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Gelatin hydrogel cross-linked with glutaraldehyde loaded with methylene blue for photodynamic action in gliosarcoma
Janicy Arantes Carvalho1, Jéssica Aparecida Ribeiro Ambrósio1, Pamela Ingrid de Oliveira1
1Research and Development Institute - IP&D, Vale do Paraíba University - UNIVAP, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil.
Abstract:
Since the prognosis and treatment of nervous system tumors are still not beneficial to the patient, alternative therapies need to be investigated as primary or supplemental treatments to current methods. Hydrogel systems are well-known for their high-water absorption capacity, three-dimensional network composition, and biocompatibility, making them suitable as photosensitizers (PS) carriers for photodynamic therapy (PDT). A gelatin hydrogel system was synthesized via chemical cross-linking with varying glutaraldehyde concentrations, and the optimal hydrogel was encapsulated with methylene blue (MB). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis demonstrated that the formulation formed three-dimensional networks. The freeze-drying procedure increases the hydrogel's water-retention capacity, as shown by the swelling test. All spectroscopic results showed excellent photophysical properties of MB when incorporated into the system. The encapsulation efficiency was 95.35%. According to the trypan blue exclusion test, the cell viability in the PDT-treated groups was significantly lower (p < 0.05). Approximately 95% of 9 L/lacZ cells died after PDT utilizing a concentration of 50 μmol.mL-1 for the hydrogel with MB. Based on the data obtained, the system's viability has been confirmed, and it is expected to demonstrate potential in the treatment of neoplasms.
Insights
This study developed a novel gelatin hydrogel system for photodynamic therapy (PDT) to treat nervous system tumors. The optimized hydrogel effectively delivered methylene blue, significantly reducing tumor cell viability.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cancer Therapy
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Nervous system tumors have a poor prognosis, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Hydrogel systems offer biocompatibility and high drug-loading capacity, suitable for cancer treatment.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising cancer treatment modality requiring effective photosensitizer delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a gelatin-based hydrogel for encapsulating methylene blue (MB) as a photosensitizer for PDT.
- To evaluate the efficacy of the MB-loaded hydrogel in treating 9L/lacZ nervous system tumor cells.
- To assess the potential of this hydrogel system as an alternative or supplemental therapy for neoplasms.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of gelatin hydrogels via chemical cross-linking with glutaraldehyde.
- Encapsulation of methylene blue (MB) into the optimized hydrogel formulation.
- Characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and swelling tests.
- Evaluation of MB photophysical properties and encapsulation efficiency.
- In vitro assessment of cell viability using the trypan blue exclusion test post-PDT.
Main Results:
- SEM confirmed the formation of a 3D network structure in the hydrogel.
- Freeze-drying enhanced the hydrogel's water-retention capacity.
- MB exhibited excellent photophysical properties within the hydrogel system.
- High encapsulation efficiency of 95.35% was achieved for MB.
- PDT with the MB-loaded hydrogel significantly reduced 9L/lacZ cell viability by approximately 95% (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- The developed gelatin hydrogel system is a viable carrier for methylene blue.
- The system demonstrates significant potential for photodynamic therapy in treating nervous system tumors.
- This approach offers a promising alternative or supplementary treatment for neoplasms.
