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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
Enhanced Gene Delivery and Expression using Intraosseous Injection of Chitosan Nanoparticles Encapsulated Adenine Base Editor Plasmids
Published on: May 16, 2025
A chitosan hydrogel delivery system for osteosarcoma gene therapy with pigment epithelium-derived factor combined
Hang T Ta1, Crispin R Dass, Ian Larson
1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.
Abstract:
Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common type of malignant bone cancer, and the sixth most common type of cancer in children and young adults. Currently, gene therapy is being evaluated as a novel method for OS treatment. Here we report on an in situ gelling chitosan-based hydrogel system that sustains the release of a potential anti-cancer gene (pigment epithelium-derived factor) to the tumor site. A significant reduction of the primary OS in a clinically relevant orthotopic model was measured. The combination of plasmid treatment and chemotherapy together with the use of this delivery system led to the highest suppression of tumor growth without side effects. The results obtained from this study demonstrate the potential application of a biodegradable hydrogel technology as an anti-cancer drug delivery system for successful chemo-gene therapy.
Insights
This study presents a novel chitosan hydrogel for sustained release of anti-cancer genes, effectively reducing osteosarcoma tumors. Combining this gene therapy with chemotherapy showed the highest tumor suppression without side effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomaterials Science
- Gene Therapy
Background:
- Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone cancer in children and young adults.
- Current OS treatments have limitations, driving research into novel therapeutic strategies like gene therapy.
- Gene therapy offers a promising avenue for targeted cancer treatment, but effective delivery systems are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an in situ gelling chitosan-based hydrogel for sustained delivery of anti-cancer genes to osteosarcoma tumors.
- To assess the efficacy of this hydrogel system in combination with chemotherapy for osteosarcoma treatment.
- To investigate the potential of biodegradable hydrogel technology in chemo-gene therapy for OS.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of an in situ gelling chitosan-based hydrogel system.
- Encapsulation and sustained release of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), a potential anti-cancer gene.
- Evaluation of the hydrogel system in a clinically relevant orthotopic osteosarcoma mouse model.
- Assessment of tumor growth reduction and side effects in combined chemo-gene therapy.
Main Results:
- The chitosan hydrogel system demonstrated sustained release of the anti-cancer gene (PEDF) to the tumor site.
- Significant reduction in primary osteosarcoma tumor size was observed in the orthotopic model.
- The combination of plasmid treatment, chemotherapy, and the hydrogel delivery system resulted in the highest tumor growth suppression.
- No significant side effects were noted with the combined chemo-gene therapy approach.
Conclusions:
- Biodegradable chitosan hydrogel technology shows significant potential as an anti-cancer drug delivery system.
- This hydrogel enables effective chemo-gene therapy for osteosarcoma, offering a promising new treatment strategy.
- The developed system achieved substantial tumor reduction with minimal adverse effects, highlighting its clinical applicability.
