# Zinc-Modified Titanate Nanotubes as Radiosensitizers for Glioblastoma: Enhancing Radiotherapy Efficacy and Monte Carlo Simulations

## TL;DR

This paper explores how zinc-modified titanate nanotubes can improve radiotherapy for glioblastoma by enhancing radiosensitivity and using Monte Carlo simulations to model dose delivery.

## Contribution

The study introduces zinc-modified titanate nanotubes as a novel radiosensitizer for glioblastoma treatment.

## Key findings

- Zinc-modified titanate nanotubes (ZnTNT) showed significant radiosensitization effects in glioblastoma cells.
- Monte Carlo simulations revealed differences in dose deposition with and without the nanotubes.
- ZnTNT interfered with clonogenic survival, indicating potential for improved radiotherapy outcomes.

## Abstract

Radiotherapy (RT) is the established noninvasive treatment
for
glioblastoma (GBM), a highly aggressive malignancy. However, its effectiveness
in improving patient survival remains limited due to the radioresistant
nature of GBM. Metal-based nanostructures have emerged as promising
strategies to enhance RT efficacy. Among them, titanate nanotubes
(TNTs) have gained significant attention due to their biocompatibility
and cost-effectiveness. This study aimed to synthesize zinc-modified
TNTs (ZnTNT) from sodium TNTs (NaTNT), in addition to characterizing
the formed nanostructures and evaluating their radiosensitization
effects in GBM cells (U87 and U251). Hydrothermal synthesis was employed
to fabricate the TNTs, which were characterized using various techniques,
including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive
spectroscopy, scanning-transmission mode, Fourier-transform infrared
spectroscopy, ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry),
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and zeta potential analysis. Cytotoxicity
was evaluated in healthy (Vero) and GBM (U87 and U251) cells by the
MTT assay, while the internalization of TNTs was observed through
TEM imaging and ICP-MS. The radiosensitivity of ZnTNT and NaTNT combined
with 5 Gy was evaluated using clonogenic assays. Monte Carlo simulations
using the MCNP6.2 code were performed to determine the deposited dose
in the culture medium for RT scenarios involving TNT clusters and
cells. The results demonstrated differences in the dose deposition
values between the scenarios with and without TNTs. The study revealed
that ZnTNT interfered with clonogenic integrity, suggesting its potential
as a powerful tool for GBM treatment.