A Nanodroplet Probe with Magnetic Response for Acoustic Droplet Vaporization Therapy and Molecular Imaging Evaluation

The enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect stands as a pivotal mechanism for the passive accumulation of nanodrugs at tumor sites. However, the heterogeneity of tumors results in the relatively inconspicuous manifestation of the EPR effect in primary tumor models and clinical patients. Concurrently, with the gradual deepening of the understanding of tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which play a significant role in tumor progression, have garnered widespread attention for their potential imaging value in therapeutic monitoring and prognostic assessment. In this study, an ultrasonic and magnetic nanodroplet (UMND) probe that can enhance the EPR effect through acoustic droplet vaporization (ADV) has been proposed. Simultaneously, UMND offers the potential for molecular imaging of tumor-associated macrophages, monitoring treatment efficacy, and evaluating prognostic outcomes.