Focused Ultrasound as a Novel Non-Invasive Method for the Delivery of Gold Nanoparticles to Retinal Ganglion Cells

Younghoon Park, Jaewoo Shin, Junwon Park, Seulbi Kim, Ji Hun Park, Jaeheung Kim, Chang Seok Kim, Jin Woo Chang, Carol Schuurmans, Isabelle Aubert, Won Seok Chang, Kyungsik Eom

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: The blood–retinal barrier (BRB) restricts the delivery of intravenous therapeutics to the retina, necessitating innovative approaches for treating retinal disorders. This study sought to explore the potential of focused ultrasound (FUS) to non-invasively deliver intravenously administered gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) across the BRB. FUS–BRB modulation can offer a novel method for targeted retinal therapy. Methods: AuNPs of different sizes and shapes were characterized, and FUS parameters were optimized to permeate the BRB without causing retinal damage in a rodent model. The delivery of 70-kDa dextran and AuNPs to the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) layer was visualized using confocal and two-photon microscopy, respectively. Histological and statistical analyses were conducted to assess the effectiveness and safety of the procedure. Results: FUS–BRB modulation resulted in the delivery of dextran and AuNPs to the RGC and inner nuclear layer. Smaller AuNPs reached the retinal layers to a greater extent than larger ones. The delivery of dextran and AuNPs across the BRB with FUS was achieved without significant retinal damage. Conclusions: This investigation provides the first evidence, to our knowledge, of FUS-mediated AuNP delivery across the BRB, establishing a foundation for a targeted and non-invasive approach to retinal treatment. The results contribute to developing promising non-invasive therapeutic strategies in ophthalmology to treat retinal diseases. Translational Relevance: Modifying the BRB with ultrasound offers a targeted and non-invasive delivery strategy of intravenous therapeutics to the retina.

Original languageEnglish
Article number5
JournalTranslational Vision Science and Technology
Volume13
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Authors.

Keywords

  • blood–retinal barrier
  • drug delivery
  • focused ultrasound
  • gold nanoparticles
  • label-free imaging

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Focused Ultrasound as a Novel Non-Invasive Method for the Delivery of Gold Nanoparticles to Retinal Ganglion Cells'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this