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Electroactive functional microenvironments from bioactive polymers: A new strategy to address cancer
S Ribeiro1, M Soares2, B Hermenegildo3
1Physics Centre of Minho and Porto Universities (CF-UM-UP), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; LaPMET-Laboratory of Physics for Materials and Emergent Technologies, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; IB-S-Institute for Research and Innovation on Bio-Sustainability, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
Electroactive microenvironments using piezoelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride) films can mitigate rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) cancer. Mechanical stimuli increased RMS proliferation, while mechano-electrical stimuli decreased it, offering novel therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cancer Research
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Skeletal muscle cancer, specifically rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), poses a significant therapeutic challenge.
- Developing novel strategies to control cancer cell proliferation is crucial for effective treatment.
- Electroactive materials offer potential for modulating cellular behavior through physical stimuli.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of electroactive microenvironments on rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) cell proliferation.
- To evaluate the influence of mechanical and electrical stimuli on human embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells.
- To explore the role of material morphology and surface charge in cell response.
Main Methods:
- Culturing human embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells on piezoelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) films.
- Applying various surface charges (non-poled, poled+, poled-) and magnetic composites (Fe3O4, CFO) for magneto-mechanical and magnetoelectrical stimulation.
- Evaluating electrospun PVDF fiber mats (pristine and magnetic) with different orientations (random and oriented).
Main Results:
- Mechanical stimuli were found to enhance RMS proliferation.
- Mechano-electrical stimuli demonstrated a decrease in RMS proliferation.
- RD cells showed better proliferation on randomly oriented fibers, while myoblast cells preferred oriented fibers.
Conclusions:
- Electroactive microenvironments can be effectively utilized to develop novel approaches for mitigating RMS cancer.
- The findings suggest potential extrapolation of these strategies to other cancer types.
- Material properties and morphology significantly influence cancer cell behavior and proliferation.
