Injectable Functional Porous Carbon-Loaded Hydrogel with Long-Term Retention and Synergistic Anti-Tumor Properties...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Cancer Therapy

Background:

• In situ therapies offer promise for unresectable tumors lacking vascularization.
• Precise delivery and sustained release of synergistic anti-tumor agents remain challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel in situ injectable hydrogel for precise and sustained delivery of anti-tumor agents.
• To achieve synergistic anti-tumor efficacy through combined ferroptosis, cytotoxicity, and immunoregulation.

Main Methods:

• Designed an injectable hydrogel (CFe/βCP+Cis) by integrating a β-CD-g-PEGMA (βCP) molecular brush hydrogel with functional carbon nanozyme (CFe) and cisplatin.
• Evaluated the hydrogel's injectability, long-term retention (over 63 days), and drug release kinetics.
• Assessed the synergistic anti-tumor efficacy via ferroptosis and cytotoxicity, and its impact on the tumor microenvironment (macrophage polarization and T cell infiltration).

Main Results:

• The CFe/βCP+Cis hydrogel exhibited excellent injectability and long-term retention.
• Gradual release of CFe and cisplatin from the hydrogel demonstrated synergistic anti-tumor effects.
• The hydrogel modulated the tumor microenvironment by reducing the M2-like/M1-like macrophage ratio and promoting CD8+ T cell infiltration.

Conclusions:

• The developed hydrogel shows significant potential for precise and sustained tumor treatment.
• The CFe/βCP+Cis hydrogel combines chemodynamic therapy, chemotherapy, and immunoregulation for enhanced anti-tumor outcomes.
• Long-term retention properties contribute to its therapeutic efficacy.