A Stretchable, Transparent, Photothermally Stimulated Laser-Induced Graphene Patch for Noninvasive Skin Tumor
Xiaoyu Xu1, Le Cheng2, Baoping Li1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China.
Abstract:
Melanoma causes over 80% of skin cancer-related deaths, with conventional therapies hampered by its aggressiveness, metastasis, and drug resistance. Noninvasive, biocompatible strategies are promising for next-generation cancer treatments. Herein, we developed a soft, stretchable laser-induced graphene (LIG)-Cu/PDMS patch, consisting of CuO-embedded LIG (active component) and biocompatible PDMS (flexible matrix). Chemically inert and breathable, the patch minimizes toxic side effects. Upon photothermal activation, it releases Cu2+ that accumulates in melanoma tissue. In a mouse model, two 1-h phototherapy sessions achieved effective tumor suppression within 10 days. Mechanistically, the patch enhances reactive oxygen species production, inducing apoptosis, cuproptosis, and ferroptosis. It also inhibits tumor invasion/metastasis and boosts antitumor immunity, with stable performance enabling multiple uses (energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable). This work demonstrates graphene-based materials' potential in cancer therapy via synergistic activation of multiple cell death pathways and efficacy in low-temperature phototherapy, expanding graphene's application in malignant tumor treatment and highlighting its clinical translation prospects.
Insights
A novel graphene-based patch effectively suppresses melanoma by releasing copper ions and activating multiple cell death pathways. This noninvasive, biocompatible strategy offers a promising, sustainable approach for advanced cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Therapy
Background:
- Melanoma is a deadly skin cancer with limited treatment options due to its aggressive nature and resistance.
- Developing noninvasive, biocompatible therapies is crucial for effective next-generation cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a soft, stretchable laser-induced graphene (LIG)-Cu/PDMS patch for melanoma treatment.
- To investigate the therapeutic mechanisms and efficacy of the patch in a preclinical model.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a CuO-embedded LIG/PDMS patch for controlled release of Cu2+ upon photothermal activation.
- In vivo testing in a mouse melanoma model using phototherapy sessions.
- Analysis of tumor suppression, cell death pathways (apoptosis, cuproptosis, ferroptosis), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and immune response.
Main Results:
- The LIG-Cu/PDMS patch demonstrated effective melanoma tumor suppression within 10 days after two 1-h phototherapy sessions.
- The patch induced synergistic cell death via apoptosis, cuproptosis, and ferroptosis by enhancing ROS production.
- The treatment inhibited tumor invasion and metastasis while boosting antitumor immunity.
Conclusions:
- The developed graphene-based patch is a promising noninvasive therapeutic strategy for melanoma.
- The patch leverages photothermal activation for targeted copper ion release and multi-pathway cell death induction.
- This approach shows potential for sustainable, energy-efficient, and clinically translatable cancer therapy.
