In the cutting-edge realm of cancer treatment, a groundbreaking study led by Dawid Kozień from the Department of Ceramics and Refractories at the AGH University of Krakow has opened new avenues for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT). The research, published in Applied Sciences, focuses on the functionalisation of boron carbide (B4C) nanoparticles, a material known for its exceptional hardness and neutron radiation absorption properties. This innovation could revolutionise how we target and treat hard-to-reach tumours, potentially reshaping the energy sector’s role in medical applications.
Boron Neutron Capture Therapy is a two-stage process: first, a boron isotope is administered to selectively enter cancer cells, followed by irradiation with a neutron beam. The challenge lies in delivering boron compounds precisely to tumour cells without affecting healthy tissue. Kozień’s research addresses this by modifying the surface of boron carbide nanoparticles with compounds like dextrin, dextran T70, sorbitol, lysine, and arginine. These modifications enhance the selectivity and efficiency of the boron carrier, making it a more effective tool for BNCT.
The study’s findings are compelling. “Among the tested modifications, B4C-dextran T70 and B4C-dextrin exhibited the highest toxicity towards cancer cells,” Kozień explains. This discovery underscores the potential of ceramic platforms in biomedical applications, particularly in targeting glioblastoma cells. The successful functionalisation of boron carbide nanoparticles with biocompatible compounds opens doors to more precise and effective cancer treatments.
The implications for the energy sector are significant. Boron carbide’s high boron content and chemical inertness make it an ideal candidate for BNCT. Traditional boron carriers like BPA and BSH have lower concentrations of the desired element, limiting their effectiveness. By optimising the delivery of boron compounds to tumour tissues, this research could enhance the therapeutic ratio for traditionally difficult-to-treat tumours, potentially reducing the need for invasive surgeries and radiation therapies.
The study also highlights the importance of surface charge in tumour targeting. While the research focused on negatively charged modifications, future investigations into positively charged modifications could provide further insights. This could lead to the development of more targeted and effective boron carbide-based nanoplatforms for BNCT applications.
As the field of BNCT continues to evolve, the functionalisation of boron carbide nanoparticles represents a significant step forward. The ability to selectively deliver boron to tumour environments could transform cancer treatment, offering new hope to patients with hard-to-reach tumours. This research, published in Applied Sciences, sets the stage for future developments in the field, paving the way for more precise and effective cancer therapies.
