Ultrasound pharmacology using low intensity ultrasound generated by microtransducer arrays: Evaluation of therapeutic effectiveness in animal models of diseases

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K19755
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Research (Exploratory)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Medium-sized Section 60:Information science, computer engineering, and related fields
• Research Institution: Hokkaido University
• Principal Investigator: Tateno Takashi 北海道大学, 情報科学研究院, 教授 (00314401)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 村上 修一 地方独立行政法人大阪産業技術研究所, 和泉センター, 主幹研究員 (70359420)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-07-09 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 超音波トランスデューサ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study aimed to develop a technology utilizing ultrasonic vibrations to modulate the central nervous system activity in a minimally invasive manner. To this aim, we fabricated micro-sized diaphragm devices capable of modulating neural activity through localized emission of ultrasound waves in the brain. The microfabricated transducer substrate generated ultrasonic stimulation, and the resulting neural activity induction was confirmed through calcium imaging with brain slices. These findings were reported in a paper submitted to an international journal. Additionally, an experimental system was devised for application in animal models, along with the exploration of experimental protocols. Consequently, optimal conditions were identified for effectively stimulating solely the central nervous system. Further, using a drug-induced hearing-loss animals, we experimentally verified the direct induction of neural activity in the auditory central system through ultrasound stimulation.

Free Research Field

神経工学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

学術的意義として，本研究課題で開発したマイクロスケールの振動板をもつトランスデューサは，局所的な超音波振動によって，神経系の試料や脳内の神経細胞膜を刺激でき，細胞膜の神経興奮の機序を知る有用な方法となり得る．
社会的意義として，本研究課題の微細加工技術で製作された超音波トランスデューサは，脳刺激用の小型機器として医療応用が可能である．また，神経系に作用する薬剤の効果を本手法で代替することによって脳神経疾患の治療に応用できるため，将来的に医療費の削減に一部貢献できる可能性がある．