New bacteria-based therapy shows promise for fighting cancer

Even as cancer remains a leading cause of death globally, bacteria-based cancer therapy presents an exciting and innovative treatment option.

Owing to their ability to penetrate the rigid stromal barrier, bacteria can naturally target solid tumors and offer intratumoral penetration. However, before these bacteria can be used in medical treatments, several important factors need to be addressed.

Bacteria intended for clinical trials must be weakened or "attenuated" to ensure their safe use in animals and humans. Additionally, a simple manufacturing procedure is needed to produce safe and effective anticancer bacteria. This calls for the development of an optimal culturing method for bacteria.

In a study published online in the Chemical Engineering Journal, researchers at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), led by Professor Eijiro Miyako and including Mikako Miyahara, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Tsukuba, Japan, have developed a new method to culture antitumor bacteria using highly porous scaffolds.

Previously, the research team isolated a group of bacteria, named A-gyo and UN-gyo from tumors in mice. A-gyo refers to the bacterium Proteus mirabilis and UN-gyo to the photosynthetic bacterium, Rhodopseudomonas palustris.

To address the challenges of culturing AUN, the researchers explored using specially designed scaffolds. They prepared the microporous scaffold using a biocompatible substance called polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), combined with titanium dioxide (TiO2). These porous scaffolds significantly boosted the bacteria's anticancer properties, making them more effective.

Image source: Eijiro Miyako.