Wireless Stimulation of Barium Titanate@PEDOT Nanoparticles Toward Bioelectrical Modulation in Cancer

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Bioelectronics
• Cancer Biology

Background:

• Cancer cells exhibit unique bioelectrical properties that are largely untapped for therapeutic interventions.
• Developing novel strategies to target cancer's bioelectrical characteristics is crucial for advancing treatment options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an innovative nanobioelectronic system for noninvasive, wireless modulation of cancer cell bioelectricity.
• To investigate the potential of this system to selectively target and reduce the viability of breast cancer cells.

Main Methods:

• A nanobioelectronic system composed of barium titanate nanoparticle cores and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) shells (BTO@PEDOT NPs) was synthesized.
• Ultrasound (US) stimulation was used to activate BTO@PEDOT NPs, converting mechanical energy into electrical signals to interact with cancer cell bioelectricity.
• The effects of the BTO@PEDOT NPs and US treatment on cancer cell viability (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231) and healthy cells (HMF) were assessed.

Main Results:

• Treatment with BTO@PEDOT NPs and US significantly reduced MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell viability to 31% and 24%, respectively.
• Healthy human mammary fibroblasts (HMF) remained unaffected, indicating selective toxicity towards cancer cells.
• The nanobioelectronic system increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium concentrations, polarized cancer cell membranes, and halted the cell cycle.

Conclusions:

• Nanobioelectronic systems hold significant promise as an emerging strategy for cancer intervention by targeting cancer cell bioelectricity.
• The developed BTO@PEDOT NP system demonstrates effective, noninvasive modulation of cancer cell bioelectrical properties, leading to reduced tumor cell viability.
• This approach highlights the critical role of bioelectricity in cancer progression and offers a novel therapeutic avenue.