Tumor Microenvironment-Responsive 6-Mercaptopurine-Releasing Injectable Hydrogel for Colon Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Colon cancer is a significant health concern. The development of effective drug delivery systems is critical for improving treatment outcomes. In this study, we developed a drug delivery system for colon cancer treatment by embedding 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), an anticancer drug, in a thiolated gelatin/polyethylene glycol diacrylate hydrogel (6MP-GPGel). The 6MP-GPGel continuously released 6-MP, the anticancer drug. The release rate of 6-MP was further accelerated in an acidic or glutathione environment that mimicked a tumor microenvironment. In addition, when pure 6-MP was used for treatment, cancer cells proliferated again from day 5, whereas a continuous supply of 6-MP from the 6MP-GPGel continuously suppressed the survival rate of cancer cells. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that embedding 6-MP in a hydrogel formulation can improve the efficacy of colon cancer treatment and may serve as a promising minimally invasive and localized drug delivery system for future development.

Novel Hydrophilic Oligomer-Crosslinked Gelatin-Based Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications

“…Several therapeutic agents can be encapsulated into hydrogels, which can adapt to any shape of the defect and surrounding tissue. The use of injectable hydrogels in gene therapy, controlled delivery of medications, cells, and growth factors, nucleus pulposus replacement, cardiac repair, and regenerative uses for cartilage and bone have increased recently [6][7][8][9][10]. Fundamental research using embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells has also been actively conducted to establish this revolutionary Gels 2023, 9, 564 2 of 16 treatment in regenerative medicine [11].…”