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Multifunctional biomaterials that modulate oxygen levels in the tumor microenvironment
Jinghui Hu1, Zhenxin Guan2, Jing Chen2
1School of Rehabilitation, Institute of Rehabilitation Engineering, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, PR China.
Abstract:
A characteristic feature of solid tumors is their low oxygen tension, which confers resistance to radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and chemotherapy. Therefore, to improve treatment outcomes, it is critical to develop biomaterials capable of targeted modulation of oxygen levels in tumors. In this review, we summarize four types of oxygen-modulating biomaterials, namely, oxygen-carrying biomaterials to deliver oxygen into tumors (e.g., perfluorocarbon and hemoglobin), oxygen-generating biomaterials to promote in situ oxygen generation (e.g., MnO2, catalase, and CuO), oxygen-consuming biomaterials to starve tumors (e.g., photosensitizer, glucose oxidase, and magnesium silicide), and oxygen-circulating biomaterials capable of both providing and consuming oxygen (e.g., ENBS-B). The current literature suggests that these biomaterials are useful for anticancer therapeutics. We present the key molecular mechanisms involved in modulating oxygen levels and the potential applications of these biomaterials in the context of hypoxic tumor treatment.
Insights
Biomaterials can modulate tumor oxygen levels to enhance cancer treatment. This review covers oxygen-carrying, generating, consuming, and circulating biomaterials for improved therapeutic outcomes in hypoxic tumors.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Solid tumors exhibit low oxygen tension (hypoxia), leading to resistance against radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and chemotherapy.
- Effective cancer treatment necessitates strategies to overcome tumor hypoxia and improve therapeutic efficacy.
- Biomaterials offer a promising approach for targeted modulation of oxygen levels within tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and categorize oxygen-modulating biomaterials for cancer therapy.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these biomaterials alter tumor oxygen levels.
- To discuss the potential applications of these biomaterials in treating hypoxic tumors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of oxygen-modulating biomaterials.
- Categorization based on oxygen modulation function: carrying, generating, consuming, and circulating.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms and therapeutic applications.
Main Results:
- Four classes of oxygen-modulating biomaterials identified: oxygen-carrying (e.g., perfluorocarbon), oxygen-generating (e.g., MnO2), oxygen-consuming (e.g., photosensitizers), and oxygen-circulating (e.g., ENBS-B).
- These biomaterials demonstrate potential for enhancing anticancer therapeutics by addressing tumor hypoxia.
- Key molecular mechanisms for oxygen modulation and their relevance to tumor treatment are presented.
Conclusions:
- Oxygen-modulating biomaterials represent a significant advancement in overcoming tumor hypoxia.
- Targeted delivery and modulation of oxygen using biomaterials can improve the efficacy of existing cancer therapies.
- Further research into these biomaterials holds promise for developing novel and more effective anticancer treatments.
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