Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
Electrospinning Growth Factor Releasing Microspheres into Fibrous Scaffolds
Published on: August 16, 2014
Electrospun Drug-Loaded and Gene-Loaded Nanofibres: The Holy Grail of Glioblastoma Therapy?
Lynn Louis1, Bor Shin Chee1, Marion McAfee2
1Materials Research Institute, Faculty of Engineering, Technological University of the Shannon, Midlands Midwest, Athlone Main Campus, N37HD68 Athlone, Ireland.
Abstract:
To date, GBM remains highly resistant to therapies that have shown promising effects in other cancers. Therefore, the goal is to take down the shield that these tumours are using to protect themselves and proliferate unchecked, regardless of the advent of diverse therapies. To overcome the limitations of conventional therapy, the use of electrospun nanofibres encapsulated with either a drug or gene has been extensively researched. The aim of this intelligent biomaterial is to achieve a timely release of encapsulated therapy to exert the maximal therapeutic effect simultaneously eliminating dose-limiting toxicities and activating the innate immune response to prevent tumour recurrence. This review article is focused on the developing field of electrospinning and aims to describe the different types of electrospinning techniques in biomedical applications. Each technique describes how not all drugs or genes can be electrospun with any method; their physico-chemical properties, site of action, polymer characteristics and the desired drug or gene release rate determine the strategy used. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future perspectives associated with GBM therapy.
Insights
Electrospun nanofibres offer a novel approach to treat glioblastoma (GBM), a highly resistant cancer. This technology enables controlled drug or gene delivery to maximize therapeutic effects and minimize toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Glioblastoma (GBM) exhibits significant resistance to conventional therapies.
- Existing treatments often fail to overcome GBM's protective mechanisms, leading to uncontrolled tumor proliferation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review electrospinning techniques for developing intelligent biomaterials for GBM therapy.
- To explore the controlled release of drugs or genes encapsulated in nanofibres for enhanced therapeutic outcomes.
- To discuss strategies for overcoming GBM resistance and preventing tumor recurrence.
Main Methods:
- Review of various electrospinning techniques applicable to biomedical applications.
- Analysis of factors influencing drug/gene encapsulation and release, including physico-chemical properties and polymer characteristics.
- Evaluation of strategies for timely therapeutic agent delivery.
Main Results:
- Electrospun nanofibres can encapsulate drugs or genes for targeted GBM treatment.
- The choice of electrospinning method depends on the therapeutic agent's properties and desired release profile.
- This approach aims for maximal therapeutic effect while minimizing dose-limiting toxicities.
Conclusions:
- Electrospinning presents a promising strategy for advanced GBM therapy.
- Intelligent biomaterials can be engineered to activate innate immune responses and prevent tumor recurrence.
- Further research into electrospinning techniques holds potential for overcoming GBM treatment limitations.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
01:05Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...