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Effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on biocompatibility and cellular uptake of chitosan-TPP nanoparticles

Using low molecular weight chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) prepared by an ionic gelation method, we report the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (US) on cell viability and nanoparticle uptake in cultured murine pre-osteoblasts. Particle size and zeta potential are measured using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and cell viability is evaluated using the MTS assay. Results show that 30 min delivery of CNPs at 0.5 mg/mL is able to prevent loss of cell viability due to either serum starvation or subsequent exposure to US (1 W/cm2 or 2 W/cm2, up to 1 min). Additionally, flow cytometry data suggest that there is a close association between cellular membrane integrity and the presence of CNPs when US at 2 W/cm2 is administered.