Dual-modal Fe-MOF-derived piezoelectric nanofibers enable combinatorial tumor suppression via tumor treating fields and magnetic hyperthermia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Glioblastoma (GBM) is among the most lethal primary brain tumors, owing to its highly invasive nature and pronounced resistance to conventional therapies. Emerging physical treatment modalities, such as tumor treating fields (TTFs), offer drug-free therapeutic alternatives. However, their clinical efficacy remains constrained by limited field strength and poor spatial control in deep brain regions. Moreover, a single physical stimulus is often inadequate to achieve sustained tumor suppression, highlighting the need for complementary therapeutic modalities. Herein, we report a multifunctional therapeutic platform in which iron-based metal-organic framework (Fe-MOF)-derived porous carbon is incorporated into piezoelectric polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers. This system enables ultrasound-triggered local electric field generation in combination with alternating magnetic field (AMF)-driven magnetic hyperthermia. The engineered nanofibers exhibited enhanced piezoelectric performance under ultrasound stimulation, alongside efficient heat generation under magnetic excitation. In vitro studies demonstrated pronounced suppression of GBM cell migration and induction of apoptosis, arising from the combinatorial effects of localized electric field stimulation and thermal therapy. Collectively, this work establishes a dual-modal therapeutic strategy that overcomes key limitations of standalone therapies and offers a promising platform for effective GBM treatment.