Core-Shell Microspheres with Encapsulated Gold Nanoparticle Carriers for Controlled Release of Anti-Cancer Drugs

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Chemotherapy is vital but causes severe side effects due to rapid drug diffusion and burst release from conventional systems.
• Developing effective drug delivery systems (DDS) for sustained and controlled anti-cancer drug release remains a clinical challenge.
• Small molecule anti-cancer drugs often diffuse rapidly, limiting treatment efficacy and increasing toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel DDS for sustained and triggered release of anti-cancer drugs.
• To create biodegradable core-shell microspheres encapsulating doxorubicin hydrochloride-loaded gold nanoparticles (DOX@Au@MSs).
• To achieve near-infrared (NIR) light-controlled drug release for enhanced cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of biodegradable core-shell microspheres using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid).
• Encapsulation of doxorubicin hydrochloride-loaded gold nanoparticles (DOX@Au@MSs) within the microspheres.
• Evaluation of sustained drug release over 21 days and NIR-triggered release via photothermal properties of gold nanoparticles.

Main Results:

• The DOX@Au@MSs demonstrated sustained release of doxorubicin hydrochloride over 21 days.
• Near-infrared (NIR) light remotely triggered the release of the anti-cancer drug by rupturing the microspheres.
• This controlled release method resulted in durable cancer cell ablation for 72 hours.

Conclusions:

• Biodegradable core-shell microspheres encapsulating DOX@Au@MSs represent a promising DDS for cancer therapy.
• The system enables sustained drug delivery and on-demand release triggered by NIR light, minimizing side effects.
• This approach offers a potential strategy for durable cancer cell ablation with improved therapeutic outcomes.