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3D-Printed Oxygen-Carrying Nanocomposite Hydrogels for Enhanced Cell Viability under Hypoxic and Normoxic Conditions
Andisheh Motealleh1, Andreas H Schäfer2, Olga Fromm3
1Physikalisches Institute and Center for Soft Nanoscience, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Busse-Peus-Strasse 10, 48149 Münster, Germany.
Biomacromolecules
|October 4, 2021
Summary
This study introduces a novel oxygen-carrying hydrogel for cancer therapy. The injectable material enhances cell survival under hypoxia and selectively kills cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cancer Biology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Engineered tissues often suffer from insufficient oxygen (O2) distribution, leading to hypoxic conditions.
- Hypoxia is a common characteristic of solid tumors, complicating cancer treatment.
- Few studies have explored O2-deliverable injectable hydrogels for cancer therapy in hypoxic environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel oxygen-carrying nanomaterial and an injectable nanocomposite hydrogel for enhanced cell survival and targeted cancer treatment.
- To investigate the potential of the developed hydrogel in addressing hypoxic conditions relevant to solid tumors.
- To evaluate the selective toxicity of the hydrogel-loaded anticancer drug against malignant cells.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of an oxygen-carrying nanomaterial (PMOF) and its incorporation into an injectable nanocomposite hydrogel (AlgL-PMOF).
- Assessment of PMOF and AlgL-PMOF's ability to provide sustained oxygen levels under both hypoxic and normoxic cell culturing conditions.
- Evaluation of cell viability for malignant, immortal, and healthy cells in the presence of the hydrogel and an anticancer drug.
Main Results:
- PMOF and AlgL-PMOF demonstrated enhanced cell viability under both hypoxic and normoxic conditions.
- The 3D network of AlgL-PMOF provided sustained oxygen availability.
- Combined treatment with the hydrogel and an anticancer drug reduced the viability of malignant and immortal cells, while increasing the viability of healthy cells.
Conclusions:
- The developed oxygen-carrying nanomaterial and injectable hydrogel show promise for improving cell survival in engineered tissues and treating hypoxic tumors.
- AlgL-PMOF hydrogel can deliver oxygen and anticancer drugs, leading to selective cancer cell death.
- This approach offers a potential strategy for more effective and safer cancer therapies by targeting hypoxic tumor microenvironments.
