Effective Delivery of Anti-Cancer Drug Molecules with Shape Transforming Liquid Metal Particles.

Dasom Kim,Yonghyun Choi,Jonghoon Choi,Jangsun Hwang,Yejin Kwon,Semi Yoon,Jaehee Jang

doi:10.3390/cancers11111666

Abstract

Liquid metals are being studied intensively because of their potential as a drug delivery system. Eutectic gallium–indium (EGaIn) alloy liquid metals have a low melting point, low toxicity, and excellent tissue permeability. These properties may enable them to be vascular embolic agents that can be deformed by light or heat. In this study, we developed EGaIn particles that can deliver anticancer drugs to tumor cells in vitro and change their shapes in response to external stimuli. These particles were prepared by sonicating a solution containing EGaIn and amphiphilic lipids. The liquid metal (LM)/amphiphilic lipid (DSPC, 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholin) particles formed a vehicle for doxorubicin, an anticancer drug, which was released (up to 50%) when the shape of the particles was deformed by light or heat treatment. LM/DSPC particles are non-toxic and LM/DSPC/doxorubicin particles have anticancer effects (resulting in a cell viability of less than 50%). LM/DSPC/doxorubicin particles were also able to mimic blood vessel embolisms by modifying their shape using precisely controlled light and heat in engineered microchannels. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential of EGaIn materials to treat tumor tissues that cannot be removed by surgery.

Highlights

IntroductionThe development of new and effective drug carriers to treat cancer is crucial and ongoing [1]
The development of new and effective drug carriers to treat cancer is crucial and ongoing [1].These carriers are usually comprised of biomaterials and are designed to transport small molecules, proteins, DNA, and RNA [2]
The purpose of this study was to examine the potential of Eutectic gallium–indium (EGaIn) materials to treat tumor tissues that cannot be removed by surgery

Summary

Introduction

The development of new and effective drug carriers to treat cancer is crucial and ongoing [1]. These carriers are usually comprised of biomaterials and are designed to transport small molecules, proteins, DNA, and RNA [2]. Aspects such as biocompatibility and biodegradation are carefully considered [3]. They should have low cytotoxicity, and they should be readily absorbed by cells. A well-known room temperature liquid metal, is difficult to use in bioresearch because of its toxicity [6]

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