Transformable Gallium-Based Liquid Metal Nanoparticles for Tumor Radiotherapy Sensitization.

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Radiotherapy

Background:

• Gallium-based liquid metals (LM) are increasingly explored in microfluidics, soft robotics, electrobiology, and biomedicine.
• Radiotherapy is a cornerstone of cancer treatment, but its efficacy can be limited by factors such as tumor radioresistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of nanosized gallium-indium eutectic alloy (EGaIn) as a radiosensitizer to enhance tumor radiotherapy.
• To develop and characterize sodium alginate-functionalized EGaIn nanoparticles (EGaIn@Alg NPs) for improved biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• A one-step synthesis method was used to prepare sodium alginate (Alg) functionalized EGaIn nanoparticles (EGaIn@Alg NPs).
• The EGaIn@Alg NPs were evaluated for their ability to enhance X-ray induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.
• In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to assess cytotoxicity, biocompatibility, tumor inhibition, and imaging capabilities.

Main Results:

• EGaIn@Alg NPs demonstrated prevention of aggregation and oxidation, low cytotoxicity, and good biocompatibility.
• The nanoparticles effectively generated ROS under X-ray irradiation, leading to enhanced DNA damage and cell apoptosis.
• Significant tumor inhibition rates were observed in vivo, and EGaIn@Alg NPs showed promise as CT and PAT imaging contrast agents.

Conclusions:

• Nanosized EGaIn, functionalized with alginate, represents a novel and effective radiosensitizer for enhancing tumor radiotherapy.
• EGaIn@Alg NPs offer a dual function as therapeutic agents and imaging contrast agents, expanding the biomedical applications of gallium-based liquid metals.