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Scientists Discover Way to Send Information into Black Holes Without Using Energy

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Breakthrough “Mussel-Inspired” Patch Offers New Hope Against Deadly Brain Tumor Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive and deadly brain tumors known today. Characterized by its rapid growth and highly invasive nature, this cancer has long challenged doctors and researchers. Even with the most aggressive treatment, which usually includes surgical removal of the tumor followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, glioblastoma often comes back within a year. Unfortunately, there is currently no treatment that can fully stop its progression or cure it, making life expectancy after diagnosis very short.

However, a promising new development may change this grim outlook. A team of researchers from Catalonia, led by Professor Víctor Yuste of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Institut de Neurociències de la UAB (INc-UAB), has developed a novel type of bioadhesive patch designed to target and kill glioblastoma cells. Their findings were recently published in the prestigious journal Advanced Science.

The Challenge of Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is notoriously difficult to treat because of its highly invasive behavior. Unlike some other tumors, glioblastoma cells can infiltrate surrounding brain tissue, making complete surgical removal almost impossible. Even after surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, microscopic cancer cells often remain, causing the tumor to recur. This frustrating pattern has made scientists search for innovative solutions that can target the tumor directly at its source.

A Mussel-Inspired Solution

The breakthrough comes in the form of a bioadhesive patch, inspired by the way mussels cling to wet rocks. Mussels produce natural molecules called polyphenols that allow them to stick firmly to surfaces underwater. Professor Yuste and his team applied this idea to medical materials, creating a patch that can strongly attach to moist brain tissue.

The key advantage of this design is that the patch can remain in place after tumor removal surgery and release drugs slowly over time. This local delivery targets any remaining cancer cells while minimizing side effects in the rest of the body.

Catechin: A Natural Cancer-Fighting Agent

Among several versions of the patch tested, the one containing catechin performed the best. Catechin is a natural compound found in green tea, cocoa, and some fruits. It belongs to a class of polyphenols known for their antioxidant properties, but in this highly oxidizing patch, catechin actually increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer cells, leading to their death.

According to Professor Yuste, administering catechin orally could cause unwanted side effects throughout the body. However, when applied locally via the bioadhesive patch, it acts directly on the area where the tumor was removed. This targeted approach greatly reduces the risk of side effects while maximizing its cancer-fighting effect. In lab tests, the catechin patch eliminated approximately 90% of malignant glioblastoma cells.

Beyond Cancer Killing: Additional Benefits

The benefits of these patches extend beyond their ability to kill cancer cells. Researcher Jose Bolaños-Cardet, from UAB and the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), highlights that the material also shows high antimicrobial activity. This property is particularly important in preventing post-surgery infections, which can complicate recovery.

Moreover, the patch is highly biocompatible, meaning it is well tolerated by surrounding brain tissue and supports proper wound healing. The combination of these features makes the patch a safe and practical option for patients undergoing glioblastoma surgery.

Simple, Low-Cost, and Scalable

One of the most exciting aspects of this innovation is its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. The materials used are inexpensive and easy to produce, while the fabrication process is straightforward. This makes it a strong candidate for large-scale production and future commercialization. According to Bolaños-Cardet, the combination of effectiveness, safety, and low cost increases its appeal to potential investors and pharmaceutical developers.

A Collaborative Effort

This study was the result of collaboration among multiple research centers in Catalonia, including the INc-UAB, the ICN2, and the Bellvitge University Hospital – Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) – Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL). The multidisciplinary team brought together expertise in biochemistry, neuroscience, nanotechnology, and oncology to develop this promising therapy.

A Step Forward in Glioblastoma Treatment

Glioblastoma remains one of the most challenging cancers to treat. Its aggressive growth and tendency to recur have limited treatment options and outcomes for patients worldwide. The development of a mussel-inspired bioadhesive patch represents a significant step forward. By combining natural compounds like catechin with innovative materials science, researchers have created a method to directly target cancer cells after surgery, minimize side effects, and promote healing.

Although further testing in clinical trials is necessary, this research provides hope for a more effective and safer approach to treating glioblastoma. For patients and families facing this devastating diagnosis, such breakthroughs offer a glimpse of hope in a field where progress has historically been slow.

Looking Ahead

The successful lab results are only the first step. The research team plans to move toward clinical studies to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of these patches in human patients. If successful, this therapy could become part of the standard procedure for glioblastoma surgery, potentially reducing recurrence rates and improving survival outcomes.

In addition to glioblastoma, the principles behind this mussel-inspired patch may have broader applications. Similar patches could be developed to deliver drugs for other types of tumors or localized infections, highlighting the versatility of this innovative approach.

Conclusion

The mussel-inspired bioadhesive patch developed by Professor Víctor Yuste and his team offers a novel, targeted, and cost-effective strategy to fight glioblastoma. With its ability to attach securely to brain tissue, release catechin directly to cancer cells, prevent infections, and promote healing, this patch has the potential to transform the way we treat one of the deadliest brain tumors.

While there is still a long journey from laboratory research to routine clinical use, this discovery represents a major step forward. For patients battling glioblastoma, it brings renewed hope that more effective treatments may be on the horizon, offering a chance for longer survival and improved quality of life.

Reference:
Jose Bolaños‐Cardet et al, A Mussel‐Inspired Bioadhesive Patch to Selectively Kill Glioblastoma Cells, Advanced Science (2026). DOI: 10.1002/advs.202510658

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