Pitt Shield

Data-driven feedback augments ultrasound nanotheranostics in brain tumors.

Authors: Lee H, Menezes V, Zeng S, Kim C, Baseman CM, Kim JH, Padmanabhan S, Premdas P, Djeddar N, Bryksin A, Pandey N, Anastasiadis P, Kim AJ, MacDonald TJ, Bettegowda C, Woodworth GF, Herrmann FJ, Arvanitis C

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) renders the delivery of nanomedicine in the brain ineffective and the detection of circulating disease-related DNA from the brain unreliable. Here, we show that the acoustic emission content of focused ultrasound-controlled microbubble dynamics (MB-FUS) incorporates precursor signals that allow large-data models to predict sonication regimens for safe and effective BBB opening. Crucially, closed-loop MB-FUS controller augmented by machine learning (ML-CL) expands the treatment window (4-fold), as compared to conventional controllers, by persistently and proactively maximizing the BBB permeability while preventing tissue damage. By successfully scaling up from mice to rats and from healthy to diseased brains (glioma), ML-CL rendered the BBB permeable to large nanoparticles and markedly improved the release and detection of tumor DNA in plasma. Together, our findings reveal the potential of data-driven feedback to support the development of next-generation AI-powered ultrasound systems for safe, robust, and efficient nanotheranostic targeting of brain diseases.

Introduction

Purpose Drug delivery with BBB opening
Study Objective To develop and validate a machine learning–augmented closed-loop focused ultrasound controller capable of safely maximizing blood–brain barrier permeability to enhance nanoparticle delivery and improve the release and detection of brain tumor-derived circulating DNA.
Animal model / Human subject 8–12 weeks old female C57BL/6J mice, and immunocompetent rat strain
Disease model Glioma
MRI or image guidance method MRI-guided
Targeted brain region(s) Glioma Tumor Region
Cargo name and characteristics Nanoparticles
Route of administration intravenous

Outcomes and Safety

Summary of Outcomes The machine learning-assisted closed-loop controller (ML-CL) expanded the acoustic treatment window fourfold, increased BBB permeability, enhanced nanoparticle delivery (up to 2.8-fold), and improved the release and detection of glioma-derived biomarkers, including ctDNA.
Duration of biological effect Biological effects were assessed acutely, with BBB permeability measured immediately after sonication and neuroinflammatory markers evaluated 6 hours post-treatment. Long-term effects were not investigated.
Safety-related matter ML-CL reduced broadband emission events by approximately 93%, minimized petechial hemorrhage formation, and did not induce significant increases in GFAP or Iba1 expression, indicating improved safety while maintaining effective BBB opening.

Brain Region

Ultrasound Parameters

Ultrasound instrument self-assembled FUS equipment
FUS Frequency 0.5 MHz
FUS Pressure 0.17 MPa and 0.23 Mpa
FUS Mode pulsed
Pulse duration 10 ms
Treatment frequency Single session

We are open to feedback. If you see a mistake or have a suggestion, please contact us.

← Back to Search