A Tissue Expander–like Scaffold With Photothermal Tumor Ablation Property for Breast Tissue Engineering

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Tissue engineering–based breast reconstruction after mastectomy is a promising alternative to traditional treatments.1,2 Nevertheless, it could so far neither prevent the potential breast cancer recurrence nor solve the problem of covered skin shortage. PURPOSE: Here we reported the construction of a novel breast tissue engineering scaffold. Benefiting from the photothermal effect of graphene, it can ablate breast cancer cells and recover its shape in a tissue expander-like manner. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different concentrations of graphene nanoparticles (GNs) were used to functionalize the dome-shaped 3-dimensional–printed polyurethane scaffolds (GfS). Subsequently, GfS were remodeled into disk-like temporary shape. Afterward, GfS were exposed to 808 nm laser with different light intensity, the temperature change was captured by infrared imaging device, and the shape recovery rate was measured by vernier caliper. At last, tumor ablation study was performed using MDA-MB-231 cell line in vitro under 808 nm laser photothermal treatment. RESULTS: The scaffolds functionalized with higher concentration of GN displayed higher degree of blackness and higher temperature rising after laser exposure. In addition, light intensity was also positively correlated with the temperature rising. Laser illuminating could trigger the shape recovery of GfS from temporarily disk-like shape toward their original dome shape. The shape recovery ability of GfS is positively correlated with the light intensity. After exposing to 808 nm laser, GfS could ablate the surrounded MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in a GN concentration and light intensity–dependent manner. CONCLUSION: After being irradiated by 808 nm laser, the 3-dimensional–printed polyurethane scaffold functionalized with GNs can recover its initial shape in a tissue expander-like manner and ablate the breast cancer cells. This multifunctional scaffold could potentially be used for tissue engineering–based breast reconstruction to address the problem of covered skin shortage and tumor recurrence after mastectomy. REFERENCES: 1. Findlay MW, Dolderer JH, Trost N, et al. Tissue-engineered breast reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011;128:1206–1215. 2. Chhaya MP, Melchels FP, Holzapfel BM, et al. Sustained regeneration of high-volume adipose tissue for breast reconstruction using computer aided design and biomanufacturing. Biomaterials. 2015;52:551–560.