Biocompatible narrow size nanohydrogels for drug delivery

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Biodegradable polymers are crucial for controlled drug delivery, enabling sustained release.
• Nanohydrogels (NHGs) offer potential for diverse biological applications, including drug delivery.
• Developing safe, effective, and tunable nanocarriers is essential for advanced therapeutics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel, cross-linked, biodegradable nanohydrogels (NHGs) with tunable sizes (20-500 nm).
• To evaluate the potential of these NHGs as a drug delivery platform for hydrophobic drugs.
• To assess the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of drug-loaded NHGs.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of NHGs via thermo-responsive self-assembly and confined polymerization.
• Introduction of ester cross-linkers for enhanced biodegradability.
• Loading of hydrophobic drugs (curcumin, amphotericin B) and in vitro/in vivo efficacy testing.

Main Results:

• Successfully developed non-toxic NHGs with tunable sizes (20-500 nm).
• Demonstrated successful loading of hydrophobic drugs, including amphotericin B (AmB).
• AmB-loaded NHGs exhibited enhanced antifungal activity and reduced host toxicity compared to Fungizone in a murine model.

Conclusions:

• Biodegradable NHGs provide a versatile platform for controlled drug release.
• The developed NHGs show promise for improved therapeutic outcomes in antifungal treatments.
• These nanohydrogels are suitable for diverse biological applications due to their favorable characteristics.