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Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
Harmonizing the adhesion-release dilemma: a bio-based injectable hypertonic hydrogel for bladder perfusion therapy
Lihang Jiang1,2, Yuhang Li2, Wenjing Liu1
1College of Materials Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Advanced Separation Membrane Materials, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Plastic Modification and Processing Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China. chensi@zjut.edu.cn.
This study introduces a novel injectable hydrogel for bladder cancer treatment. The hydrogel offers strong adhesion and controlled drug release, improving therapeutic efficacy and patient quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Oncology
Background:
- Superficial bladder cancer requires improved local treatment strategies.
- Current intravesical instillation methods have short drug residence times and poor adhesion.
- Existing hydrogels struggle with balancing adhesion and controlled release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an injectable hydrogel for enhanced intravesical drug delivery.
- To overcome limitations of conventional bladder cancer treatments.
- To create a system with strong wet adhesion and dual-responsive drug release.
Main Methods:
- Developed an injectable hydrogel using carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS), oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA), and tannic acid (TA).
- Constructed a dual dynamic cross-linking network via Schiff base bonds and hydrogen bonding.
- Evaluated hydrogel adhesion, wet adhesion strength, and drug release kinetics under simulated urine conditions.
Main Results:
- The hydrogel demonstrated strong wet adhesion (>100 kPa) to the bladder mucosa.
- Achieved pH/enzyme dual-responsive controlled drug release.
- Maintained stable drug release for over one week, significantly enhancing antitumor efficacy.
Conclusions:
- The developed hydrogel system overcomes the "strong adhesion-weak sustained release" dilemma.
- Offers long-term retention and intelligent responsiveness for precise intravesical therapy.
- Presents a promising drug delivery platform for bladder cancer treatment.
