Abstract

Background: Ultrasound can destroy target tissue through various mechanisms, such as acoustic cavitation which can be fatal to cells. The existence of nanoparticles in a liquid provides nucleation sites for the cavitation bubbles and this leads to increase in the quantity of bubbles.

Objective: In this study, we investigated the combination effect of gold nanoparticles and therapeutic ultrasound waves on 4T1 cells.

Method: The 4T1 cells were incubated with gold nanoparticles for 24, 48 and 72 h and divided into 4 groups: (1) control, (2) gold nanoparticles, (3) ultrasound waves alone (4) ultrasound waves in the presence of gold nanoparticles. Cell viability assay was used for the detection of cytotoxicity effects.

Results: The results showed a significant decrease in viability of cells which were irradiated with ultrasound waves in the presence of gold nanoparticles.

Conclusion: Acoustic cavitation in the presence of nanoparticles has been presented as a way to increase therapeutic effects on cells.

Keywords: Cancerous cells destruction, low level ultrasound, gold nanoparticles, in vitro study, acoustic cavitation, nucleation sites, cell viability assay, cytotoxicity effects.

Graphical Abstract