Breakthrough in Nanoparticle Therapy: Researchers Discover Novel Biomaterial for Enhanced Tumor Treatment

Researchers from the Huazhong University of Science and Technology have made a significant discovery in the field of nanotechnology, developing a novel biomaterial that enhances tumor-targeted therapy. The new biomaterial, ferrous sulfide nanoparticle-SRB (FeS@SRB) biohybrid, is constructed from anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and demonstrates exceptional biocompatibility and tumor-targeting capabilities. This innovative biomaterial has shown promising results in suppressing both subcutaneous and orthotopic tumor growth in female mice, with a tumor delivery efficiency of over 50% via intravenous injection.

Key Takeaways:

• The FeS@SRB biohybrid biomaterial is constructed from anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and demonstrates excellent biocompatibility and tumor-targeting capabilities.
• The biomaterial achieves a tumor delivery efficiency of over 50% in female mice via intravenous injection, which is 17 times higher than conventional chemically-synthesized FeS@BSA nanoparticles.
• The FeS@SRB biohybrid exhibits a synergistic photothermal-chemodynamic effect upon near-infrared laser irradiation, triggering tumor cells ferroptosis and apoptosis.
• This novel biomaterial expands research into tumor-targeting platforms and the biosynthesis of metal sulfide nanoparticles for enhanced tumor therapy.
• Financial supporters for this research include the National Basic Research Program of China, the Ministry of Education, and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities.
• The biomaterial's exceptional biosafety and tumor-targeting capabilities make it a promising candidate for future cancer treatments.

Statistics:

• Over 50% tumor delivery efficiency in female mice via intravenous injection of FeS@SRB biohybrid biomaterial.
• 17 times higher tumor delivery efficiency compared to conventionally synthesized FeS@BSA nanoparticles.
• 50% relative increase in tumor suppression via near-infrared laser irradiation of FeS@SRB biohybrid.
• 2020YFA07107000: National Basic Research Program of China funding identifier for this research project.
• YCJJ20242410: Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities funding identifier for this research project.

Sources:

• Living Therapeutics of Nonpathogenic Bacteria As Biosynthesis Factory and Active Carriers for Enhancing Tumor-targeted Therapy (Research article, Nature Communications, 2025;16(1))
• National Basic Research Program of China (2020YFA07107000)
• Ministry of Education and Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No. YCJJ20242410)
• Analytical and Testing Center of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST)
• Laboratory Animal Center of HUST