STING-activable immunomodulatory bio-glue for multiple postsurgical management

Abstract

In addition to the robust adhesive properties, there is a pressing demand for ideal adhesives in tumor surgery that possess anti-tumor therapeutic effects. In this study, we introduce BSA-MnO₂-GP@Ca-Y (BMGY) bio-glue by integrating bovine serum albumin (BSA)-MnO₂, genipin (GP), and Ca-Y zeolite. Ca-Y zeolite exhibits the thrombin activity for hemostasis, while the cross-linking of BSA, GP, and skin tissue induces wound adherence upon laser irradiation for normalized skin structure within nine days. The heat generated during the “photothermal suture” process ablates residual tumor cells and produces antigen fragments, which are internalized by antigen presenting cells. The released Mn ions subsequently activate the cGAS-STING pathway, enhancing immunogenicity. Consequently, tumor-infiltrating p-TBK1 and interferon-β levels are significantly increased, ensuring robust anti-tumor immunity following BMGY treatment. Thus, BMGY bio-glue achieves hemostasis, wound bonding, ablation of residual tumor cells, and tumor recurrence inhibition, simultaneously. Beyond Ca-Y zeolite, BSA-MnO₂-GP serves as a versatile platform for loading other drugs or active species to boost therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, we present a successful bio-glue paradigm with significant translational potential for various postsurgical management applications.