Ferrocene/ β-cyclodextrin based supramolecular nanogels as theranostic systems

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Development of advanced drug delivery systems is crucial for targeted cancer therapy.
• Supramolecular chemistry offers novel strategies for creating responsive nanocarriers.
• Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are key biomarkers in inflammation-associated diseases and cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a redox-responsive supramolecular nanogel for cancer theranostics.
• To evaluate the nanogel's ability to sense cancer cells and release therapeutic agents.
• To investigate the nanogel's responsiveness to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a marker for ROS.

Main Methods:

• Supramolecular host-guest interactions between polyethylene glycol-grafted-β-cyclodextrin and ferrocene boronic acid were utilized for nanogel synthesis.
• Cyclic voltammetry, spectroscopy, and microscopy confirmed host-guest interactions and nanogel formation.
• Biological evaluation involved fluorescence silencing, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and cell toxicity assays.

Main Results:

• Spherical core-shell nanogels (100-200 nm) were formed with high encapsulation efficiency for doxorubicin (DOX) and luminol (LU).
• Complete DOX release and dramatic LU fluorescence quenching were observed upon exposure to 0.05 mM H2O2, indicating high ROS sensitivity.
• The nanogels demonstrated high loading capacity, redox sensitivity, and biocompatibility.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized nanogels function as effective theranostic systems for inflammation-associated diseases.
• The redox-responsive nature and targeted drug release capabilities offer a promising approach for cancer treatment.
• This supramolecular nanogel platform holds potential for advanced biomedical applications.