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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
Alginate-PVA interpenetrating network nanogels: a pH-responsive carrier for thermal stabilization and sustained
Sadeeq Muhammad Sheshe1, Sarawut Cheunkar1, Sukunya Oaew2,3
1Biotechnology Division, School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bang Khun Thian, Bangkok 10150, Thailand.
Abstract:
Phycocyanin (PC) is a sensitive bioactive protein that suffers from poor thermal stability and premature release in conventional alginate (Alg) hydrogels. In this study, Alg-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) nanogels were developed as a pH-responsive carrier for improved PC stabilization and controlled oral delivery. Increasing PVA concentration produced nanogels with particle sizes ranging from 174.01 ± 2.66 to 255.02 ± 68.04 nm and significantly improved encapsulation efficiency from 69.59 ± 0.51% to 92.20 ± 0.84%, with a maximum loading capacity of 8.24 ± 0.06%. PVA incorporation also enhanced thermal stability and reduced PC release under simulated gastric conditions (<10% release at pH 1.2), followed by sustained release in simulated intestinal fluid (pH 7.4). Cytocompatibility studies using Caco-2 cells demonstrated acceptable biocompatibility at lower concentrations. Overall, Alg-PVA IPN nanogels provide a promising platform for improving the stability and controlled delivery of sensitive protein-based bioactives.
