Multiresponsive Nanogels for Targeted Anticancer Drug Delivery

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Cancer Therapeutics

Background:

• Nanogels offer potential for targeted drug delivery.
• Controlling drug release kinetics is crucial for therapeutic efficacy.
• Enhancing cellular uptake of nanocarriers improves treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize nanogels with a biomolecular coating for triggered Doxorubicin delivery.
• To investigate the influence of glucose, pH, and temperature on drug release.
• To evaluate the efficacy of transferrin-modified nanogels in cancer cell uptake and growth inhibition.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of nanogels with a glycogen/Concanavalin A biocoating.
• Incorporation and triggered release of Doxorubicin.
• Assessment of nanogel thermoresponsivity.
• Surface modification with transferrin for enhanced cellular uptake.
• In vitro evaluation using human liver cancer cell line (HepG2).

Main Results:

• Successful triggered release of Doxorubicin mediated by glucose and pH changes.
• Thermoresponsive properties accelerated drug release.
• Transferrin immobilization enhanced nanogel uptake by HepG2 cells.
• Doxorubicin reached the nucleus of HepG2 cells within 3 hours.
• Doxorubicin-loaded nanogels demonstrated significant inhibition of HepG2 cell growth.

Conclusions:

• Nanogel design incorporating a biomolecular coating enables triggered Doxorubicin release.
• Stimuli-responsive features (glucose, pH, temperature) allow for controlled drug delivery.
• Surface functionalization with transferrin enhances cancer cell targeting and drug delivery efficiency.