After years of research and development, Creative Biolabs has formed a series of ferroptosis-based nanomaterial products and developed many nano drug delivery systems, such as liposomal drug delivery, nanoparticle drug delivery, and nanoemulsion drug delivery. Our products are widely used in the fields of biological separation detection, cell labeling, in vitro diagnosis, molecular imaging, drug carrier, and cancer therapy.

Introduction to Nanomaterials for Ferroptosis-based Cancer Therapy

More and more studies have indicated a strong correlation between ferroptosis and nanomaterials, and thus nanomaterial-based drug design has been considered as a novel approach for treating various cancers. Research has demonstrated that the unique physicochemical properties of nanomaterials can compensate for the limitations of traditional drugs (such as low targeting efficiency, poor water solubility, or severe adverse reactions) and can also introduce new functionalities (magnetic, photothermal effects, and electrochemical properties).

Therefore, based on the Fenton reaction, Creative Biolabs has developed diverse nanomaterials for ferroptosis-based cancer therapy. Currently, the nanomaterials we offer are mainly categorized into two groups: iron-based and iron-free. Among them, iron-based nanomaterials constitute a significant portion of nano ferroptosis inducers due to the essential role of iron in the Fenton reaction to generate ROS; thus making iron indispensable in the process of ferroptosis. Moreover, we have designed several iron-free nanomaterials based on indirect sources of iron and are evaluating their efficacy and safety in several tumor types.

Fig.1 The Simplified Mechanism of Ferroptosis.¹

Iron-Based Nanomaterials

With strong equipment R&D, design, and manufacturing capabilities, Creative Biolabs can prepare a variety of iron-based nanomaterials under normal temperature/pressure conditions. In addition, we have a leading level and a strong foundation in the research and development, testing, and application of high-end functional nanomaterials.

Highlights

In our labs, IONPs is a representative iron-based nanomaterial, which has been successfully utilized to induce ferroptosis in different tumor cell models. Our Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles can also trigger ferroptosis in tumor cells by promoting the Fenton reaction. The evaluation and monitoring of tumor response to ferroptosis therapy can be achieved through the inherent magnetic resonance imaging capabilities of these nanoparticles.

Furthermore, Creative Biolabs has devised a strategy for cancer treatment involving near-infrared assisted photochemotherapy for tumor-specific Fenton responses using iron-based UCNP materials coupled with mitochondrial targeting capabilities. This approach not only enhances intratumoral ·OH levels but also facilitates in situ killing of cancer cells by directly targeting mitochondrial DNA.

Recently, iron-based MOFs have been also widely used by our scientists for their excellent properties such as large pore volume, large specific surface area, and biodegradability. Also, due to their simplicity in synthesis, low cost, high biocompatibility, and strong versatility, MON nanomaterials will usually be coated on the surface of the p53 plasmid to synthesize MON-p53 complex. MON-p53 can induce Fenton reaction with Fe³⁺ to generate ROS leading to lipid peroxidation in biofilms, and overexpressed p53 protein further inhibits LPO clearance ultimately inducing ferroptosis in tumor cells. FePt nanomaterials exhibit magnetic, biological, and catalytic versatility making them suitable for constructing magnetic resonance image-guided ferroptosis chemotherapy regimens.

Fig.2 Synthesis Scheme of FMDF NPs.²

Iron-Free Nanomaterials

So far, Creative Biolabs has also been committed to the use of a variety of iron-free nanomaterials for ferroptosis-based cancer therapy. We have developed an ultra-small SiO₂ nanoparticle and have demonstrated that it can induce ferroptosis in a mouse cancer cell model. In addition, we treated rat and human liver cancer cells with a LDL-DHA nanomaterial and found that it can selectively kill liver cancer cells and reduce the growth of in-situ liver tumors in rats. In a recent study, we engineered manganese-doped mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MMSNs) to induce ferroptosis in tumor cells by depleting intracellular glutathione, which has been validated in liver cancer cells.

Creative Biolabs provides solutions for developing, characterizing, and analyzing nanoparticles to continuously develop new optimal nanomaterials for inducing iron death to increase iron levels within cancer cells. If you are interested in our services, please contact us or send us an inquiry.

References

1. Deng, Wen, et al. "The application of nanoparticles-based ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy in cancer immunotherapy." Journal of Nanobiotechnology 22.1 (2024): 97.
2. Shi, Zhiyuan, et al. "Multifunctional nanomaterials for ferroptotic cancer therapy." Frontiers in Chemistry 10 (2022): 868630.

For Research Use Only | Not For Clinical Use