Ultrasound-Activated Piezoelectric Nanoparticles Inhibit Proliferation of Breast Cancer Cells

Abstract

A nanotechnology-based approach for the inhibition of breast cancer cell proliferation is proposed. The innovative solution consists in a platform based on biocompatible piezoelectric nanoparticles able to target and remotely stimulate HER2-positive breast cancer cells. The anti-proliferative effects of the ultrasound-driven piezoelectric nanoparticle-assisted stimulation significantly reduced the proliferation by inducing the cell cycle arrest. Similarly to a low-intensity alternating electric field, chronic piezoelectric stimulation resulted able to inhibit cancer cell proliferation by upregulating the expression of the gene encoding Kir3.2 inward rectifier potassium channels, by interfering on Ca ²⁺ homeostasis, and by affecting the organization of mitotic spindles during mitosis. The proposed platform, even if specific for HER2-positive cells, shows huge potential and versatility for the treatment of different type of cancers.