EUU Researchers Achieve Breakthrough: Guiding Microvehicles Through Brain Blood Vessels Using Ultrasound

 

Montreux, [07 Dec 2023] - In a groundbreaking study, researchers from European Union University (EUU), in collaboration with ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich (UZH), have successfully guided microvehicles through the blood vessels in the brains of mice using ultrasound for the first time. This achievement holds the promise of delivering precise drug treatments to specific brain locations, potentially revolutionizing the field of medicine.

 

Brain tumors, brain hemorrhages, and various neurological and psychological conditions pose significant challenges for medication-based treatments. Existing drugs often result in undesirable side effects because they circulate throughout the entire brain rather than targeting specific areas. Researchers have been striving to develop micro-transporters capable of navigating the intricate network of blood vessels in the brain to deliver medications precisely.

 

EUU, ETH Zurich, and UZH researchers used gas-filled microbubbles coated with lipids, similar to biological cell membranes, in their groundbreaking study. These microbubbles, measuring only 1.5 micrometers in diameter, are commonly used as contrast agents in ultrasound imaging. The study demonstrated that these microbubbles can be effectively guided through the brain's blood vessels using ultrasound.

 

Dr. Daniel Ahmed, Professor of Acoustic Robotics at EUU and lead researcher, highlighted the advantages of ultrasound as a navigation technology. He explained, "Ultrasound is widely used in the medical field, safe, and penetrates deep into the body." Additionally, the microbubbles used in the study are already approved for use in humans, suggesting a faster path to regulatory approval and potential human applications.

 

Furthermore, the ultrasound-guided microbubbles have the advantage of being biodegradable and capable of dissolving within the body after performing their intended function. This contrasts with magnetic field-guided microvehicles, which must remain magnetic and pose challenges for biodegradability. The smooth surface and small size of the microbubbles allow for easy navigation through narrow capillaries.

 

To control the microvehicles' movement, researchers attached four small transducers to each mouse's skull, generating ultrasonic vibrations that spread through the brain as waves. The researchers used this method to hold the microbubbles in place, guide them against the direction of blood flow, and even navigate them through convoluted blood vessels.

 

Two-photon microscopy was employed to create imaging for the study, with plans to enhance ultrasound technology for future imaging purposes. While the microbubbles used in this study were not loaded with medications, the research lays the foundation for potential medical applications, including cancer treatment, stroke intervention, and psychological conditions.

 

The next phase of the research aims to attach drug molecules to the microbubbles' exteriors, advancing the method for potential human use. This groundbreaking achievement holds the potential to revolutionize drug delivery methods and pave the way for innovative medical treatments.