Abstract
Microbubbles in ultrasound-triggered drug and gene delivery have been widely used for biomedical applications. However, the properties of micron-sized, short lifespan and low drug payload limit their applications. The pH sensitive nanoparticles (NPs) that can generate bubbles and release drugs quickly within acidic tumor microenvironment would be a promising theranostic agent. Among them, Amorphous calcium carbonate-Doxorubicin (ACC-DOX) NPs are the typical one with high DOX payload. However, they are unstable in aqueous environment. Herein, we propose that superhydrophobic modification would greatly improve their stability. Our previous studies showed that air bubbles adsorbed on superhydrophobic surface can be served as cavitation nuclei to enhance blood vessel permeability and drug accumulation in tumor. Moreover, the CO 2 bubbles generated in tumor can enhance ultrasound imaging and trigger dox release simultaneously (Figure A).