Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Purdue University have developed a novel approach to enhance imaging accuracy in pancreatic cancer treatment using DNA origami structures. These nanoscale DNA scaffolds are engineered to deliver fluorescent imaging agents specifically to pancreatic cancer cells harboring KRAS mutations, which are present in approximately 95% of pancreatic cancer cases. By selectively targeting malignant tissue, this method allows for more precise delineation of tumor margins during surgical procedures, potentially improving the outcomes of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma treatments.
The study utilized advanced models, including 3D-printed “tumoroids” and microfluidic tumor-stroma systems, to simulate the complex tumor microenvironment and reduce reliance on animal models. Experiments demonstrated that tube-shaped DNA origami structures, particularly those measuring approximately 70 nanometers in length and 30 nanometers in diameter, exhibited optimal uptake by cancerous tissues without affecting surrounding healthy cells. This precision paves the way for future applications in targeted chemotherapy delivery, where DNA origami could carry therapeutic agents directly to cancer cells, minimizing side effects and enhancing treatment efficacy. Click for More Details
