An inhalable biomimetic NANO particle for lung cancer treatment inspired by the adhesive strength of mussels has been developed.
Professor Cha Hyoung-jun of Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) and his research team, along with Professor Jo Yun-ki's team from Kyungpook National University’s Advanced Technology Convergence Institute, announced on the 2nd that they have jointly developed an inhalable biomimetic NANO particle for lung cancer treatment.
Lung cancer is one of the most lethal types of cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer, which accounts for 85% of all lung cancers, is difficult to detect early, making treatment challenging. Existing chemotherapy drugs are typically administered systemically via intravenous injection, affecting not only cancer cells but also normal tissues, leading to severe side effects. Recently, 'inhalation therapy,' which delivers drugs directly to the lungs, has emerged as an alternative. However, the mucosal barrier in the lungs and immune cells hinder drug delivery, reducing treatment efficacy.
The research team designed a mucosal adhesive NANO particle suitable for lung cancer treatment using mussel adhesive proteins with strong underwater adhesion. By adding cysteine, an amino acid utilized in the biosynthesis of proteins, to the mussel's foot protein 1 (fp-1), they maintained strong adhesion while enabling selective drug release around lung cancer cells. Thanks to the biocompatibility, biodegradability, and immune compatibility of the mussel protein, they improved safety while extending the residence time of the anticancer agent.
This technology allows patients to easily self-administer the drug through inhalation without visiting a hospital, thereby improving the quality of life for cancer patients and increasing accessibility to lung cancer treatment.
Professor Cha Hyoung-jun noted, 'This technology will significantly contribute to enhancing the precision and efficiency of lung cancer treatment while improving the quality of life for patients.'
Reference material
Biomaterials(2024), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.123004