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Published on: October 28, 2014
Photo-Controlled Calcium Overload from Endogenous Sources for Tumor Therapy
Jing-Jing Hu1, Lizhen Yuan1, Yunfan Zhang1
1State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China.
This study presents a novel photo-controlled nanomodulator that precisely regulates calcium ions (Ca2+) in tumor cells. This approach effectively achieves calcium overload for enhanced tumor treatment, utilizing both external influx and internal release mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Therapy
Background:
- Calcium ion (Ca2+) overload is a promising strategy for cancer treatment.
- Existing nanogenerators struggle with controlled Ca2+ release for effective tumor therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design a photo-controlled nanomodulator for precise Ca2+ overload in tumor cells.
- To utilize endogenous Ca2+ from dual sources for enhanced therapeutic effects.
Main Methods:
- Mesoporous silica nanoparticles co-loaded with indocyanine green and a nitric oxide (NO) donor (BNN-6).
- Hyaluronic acid coating for tumor targeting and controlled release.
- Near-infrared light activation to trigger reactive oxygen species and heat production.
Main Results:
- Photo-activation induced Ca2+ influx via the transient receptor potential ankyrin subtype 1 channel.
- Heat generation triggered NO release, opening ryanodine receptors for intracellular Ca2+ release.
- Demonstrated efficient Ca2+ overload in tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo.
Conclusions:
- The developed nanomodulator enables precise, photo-controlled dual-source Ca2+ overload in tumor cells.
- This strategy shows significant potential for efficient tumor growth inhibition.

