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Hydrogel Arrays Enable Increased Throughput for Screening Effects of Matrix Components and Therapeutics in 3D Tumor Models
Published on: June 16, 2022
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A Light-Responsive Injectable Hydrogel with Remodeling Tumor Microenvironment for Light-Activated Chemodynamic
Zeming Liu1, Hongbo Chen1, Chunyu Huang2,3
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
Macromolecular Bioscience
|October 17, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a novel hydrogel system that combines photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemodynamic therapy (CDT) to effectively treat tumors. The system enhances oxidative stress, leading to complete tumor inhibition in mice.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Therapy
Background:
- Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) efficacy is limited by the tumor microenvironment's low hydrogen peroxide levels.
- Single-modality treatments often show insufficient therapeutic outcomes for tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a hydrogel-based system for enhanced synergistic photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemodynamic therapy (CDT).
- To overcome the limitations of the tumor microenvironment for effective cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- A composite nanomaterial (Cu-Hemin-Au) was loaded into agarose hydrogels for intratumoral injection.
- Near-infrared light irradiation triggered photothermal effects and release of nanomaterials.
- Gold nanoparticles' glucose oxidase-like activity generated hydrogen peroxide in situ for enhanced CDT.
Main Results:
- The hydrogel system successfully combined PTT and CDT, achieving synergistic effects.
- In situ generation of hydrogen peroxide and subsequent reactive oxygen species production led to significant tumor inhibition in mice.
- The hydrogel remained at the tumor site, facilitating sustained drug release and therapy.
Conclusions:
- The developed hydrogel system offers a promising strategy for synergistic PTT/CDT against tumors.
- This approach provides a novel platform for next-generation hydrogels in antitumor applications.
- Enhanced oxidative stress through combined therapies significantly inhibits tumor growth.
