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Natural Hydrogels Applied in Photodynamic Therapy
Zhipan Feng1, Shiying Lin1, Andrew McDonagh2
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
Current Medicinal Chemistry
|October 18, 2019
Summary
Natural hydrogels offer unique properties for drug delivery and photodynamic therapy (PDT). This review explores their design and application in PDT, highlighting their potential in advanced therapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Photomedicine
Background:
- Natural hydrogels are 3D water-retaining polymer networks.
- They exhibit biodegradability, biocompatibility, and drug release capabilities.
- Hyaluronic acid, a natural hydrogel component, offers CD44 targeting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review natural hydrogels for photodynamic therapy (PDT).
- To discuss design variables and categories of natural hydrogels in PDT.
- To explore the expanded applications of natural hydrogels in combination with photosensitizers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of natural hydrogels and their use in PDT.
- Analysis of design parameters influencing hydrogel performance.
- Categorization of natural hydrogels based on their composition and application in PDT.
Main Results:
- Natural hydrogels can be tailored for sustained or controlled drug release.
- Their inherent properties enhance compatibility and functionality in therapeutic systems.
- Integration with photosensitizers expands their utility in photodynamic therapy.
Conclusions:
- Natural hydrogels are versatile biomaterials for advanced therapeutic applications.
- Their unique properties make them suitable candidates for photodynamic therapy.
- Further research into design variables will optimize their use in PDT.
