Dual-Spherical Multifunctional Nanomotors for Intravesical Bladder Cancer Therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Conventional intravesical chemotherapy for bladder cancer has limited efficacy.
• Self-propelled nanomotors enhance drug diffusion but struggle with long-term urease activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop self-propelled nanomotors with sustained activity for enhanced bladder cancer treatment.
• To create gemcitabine-loaded nanomotors for targeted tumor delivery and dual anticancer effects.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized three-enzyme nanomotors using biomineralization with glucose oxidase and urease.
• Created dual-spherical nanomotors by combining gemcitabine-loaded cell membrane nanoparticles with nanomotors.
• Confirmed nanomotor fabrication and function using TEM, DLS, and activity assays.

Main Results:

• Biomineralized nanomotors demonstrated long-term urease activity and efficient urea decomposition for propulsion.
• Nanomotors achieved deep bladder wall penetration and enhanced accumulation in tumor cells.
• Released gemcitabine and glucose oxidase significantly inhibited tumor progression.

Conclusions:

• Gemcitabine-loaded nanomotors effectively penetrate mucus layers and target bladder tumors.
• This nanomotor strategy induces tumor cell death, offering a novel treatment for bladder cancer.