The inner layer features a water-attracting surface loaded with microscopic copper peroxide nanoparticles. Once applied, these nanoparticles quickly activate in contact with bodily fluids, generating highly reactive molecules to selectively kill remaining cancer cells. When combined with gentle near-infrared laser exposure, this inner layer also produces localized heat, effectively destroying resistant cancer cells and bacteria. Complementing this rapid action, the outer hydrophobic layer gradually releases the chemotherapy drug rapamycin over several days, providing sustained suppression of surviving cancer cells and continuously blocking bacterial growth.
Beyond its impressive anti-cancer properties, the patch accelerates wound healing by stimulating new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) and collagen regeneration. Its adaptable structure conforms easily to irregular wound surfaces without the need for adhesives, and surgeons can tailor its thickness and mechanical properties to meet individual patient needs. Preclinical tests demonstrated the platform's robust effectiveness, completely preventing tumor recurrence, eliminating infections, and showing excellent biocompatibility without systemic side effects.
In summary, this dual-action nanomatrix thus represents a significant advancement in seamlessly integrating targeted cancer therapies and regenerative wound care into a single biomaterial platform, offering a safer, more effective, and patient-customizable approach to post-operative management of breast cancer. By addressing both immediate tumor suppression and long-term wound recovery simultaneously, it holds substantial promise to enhance patient outcomes, reduce complications, and potentially extend these therapeutic benefits to the treatment of other aggressive tumor types.
PUBLICATION: S. Kim, D. I. Jeong, M. Karmakar, J.-W. Huh, E.-H. Hong, D.-J. Kim, H.-J. Ko, H.-J. Cho, K.-B. Lee, Multifunctional Bioactive Dual-Layered Nanofibrous Matrix for Effective Breast Cancer Therapy and Enhanced Wound Healing. Small. 2025, 2500717.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202500717.
AUTHORS:Sungyun Kim and Ki-Bum Lee
CORRESPONDENCE: Prof. Ki-Bum Lee (Rutgers University), https://kblee.rutgers.edu/
Sungyun Kim