Introduction: Melanoma, an aggressive and highly immunogenic cancer, arises from uncontrolled melanocyte growth. FLASH radiotherapy, a breakthrough technique, delivers ultra-high radiation doses, offering the potential for improved cancer treatment while minimizing harm to healthy tissue. Material and Methods: To study the short-term response of spheroids to FLASH radiotherapy, 3D cultures of melanocytes and melanoma were used. Spheroids were irradiated using the FLASH method with the total doses of 3, 20, and 40 Gy, and conventionally with a dose of 3 Gy. After 8 days from irradiation, the measurements were taken using an imaging cytometer, FTIR and colorimetric microscopy (C-Microscopy). Results: Studies conducted on melanocytes showed that doses of 20 and 40 Gy are toxic to them and cause cell necrosis. In contrast, for melanoma, these two doses resulted in tumor growth inhibition. IR measurements revealed spectral changes in lipids, proteins, and DNA/RNA, indicating similarities between the effects of the FLASH method and conventional radiotherapy for both spheroid models (i.e., cancerous and normal). The spheroid quantitative color analysis allowed for the differentiation between different irradiated and control groups. Conclusion: Both colorimetric and infrared microscopy can be used to analyse the response of tumors to radiation.
Biological functionalization is a critical area of research aimed at enhancing the functionality and application of biomaterials in various biomedical fields. One of the key aspects of biofunctionalization involves the addition of growth factors, which can significantly improve the biocompatibility of materials. Enhanced biocompatibility allows these materials to integrate more effectively with surrounding tissues, promoting their acceptance by the body and minimizing the risk of rejection or inflammation. This study is focused on investigations of the surface properties of polyelectrolyte layers, micelles, and complex systems utilizing red blood cells (RBCs) as carriers for growth factors. Through electrostatic interactions between negatively charged RBCs and positively charged polyelectrolytes, it becomes possible to modify red blood cells for use as effective delivery systems. Additionally, polyelectrolyte micelles can be employed for delivery purposes through grafting with suitable polymers. All of the tested surfaces exhibited hydrophilic characteristics, as indicated by measurements of the contact angle. Furthermore, the study determined the zeta potential of modified red blood cells and presented methods for the docking of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) onto both RBCs and micelles. The obtained results highlight the potential of these biofunctionalized systems for improving therapeutic outcomes in regenerative medicine and drug delivery.
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