Inhalation therapy uses mussel-derived nanoparticles to target lung cancer cells

Researchers from POSTECH and Kyungpook National University have developed a new inhalable treatment delivery system for lung cancer that leverages mucoadhesive protein nanoparticles inspired by the adhesive properties of marine shellfish.

Lung cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers in the world. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for 85% of all lung cancer cases, is particularly difficult to treat because it is difficult to detect early. Current anticancer drug treatments are primarily administered intravenously and affect both malignant and healthy tissues, often causing severe side effects.

As a result, inhaled therapeutics that allow localized drug delivery to the lungs have emerged as a promising alternative. However, the effectiveness of this approach has been significantly hampered by the mucosal barrier and immune cells in the lung. Based on this situation, collaborative research culminated in the development of mucoadhesive protein nanoparticles designed for lung cancer treatment.

The study was published in the journal Biomaterials.

This approach takes advantage of the remarkable adhesive properties of marine mussel proteins, which are well known for their adhesive strength in water. Taking inspiration from the redox mechanism of foot protein type 6 (fp-6), researchers engineered foot protein type 1 (fp-1) by incorporating cysteine ​​to improve adhesion strength within the lung. We have created biomaterials with precise drug delivery capabilities. Cancer microenvironment.

These nanoparticles exhibit extraordinary therapeutic efficacy by enabling selective release of payloads while effectively inhibiting release in healthy tissues and minimizing side effects.

Furthermore, the inherent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and immunocompatibility of marine mussel proteins ensure excellent biological safety and significantly extend the retention period of anticancer drugs, thereby making them more effective. The therapeutic effect of the drug is amplified.

In an animal model of lung cancer, nanoparticles containing an anticancer drug developed by the research team were delivered to the lungs through a nebulizer and showed efficacy in inhibiting cancer cell metastasis and invasion after adhering to mucous membranes for a long time. .

This advancement could improve patient access to lung cancer treatment by allowing simplified inhalation-based drug administration to be self-administered at home. Additionally, this approach may reduce the need for hospital visits and significantly improve patients’ quality of life.

Professor Hyun-joon Cha said, “Our research results have the potential to significantly improve both the accuracy and effectiveness of lung cancer treatment, and significantly improve patients’ quality of life.”

This effort was led by POSTECH’s Professor Cha (Department of Chemical Engineering and Graduate School of Medical Sciences) and Dr. Yeonsu Jeong (Department of Chemical Engineering), in collaboration with Professor Yun Kee Jo (Department of Chemical Engineering). Kyungpook National University, Graduate School of Biomedical and Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, Institute of Advanced Science and Technology).