Development of a Smart Scaffold for Sequential Cancer Chemotherapy and Tissue Engineering

Abstract

The fabrication of a dual-functional drug-containing porous polymeric scaffold by layer-by-layer surface modification involving citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles and cisplatin molecules is being reported. These scaffolds were characterized by electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The capability of the scaffolds to release hydrated cisplatin in a slow and sustained manner over two days is established. Most importantly, the scaffolds turn nontoxic and cell-friendly after drug release, thus allowing the noncancerous fibroblast cells to adhere and proliferate (from 5000 cells to 16,000 cells in 6 days), becoming a potential solution toward an effective drug-carrying scaffold for volume-filling applications. The scaffold-mediated cancer cell killing and fibroblast cell proliferation were confirmed by fluorescence microscopy imaging, flow cytometry, and cell proliferation assays. We surmise that such a dual-purpose (drug-delivery and volume-filler) scaffold could help avoid the multiple surgical interventions needed for tumor surgery and cosmetic corrections. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of scaffolds with such a dual functionality which gets manifested in a sequential manner.

Application of Scaffold-Based Drug Delivery in Oral Cancer Treatment: A Novel Approach

“…In addition, these scaffolds can be tailored to provide structural support to damaged tissue, facilitating repair and regeneration. Overall, injectable scaffolds represent a promising way to treat various diseases [ 80 ]. Intratumoral delivery of cancer vaccines has shown potential in the treatment of various cancers.…”

“…This is particularly beneficial in oral cancer treatment, where tissue damage from surgery or radiation therapy can impede healing. By promoting tissue regeneration, scaffolds help restore the normal function of the affected area, aiding in the overall recovery process [ 80 , 85 , 86 ].…”

Next-Generation 3D Scaffolds for Nano-Based Chemotherapeutics Delivery and Cancer Treatment

“…After the drug is released, the scaffold will be left as a scaffold for tissue regeneration. The architecture is suitable for cell migration, proliferation, and adhesion [36].…”

“…Scaffolds, as a targeted or localized toxicity-inducing implantable/injectable delivery platform for antitumor effects, are emerging as a promising approach [35]. These injectable scaffolds can deliver drugs in a minimally invasive way or implant at the site, also showing the ability to release multiple drugs in a controlled and sustained manner, leading to a multifunctional therapeutic effect [36]. However, there are certain major limitations associated with intratumoral administration, which include biodegradability, immunogenicity, ensuring they are highly efficient and responsive to tumors, the spatiotemporal release of anticancer drugs from the depot, the need for a trained person to administer them, etc., that still require considerable attention [37].…”

Transcending toward Advanced 3D-Cell Culture Modalities: A Review about an Emerging Paradigm in Translational Oncology

“…Proliferation, genetic expression, and chemoresistance of prostate tumor cell lines, PC3, LNCaP, and DU145 comparison within 2D and 3D environments were also assessed. Post receiving paclitaxel and docetaxel, a lower cell proliferation rate, more resistance to paclitaxel and docetaxel, and altered gene expression profile were shown in 3D-cell culture compared to its 2D counterpart [ 163 ]. Porous scaffolds setting reflected the actual in vivo slow and sustained release of cisplatin followed by fibroblast cells adherence and proliferation during cancer chemotherapeutic treatment [ 164 ].…”