3D printed intelligent scaffold prevents recurrence and distal metastasis of breast cancer

Abstract

Rationale: Tumors are commonly treated by resection, which usually leads to massive hemorrhage and tumor cell residues, thereby increasing the risk of local recurrence and distant metastasis. Methods: Herein, an intelligent 3D-printed poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), gelatin, and chitosan scaffold loaded with anti-cancer drugs was prepared that showed hemostatic function and good pH sensitivity. Results: Following in situ implantation in wounds, the scaffolds absorbed hemorrhage and cell residues after surgery, and promoted wound healing. In an in vivo environment, the scaffold responded to the slightly acidic environment of the tumor to undergo sustained drug release to significantly inhibit the recurrence and growth of the tumor, and reduced drug toxicity, all without causing damage to healthy tissues and with good biocompatibility. Conclusions: The multifunctional intelligent scaffold represents an excellent treatment modality for breast cancer following resection, and provides great potential for efficient cancer therapy.

Polysaccharide 3D Printing for Drug Delivery Applications

“…Chitosan and gelatin have also found applications as drug-loaded coatings for 3D printed structures in the design of multifunctional drug delivery devices. For breast cancer treatment, 3D printed scaffolds for sustained anti-cancer drug release and wound healing in postoperative treatment were developed [162]. A PLGA scaffold printed with an electrohydrodynamic jet 3D printing system was loaded with common anti-cancer drugs (5-FU and doxorubicin hydrochloride), and further sandwiched in a Gel-CS hydrogel crosslinked with glutaraldehyde (Figure 13).…”

Three-Dimensional (3D) Printing in Cancer Therapy and Diagnostics: Current Status and Future Perspectives

“…In a tumor acidic environment, there would be a sustained release of drugs without causing damage to normal cells, thus inhibiting the recurrence, growth, and metastasis of tumors. This strategy could be an effective treatment modality by providing excellent breast cancer therapy [170]. A 3D printed nanocomposite matrix has been developed using a stereolithography-based 3D printer and with a nano-ink consisting of hydroxyapatite NPs in hydrogel to mimic a bone-specific environment for assessing BC bone invasion.…”

Implantable Devices for the Treatment of Breast Cancer

“…Shi et al worked on an intelligent 3D-PLGA, gelatin, and chitosan scaffold loaded with anticancer drugs 5-FU and DOX for simultaneous cancer treatment and wound healing [56]. The pH-responsive Schiff base complexes formed by gelatin and chitosan and the degradation of PLGA in an acidic environment enabled a controlled release of the drugs.…”