A Hybrid Drug Delivery-Focused Ultrasound Stimulation Approach for Treatment of Ischemic Stroke

Description

Ischemic stroke is impacting the life of many people worldwide. The stroke-induced neuron deaths are irreversible since there is currently no satisfactory treatment for it. However, the protection from nerve tissue inflammation has become a more promising target for stroke therapeutic. In this project, we aim to develop a Drug Delivery-Focused Ultrasound stimulation (FUS) hybrid system to provide more effective recovery from ischemic stroke. On the drug delivery side, we will design and optimize multifunctionalized DNA nanocarriers loaded with multiple therapeutic agents with good biosafety and brain targeting capability. On the FUS side,we will optimize the FUS parameters for both BBB opening and neuromodulation. We will also identify novel biomarkers of the neural activities that can reflect the progress of recovery. Finally, we will combine both DNA nanocarriers and the FUS protocol into an integrated system to maximize the stroke recovery outcomes.