The Effect of Ultrasound Waves on Melanoma Cells in Presence of Gold Nanoparticles

- Background: Biological effects of ultrasound waves and their applications in the presence of nanoparticles are a rapidly growing research area. In recent years, ultrasonic therapy of cancer cells has been developed successfully. In this study, effects of ultrasound waves in the presence of gold nanoparticles on the melanoma cells were evaluated. Methods: The Melanoma cells were cultured and divided into 4 groups of control, gold nanoparticle, ultrasound alone and ultrasound waves at the presence of gold nanoparticle. Ultrasound irradiation at intensity of 2 W/cm2 was performed on the cells for 3 minutes. Findings: There was a significant difference in the percent of cell viability between the ultrasound + gold nanoparticles and the other groups. In addition, there was a significant difference between the ultrasound and the control groups, too. Conclusion: Results of this study reveal that ultrasound in the presence of gold nanoparticles can be efficiently used for treatment of melanoma cells; as gold nanoparticles act as cavitation nuclei.