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Updated: Jul 27, 2025
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Flexible Organic Electronic Devices for Pulsed Electric Field Therapy of Glioblastoma
Published on: August 9, 2022
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Toward a theranostic device for gliomas
Gaio Paradossi1, Rachel Grossman2, Francesco Riccitelli1
1Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|June 10, 2023
Summary
Engineered microbubbles (MBs) target glioblastoma, enabling combined ultrasound and fluorescence imaging with localized temozolomide (TMZ) delivery for improved cancer treatment and monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Glioblastoma recurrence often stems from residual tumor tissue after surgery.
- Effective monitoring and localized treatment are crucial for managing this aggressive brain cancer.
- Engineered microbubbles (MBs) offer a novel platform for combined imaging and drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop multifunctional microbubbles for glioblastoma management.
- To enable active targeting of tumor tissues using RGD ligands.
- To integrate imaging capabilities and localized drug delivery.
Main Methods:
- Conjugation of MBs with a near-infrared fluorescence probe (CF790), RGD peptide, and carboxyl-temozolomide (TMZA).
- In vitro assessment of MB adhesion to HUVEC cells under physiological conditions.
- Evaluation of TMZA-loaded MB cytotoxicity on U87 MG glioblastoma cells using MTT assays.
Main Results:
- Injectable poly(vinyl alcohol) echogenic MBs were designed as a tumor-targeting platform.
- Quantitative proof of RGD-MB biorecognition onto HUVEC cells was established.
- Successful detection of near-infrared emission and preserved pharmacological activity of conjugated temozolomide (TMZ).
Conclusions:
- An improved formulation of PVA-MBs was developed as a multifunctional device.
- The MBs demonstrated adhesion ability, cytotoxicity on glioblastoma cells, and imaging support.
- This platform holds promise for enhanced glioblastoma monitoring and localized treatment.
