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A Paclitaxel-Based Mucoadhesive Nanogel with Multivalent Interactions for Cervical Cancer Therapy
Qiuhui Qian1, Leilei Shi1, Xihui Gao1
1School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China.
Abstract:
Cervical cancer treatment is subject to limited drug access to locally diseased targets and generally resistant to chemotherapy, thus it is essential to develop a local drug delivery system to overcome these problems, premised on guaranteeing drug efficacy. With this goal in mind, a multivalent interactions-based mucoadhesive nanogel for vaginal delivery is proposed. Briefly, the nanogel is constructed with mucoadhesive poly(acrylic acid) as the backbone and multiple inclusions between β-cyclodextrin and paclitaxel as the crosslinking points. The in vitro experiments demonstrate that nanogel exerts high cytotoxicity to cancer cells, reverses multidrug resistance effectively, and successfully promotes the permeation of drugs. More to the point, as proved in the in vivo experiments, the retention time in the vagina is prolonged and the tumor growth is effectively suppressed by the nanogel without any side effects in the orthotopic cervical cancer model. As mentioned above, this novel mucoadhesive nanogel is believed to be a useful tool toward designing drug delivery systems for cervical cancer treatment.
Insights
A novel mucoadhesive nanogel effectively delivers paclitaxel for cervical cancer treatment, enhancing drug efficacy and prolonging vaginal retention. This targeted approach suppresses tumor growth without side effects.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cervical cancer treatment faces challenges with limited drug access and chemotherapy resistance.
- Local drug delivery systems are crucial for overcoming these limitations and improving treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a mucoadhesive nanogel for effective vaginal delivery of paclitaxel in cervical cancer treatment.
- To address challenges of drug access and resistance in cervical cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a nanogel using mucoadhesive poly(acrylic acid) and paclitaxel-β-cyclodextrin crosslinking.
- In vitro evaluation of cytotoxicity, multidrug resistance reversal, and drug permeation.
- In vivo assessment in an orthotopic cervical cancer model for retention time and tumor suppression.
Main Results:
- The nanogel demonstrated high cytotoxicity against cancer cells in vitro.
- Effective reversal of multidrug resistance and enhanced drug permeation were observed.
- In vivo studies showed prolonged vaginal retention and significant suppression of tumor growth without adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- The developed mucoadhesive nanogel represents a promising strategy for targeted cervical cancer treatment.
- This novel drug delivery system overcomes limitations of conventional chemotherapy and enhances therapeutic outcomes.
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