Flexocatalytic Reduction of Tumor Interstitial Fluid/Solid Pressure for Efficient Nanodrug Penetration

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Oncology

Background:

• Nanomedicine efficacy in solid tumors is limited by high interstitial fluid pressure.
• Tumor interstitial pressure stems from poor vascularization and fibroblast proliferation, causing liquid and solid stresses.
• Effective nanomedicine delivery requires overcoming these physical barriers within the tumor microenvironment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel strategy to enhance nanomedicine penetration and therapeutic efficacy in solid tumors.
• To address the challenges posed by elevated tumor interstitial pressure and fibroblast activity.
• To create a multidimensional approach for improved tumor treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a WS₂/Pt Schottky heterojunction platform with flexocatalysis to disintegrate tumor interstitial fluids, generating oxygen and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
• Incorporated curcumin to suppress cancer-associated fibroblasts, reduce extracellular matrix collagen, and alleviate solid stress.
• Engineered nanomedicines with homologous targeting by enveloping them with tumor cell membranes.

Main Results:

• The dual-faceted approach effectively mitigated tumor interstitial fluid pressure, enhancing nanomedicine delivery.
• Generated ROS induced tumor cell apoptosis and modulated the tumor microenvironment.
• The strategy amplified anti-tumor immune responses, leading to optimized therapeutic impacts.

Conclusions:

• This novel nanomedicine platform successfully overcomes physical barriers in solid tumors, improving drug delivery.
• The combined approach of pressure reduction, fibroblast suppression, and ROS generation offers a promising strategy for cancer therapy.
• Modulating the tumor microenvironment and enhancing immune responses are key to maximizing nanomedicine therapeutic potential.