards MCF-7/ADR via the inhibition of mitochondrial energy supply due to the “explosion” of NC

Treatment produces ROS and releases DOX

NC can escape lysosome following US application;

[50]

ND of PFC stabilized by albumin

160 nm

Th

f = 1 MHz;

i = 3.5 W

Mice bearing 4T1 tumors injected iv with ND + liposomal Ce6 followed by laser and US irradiation: Tumor growth delay

NDs adsorb oxygen in lung + release oxygen in tumor under ultrasound stimulation (cycles are repeated);

Enhances tumor oxygenation and improves efficacy of PDT/RT treatment of tumors

[30]

ND containing PFC, a photoabsorber/photoacoustic agent (PDI), and a photosensitizers ZnF16Pc

113 nm

Di

f = 40 MHz

ND injected iv in mice bearing U87MG glioblastoma: ND tumor accumulation via EPR effect (imaging of ND via PA/US following laser irradiation at 671 nm)

PDT + PTT treatment, result in complete tumor eradication with minimal side effects

Laser irradiation of PDI: liquid-to-gas phase transition of PFC + PTT effect

PFC provides O2 to tumor, hence improving PDT efficacy

[31]

Anti-EGFR-PEG-SPIO

9 nm

Th

f = 1–1.2 MHz i = 60–160 W/cm2

Treatment of rats with lung tumors injected with SPIO and exposed to US: tumor growth retardation

SPIO specifically target lung cancer cells overexpressing EGFR

SPIO yield more heat in tumors than healthy tissues

SPIO improve MRI sensitivity for visualization of EGFR overexpressed lung cancer in a rat model

[48, 49]

NET-1 siRNA-conjugated sub micron bubble (SMB)

600 nm

Th

f = 1 MHz; i = 1 W/cm2

NET-1 siRNA-SMB brought into presence of SMMC-7721 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells followed by low-frequency US application → enhancement of gene transfection efficacy

SMB exposed to low-frequency US promotes gene transfection

[211]

Echogenic NB enclosing cell-permeable peptides (CPPs) and siRNA

200 nm

Th

f = 1 MHz;

i = 1 W/cm2

NB brought into presence of human breast tumor cells followed by US application: releases of 90% of encapsulated CPP-siRNA (compared with 1.5% without US)

NB administered iv to mice bearing fibrosarcoma HT-1080 tumors: i) NB tumor accumulation, ii) increase in c-myc silencing, iii) tumor growth delay

Local ultrasound stimulation triggered the release of CPP-siRNA from the NBs and activated its tumor cell penetration

[170]

Peptide labeled semimetal bismuth NP (Bi-LyP-1 NP)

3,6 nm

Th

Di

PA using a Vevo LAZR PA system

Mice bearing 4T1 tumors injected iv with Bi-LyP-1 NP exposed to laser + X-ray: i) heat at 45 °C during 15–20 min, ii) tumor growth retardation;

Bi-LyP-1 NP: cleared from mice through renal/ fecal routes after 30 days

Bi-LyP-1 NP: more tumor accumulation with peptide LyP-1 than without LyP-1;

Bi-LyP-1 NP: Absorb both ionizing radiation and the second near-infrared (NIR-II) window laser radiation;

Bi-LyP-1 NP: dual mode imaging (CT/PA);

Bi-LyP-1 NP: efficient synergistic NIR-II photothermal/radiotherapy of tumors

[53]

Silicon needle covered by Zinc-Oxide nanowires (ZnONW)

MB: 5–20 µm

Th

f = 20 kHz;

i = 5 W/cm2;

Mice bearing MC4L2 tumors treated by iv injection of ZnONW followed by US application: ≈82% decrease in tumor size within 10 days compared with 25% with PTX

ZnONW produce MB under US application

[212]

NC: ammonium bicarbonate, gold nanorods and DOX encapsulated in folic acid conjugated liposomes

100–150 nm

Th

f = 1 Hz; i = 1 W;

S180 tumor-bearing mice injected iv with NC followed by laser or US application: tumor growth delay

NC allows: i) multimodal imaging (CT/US), ii) local release of drug (doxorubicin), iii) hyperthermia

Ammonium bicarbonate allows controlled DOX release

[6]

NC: terrylenediimide (TDI) poly(acrylic acid) (TPA) based nanomedicine (TNM)

13 nm

Th

Di

NA

4T1 bearing mice administered iv with NC followed by laser irradiation: tumor growth delay

Temperature increase under laser irradiation (up to 60 °C)

PA imaging of NC in tumor

[213]

Polymersome embedding perfluorocarbon and DOX;

178–437 nm

Th

Di

f = 1 MHz

Acoustic pressure: 2 Mpa

Mice bearing C6 glioma tumors injected iv with NC and exposed to US: tumor growth retardation

Size of NC increases from 178 nm during circulation to 437 nm in acidic tumor microenvironment

NC small size allows efficient tumor uptake

NC swells at tumor size to become efficient CA for US imaging;

NC release DOX in tumor under US application

[61, 62]

Biomimetic nano-system (BM): Macrophage membrane coated on CAu-BMSN: CORM-401 (H2O2-sensitive CO release prodrug) loaded into Au NP associated with black phosphorus quantum dots

50 nm

Th

Di

f = 1 MHz;

i = 1 W/cm2;

Mice bearing 4T1 tumors injected iv with biomimetic nano-systems followed by US application: tumor growth retardation

BN: tumor-targeted delivery of singlet oxygen (1O2) and carbon monoxide

(CO) following US application in presence of H2O2 in tumor microenvironment;

Tumor targeting favored by macrophage membrane (RES evasion)

Cell apoptosis caused by mitochondrial dysfunction

Effective immune responses through indoleamin 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) signal blocking (prevents tumor regrowth and metastasis)

[75, 135]

Annexin V-conjugated NB (A-NB)

635 nm

Th

Di

f = 10–60 MHz

Long lasting US imaging of NC in MDA-MB-231 mouse tumors

A-NB: extravasate in tumor vasculature and recognize apoptotic tumor cells

A-NB: better tumor US contrast than non targeted NB

[214]

NC: MnOx with biocompatible/biodegradable hollow mesoporous organosilica NP conjugated with protoporphyrin (sonosensitizer) and cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic pentapeptide (targeting peptide)

100 nm

Th

Di

f = 1 MHz

i = 1.5 W/cm2

Mice bearing U87 tumor xenograft injected iv with NC followed by US application: suppressed tumor growth

NC can be imaged by MRI in tumor, enabling therapeutic guidance/monitoring during SDT

MnOx: i) nanoenzyme converting H2O2 (overexpressed in tumor) into oxygen, ii) increasing tumor oxygen level, iii) facilitating ROS production, iv) improving SDT efficacy

[71]

  1. CA, contrast agents; CAV, Commercially available; CM, confocal microscopy; CT, computed tomography; DOX, Doxorubicin; ICG, Indocyanine green; MNP, magnetic nanoparticle; MB, Microbubbles; MI, Micelles
  2. MNC, Magnetic nanocapsule; MPLA, monophosphoryl lipid A; NM, Nanomaterial; NB, Nanobubbles; NC, Nanocapsule; ND, Nanodroplet; NM, Nanomaterials; OMV, Outer membrane vesicle; PA, Photoacoustic; PFP, Perfuoropentane; PLGA, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid); PTT, Photothermal therapy; PTX, paclitaxel; SPION, Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles; SS, Sonosensitizer; TPA, Two photon absorption; US, Ultrasound; XIAP, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein