Magnetic Composite Scaffolds for Potential Applications in Radiochemotherapy of Malignant Bone Tumors

Engineered Cell Microenvironments: A Benchmark Tool for Radiobiology

The development of engineered cell microenvironments for fundamental cell mechanobiology, in vitro disease modeling, and tissue engineering applications increased exponentially during the last two decades. In such context, in vitro radiobiology is a field of research aiming at understanding the effects of ionizing radiation (e.g., X-rays/photons, high-speed electrons, and high-speed protons) on biological (cancerous) tissues and cells, in particular in terms of DNA damage leading to cell death. Herein, the perspective provides a comparative assessment overview of scaffold-free, scaffold-based, and organ-on-a-chip models for radiobiology, highlighting opportunities, limitations, and future pathways to improve the currently existing approaches toward personalized cancer medicine.

Utilizing the superoxide dismutase activity of ceria nanoparticles to endow poly-l-lactic acid bone implants with antitumor function

Currently, numerous bone tumor patients undergo tumor recurrence after surgical resection, which seriously affects their quality of life. In this study, the ceria (CeO2) nanoparticle was added to Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) bone implants endowing the bone implant with antitumor function. The results showed that the reactive oxygen species increased in U2OS cells while it dropped in HEK293 cells as the CeO2 content increased. Meanwhile, the PLLA-8CeO2 showed a high cell inhibition rate of 53.66 % for U2OS cells and possessed a high cell viability of 76.96 ± 2.20 % for HEK293 cells, meaning that the implant could kill bone tumor cells meanwhile show good cytocompatibility for normal cells. These were mainly due to the fact that the CeO2 nanoparticles acted as a superoxide dismutase in tumor cells reducing superoxide to hydrogen peroxide, inducing an increase in reactive oxygen species levels. The excess reactive oxygen species could result in tumor cell apoptosis by disrupting mitochondrial structure, oxidizing proteins, and promoting DNA denaturation. Moreover, the compressive strength of PLLA was improved by the CeO2 addition due to its particle dispersion strengthening. Besides, the PLLA-CeO2 had a faster degradation rate compared to PLLA. Overall, the PLLA-CeO2 is a promising implant material for bone tumor treatment.

On the Evaluation of the Hyperthermic Efficiency of Magnetic Scaffolds

Goal: Deep-seated tumors (DST) can be treated using thermoseeds exposed to a radiofrequency magnetic field for performing local interstitial hyperthermia treatment (HT). Several research efforts were oriented to the manufacturing of novel biocompatible magnetic nanostructured thermo-seeds, called magnetic scaffolds (MagS). Several iron-doped bioceramics or magnetic polymers in various formulations are available. However, the crucial evaluation of their heating potential has been carried out with significantly different, lab specific, variable experimental conditions and protocols often ignoring the several error sources and inaccuracies estimation. Methods: This work comments and provides a perspective analysis of an experimental protocol for the estimation methodology of the specific absorption rate (SAR) of MagS for DST HT. Numerical multiphysics simultions have been performed to outline the theoretical framework. After the in silico analysis, an experimental case is considered and tested. Results: From the simulations, we found that large overestimation in the SAR values can be found, due to the axial misplacement in the radiofrequency coil, while the radial misplacement has a lower impact on the estimated SAR value. Conclusions: The averaging of multiple temperature records is needed to reliably and effectively estimate the SAR of MagS for DST HT.

A Review of Biomimetic and Biodegradable Magnetic Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering and Oncology

Bone defects characterized by limited regenerative properties are considered a priority in surgical practice, as they are associated with reduced quality of life and high costs. In bone tissue engineering, different types of scaffolds are used. These implants represent structures with well-established properties that play an important role as delivery vectors or cellular systems for cells, growth factors, bioactive molecules, chemical compounds, and drugs. The scaffold must provide a microenvironment with increased regenerative potential at the damage site. Magnetic nanoparticles are linked to an intrinsic magnetic field, and when they are incorporated into biomimetic scaffold structures, they can sustain osteoconduction, osteoinduction, and angiogenesis. Some studies have shown that combining ferromagnetic or superparamagnetic nanoparticles and external stimuli such as an electromagnetic field or laser light can enhance osteogenesis and angiogenesis and even lead to cancer cell death. These therapies are based on in vitro and in vivo studies and could be included in clinical trials for large bone defect regeneration and cancer treatments in the near future. We highlight the scaffolds' main attributes and focus on natural and synthetic polymeric biomaterials combined with magnetic nanoparticles and their production methods. Then, we underline the structural and morphological aspects of the magnetic scaffolds and their mechanical, thermal, and magnetic properties. Great attention is devoted to the magnetic field effects on bone cells, biocompatibility, and osteogenic impact of the polymeric scaffolds reinforced with magnetic nanoparticles. We explain the biological processes activated due to magnetic particles' presence and underline their possible toxic effects. We present some studies regarding animal tests and potential clinical applications of magnetic polymeric scaffolds.

Advanced 3D Magnetic Scaffolds for Tumor-Related Bone Defects

The need for bone substitutes is a major challenge as the incidence of serious bone disorders is massively increasing, mainly attributed to modern world problems, such as obesity, aging of the global population, and cancer incidence. Bone cancer represents one of the most significant causes of bone defects, with reserved prognosis regarding the effectiveness of treatments and survival rate. Modern therapies, such as hyperthermia, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and magnetic therapy, seem to bring hope for cancer treatment in general, and bone cancer in particular. Mimicking the composition of bone to create advanced scaffolds, such as bone substitutes, proved to be insufficient for successful bone regeneration, and a special attention should be given to control the changes in the bone tissue micro-environment. The magnetic manipulation by an external field can be a promising technique to control this micro-environment, and to sustain the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts, promoting the expression of some growth factors, and, finally, accelerating new bone formation. By incorporating stimuli responsive nanocarriers in the scaffold's architecture, such as magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with bioactive molecules, their behavior can be rigorously controlled under external magnetic driving, and stimulates the bone tissue formation.

Calcium Phosphate-Based Bioceramics in the Treatment of Osteosarcoma: Drug Delivery Composites and Magnetic Hyperthermia Agents

The use of biomaterials in medicine is not recent, and in the last few decades, the research and development of biocompatible materials had emerged. Hydroxyapatite (HAp), a calcium phosphate that constitutes a large part of the inorganic composition of human bones and teeth, has been used as an interesting bioceramic material. Among its applications, HAp has been used to carry antitumor drugs, such as doxorubicin, cisplatin, and gemcitabine. Such HAp-based composites have an essential role in anticancer drug delivery systems, including the treatment of osteosarcoma. In addition, the association of this bioceramic with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) has also been used as an effective agent of local magnetic hyperthermia. Further, the combined approach of the aforementioned techniques (HAp scaffolds combined with anti-tumor drugs and MNPs) is also an attractive therapeutical alternative. Considering the promising role of the use of bioceramics in modern medicine, we proposed this review, presenting an updated perspective on the use of HAp in the treatment of cancer, especially osteosarcoma. Finally, after giving the current progress in this field, we highlight the urgent need for efforts to provide a better understanding of their potential applications.

Recent approaches towards bone tissue engineering

Bone tissue engineering approaches have evolved towards addressing the challenges of tissue mimetic requirements over the years. Different strategies have been combining scaffolds, cells, and biologically active cues using a wide range of fabrication techniques, envisioning the mimicry of bone tissue. On the one hand, biomimetic scaffold-based strategies have been pursuing different biomaterials to produce scaffolds, combining with diverse and innovative fabrication strategies to mimic bone tissue better, surpassing bone grafts. On the other hand, biomimetic scaffold-free approaches mainly foresee replicating endochondral ossification, replacing hyaline cartilage with new bone. Finally, since bone tissue is highly vascularized, new strategies focused on developing pre-vascularized scaffolds or pre-vascularized cellular aggregates have been a motif of study. The recent biomimetic scaffold-based and scaffold-free approaches in bone tissue engineering, focusing on materials and fabrication methods used, are overviewed herein. The biomimetic vascularized approaches are also discussed, namely the development of pre-vascularized scaffolds and pre-vascularized cellular aggregates.

Imaging Constructs: The Rise of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Over the last decade, an important challenge in nanomedicine imaging has been the work to design multifunctional agents that can be detected by single and/or multimodal techniques. Among the broad spectrum of nanoscale materials being investigated for imaging use, iron oxide nanoparticles have gained significant attention due to their intrinsic magnetic properties, low toxicity, large magnetic moments, superparamagnetic behaviour and large surface area-the latter being a particular advantage in its conjunction with specific moieties, dye molecules, and imaging probes. Tracers-based nanoparticles are promising candidates, since they combine synergistic advantages for non-invasive, highly sensitive, high-resolution, and quantitative imaging on different modalities. This study represents an overview of current advancements in magnetic materials with clinical potential that will hopefully provide an effective system for diagnosis in the near future. Further exploration is still needed to reveal their potential as promising candidates from simple functionalization of metal oxide nanomaterials up to medical imaging.

Review of a new bone tumor therapy strategy based on bifunctional biomaterials

Bone tumors, especially those in osteosarcoma, usually occur in adolescents. The standard clinical treatment includes chemotherapy, surgical therapy, and radiation therapy. Unfortunately, surgical resection often fails to completely remove the tumor, which is the main cause of postoperative recurrence and metastasis, resulting in a high mortality rate. Moreover, bone tumors often invade large areas of bone, which cannot repair itself, and causes a serious effect on the quality of life of patients. Thus, bone tumor therapy and bone regeneration are challenging in the clinic. Herein, this review presents the recent developments in bifunctional biomaterials to achieve a new strategy for bone tumor therapy. The selected bifunctional materials include 3D-printed scaffolds, nano/microparticle-containing scaffolds, hydrogels, and bone-targeting nanomaterials. Numerous related studies on bifunctional biomaterials combining tumor photothermal therapy with enhanced bone regeneration were reviewed. Finally, a perspective on the future development of biomaterials for tumor therapy and bone tissue engineering is discussed. This review will provide a useful reference for bone tumor-related disease and the field of complex diseases to combine tumor therapy and tissue engineering.

Preparation and Application of Magnetic Responsive Materials in Bone Tissue Engineering

At present, many kinds of materials are used for bone tissue engineering, such as polymer materials, metals, etc., which in general have good biocompatibility and mechanical properties. However, these materials cannot be controlled artificially after implantation, which may result in poor repair performance. The appearance of the magnetic response material enables the scaffolds to have the corresponding ability to the external magnetic field. Within the magnetic field, the magnetic response material can achieve the targeted release of the drug, improve the performance of the scaffold, and further have a positive impact on bone formation. This paper first reviewed the preparation methods of magnetic responsive materials such as magnetic nanoparticles, magnetic polymers, magnetic bioceramic materials and magnetic alloys in recent years, and then introduced its main applications in the field of bone tissue engineering, including promoting osteogenic differentiation, targets release, bioimaging, cell patterning, etc. Finally, the mechanism of magnetic response materials to promote bone regeneration was introduced. The combination of magnetic field treatment methods will bring significant progress to regenerative medicine and help to improve the treatment of bone defects and promote bone tissue repair.

The Potential Selective Cytotoxicity of Poly (L- Lactic Acid)-Based Scaffolds Functionalized with Nanohydroxyapatite and Europium (III) Ions toward Osteosarcoma Cells

Osteosarcoma (OSA) is malignant bone tumor, occurring in children and adults, characterized by poor prognosis. Despite advances in chemotherapy and surgical techniques, the survival of osteosarcoma patients is not improving significantly. Currently, great efforts are taken to identify novel selective strategies, distinguishing between cancer and normal cells. This includes development of biomimetic scaffolds with anticancer properties that can simultaneously support and modulate proper regeneration of bone tissue. In this study cytotoxicity of scaffolds composed from poly (L-lactic acid) functionalized with nanohydroxyapatite (nHAp) and doped with europium (III) ions-10 wt % 3 mol % Eu³⁺: nHAp@PLLA was tested using human osteosarcoma cells: U-2 OS, Saos-2 and MG-63. Human adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (HuASCs) were used as non-transformed cells to determine the selective cytotoxicity of the carrier. Analysis included evaluation of cells morphology (confocal/scanning electron microscopy (SEM)), metabolic activity and apoptosis profile in cultures on the scaffolds. Results obtained indicated on high cytotoxicity of scaffolds toward all OSA cell lines, associated with a decrease of cells' viability, deterioration of metabolic activity and activation of apoptotic factors determined at mRNA and miRNA levels. Simultaneously, the biomaterials did not affect HuASCs' viability and proliferation rate. Obtained scaffolds showed a bioimaging function, due to functionalization with luminescent europium ions, and thus may find application in theranostics treatment of OSA.

Vibrational Spectroscopy Fingerprinting in Medicine: from Molecular to Clinical Practice

In the last two decades, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopies turn out to be valuable tools, capable of providing fingerprint-type information on the composition and structural conformation of specific molecular species. Vibrational spectroscopy's multiple features, namely highly sensitive to changes at the molecular level, noninvasive, nondestructive, reagent-free, and waste-free analysis, illustrate the potential in biomedical field. In light of this, the current work features recent data and major trends in spectroscopic analyses going from in vivo measurements up to ex vivo extracted and processed materials. The ability to offer insights into the structural variations underpinning pathogenesis of diseases could provide a platform for disease diagnosis and therapy effectiveness evaluation as a future standard clinical tool.