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An alginate-based macroporous hydrogel matrix to trap cancer cells
Angela Giraldo Solano1, Joan Dupuy2, Hélène Therriault1
1Center for Research in Radiotherapy, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Radiobiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
Carbohydrate Polymers
|May 28, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed a novel sodium alginate hydrogel to trap glioblastoma (GBM) cells. This hydrogel enhances cell retention and allows for targeted radiation therapy, overcoming radioresistance in brain tumors.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cancer Biology
- Radiotherapy
Background:
- Glioblastoma (GBM) exhibits significant radioresistance, limiting the efficacy of conventional radiation therapy.
- Targeting GBM cells within the brain requires innovative strategies to overcome treatment challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a macroporous hydrogel capable of trapping and concentrating glioblastoma cells for enhanced radiation delivery.
- To investigate the efficacy of RGD peptide grafting in improving cell retention within the hydrogel matrix.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication and characterization of sodium alginate-based macroporous hydrogels using microcomputed X-ray tomography.
- Assessment of F98 GBM cell migration and retention within the hydrogel pores.
- Evaluation of RGD peptide grafting's effect on cell adhesion and retention.
- Irradiation of trapped GBM cells to determine treatment efficacy and impact on hydrogel properties.
Main Results:
- The hydrogel matrices exhibited interconnected pores (average diameter 300 μm), facilitating GBM cell migration and central accumulation.
- Grafting RGD peptides increased F98 GBM cell retention by 4 to 10 times, correlating with cell number.
- A 25 Gy radiation dose effectively eliminated all trapped F98 GBM cells.
- The hydrogel's mechanical properties remained largely unchanged after irradiation.
Conclusions:
- Sodium alginate-based macroporous hydrogels serve as effective traps for glioblastoma cells.
- RGD peptide functionalization significantly enhances the retention of GBM cells within the hydrogel.
- This approach offers a promising strategy for targeted radiotherapy of glioblastoma, potentially overcoming radioresistance.
Keywords:
Alginate-based macroporous hydrogel matrixCancer cell trapCell-adhesion peptideGlioblastomaRadiotherapy
