Composite Hydrogels with Included Solid-State Nanoparticles Bearing Anticancer Chemotherapeutics

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Hydrogels offer biocompatibility and controlled drug release but have limited drug absorption capacity, especially for hydrophobic molecules.
• Incorporating nanoparticles into hydrogels significantly increases surface area, enhancing drug absorption capabilities.
• Composite hydrogels are explored as advanced drug delivery systems for localized and sustained release of therapeutics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review composite hydrogels with incorporated nanoparticles as carriers for anticancer chemotherapeutics.
• To analyze the impact of nanoparticle surface properties (hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, electric charge) on drug adsorption.
• To guide researchers in selecting appropriate nanoparticles for hydrophilic and hydrophobic drug molecules.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on composite hydrogels (physical, covalent, injectable) and their nanoparticle components.
• Analysis of nanoparticle surface characteristics, including metals, metal-oxides, silicates, and carbon-based materials.
• Emphasis on the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles for drug adsorption.

Main Results:

• Composite hydrogels with nanoparticles show enhanced capacity for adsorbing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs.
• Nanoparticle surface properties critically influence their adsorption of different drug molecules.
• Various nanoparticles, including gold, silver, iron oxides, and graphene, are suitable for drug delivery applications.

Conclusions:

• Composite hydrogels incorporating nanoparticles represent a promising strategy for improving anticancer drug delivery.
• Understanding nanoparticle surface properties is crucial for optimizing drug loading and release.
• This review provides a framework for selecting nanoparticles to enhance the efficacy of hydrogel-based drug delivery systems.