They develop a bioadhesive that eliminates glioblastoma cells

A study coordinated by the Neurosciences Institute of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) has developed a bioadhesive patchinspired by how mussels cling to rocks, capable of eliminating cells from the most lethal brain tumor, glioblastoma.

The patches, described in an article in Advanced Sciencehave been tested in cell cultures and pig brains, and generate a high state of cellular oxidation in a “local and controlled” manner, which minimizes possible systemic side effects, the UAB reports in a statement this Friday.

Aggression and recurrence

Glioblastoma is the “most prevalent and aggressive” brain tumor; its proliferation is very rapid; It is highly invasive, and there is currently no treatment that can stop or cure it, so life expectancy after diagnosis is very short.

The usual procedure is a surgical resection of the tumor, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but even with this “very aggressive” treatment, recurrences are the most common, even before a year.

In this context, the research team has designed and tested several bioadhesive patches that could be inserted in the place where the tumor is removed when surgery is performed to attack cancer cells that may remain.

The design of the patches is inspired by how mussels attach themselves to rocks – using molecules from the polyphenol group – so that the material adheres strongly to the fabric and allows the drug to be released in a sustained manner.

Catechin

Of all the options evaluated, the patch with catechin – a natural polyphenol present in green tea, cocoa and some fruits – was the one that worked best, managing to eliminate almost 90% of malignant cells.

The coordinator of the work and researcher at the UAB, Victor Yustehas pointed out that, if administered orally, catechin could cause “an unwanted systemic collateral impact.” “On the other hand, by adhering to the area from which the tumor has been removed, it can act locally, and thus the appearance of side effects is minimized or avoided,” he detailed.

Potential

Also a researcher at the UAB Jose Bolaños has pointed out that the materials have high antimicrobial activity and “excellent” biocompatibility, which would help prevent infections and promote proper wound healing.

“If we add to that the very low production cost and the simplicity in its preparation, it becomes a viable option from the point of view of its future development, scaling and potential investment interest,” he detailed.