Effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on biocompatibility and cellular uptake of chitosan-TPP nanoparticles

TL;DR

This study investigates how low-intensity pulsed ultrasound influences the biocompatibility and cellular uptake of chitosan-TPP nanoparticles in pre-osteoblast cells, highlighting potential for enhanced drug delivery.

Contribution

It demonstrates that ultrasound can improve nanoparticle uptake and protect cell viability, providing new insights into ultrasound-assisted nanomedicine applications.

Findings

Ultrasound at 2 W/cm2 increases nanoparticle uptake.

CNPs prevent cell viability loss under stress.

Ultrasound enhances membrane association of nanoparticles.

Abstract

Using low molecular weight chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) prepared by an ionic gelation method, we report the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (US) on cell viability and nanoparticle uptake in cultured murine pre-osteoblasts. Particle size and zeta potential are measured using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and cell viability is evaluated using the MTS assay. Results show that 30 min delivery of CNPs at 0.5 mg/mL is able to prevent loss of cell viability due to either serum starvation or subsequent exposure to US (1 W/cm2 or 2 W/cm2, up to 1 min). Additionally, flow cytometry data suggest that there is a close association between cellular membrane integrity and the presence of CNPs when US at 2 W/cm2 is administered.