Rheological and Injectability Evaluation of Sterilized Poloxamer-407-Based Hydrogels Containing Docetaxel-Loaded...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) can enhance docetaxel (DTX) bioavailability and reduce side effects.
• Local administration via in situ-forming gels improves nanoparticle retention at tumor sites.
• Poloxamer 407 hydrogels are suitable for hybrid systems due to thermoresponsiveness and biocompatibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop injectable poloxamer hydrogels containing NLCs for intratumoral docetaxel (DTX) delivery.
• To assess the impact of steam sterilization (autoclaving) on the physicochemical properties and performance of these nanocomposite hydrogels.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of poloxamer hydrogels incorporating NLCs.
• Evaluation of sol-gel transition, injectability, and physicochemical stability before and after autoclaving (121 °C for 15 min).
• Rheological analysis to determine gelation behavior at physiological temperatures.

Main Results:

• All hydrogel formulations demonstrated acceptable injectability.
• Steam sterilization did not significantly alter physicochemical properties or ease of injection.
• Autoclaved hydrogels exhibited delayed gelation, occurring 1-2 °C above body temperature, unlike non-sterilized counterparts.

Conclusions:

• While injectable poloxamer-NLC hydrogels show potential for local DTX delivery, the employed autoclaving conditions compromise their thermoresponsive gelation at body temperature.
• Further optimization of sterilization methods is required to maintain the desired properties for effective intratumoral drug delivery.