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Microfluidic Device for Recreating a Tumor Microenvironment in Vitro
Published on: November 20, 2011
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Micro-nano microbial fuel cell-driven bioelectrochemical tumor therapy
Ruiyan Li1,2, Yong Kang1,2, Nana Ran1
1Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Medical College, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
Nature Communications
|October 9, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a novel bioelectrochemical system using bacteria and manganese dioxide to treat colorectal cancer. The system effectively targets tumors, enhances immune response, and converts the immunosuppressive tumor environment into an immunoactive one for better cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cancer Research
- Microbiology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer presents significant treatment challenges due to physical and immunological barriers.
- The tumor microenvironment is often immunosuppressive, hindering effective therapeutic responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a micro-nano microbial fuel cell system for bioelectrochemical tumor modulation.
- To enhance colorectal cancer treatment by overcoming tumor barriers and reprogramming the tumor microenvironment.
Main Methods:
- Integration of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans (Dsv) as a biological electron donor and MnO2 as an electron acceptor.
- Development of the Dsv@MnO2-NE-PEG system with enhanced mucosal adhesion and mucus penetration.
- Assessment of anti-tumor activity, tumor colonization, and immune modulation.
Main Results:
- The Dsv@MnO2-NE-PEG system demonstrated superior tumor colonization and retention.
- The system disrupted lactate accumulation, generated reactive oxygen species, and induced pyroptosis, enhancing antigen release and immune activation.
- MnO2 reduction products activated the cGAS-STING pathway, promoting anti-tumor immunity by enhancing immune cell activity and infiltration.
Conclusions:
- The developed bioelectrochemical system effectively modulates the tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer.
- This approach converts an immunosuppressive tumor into an immunoactive one, offering a promising strategy for cancer therapy.
