Ultrasound-triggered permeabilization of polyelectrolyte microcapsules

Despite the extensive research effort, the development of advanced drug delivery systems with controlled release properties and successful pharmacological activity continues to be a major challenge. This study aims to establish an experimental protocol to release a model drug, doxorubicin, stored in polyelectrolyte microcapsules, fabricated with the layer-by-layer technique, using an ultrasound (US) treatment applied with a commercial biomedical device. The US based delivery system was first characterized in terms of microcapsule rupture and model drug release and then tested in vitro using breast cancer cells. Overall, the obtained results demonstrate that by using a suitable US source, without damaging human tissues and respecting biocompatible mechanical index values, it is possible to trigger the drug release from polyelectrolyte microcapsules in a controlled fashion.