Composite Scaffolds of Gelatin and Fe3O4 Nanoparticles for Magnetic Hyperthermia-Based Breast Cancer Treatment and Adipose Tissue Regeneration

Postsurgical treatment of breast cancer remains a challenge with regard to killing residual cancer cells and regenerating breast defects. To prepare composite scaffolds for postoperative use, gelatin is chemically modified with folic acid (FA) and used for hybridization with citrate-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4-citrate NPs) to fabricate Fe3O4/gelatin composite scaffolds which pore structures are controlled by free ice microparticles. The composite scaffolds have large spherical pores that are interconnected to facilitate cell entry and exit. The FA-functionalized composite scaffolds have the ability to capture breast cancer cells. The Fe3O4/gelatin composite scaffolds possess a high capacity for magnetic-thermal conversion to ablate breast cancer cells during alternating magnetic field (AMF) irradiation. In addition, the composite scaffolds facilitate the growth and adipogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells. The composite scaffolds have multiple functions for eradication of residual cancer cells under AMF irradiation and for regeneration of resected adipose tissue when AMF is off.

Automated summary

Composite scaffolds consisting of gelatin modified with folic acid and citrate-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles were fabricated to address the challenges in postsurgical treatment of breast cancer. The composite scaffolds had large spherical pores that allowed for cell entry and exit, and the folic acid-functionalized scaffolds were capable of capturing breast cancer cells. The Fe3O4/gelatin composites exhibited high magnetic-thermal conversion capacity for ablation of breast cancer cells under alternating magnetic field irradiation, while also promoting the growth and adipogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells.