Nanostructured composite biomaterials for cancer treatment and tissue engineering

Biomatreials are revolutionizing clinical treatment methods. Most biomedical material systems have become increasingly complex over the last few decades. This talk comprises two examples of research advances achieved in our group: 1) Cancer theranostic nanoparticles: Nano theranostics can offer new solutions to cancer treatment by combining several therapeutic and diagnostic aspects in one nano platform. In our research, we developed a new drug delivery and diagnostic composite nano platform for use in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. It was based on cobalt ferrite magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) coated with polyaniline (PANI) and loaded with the chemotherapy drug Sorafenib (SB) for the first time. The NPs main chemical, physical, and biological characterizations were achieved using various methods. The nano platform demonstrated efficient SB drug loading with a controlled release profile in acidic tumor microenvironments. Magnetic resonance imaging analysis indicated that the NPs acted as promising contrast agents due to their magnetic core and could potentially facilitate cancer diagnosis. PANI incorporation in NPs led to a high capacity for photothermal conversion, a safe thermal effect that can cause cancer cells to be destroyed above a threshold temperature. The composite particles exhibited in vitro blood biocompatibility and cytotoxicity against hepatic cancer cells. The results confirmed that the developed theragnostic NPs had suitable biocompatibility, provided a pH-responsive system ensuring the selective release of SB, created an efficient photothermal effect, and proved as a reliable contrast agent for MRI and targeted drug delivery. 2) Bone tissue engineering scaffolds: Bioprinting has emerged as the dominant technology in fabrication of tissue engineering scaffolds. All bioprinting techniques involve construction of a 3-dimentional structure via the preparation of the scaffold’s material in the form of a hydrogel ink which can carry live cells through the printing process. We successfully developed a nanocomposite hydrogel ink for the 3D printing of bone tissue engineering scaffolds. The bioresorbable ink reported for the first time was based on alginate/gelatin, bioactive glass (BG), and metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles. As the bone tissue is mineralized, mesoporous BG particles were included in the ink to stimulate osteogenesis and bone bonding. Moreover, ZIF-8 MOF nanoparticles loaded with dexamethasone drug were synthesized and incorporated into the ink to provide the printed scaffolds with a drug delivery system. Printable ink was obtained through systematic rheological studies of nanocomposite hydrogels with various component ratios. The optimum nanocomposite ink was successfully used to assemble a scaffold using an extrusion-based 3D printer. A comprehensive study of the mechanical, physicochemical, and biological aspects of the 3D-printed sample was conducted. The printed constructs had a high spatial resolution, suitable water uptake and degradation properties, controlled drug release capability, bioactivity via hydroxyapatite formation in simulated body fluid, and promising cellular cytocompatibility.