All-in-one properties of an anticancer-covered airway stent for the prevention of malignant central airway obstruction

Zhaonan Li; Wenguang Zhang; Dechao Jiao; Chuan Tian; Kaihao Xu; Haidong Zhu; Xinwei Han

doi:10.1063/5.0157341

All-in-one properties of an anticancer-covered airway stent for the prevention of malignant central airway obstruction

APL Bioeng. 2023 Sep 13;7(3):036116. doi: 10.1063/5.0157341. eCollection 2023 Sep.

Authors

Zhaonan Li, Wenguang Zhang¹, Dechao Jiao¹, Chuan Tian¹, Kaihao Xu¹, Haidong Zhu², Xinwei Han¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
² Center of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Surgery, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.

Abstract

Malignant central airway obstruction (MCAO) resulting from tumor metastasis and compression severely impairs respiration, posing life-threatening risks. To address this, we employed a synergistic modification strategy, combining cisplatin (CIS) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Polycaprolactone (PCL) served as a drug carrier, enabling the preparation of a functional CIS@AgNPs@PCL fiber membrane-covered airway stent via electrospinning. This approach aimed to enhance the patency rate of MCAO. Characterization via ATR-FTIR, scanning electron microscope-energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscope confirmed successful immobilization of CIS and AgNPs onto the stent surface. CIS@AgNPs@PCL substantially suppressed non-small cell lung cancer cells (A549), causing DNA damage, ultrastructural disruption, and over 50% apoptosis in 48 h. It also displayed potent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans biofilms. A mouse subcutaneous tumor recurrence model assessed anti-cancer efficacy. CIS@AgNPs@PCL fiber-covered stents significantly inhibited lung cancer tissue and enhanced anti-cancer effects by up-regulating caspase-3 and Bax, while down-regulating Bcl-2. This study's functional airway stent provides a proof-of-concept for an integrated anti-cancer and antibacterial strategy. It promptly restores the lumen, inhibits biofilm formation, prevents tumor progression, and improves postoperative MCAO patency.