Dual-responsive chitosan/pluronic F-127 composite hydrogels for smart controlled drug delivery

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Developing advanced drug delivery systems is crucial for effective cancer therapy.
• Chitosan (Cs) and Pluronic F-127 (PF-127) are biocompatible polymers with potential for stimuli-responsive applications.
• Tailoring hydrogel properties for controlled drug release remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a dual-responsive composite hydrogel using pH-sensitive chitosan and thermosensitive Pluronic F-127.
• To evaluate the potential of this hydrogel as a localized drug delivery platform for cancer therapy.
• To investigate the pH-dependent cytotoxicity and drug release characteristics of the developed hydrogel.

Main Methods:

• Composite hydrogels were synthesized by modifying chitosan's hydrogen-bonding interactions and incorporating it into Pluronic F-127.
• The sol-gel transition temperature (LCST) and viscosity were tuned for optimal performance around 37°C.
• Cytotoxicity assays were performed using neuroblastoma cells loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) at physiological (pH 7.4) and acidic (pH 5.5) conditions.

Main Results:

• The PF-127-Cs hydrogel exhibited a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) near 37°C, suitable for biological applications.
• DOX-loaded PF-127/Cs hydrogel demonstrated significant anticancer activity at pH 7.4, reducing cell viability to 6% after 72 hours.
• Cytotoxicity was markedly reduced at acidic pH 5.5, with cell viability around 46%, indicating pH-dependent drug release.

Conclusions:

• The developed dual-responsive hydrogel integrates thermal and pH sensitivity for controlled drug delivery.
• The PF-127-Cs hydrogel shows promise as an injectable, localized drug delivery platform for cancer therapy.
• This smart material offers an adaptive treatment modality with enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects.