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Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
Thermosensitive polymeric hydrogels as drug delivery systems
1State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
Current Medicinal Chemistry
|October 25, 2012
Summary
Injectable thermosensitive hydrogels are advanced biomaterials for drug delivery systems (DDSs). These smart hydrogels offer sustained drug release at body temperature, enhancing therapeutic outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Thermosensitive hydrogels are crucial biomaterials with diverse applications, including drug delivery, cell encapsulation, and tissue engineering.
- Injectable thermosensitive hydrogels exhibiting sol-gel transition near physiological temperature are extensively researched for in vivo applications.
- These hydrogels form a non-flowing gel at body temperature after injection, creating a localized depot for sustained drug release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the fundamentals, applications, and recent advancements of injectable thermosensitive hydrogels as drug delivery systems (DDSs).
- To highlight the advantages of these hydrogel systems, such as ease of formulation, drug protection, and prolonged, localized delivery.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature focusing on thermosensitive hydrogels for DDSs.
- Categorization of hydrogel systems based on their composition, including chitosan derivatives, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based (PNIPAAM) copolymers, poly(ethylene oxide)/poly(propylene oxide) (PEO/PPO) copolymers, and poly(ethylene glycol)/biodegradable polyester copolymers.
Main Results:
- Injectable thermosensitive hydrogels offer significant advantages for drug delivery, including simplicity, drug protection, and sustained, localized release.
- Various polymer systems, such as PNIPAAM, PEO/PPO, and PEG-based copolymers, are suitable for developing these advanced DDSs.
- The sol-gel transition temperature around physiological temperature is a key characteristic for effective in vivo hydrogel formation.
Conclusions:
- Injectable thermosensitive hydrogels represent a promising platform for advanced drug delivery systems.
- Continued research into novel compositions and formulations will further expand their therapeutic potential.
- These hydrogels provide a versatile and effective approach for localized and sustained administration of pharmaceutical agents.
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