Gold nanorod (AuNR)‐embedded poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogels offer the possibility of achieving near‐infrared (NIR) light‐triggered drug release. In addition, using nanoparticles as a crosslinker can enhance the mechanical properties of PNIPAM hydrogels, and nanoparticle‐crosslinked hydrogels provide an important approach for dual drug release. Here, NIR light‐triggered dual drug release using AuNR‐embedded thermosensitive nanogel‐crosslinked hydrogels is reported for the first time. Two kinds of drugs are encapsulated, one in the nanogel and the other in the hydrogel. The volume phase transition of the PNIPAM hydrogels is induced by NIR light by utilizing the photothermal effect of AuNRs. By changing the number of embedded AuNRs and the intensity of NIR light, the release rate and drug quantity can be adjusted for on‐demand release. Because of its NIR light‐triggering and nanoparticle‐crosslinking capabilities, AuNR‐embedded thermosensitive nanogel‐crosslinked hydrogels may expand the application scope of hydrogels and provide enhanced properties in their applications.
Hydrogels have significant advantages in the local treatment of diseases. However, improving the solubility of hydrophobic drugs and enhancing cell targeting of drug delivery remain significant challenges in the application of such hydrogels. Surface charge reversible polymeric micelle‐laden hydrogels are developed for drug delivery and 3D cell culture. Borax is added into the system to form borate with hydroxyl groups of alginate for rapid gelation. Decreasing pH surrounding the hydrogels facilitates the degradation of the hydrogels and charge reversal of polymeric micelles. The negative‐to‐positive charge reversal endows polymeric micelles with cell targeting and enhanced cell uptake of polymeric micelles. A potential and effective in situ drug delivery system for the local treatment of diseases is provided.
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