In vitro cell culture models for ultrasound treatments using collagen-based scaffolds

Applications involving ultrasound treatment as a therapeutic strategy have gained interest due to its enhanced tissue penetration, broad availability, and minimal invasiveness. Recently, ultrasound treatment has been utilized for applications such as controlled drug delivery, enhanced drug penetration, sonodynamic therapy for generating ROS species, and targeted tissue ablation. However, our ability to study and explore applications is limited by the lack of in vitro models that enable efficient and representative screening of ultrasound-based therapeutic strategies. There is a need for cell culture approaches that mimic the mechanical environment of native tissues, which can prevent uncontrolled cell lysis due to ultrasonic energy. We developed two-dimensional and three-dimensional collagen-based materials for culturing cells in vitro that withstand ultrasound treatment. We hypothesized that the collagen matrix mimics the extracellular matrix and absorb most of the energy from ultrasound treatment – similar to in vivo effects – thereby preventing uncontrolled cell lysis. In this study, we developed a strategy for fabricating both the 2D coatings and 3D hydrogels coatings and tested the viability of the cultured cells post different durations of ultrasound treatment.