An in vivo study on sonodynamic effects mediated by nanomicelles containing PpIX as a sonosensitizing agent

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Radiology Technology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran

2 Research Center of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran

3 Medical Physics Research Center, Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

4 Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

5 Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

6 Department of Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

10.22038/ijbms.2025.90437.19489

Abstract

Objective(s): Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is a promising non-invasive adjuvant approach for treating accessible tumors, requiring ultrasound (US) waves, sonosensitizing molecules, and oxygen. However, sonosensitizers such as protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) face limitations, including poor water solubility, phototoxicity, and lack of targeting. To address these issues, we encapsulated PpIX in biocompatible nanomicelles to enhance solubility, reduce side effects, and improve tumor targeting.
Materials and Methods: After synthesizing, characterizing, and assessing the cytotoxicity of PpIX-loaded nanomicelles, the optimal concentration was selected. The 4T1 cell line was used to create a breast tumor model in BALB/c mice. To investigate the effect of SDT mediated by PpIX-loaded nanomicelles, tumors were exposed to US at 800 and 2400 kHz simultaneously, 10 min after intratumoral injection of the drug. The tumors were measured with a digital calliper, and tumor volume was calculated at specific time intervals and compared. The tumor tissue necrosis percentage was determined by pathological examination, and the volume loss in different groups was quantified.
Results: SDT with PpIX nanomicelles significantly reduced tumor volume within 7 days compared with controls (P<0.05), with the greatest volume loss observed in this group. Pathological analysis confirmed extensive tumor necrosis.
Conclusion: PpIX-loaded nanomicelles enhance SDT efficacy in breast tumors, demonstrating potential as a targeted delivery system. Repeated treatments may further inhibit tumor growth.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 27 December 2025

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