Journal of Sensor Science and Technology (센서학회지)

The Korean Sensors Society (한국센서학회)
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Ultrasonic Targeting of NK Cell in Vessel Bifurcation for Immunotherapy: Simulation and Experimental Validation

  • Saqib Sharif (School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University) ;
  • Hyeong-Woo Song (Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics) ;
  • Daewon Jung (Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics) ;
  • Hiep Xuan Cao (Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics) ;
  • Jong-Oh Park (Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics) ;
  • Byungjeon Kang (Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics) ;
  • Eunpyo Choi (School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University)
  • Received : 2023.11.13
  • Accepted : 2023.11.17
  • Published : 2023.11.30
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Abstract

Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in combating infections and tumors. However, their therapeutic application in solid tumors is hindered by challenges, such as limited lifespan, tumor penetration, and delivery precision. Our research introduces a novel ultrasonic actuation technique to navigate NK cells more effectively in the vascular system, particularly at vessel bifurcations where targeted delivery is most problematic. We use a hemispherical ultrasonic transducer array that generates phase-modulated traveling waves, focusing on an ultrasound beam to steer NK cells using blood-flow dynamics and a focused acoustic field. This method enables the precise obstruction of non-target vessels and efficiently directs NK cells toward the tumor site. The simulation results offer insights into the behavior of NK cells under various conditions of cell size, radiation pressure, and fluid velocity, which inform the optimization of their trajectories and increase targeting efficiency. The experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of this ultrasonic approach for enhancing NK cell targeting, suggesting a potential leap forward in solid tumor immunotherapy. This study represents a significant step in NK cell therapeutic strategies, offering a viable solution to the existing limitations and promising enhancement of the efficacy of cancer treatments.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This research was supported by a grant from the Korean Health Technology R&D Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), funded by the Ministry of Health & Welfare, Republic of Korea (Grant number: RS-2023-00302148).

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