The fight against cancer does not stop and there are many studies that aim to find new ways to prevent or treat this disease. In one of them, carried out by a multidisciplinary team with members of the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), new injectable nanocapsules have been developed that could stop the expansion of tumors.
These nanocapsules, called nanovesicles, encapsulate microRNA, a substance that interferes with other RNA chains, specifically with messenger RNA – the one used in Pfizer or Moderna’s COVID vaccines. This functionality helps, by injecting the nanovesicles into organs with tumors, the propagation of these harmful cells is interrupted.
As explained in the publication of the journal Advanced Materials, the nanocapsules have the ability to couple with the microRNA when they are injected intravenously to administer it in organs with tumors, such as the lung or the liver, with more stability and success than if the microRNA were injected alone. When the microRNA reaches the affected area, it interferes with cell proliferation and genes related to tumor survival, reducing their growth.
Nanocapsules also effective against neuroblastomas
“These nanovesicles, or quatsomes, consist of a nanostructure composed of two closed lipid layers. They work as capsules that would make them stable in the bloodstream and make it easier for them to enter cells. In this way, they could be applied to patients”, indicates Nora Ventosa, a researcher at the Institute of Materials Science (ICMAB) and one of the authors of the study.
Nanocapsules protect microRNA from degradation and increase its presence in liver and lung tumors and neuroblastoma xenografts
The properties of these new nanocapsules are perfect for encapsulating microRNAs, as they are less than 150 nanometers in size and are stable in a liquid solution for more than six months. In addition, it also features adjustable pH sensitivity, so different responses can be triggered based on set pH levels.
In the published study, the functionality of these quatsomes in neuroblastomas, a common solid extracranial tumor in pediatric cases, has been demonstrated. This type of cancer causes 15% of all pediatric cancer deaths and has no treatment in high-risk patients. The results indicated that the nanovesicles protect microRNA from degradation and increase its presence in liver and lung tumors and neuroblastoma xenografts, among others.
“The interesting thing about these nanovesicles, known as quatsomes, is that they can be easily designed to deliver a wide variety of nucleic acids. It is important to highlight that these new nanovesicles are stable at room temperature, which avoids problems associated with the requirements of the cold chain”, concludes Nora Ventosa.
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