Composite Scaffolds of Gelatin and Fe3O4 Nanoparticles for Magnetic Hyperthermia-Based Breast Cancer Treatment and Adipose Tissue Regeneration

Postsurgical treatment of breast cancer remains a challenge with regard to killing residual cancer cells and regenerating breast defects. To prepare composite scaffolds for postoperative use, gelatin is chemically modified with folic acid (FA) and used for hybridization with citrate-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4-citrate NPs) to fabricate Fe3O4/gelatin composite scaffolds which pore structures are controlled by free ice microparticles. The composite scaffolds have large spherical pores that are interconnected to facilitate cell entry and exit. The FA-functionalized composite scaffolds have the ability to capture breast cancer cells. The Fe3O4/gelatin composite scaffolds possess a high capacity for magnetic-thermal conversion to ablate breast cancer cells during alternating magnetic field (AMF) irradiation. In addition, the composite scaffolds facilitate the growth and adipogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells. The composite scaffolds have multiple functions for eradication of residual cancer cells under AMF irradiation and for regeneration of resected adipose tissue when AMF is off.