NVCL-Based Galacto-Functionalized and Thermosensitive Nanogels with GNRDs for Chemo/Photothermal-Therapy

Abstract

Dual-function nanogels (particle size from 98 to 224 nm) synthesized via surfactant-free emulsion polymerization (SFEP) were tested as smart carriers toward synergistic chemo- and photothermal therapy. Cisplatin (CDDP) or doxorubicin (DOX) and gold nanorods (GNRDs) were loaded into galacto-functionalized PNVCL-based nanogels, where the encapsulation efficiency for CDDP and DOX was around 64 and 52%, respectively. PNVCL-based nanogels were proven to be an efficient delivery vehicle under conditions that mimic the tumor site in vitro. The release of CDDP or DOX was slower at pH 7.4 and 37 °C than at tumor conditions of pH 6 and 40 °C. On the other hand, in the systems with GNRDs at pH 7.4 and 37 °C, the sample was irradiated with a 785 nm laser for 10 min every hour, obtaining that the release profiles were even higher than in the conditions that simulated a cancer tissue (without irradiation). Thus, the present study demonstrates the synergistic effect of chemo- and photothermal therapy as a promising dual function in the potential future use of PNVCL nanogels loaded with GNRDs and CDDP/DOX to achieve an enhanced chemo/phototherapy in vivo.

Poly(N-vinylcaprolactam)–Gold Nanorods–5 Fluorouracil Hydrogels: In the Quest of a Material for Topical Therapies against Melanoma Skin Cancer

“…The obtained n values denote another simultaneous diffusion process; in thermosensitive polymers, it is attributed to the shrinkage of the networks due to the action of temperature [25]. The analysis of the 5FU release confirms the potential of these materials as a platform for topical-controlled drug delivery for skin cancer treatment.…”

“…The galactose-based monomer, 2-lactobionamidoethyl methacrylate (LAMA), was synthesized following a procedure reported previously [23]. Gold nanorods (GNRDs) were synthesized in an aqueous CTAB solution using a seed growth method, as reported in the literature [24,25]. Ethanol was provided by Fermont (Monterrey, Mexico) and distilled water by Sparkletts (Lakeside, CA, USA).…”

“…According to previous studies, the normal pH of the human skin is around pH 5 and the normal body temperature is between 36.5 and 37 °C, while, in cancer tissue, the pH and temperature are ~6 and ~40 °C, respectively [3,7,25]. Therefore, in vitro 5FU release studies were carried out by mimicking the physiological conditions of healthy skin (pH 5 and 37 °C) and through hyperthermia, employing the NIR irradiation of systems to produce a local temperature increase.…”

Recent Advances in Hydrogel-Based Phototherapy for Tumor Treatment

“…Nanogels as drug carriers also have been applied for combinational antitumor PDT-chemotherapy. The study by González-Ayón et al [ 232 ] investigated the use of galacto-functionalized poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL)-based nanogels for encapsulating cisplatin or DOX and gold nanorods. The results demonstrated that the nanogels achieved an encapsulation efficiency of approximately 64% and 52% for cisplatin and DOX, respectively.…”

Precision Nanomedicines: Targeting Hot Mitochondria in Cancer Cells

“…Strategies for stimuli-responsive targeted drug delivery include light-triggered, , magnetically responsive, ultrasound-triggered, thermoresponsive, pH-sensitive, redox-sensitive, , and enzyme-sensitive systems, etc. The traditional thermoresponsive strategy is mainly using the high temperature provided by exogenous light through photothermal conversion to achieve the stimuli-responsive drug delivery. − …”