Nano selenium-doped TiO2 nanotube arrays on orthopedic implants for suppressing osteosarcoma growth

Osteosarcoma, the most common primary malignant bone tumor, is characterized by malignant cells producing osteoid or immature bone tissue. Most osteosarcoma patients require reconstructive surgery to restore the functional and structural integrity of the injured bone. Metal orthopedic implants are commonly used to restore the limb integrity in postoperative patients. However, conventional metal implants with a bioinert surface cannot inhibit the growth of any remaining cancer cells, resulting in a higher risk of cancer recurrence. Herein, we fabricate a selenium-doped TiO2 nanotube array (Se-doped TNA) film to modify the surface of medical pure titanium substrate, and evaluate the anti-tumor effect and biocompatibility of Se-doped TNA film. Moreover, we further explore the anti-tumor potential mechanism of Se-doped TNA film by studying the behaviors of human osteosarcoma cells in vitro. We provide a new pathway for achieving the anti-tumor function of orthopedic implants while keeping the biocompatibility, aiming to suppress the recurrence of osteosarcoma.

Polydopamine-assisted decoration of Se nanoparticles on curcumin-incorporated nanofiber matrices for localized synergistic tumor-wound therapy

The management of surgical wounds incurred during tumor removal procedures has become a non-negligible issue. Herein, for the first time, an implantable polymer-based nanofiber matrix is developed for postoperative tumor management by promoting wound healing and preventing cancer recurrence. The multifunctional matrix is successfully prepared by assembling chitosan-stabilized Se nanoparticles (SeNPs) at the surface of polydopamine (PDA) modified poly(ε-caprolactone)/curcumin fibres (PCL/CUR), denoted as PCL/CUR/PDA@Se. In this system, PDA as functionalized layers coated onto the PCL/CUR surface favors the effective immobilization of SeNPs through a covalent bond, as well as acts as a gatekeeper guaranteeing the sustained release of CUR. The CUR/SeNPs present excellent antitumor efficacy, respectively, which supports the nanocomposite matrix to efficiently kill cancer cells in vitro by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction caused by the ROS overproduction, and significantly suppressing the tumor growth in vivo. Additionally, due to the synergistic antioxidant activity of CUR and SeNPs, the nanofibrous matrix distinctly facilitates the adhesion and proliferation of normal fibroblast cells, and simultaneously accelerates wound healing during tumor treatments in tumor-bearing mice. These results suggest that the PCL/CUR/PDA@Se matrix with bifunctional properties is a promising candidate for local tumor-wound therapy. This work offers an innovative strategy to develop new improved post-surgery therapies for cancer patients.

Wireless Electrochemotherapy by Selenium-Doped Piezoelectric Biomaterials to Enhance Cancer Cell Apoptosis

Cancer residues around the surgical site remain a significant cause of treatment failure with cancer recurrence. To prevent cancer recurrence and simultaneously repair surgery-caused defects, it is urgent to develop implantable biomaterials with anticancer ability and good biological activity. In this work, a functionalized implant is successfully fabricated by doping the effective anticancer element selenium (Se) into the potassium-sodium niobate piezoceramic, which realizes the wireless combination of electrotherapy and chemotherapy. Herein, we demonstrate that the Se-doped piezoelectric implant can cause mitochondrial damage by increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species levels and then trigger the caspase-3 pathway to significantly promote apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells in vitro. Meanwhile, its good biocompatibility has been verified. These results are of great importance for future deployment of wireless electro- and chemostimulation to modulate biological process around the defective tissue.