Figure 2.

Engineered algae could ameliorate hypoxia to improve radiotherapy and PDT. (A) Illustrative description of the process and treatment of algae engineering. (B) Algal photograph. (C) SEM images of algae. (D) Engineered algae can effectively reach tumor sites and improve oxyhemoglobin after intravenous injection. (E) CD31 staining of cancer microvessels. (F) Engineered algae can increase oxygen, enhance radiation therapy, release chlorophyll, and induce PDT. (G) Confocal fluorescence images show elevated intracellular oxygen levels after treatment with engineered algae under hypoxic incubation conditions of the hypoxic probe. Reprinted from Qiao Y, Yang F, Xie T, et al. Engineered algae: A novel oxygen-generating system for effective treatment of hypoxic cancer. Science Advances. 2020;6(21):eaba5996. Creative Commons.²⁴