Targeted Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer Using an Intelligent Doxorubicin-Loaded Hexapeptide Hydrogel

Self-assembling peptide hydrogels have a high water content, good biocompatibility and have become a competitive research object in the fields of tissue engineering, cancer treatment and drug delivery. In our research, a hexapeptide with high pH sensitivity was designed and synthesized by utilizing a solid-phase synthesis method. Under physiological conditions, the peptide could self-assemble into a hydrogel. When it reached the tumor acidic microenvironment, the peptide was degraded and doxorubicin was released to exert its antitumor effect. A series of physicochemical properties were investigated, including gelling ability, secondary structure, micromorphology, rheological properties and drug release studies. The results illustrated that PIDO peptide hydrogel has good pH responsiveness and injectability. In vitro cytotoxicity experiments and in vivo antitumor experiments showed that PIDO peptide hydrogel has a highly effective therapeutic effect on tumor cells and is less toxic to normal tissues. Our research provides a promising option for targeted drug delivery and sustainable release.