Implantable Polymer Scaffolds Loaded with Paclitaxel-Cyclodextrin Complexes for Post-Breast Cancer Tissue...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Cancer Therapy

Background:

• Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatment failure is linked to side effects and NLRP3 inflammasome activity.
• Advanced delivery systems are crucial for targeted anti-tumor agent administration.
• Biodegradable polymer scaffolds offer biocompatibility and controlled drug release.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and evaluate 3D GelMA-pectin scaffolds loaded with paclitaxel-cyclodextrin complexes for TNBC treatment.
• To investigate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of these scaffolds in targeting TNBC pathogenesis.
• To assess the role of PTX-loaded scaffolds in pyroptosis induction and inflammasome modulation.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of 3D scaffolds from gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and pectin.
• Complexation of paclitaxel (PTX) with cyclodextrin to enhance solubility and permeability.
• In vitro and in vivo evaluation of scaffold biocompatibility, drug release, and anti-tumor effects on TNBC models.

Main Results:

• The GelMA-pectin scaffolds exhibited favorable bio-physio-chemical and mechanical properties.
• PTX-loaded scaffolds suppressed breast tumor cell growth, promoting caspase-1 activity, IL-1β release, and ROS production.
• In vivo studies confirmed pyroptosis tumor cell death activation, indicating targeted therapeutic effects.

Conclusions:

• GelMA-pectin scaffolds facilitate targeted and efficient delivery of PTX-cyclodextrin complexes.
• The developed system effectively suppresses breast tumor cell viability through pyroptosis induction.
• This approach presents a promising strategy for overcoming TNBC treatment challenges.