Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2025
Surface-enhanced Resonance Raman Scattering Nanoprobe Ratiometry for Detecting Microscopic Ovarian Cancer via Folate Receptor Targeting
Published on: March 25, 2019
Potential application and prospects of ROS-sensitive biomaterials in cancer therapy: a immune microenvironment
Weiming Huang1, Pengju Zhang2, Eryong Zhao1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, Guangdong, China.
Abstract:
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) is the collective term used for the extremely reactive molecules that are important mediators in physiological processes as well as the development of various disease conditions. Normal cells maintain a delicate equilibrium, known as redox homeostasis, between antioxidants and ROS levels. Any imbalance in the redox homeostasis of the body results in oxidative stress which can result in inflammation, necrosis, apoptosis, cell death, and eventually a disease state. Enhanced ROS levels are a key feature in cancer cells that is being explored for developing reactive oxygen species-sensitive biomaterials. The distinct variation in redox potential between normal cells and tumour cells is one of the major physiological differences between them, that has enabled the development of ROS-sensitive nanomaterials for cancer therapy. ROS-sensitive nanomaterials are sensitive to the physiological variations in the cells, like high levels of hydrogen peroxide and glutathione in the cancer cells. ROS-responsive nanomaterials have the unique property of modulating microenvironmental redox conditions in cancer cells. ROS-sensitive material can work either by scavenging the ROS or by simulating the cellular antioxidants, leading to cancer cell cytotoxicity. These ROS-sensitive nanomaterials can simulate the human body's natural antioxidants like, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase. Thus, ROS-sensitive nanomaterials hold promise as a potential platform for the treatment of cancer. The present review will cover the importance of ROS in cancer, the different types of ROS-sensitive nanomaterials available and their therapeutic application in cancer therapy.
Insights
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are key in cancer development. ROS-sensitive nanomaterials offer a promising cancer therapy by targeting these elevated levels and restoring redox balance.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are critical mediators in physiological processes and disease.
- Oxidative stress from ROS imbalance causes inflammation, cell death, and disease.
- Elevated ROS levels are characteristic of cancer cells, presenting therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of ROS in cancer.
- To explore ROS-sensitive nanomaterials for cancer therapy.
- To discuss the therapeutic applications of these nanomaterials.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on ROS, oxidative stress, and cancer.
- Analysis of the mechanisms of ROS-sensitive nanomaterials.
- Evaluation of therapeutic strategies utilizing these nanomaterials.
Main Results:
- Cancer cells exhibit distinct redox potentials compared to normal cells.
- ROS-sensitive nanomaterials exploit these differences for targeted cancer treatment.
- These nanomaterials can scavenge ROS or mimic natural antioxidants, inducing cancer cell death.
Conclusions:
- ROS-sensitive nanomaterials represent a promising platform for cancer therapy.
- Targeting ROS in cancer cells offers a unique therapeutic approach.
- Further development of ROS-sensitive nanomaterials could lead to novel cancer treatments.
