TOPIC INSIGHT • 專題探討 33 2025 UMAGAZINE 32 • 澳大新語 adaptation to active intervention. This requires precise regulation of complex physiological and immune processes in order to target the disease at its source. Nanomaterials, in particular, are held in high regard due to their irreplaceable advantages. A research team led by Dai Yunlu, associate professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences, focuses on developing innovative nanomaterials to enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy in cancer treatment. The team has developed two materials, basic layered double hydroxide (bLDH) and a tungsten-based nano-radiosensitiser (PWAI), to address treatment challenges from different angles. bLDH acts as an ‘immune coach’ by preserving and delivering tumour antigens. It regulates the acidic environment of phagolysosomes, effectively training the immune system to precisely identify and attack cancer cells. Meanwhile, PWAI enhances the cytotoxic effects of radiation and overcomes immune suppression, opening up new avenues in cancer treatment. Prof Dai’s research team comprises experts in materials science, immunology, epigenetics, and clinical medicine. They work together to overcome the challenges associated with the use of nanomaterials for biological safety, targeting, and controlled drug release. Prof Dai says that through continuous optimisation of material design, his team has equipped nanomaterials with multiple functions, transforming them into ‘nano-missiles’ that can precisely execute tasks in the complex tumour microenvironment. bLDH can be combined with existing radiotherapy as an immunologic adjuvant to improve the efficiency of tumour antigen presentation and the intensity of the immune response. This makes it particularly suitable for treating ‘cold’ tumours with low immunogenicity, occult tumours, and silent tumours that are difficult to identify with traditional treatments. Meanwhile, PWAI targets tumours with high MYC expression, such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and certain lung cancer subtypes, which are characterised by rapid proliferation and limited response to radiotherapy. By overcoming immune suppression and enhancing the effects of radiotherapy, PWAI offers a comprehensive strategy for treating these challenging cancers. hydrogel cushion in the repair of intervertebral discs in the spine. Not only does it mimic the basic structure of human tissues and resist degradation by destructive enzymes within the body, but it also actively captures and stabilises key repair proteins lost within the tissue, achieving a dual-repair mechanism. Prof Wang points out that the polysaccharide glue can carry out in-depth molecular repair of damaged discs, effectively initiating the regeneration process. Prof Wang highlights that this groundbreaking research is the collaborative efforts of clinicians and experts across multiple fields, including glycobiology, materials chemistry, and biology. Following rigorous ethical reviews, his team obtained valuable clinical samples from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University and analysed the pathological mechanisms of disc degeneration. Building on this, researchers in glycobiology and materials chemistry worked together to design the polysaccharide glue, while biology researchers verified its repair effects using animal models. Throughout the process, clinicians assessed clinical applicability of the glue and the associated histopathological changes. The polysaccharide glue has shown great therapeutic effects in two animal models, demonstrating its potential for future clinical applications. In the early stages of disc degeneration, the glue can be administered via minimally invasive injection to the spine to provide additional support for degenerating discs. This approach can potentially delay or avoid the need for major surgery. For patients who have already undergone surgery, the glue can fill tissue defects, promote postoperative regeneration and healing, and reduce the risk of recurrence. Prof Wang adds that this innovative research has been validated in animal models, and that his team is actively seeking collaboration with medical and industrial sectors to accelerate its translation into a clinical solution that can genuinely benefit patients. ‘Nano-Missiles’ That Target Cancer Cells With Precision In the fight against cancer, the role of new materials has evolved from repair and
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