Rutin-Loaded Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogel for Anti-Inflammation

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research

Background:

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) requires innovative therapeutic strategies.
• Current treatments face challenges in efficacy and targeted delivery.
• Flavonoids like rutin possess anti-inflammatory properties but require effective delivery systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a stimuli-responsive hydrogel for targeted delivery of rutin in IBD treatment.
• To create a guanosine phenylborate hydrogel (GBR) with enhanced drug release capabilities.
• To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of the GBR hydrogel in vivo.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of rutin into a guanosine phenylborate hydrogel via a borate ester linkage.
• Characterization using NMR, UV-vis spectroscopy, and AFM.
• Rheological measurements for injectability and self-healing properties.
• In vitro drug release studies under varying pH and ROS conditions.
• In vivo evaluation in a colitis mice model.

Main Results:

• The GBR hydrogel exhibited suitable injectability and self-healing properties for rectal administration.
• Dual-responsive release of rutin was achieved, with >90% release in acidic pH and ROS-rich conditions.
• In vivo studies showed GBR hydrogel significantly inhibited inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and outperformed free rutin.
• Cell assays confirmed excellent biocompatibility and safety of the GBR system.

Conclusions:

• The developed guanosine phenylborate hydrogel (GBR) is a safe and effective drug carrier for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• The dual-responsive release mechanism and enhanced in vivo efficacy highlight its therapeutic potential.
• This G-quadruplex drug carrier strategy offers a promising platform for multi-drug delivery applications.