How Microbubble-Enhanced Shock Waves Promote the Delivery of Lipid-siRNA across Neuronal Plasma Membrane: A Computational Study

J Phys Chem B. 2024 Mar 28;128(12):2897-2904. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c07556. Epub 2024 Mar 14.

Abstract

In this computational study, we examine the potential of microbubble-enhanced shock waves to improve the delivery of lipid-siRNA nanoparticles across neuronal plasma membranes with the ultimate aim of enhancing brain tumor treatment. We critically evaluate several variables related to experiments, including the bubble size, the shock speed and action time, and the amount of siRNA encapsulated in the liposome. Our findings reveal that microbubble-enhanced shock waves are essential for the high delivery of small lipid vesicles (under 30 nm diameter); its corresponding variables significantly impact drug penetration and absorption rates and influence the overall efficacy of the drug delivery system. Long-time recovery simulations further provide valuable insights into the self-healing ability of the plasma membrane following shock wave exposure and the subsequent absorption dynamics of siRNA. This work provides the dynamic process of siRNA released from lipid vesicles with shock wave and nanobubbles, thereby serving as a molecular mechanism support for developing tunable delivery systems for RNA-based therapy in brain tumors.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Membrane
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Lipids
  • Microbubbles*
  • RNA, Small Interfering

Substances

  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Lipids