Views: 9 Author: Golden Horizon (Chengdu) Technology Co., Ltd. Publish Time: 2020-07-03 Origin: Golden Horizon (Chengdu) Technology Co., Ltd.
The Washington State University research team has developed a drug delivery system that uses curcumin, the main ingredient in the spice turmeric, which can successfully inhibit bone cancer cells while promoting the growth of healthy bone cells.
Osteosarcoma is currently the second most prevalent cause of cancer death in children, and this work can provide better postoperative treatment for patients with osteosarcoma.
The researchers reported on their work in the journal ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces.
Young patients with bone cancer usually receive high-dose chemotherapy before and after surgery, many of which have harmful side effects. The researchers hope to develop a more gentle treatment plan, especially when patients try to recover from bone damage after surgery, they are taking harsh drugs to inhibit tumor growth.
For centuries, turmeric has been used in cooking and as a medicine in Asian countries, and its active ingredient, curcumin, has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and bone-building capabilities. It has also been shown to prevent various forms of cancer.
"I hope people know the beneficial effects of these natural compounds," Bose said. "Natural biomolecules derived from these plant-based products are inexpensive and a safer alternative to synthetic drugs." However, when taken orally as a drug, the compound is not well absorbed in the body. It is metabolized and eliminated too quickly.
In their research, the researchers used 3D printing to build a calcium phosphate support. Although most implants are currently made of metal, this ceramic scaffold is more like real bone and may one day be used as a transplant material after bone cancer surgery. The researchers incorporated curcumin wrapped in fat molecule vesicles into the scaffold to gradually release the chemicals.
The researchers found that their system inhibited the growth of osteosarcoma cells by 96% after 11 days compared to untreated samples. The system also promotes healthy bone cell growth. This research led to a new way to combine the currently popular 3D printing technology with the safe and effective use of alternative medicine to provide better tools for bone tissue engineering.
