Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

TiO2 nanoparticles as a sonosensitizer for sonodynamic therapy: A Systematic Review of in Vitro Studies

Document Type : Review Article

Authors
Ali Salarvand 1
Javad Garshad 1
Mahsa Mansourian 2
1 MSc Student, Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences Introduction, Isfahan, Iran
10.48305/jims.v44.i852.0241
Abstract
Introduction: In recent years, titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles have demonstrated suitable potential for use in sonodynamic therapy due to their stability and non-toxicity. Despite this, systematic in vitro studies are rare. An aim of this systematic review is to investigate the increasing role of TiO2 nanoparticles in sonodynamic therapy as well as factors contributing to their efficacy.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on Scopus, Web of science, and PubMed. A total of 14 studies that met the inclusion criteria were selected and cell viability was examined under sonodynamic therapy with and without TiO2 nanoparticles in different cell lines.
Results: The findings indicated that TiO₂ nanoparticles have minimal intrinsic toxicity but significantly enhance cancer cell death when combined with ultrasound waves. Factors such as ultrasound intensity, the size, and the band gap of TiO2 nanoparticles play a critical role in this synergistic effect.
Discussion: A reduced band gap in TiO₂ nanoparticles leads to increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby enhancing cell death. Moreover, surface coatings such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) and cancer cell membranes improve the stability, dispersion, and targeting capability of the nanoparticles. Optimal ultrasound intensity further maximizes therapeutic efficiency.
Conclusion: In vitro studies suggest that TiO₂ nanoparticles are effective sonosensitizers for SDT against cancer cells and optimizing nanoparticle characteristics and ultrasound parameters can enhance treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects on healthy tissues.

Highlights

Ali Salarvand: Google Scholar, PubMed

 Javad Garshad: Google Scholar, PubMed

 Mahsa Mansourian: Google Scholar, PubMed

Keywords
Titanium dioxide
Nanoparticles
Ultrasonic therapy
Neoplasms
Subjects
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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 44, Issue 852
4th Week, April
March and April 2026
Pages 241-252

  • Receive Date 18 January 2025
  • Accept Date 21 February 2026