Mesoporous silica nanoparticles as sensitizers: A novel approach to enhancing shear wave elastography in liver stiffness measurement

Purpose: The objective of this study is to elucidate the sensitizing effect of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) on shear wave elastography (SWE) and to investigate the potential application of MSNs as a sensitizer to enhance the sensitivity of SWE in the diagnosis of metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

Materials and methods: The in vitro gelatin models with varying ratios were assessed using SWE to identify the gelatin ratio that most closely approximates with human liver stiffness. Following the characterization of the dispersion properties of MSNs, in vitro models incorporating MSNs of different particle sizes were developed. The variations in shear wave velocity (SWV) within these models were measured and subjected to statistical analysis using SWE. The biocompatibility of the MSNs was evaluated, and the MSN solution was subsequently administered into a MASH animal model. The sensitizing effect of SWE on rat liver was then analyzed statistically.

Results: The in vitro model demonstrated that MSNs with smaller particle sizes (100 nm and 200 nm) facilitated the propagation of SWV, thereby enhancing the sensitivity of SWE (P < 0.05). Additionally, the cell viability and hemolysis ratio of 100 nm MSNs were superior to those of 200 nm MSNs (P < 0.05). In vivo animal model experiments indicated that 100 nm fluorescence-modified MSNs could penetrate the MASH liver and elevate the liver stiffness value as measured by SWE.

Conclusion: MSNs have the potential to enhance the sensitivity of SWE in the diagnosis of MASH. This approach offers novel insights for improving the efficacy of SWE in clinical diagnostic and therapeutic applications.