Innovative Gecko-Inspired Material Promises More Effective Cancer Treatment with Fewer Side Effects

Scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a groundbreaking cancer therapy inspired by the unique adhesive abilities of gecko toes. By mimicking the microscopic hair-like structures, called setae, that allow geckos to cling effortlessly to surfaces, researchers created biodegradable particles with branched nanostructures capable of adhering to tumors within the body. These "soft dendritic particles" can be infused with chemotherapy drugs and applied directly to cancerous tissues, releasing medication steadily over several days.

The technology hinges on Van der Waals forces, which enable the particles to stick tightly to cancer cells while minimizing impact on surrounding healthy tissue. This approach was tested on bladder tumors in mice and showed promising results, with particles remaining attached to tumors for days, provoking minimal immune response and promising a reduction in treatment frequency.

Bladder cancer poses particular treatment challenges, as current methods involve repeated, invasive procedures with significant side effects due to the fast removal of drugs by urination. The new gel-based delivery system could allow for localized, sustained drug release directly to tumors, reducing the need for frequent, painful treatments and limiting damage to healthy tissue. While more research is needed before clinical trials, this innovation signals a major advance in targeted cancer therapies that leverage bio-inspired design.

This research was published in the journal Advanced Materials, highlighting the potential for scalable, safe, and effective localized cancer treatment technologies. The team envisions applying this approach to other cancers such as oral and head or neck tumors, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes with fewer side effects.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-gecko-cancer-therapy-side-effects.html