A multifunctional Janus-inspired therapeutic patch enabling intraoperative control of tumor dissemination and

Xuan Pan1, Xiaoming Wang1, Qin Dang2

  • 1Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical University (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical University), Wuhu, 241000, China.

Materials Today. Bio
|August 4, 2026
PubMed

Insights

A novel Janus-inspired therapeutic patch (JTP) effectively controls pancreatic cancer recurrence by managing bleeding, capturing tumor cells, and delivering chemotherapy directly to the surgical site, improving survival rates.

Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Surgical Oncology
  • Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

  • Postoperative recurrence and metastasis are major challenges in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) following surgical resection.
  • Current surgical techniques lack effective intraoperative strategies to prevent tumor dissemination and residual disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and evaluate a multifunctional Janus-inspired therapeutic patch (JTP) for intraoperative control of PDAC recurrence.
  • To integrate hemostasis, tumor cell capture, and localized chemotherapy into a single implantable device.

Main Methods:

  • A trilayer JTP was designed with a gelatin-hyaluronic acid sponge for hemostasis and tumor cell capture, a gemcitabine-loaded polylactic acid nanofiber layer for sustained drug release, and a polycaprolactone backing for barrier function.
  • The JTP's performance was assessed in an orthotopic PDAC resection model, evaluating hemostasis, tumor suppression, metastasis inhibition, and survival rates.

Main Results:

  • The JTP demonstrated rapid hemostasis within 1.24 minutes and significantly reduced blood loss by 78%.
  • The patch achieved approximately 89% tumor suppression and substantially inhibited hepatic metastasis.
  • JTP implantation extended survival to 38 days with an 80% survival rate in the PDAC model.

Conclusions:

  • The Janus-inspired therapeutic patch offers a promising strategy to bridge surgical resection and localized chemotherapy for improved postoperative PDAC management.
  • This multifunctional patch transforms the surgical site into an active therapeutic interface, effectively controlling tumor recurrence and metastasis.

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