Key Findings
Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) have demonstrated that low-frequency ultrasound can mechanically separate aggregated red blood cells into single cells, thereby reducing blood viscosity. High-frequency ultrasound, by contrast, promotes aggregation and increases viscosity.
The study, published by a team led by Vytautas Ostaševičius, used patient blood samples exposed to varying ultrasound frequencies and intensities. Digital twin simulations were employed to design a low-frequency transducer capable of penetrating biological tissues four times deeper than conventional devices; this transducer is protected by an international patent.
Mechanism
- High-frequency ultrasound: Creates standing acoustic waves that drive erythrocytes toward low-pressure regions, increasing aggregation, viscosity, and blood pressure.
- Low-frequency ultrasound: Generates travelling acoustic waves whose shear forces separate aggregated cells, increasing surface area for oxygen exchange.
Potential Applications
The disaggregation effect suggests possibilities for non-invasive supportive therapies in conditions where blood circulation and oxygen delivery are impaired:
- Cancer therapy: Improving oxygen delivery to hypoxic tumor tissue may enhance treatment efficacy.
- Alzheimer’s disease: Temporarily opening the blood-brain barrier to improve targeted drug delivery.
- Diabetic foot ulcers: Enhancing local blood flow to support wound healing.
- Cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases: Modulating blood viscosity and oxygen transport.
Current Status
The technology is at an early research stage. The researchers state that ultrasound can mechanically influence blood properties but emphasize further investigation is required before clinical application.