Cancerous Cell Destruction Using Low Level Ultrasound in the Presence of Gold Nanoparticles: An in vitro Study on 4T1 Cells

Background: Ultrasound can destroy target tissue through various mechanisms, such as acoustic cavitation which can be fatal to cells. The existence of nanoparticles in a liquid provides nucleation sites for the cavitation bubbles and this leads to increase in the quantity of bubbles. Objective: In this study, we investigated the combination effect of gold nanoparticles and therapeutic ultrasound waves on 4T1 cells. Method: The 4T1 cells were incubated with gold nanoparticles for 24, 48 and 72 h and divided into 4 groups: (1) control, (2) gold nanoparticles, (3) ultrasound waves alone (4) ultrasound waves in the presence of gold nanoparticles. Cell viability assay was used for the detection of cytotoxicity effects. Results: The results showed a significant decrease in viability of cells which were irradiated with ultrasound waves in the presence of gold nanoparticles. Conclusion: Acoustic cavitation in the presence of nanoparticles has been presented as a way to increase therapeutic effects on cells.