Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, in collaboration with Monash University and Deakin University in Australia, have developed a promising nanoinjection drug delivery platform for breast cancer treatment. This innovative system aims to enhance the safety and effectiveness of chemotherapy by delivering drugs directly into cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
Breast cancer remains a leading cause of mortality among women worldwide. Conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation often result in systemic drug exposure, harming non-cancerous tissues and causing significant side effects. To overcome these limitations, the joint research team has devised a nanoinjection system that combines nanoarchaeosomes (NAs) for drug encapsulation with silicon nanotubes (SiNTs) for intracellular delivery.
The system utilizes thermally stable NAs loaded with the anticancer drug doxorubicin, which are then delivered directly into cancer cells via vertically aligned SiNTs etched onto a silicon wafer. This targeted approach enhances the therapeutic efficacy of the drug while maintaining excellent biocompatibility.
Experimental results of the Nanoarchaeosome-Doxorubicin–Silicon Nanotubes (NAD-SiNTs) platform have demonstrated remarkable results. The system exhibited strong toxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells, a common type used in research, while largely sparing healthy fibroblast cells, highlighting its selective action. The NAD-SiNTs were observed to induce cell-cycle arrest and necrosis in cancer cells, effectively killing them. Furthermore, the platform significantly inhibited angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels that tumors rely on for growth, by downregulating key pro-angiogenic factors. The platform demonstrated a 23-fold lower inhibitory concentration (IC50) than free doxorubicin, suggesting higher potency at much lower doses, which can directly translate into lower treatment costs and fewer side effects.
Dr. Swathi Sudhakar, Assistant Professor and Faculty Advisor for Clinical Engineering, Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering, IIT Madras, highlighted the potential of this research to have transformative implications for healthcare by enabling targeted delivery of smaller doses with higher efficacy. This could potentially lower the overall expense of cancer treatment and improve patients' quality of life. The platform also aligns with national goals for affordable healthcare innovation and could eventually be adapted for use in treating other forms of cancer.
The silicon nanotube-based design offers inherent biocompatibility and scalability, making it a promising candidate for future clinical translation. The researchers noted the system also demonstrated sustained drug release for up to 700 hours. The proof-of-concept has been successfully demonstrated in in vitro (cell culture) and ex ovo (chick embryo) models, confirming its effectiveness and safety. The next phase of research will focus on in vivo validation, long-term toxicity studies, and regulatory assessments to support preclinical and clinical development. This nanoinjection-based approach marks a major stride toward precision nanomedicine, potentially redefining how cancer drugs are delivered, making them smarter, safer, and more accessible.
