Alternating Magnetic Field-Triggered Switchable Nanofiber Mesh for Cancer Thermo-Chemotherapy

Abstract

We have developed a smart anti-cancer fiber mesh that is able to control tumor-killing activity against lung adenocarcinoma precisely. The mesh is capable of carrying large loads of chemotherapeutic drug, paclitaxel (PTX), as well as magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). The mesh generates heat when the loaded MNPs are activated in an alternating magnetic field (AMF). The mesh is thermo-responsive, so the heat generated can be also used to trigger PTX release from the mesh. An electrospinning method was employed to fabricate the mesh using a copolymer of N-isopropylacrylamide and N-hydroxymethylacrylamide, the phase transition temperature of which was adjusted to the mild-hyperthermia temperature range around 43 °C. In vitro anti-tumor studies demonstrated that both MNP- and PTX-loaded mesh killed about 66% of cells, whereas only PTX-loaded mesh killed about 43% of cells. In a mouse lung cancer model, the thermo-chemotherapy combo displayed enhanced anti-tumor activity and the systemic toxic effects on mice were eliminated due to local release of the chemotherapeutic agents. The proposed fiber system might provide a blueprint to guide the design of the next generation of local drug delivery systems for safe and effective cancer treatment.

Nanofibers for Biomedical and Healthcare Applications

“…Future efforts may be focused on the development of multiple stimuli‐responsive electrospun nanofibers and their biocompatibility with the human body. Niiyama et al . have developed a smart anticancer fiber mesh to control tumor‐killing activity against lung adenocarcinoma precisely.…”

“…It can be activated and generate heat when the loaded MNPs exposed to an alternating magnetic field (AMF). The proposed system is a safe and effective cancer treatment ( Figure 15 ).…”

“…Alternating magnetic field‐triggered switchable nanofiber mesh for cancer thermo‐chemotherapy. Reproduced with permission . Copyright 2018, MDPI.…”

Strategies To Design and Synthesize Polymer‐Based Stimuli‐Responsive Drug‐Delivery Nanosystems

“…These stimuli‐responsive NPs will rapidly release the loaded drugs by triggering from intrinsic stimuli, as expected, but remain “silent” in the bloodstream and normal cells. Recently, the exploitation of exogenous physical stimuli (e.g., temperature, light, magnetic, and ultrasound) has attracted increasing interest due to the controllable properties of the imposed stimuli. Notably, endowing the NPs with stimuli‐responsive capability for endo‐ and exogenous stimuli simultaneously can achieve better synergistic therapeutic effects.…”

Strong Cationic Radical Initiator‐Based Design of a Thermoresponsive Hydrogel Showing Drastic Volume Transition

“…[ 1–6 ] In the past few decades, various gel functions, including stimuli response, self‐oscillation, self‐healing, high mechanical strength, and biomolecular recognition, have been developed. [ 7–13 ] Moreover, researchers have attempted strategic control of the gel structure, [ 14–18 ] because the molecular design of polymer networks plays a significant role in the development of various gel functionalities.…”