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Updated: Sep 18, 2025
Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
A Smart Injectable Hydrogel Packaged with an Ion Channel Activator Molecule as a Targeted Delivery System for the
Davide Delisi1, Ugo D'Amora2, Enrico Scarpa2
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue BSB 358, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, United States.
Abstract:
Compared with conventional anticancer strategies, targeted therapy and drug delivery systems offer several benefits that enhance treatment efficacy, safety, and precision. However, their efficacy can be significantly constrained by the lack of suitable molecular targets, stability and drug release issues, financial burden, and potential drug-related toxicity. Bioelectricity plays a fundamental role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Ion channels are key factors in regulating cellular bioelectricity, and pharmacological manipulation of these proteins has emerged as a promising anticancer strategy. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of a Smart Injectable Hydrogel as a delivery system for the Kv11.1 potassium (K+) activator molecule NS1643 (SIHD-Ka) in inhibiting cancer growth. SIHD-Ka consists of an injectable chitosan/pluronic hydrogel encapsulating NS1643. Our in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that SIHD-Ka facilitates the sustained release of NS1643 at a constant rate under physiological conditions (37 °C) and effectively inhibits tumor growth in a triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) model without eliciting notable adverse effects. These findings indicate that SIHD-Ka is a promising platform for the localized and controlled delivery of K+ channel activators, offering a targeted therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancers.
Insights
A novel smart injectable hydrogel effectively delivers the Kv11.1 potassium channel activator NS1643, inhibiting triple-negative breast cancer growth. This targeted drug delivery system shows promise for safer and more precise cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Targeted therapies and drug delivery systems offer advantages over conventional anticancer strategies but face challenges like target specificity and drug release.
- Bioelectricity, regulated by ion channels, is crucial for cellular homeostasis and presents a potential target for cancer treatment.
- Pharmacological manipulation of ion channels, specifically Kv11.1 potassium channels, is an emerging anticancer strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a Smart Injectable Hydrogel Drug delivery system (SIHD-Ka) for localized NS1643 delivery.
- To assess the potential of SIHD-Ka in inhibiting cancer growth, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
- To determine the safety and controlled release characteristics of the SIHD-Ka system.
Main Methods:
- Development of an injectable chitosan/pluronic hydrogel encapsulating the Kv11.1 potassium activator NS1643 (SIHD-Ka).
- In vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate drug release kinetics and anticancer efficacy.
- Assessment of tumor growth inhibition and adverse effects in a TNBC animal model.
Main Results:
- SIHD-Ka demonstrated sustained and controlled release of NS1643 at physiological temperature (37 °C).
- The hydrogel system effectively inhibited tumor growth in the triple-negative breast cancer model.
- No significant adverse effects were observed, indicating a favorable safety profile.
Conclusions:
- SIHD-Ka is a promising platform for localized and controlled delivery of potassium channel activators.
- This targeted therapeutic strategy offers potential for enhanced efficacy and safety in cancer treatment.
- The developed hydrogel system represents a novel approach for precision oncology.
