Journal of Controlled Release: Method created for delivering medical drugs to human brain more actively, precisely

Researchers from the University of Utah have created a way to deliver medical drugs to the human brain more actively and precisely. The respective study was published in the Journal of Controlled Release.

The team created ultrasound-sensitive nanoparticles that release agents at the target site when focused ultrasound is activated.

The small containers consist of three layers: an inner core that reacts to ultrasound, a capsule with drugs, and an outer membrane.

Experts tested this method on monkeys, and focused on the right and left lateral geniculate bodies; these brain structures are important for visual perception.

After propofol-containing nanoparticles were injected into the animals' blood, the researchers applied ultrasound pulses to the right or left lateral geniculate bodies and saw how the animals responded to visual stimuli.

The researchers concluded that the selective release of propofol modulated the test subjects' visual choice behavior, which was specific to propofol and the target hemisphere of the brain.

In addition, experience has shown that the average circulation time of nanoparticles in the blood is about 30 minutes, which provides a practical time window for administration in humans.

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