Revolutionary nanoparticles target cancer cells precisely

Researchers from the West Pomeranian Medical University and the Pomeranian Medical University, led by Dr. Eng. Agnieszka Piegat, have developed innovative polymeric nanoparticles. These novel structures can accurately deliver drugs to cancer cells, potentially improving the effectiveness of therapy, especially for ovarian cancer.

The team from WPMU and PMU discovered how to encapsulate drugs in polymeric shells that target cancer cells directly. Dr. Eng. Piegat explained that modified polymers, which form nanoparticles during the emulsification process, were utilized.

We used polymers that we modified so that during the emulsification process, such nanoparticles form, and then we developed a method of encapsulating various types of drugs in polymeric shells — explained Dr. Eng. Piegat in an interview with the Polish Press Agency.

The first application of these nanoparticles was in treating gastric ulcers, where they enclosed antibiotics and drugs to reduce stomach acidity. Currently, the scientists are adapting the technology for anticancer drugs, like carboplatin, used in treating ovarian cancer. Cancer cells in the abdominal cavity secrete mucins that form a mucus shield. Thanks to this discovery, drugs can be precisely directed to cancerous cells, minimizing the impact on healthy tissues.

Dr. Piegat emphasized that the research results are "very promising." The polymeric nanoparticles showed high efficacy in studies on small animals, as confirmed by Prof. Danuta Bogacka. We observe tumor growth inhibition and a better overall condition of the animals undergoing therapy compared to traditional drug administration, Piegat highlighted. Currently, it is being analyzed how drugs spread in the body and their influence on internal organs and intestinal flora.

The researchers plan further studies, with nanoparticles to be tested on larger animals, such as pigs. The implementation of this technology for widespread use in medicine may take many years, but the researchers are committed to continuing. Currently, the project is funded by the internal resources of WPMU and PMU, but the scientists plan to apply for additional funds from ministerial and EU programs.

According to the Polish Press Agency, the project "Synthesis and Characterization of Multifunctional Polymeric Controlled Drug Release Systems" (NanoEnCap) also involves Dr. Eng. Agata Goszczyńska, Dr. Eng. Agata Niemczyk, Dr. Eng. Anna Żywicka, and Dr. Eng. Klaudia Brodaczewska.