k-Carrageenan based magnetic@polyelectrolyte complex composite hydrogel for pH and temperature-responsive curcumin...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Stimuli-responsive hydrogels offer controlled drug release for targeted therapies.
• Magnetic nanoparticles integrated into hydrogels enhance site-specific delivery.
• Polyelectrolyte complexes provide a versatile platform for hydrogel fabrication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a dual stimuli-responsive magnetic polyelectrolyte complex hydrogel (MPEC HG) system.
• To evaluate the drug loading and release efficiency of the MPEC HG system using curcumin as a model drug.
• To assess the in vitro biocompatibility of the MPEC HG system for potential cancer therapy applications.

Main Methods:

• In situ synthesis of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles within polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG).
• Formation of a polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) hydrogel using PHMG and k-carrageenan (kCG).
• Characterization of the MPEC HG system and evaluation of curcumin loading and release under combined pH (5.0) and temperature (42 °C) stimuli.
• In vitro cytotoxicity assessment on human liver cancer (HepG2) cell line.

Main Results:

• The MPEC HG system exhibited efficient curcumin loading (approximately 68%).
• Enhanced drug release was observed under combined pH 5.0 and 42 °C stimuli.
• In vitro studies demonstrated the biocompatibility of the MPEC HG system on HepG2 cells.

Conclusions:

• The developed MPEC HG system is a promising platform for dual stimuli-responsive drug delivery.
• The system shows potential for targeted cancer therapy applications due to its controlled release and biocompatibility.
• Integration of magnetic nanoparticles and polyelectrolyte complexation enables advanced drug delivery functionalities.