Ultrasound-Induced <i>In Situ</i> Dopamine Polymerization and Deep Mucosal Penetration for Intraluminal Drug Administration.

Abstract

Prolonging the residence time of drugs in the lumen and propelling them into deep lesions are highly desired for intraluminal drug administration. However, rapid drug efflux caused by dynamic intraluminal contents limits sustained drug concentrations, causing poor pharmaceutical absorption and reduced efficacy. Here, we combined theory and experiments to demonstrate a distinctive drug delivery strategy using clinically available medical ultrasound technology. Through ultrasound-induced <i>in vivo</i> dopamine polymerization and rapidly propelling high-energy shock waves, the resultant drug formulations can tolerate a variable intraluminal environment and penetrate deep mucosa. As a result, this ultrasound-mediated in situ adhesion and self-propelled technique signal a secure and universal strategy for the rapid coating of functional adhesion layers <i>in vivo</i>. Theoretically, this strategy is applicable to any hollow tissue, where ultrasound is accessible.