Female professor researches drug delivery materials to kill cancer cells

Prof. Dr. Dinh Thi Mai Thanh and her colleagues successfully synthesized a new drug-carrying material, capable of killing 75% of bladder cancer cells .

Professor Mai Thanh and colleagues at the University of Science and Technology Hanoi (USTH), Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, created new composite materials from superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs). and hydroxyapatite (HAp) . Thanks to the ability to increase magnetic heat and conduct drugs, the material when carrying the anti-cancer drug 5-FU can kill bladder cancer cells.

The so-called "superparamagnetic hybrid" material consists of a core of SPIONs and surrounded by HAp with pores that carry drugs by adsorption. They are used as matrix materials to immobilize anticancer drugs that will be released locally. When combined with copper (Cu) and 5-FU and introduced into the body, under the effect of an external magnetic field, SPIONs nanoparticles will increase magnetic heat, releasing drugs to treat and kill cancer cells. .

Professor Dinh Thi Mai Thanh, 50 years old, said the success of the study lies in proving the synergistic effect of magnetic hyperthermia technique, combined with anti-cancer agents in destroying cells. cancer. "The combination of SPIONs with anti-cancer agents brings greater synergistic effects on cancer cells than chemotherapy alone ," Professor Thanh told PV . The material is effective in killing cancer cells up to 75% .

Prof. Dr. Dinh Thi Mai Thanh researches in the laboratory . ( Photo: VAST).

Superparamagnetic hybrid materials are a continuing success in Professor Dinh Thi Mai Thanh's journey of researching advanced new technologies to find new materials for medical applications. Since 2010, the group has pursued research to create materials based on traditional biomedical materials with the advantage of HAp biocompatibility, in powder form used as calcium supplements, and in HAp film coated on materials. Biomedical alloys to make screws and composites with poly lactic acid (PLA) to make self-absorbable splints. By 2020, the idea of ​​creating composites by combining HAp and superparamagnetic nano oxide SPIONs came up during research and exchange with Polish partners.

First, the research team synthesized superparamagnetic nanoparticles, then synthesized HAp to coat SPIONs and then adsorb cancer drugs. The disadvantage of superparamagnetic iron oxide nano is that it is easy to agglomerate and difficult to enter the body, but when combined with HAp to create a composite, it has better conduction ability.

The research team tested on cells using colorimetric testing, checking the ability to release drugs and the ratio of living and dead cells. The results showed that the rate of killing cancer cells reached 75% after 2,000 seconds under the effect of an external magnetic field with a temperature increased to 45 degrees Celsius. SPIONs nanoparticles are used in the treatment even of Tumor cells are resistant to chemotherapy and radiation.

Currently, the research team continues to coordinate with Poland to conduct in-depth research on animals and test drugs to treat other types of cancer such as ovarian cancer and liver cancer using this mechanism.

According to Professor Thanh, cancer treatment research in Vietnam still faces many difficulties. This comes from a very strict process in research from testing on animals, clinical trials, then on humans and going through the medical ethics council before the product can be put into use. "This is difficult for scientists researching towards biomedical applications, not to mention the costs in the later stages are quite expensive, especially the cost of testing on animals and humans," she said.

Images of the newly synthesized material in solid form (image a), suspension form (image b), SEM scanning electron microscope image of the material (image c) and TEM transmission electron microscope image of the material (figure d). (Photo: Research team).

With expertise in chemistry, Professor Mai Thanh has many years of pursuing research on new materials. Previously, her research revolved around manufacturing lead dioxide electrodes on a titanium metal base for use as anodes in lead batteries used in motorbikes and cars. Since 2010, Professor Thanh has focused on developing materials for HAp biomedical applications, including manufacturing powders, films and composites. In addition, powdered HAp materials are also used in environmental treatment such as wastewater from landfills. waste containing electronic waste, recovering metal ions, especially rare earth metals.

Talking about the research journey, she said that professional orientations were formed and developed during the process of doing research and exchanging with partners, and were consistent with the problems posed by Vietnam. "New technology at the forefront of the article is almost non-existent, the main thing is to persistently pursue research and collaborate with groups to develop together ," Professor Thanh said, adding that the biomedical industry needs interdisciplinary participation from faculty. studying materials, chemistry to biotechnology. However, bringing a research product from basic to applied can sometimes take a lifetime. Therefore, she believes that we must first develop basic research for orientation. Once well developed, it will be the basis for application.