Nanosized zeolites as a gas delivery platform in a glioblastoma model

Abstract

Approaches able to counteract, at least temporarily, hypoxia, a well-known factor of resistance to treatment in solid tumors are highly desirable. Herein, we report the use of nanosized zeolite crystals as hyperoxic/hypercapnic gas carriers for glioblastoma. First, the non-toxic profile of nanosized zeolite crystals in living animals (mice, rats and non-human primates) and in various cell types is presented. Second, the ability of the nanosized zeolites to act as a vasoactive agent for a targeted re-oxygenation of the tumor after intravenous injection is shown. As attested by an MRI protocol, the zeolites were able to increase oxygenation and blood volume specifically within the brain tumor whilst no changes in the healthy-non tumoral brain-were observed. The first proof of concept for the use of metal-containing nanosized zeolites as a tool for vectorization of hyperoxic/hypercapnic gases in glioblastoma is revealed.

Keywords: Glioblastoma; Hypoxia; MRI; Nanosized zeolites; Vectorization.