Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 29, 2025
07:54
Surface-enhanced Resonance Raman Scattering Nanoprobe Ratiometry for Detecting Microscopic Ovarian Cancer via Folate Receptor Targeting
Published on: March 25, 2019
8.3K
A transistor-like pH-sensitive nanodetergent for selective cancer therapy
Mingdong Liu1,2, Liangqi Huang1,2, Weinan Zhang1,2
1School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
Nature Nanotechnology
|March 25, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed novel
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
- Oncology
Background:
- Plasma membrane rupture is a potential cancer therapy, but lacks tumor selectivity.
- Existing membranolytic molecules show limited efficacy due to poor targeting.
- Drug-resistant cancers require innovative therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design advanced nanodetergents for selective cancer therapy.
- To engineer a system that targets cancer cells based on pH.
- To develop a 'proton transistor' for controlled membrane disruption.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized 'proton transistor' nanodetergents (P(C6-Bn20)).
- Evaluated nanodetergent performance based on pH sensitivity and cytotoxicity.
- Assessed in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor efficacy and toxicity in mouse models.
Main Results:
- P(C6-Bn20) demonstrated a >32-fold cytotoxicity change with a 0.1 pH input.
- Nanoparticles exhibited low toxicity at physiological pH and activated membranolysis in acidic tumor environments.
- Effective anti-tumor activity and good tolerability were observed in mouse models.
Conclusions:
- 'Proton transistor' nanodetergents offer a novel approach for selective cancer therapy.
- pH-responsive nanodetergents can overcome the limitations of traditional membranolytic agents.
- This technology shows promise for treating drug-resistant cancers with enhanced safety and efficacy.
