Ultrasound-assisted targeted delivery of drug-loaded nanoparticles for retinoblastoma treatment

Retinoblastoma, the most common eye cancer in children, requires early detection and effective treatment to improve survival rates and preserve vision. Current therapies involving Melphalan can cause toxicity with frequent use, highlighting the need for innovative, minimally invasive approaches. In this study, we developed Melphalan-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles and evaluated their potential for ultrasound-assisted controlled drug release. We confirmed successful drug encapsulation, with nanoparticles showing efficient drug loading (95.14%) and uniform size distribution. Cumulative drug release experiments demonstrated sustained release, with 77.25% of the drug released over 120 hours. Confocal microscopy revealed enhanced cellular uptake of the model drug under ultrasound stimulation, showing a 1.58-fold increase compared to non-ultrasound conditions. Cell viability tests indicated significant antitumor effects at higher drug concentrations. These findings suggest that PLGA nanoparticles offer a promising platform for the stable incorporation and controlled release of hydrophilic antitumor drugs like Melphalan, particularly when used in conjunction with ultrasound.