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.
Highlights
Nanogels are cross-linked polymers of nanometric size in the form of a three-dimensional network that combine the advantages of nanotechnology with the hydrophilicity and flexibility of hydrogels
We report the application of PNVCL-based nanogels as a dual-function system by loading a chemotherapeutic agent like cisplatin (CDDP) or DOX
Galacto-functionalized PNVCL-based nanogels were prepared as a multifunctional platform to combine passive and active drug delivery, NIR light-activated drug delivery, and photothermal therapy in one system simultaneously
Summary
Nanogels are cross-linked polymers of nanometric size in the form of a three-dimensional network that combine the advantages of nanotechnology with the hydrophilicity and flexibility of hydrogels. They are considered promising drug carriers due to their large surface area, porous structure, good biocompatibility, and relatively easy functionalization of their surface. Different anticancer drugs have been encapsulated with the aim of achieving site-specific chemotherapy [5]. They have been studied as encapsulants of metallic nanoparticles, such as hollow gold nanoshells, gold nanorods (GNRDs), quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, and graphene nanosheets to induce localized
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