Doxorubicin eluting microporous polysaccharide scaffolds: An implantable device to expunge tumour

A variety of naturally derived and synthetic biomaterial scaffolds have been investigated as 3D environments for supporting cell growth and can be used to achieve drug delivery with high loading efficiency. Polysaccharides which enhance the tumour-specific drug release are ideal candidates for scaffold preparation in combination with chemotherapeutic agents for the management of solid tumours by local applications. Galactoxyloglucan (PST001) based porous scaffolds (PS) were prepared by crosslinking and freeze drying with a porosity of 90%. FTIR showed the same functional groups as of PST001 with slight peak shifts and 1200% water absorption was observed. Comparing with PBS, macrophage mediated improved degradation up to 40% in 28 days was observed. The scaffold was relatively non toxic towards normal and cancer cells and there was no epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) observed. In vitro drug release profile of doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded scaffold (PSD) showed higher release at acidic pH, apparent in tumour microenvironment, than normal physiological pH. In in vitro assays, cell viability was decreased confirming the drug release potential of the scaffold. DLA tumour was significantly reduced with PSD implantation. The excellent biodegradability of the PS overcome the limitations of non-biodegradable systems which support the sustained release of the drug and degrade after a specific time period. The local tumour reduction potential of the PSD embrace immense application in malignant solid tumour management.