Preparation of enzyme responsive gelatin-starch based hydrogel containing doxorubicin and magnetic nanoparticles for effective treatment of breast cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Common methods of breast cancer treatments are either not effective alone or their application is limited due to comprehensive side effects. Therefore, it is important to design a new drug delivery system (DDS) with high efficiency and limited side effects.Aim: The purpose of this study was to design a release controlling DDS with ability to combine chemotherapy and photothermal therapy and then investigate its physicochemical properties and evaluate the efficacy.Methods: Gelatin/dialdehyde starch hydrogel (GDS) was synthesized by crosslink method in several series with different ratios of components. doxorubicin (Dox) and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were loaded into GDS after examining their physicochemical properties of series, and selecting the ideal ratio. Swelling, stability and drug release rate from hydrogel were investigated in both absence and presence of gelatinase enzyme. Then, the cytotoxicity of the hydrogel merely and the hydrogel carrying Dox and MNPs was measured.Results: SEM data showed successful crosslinking of hydrogel components. Revision of the physicochemical properties showed that the hydrogel pH was close to the body physiological environment, had sufficient strength and viscosity, swells appropriately and is a suitable carrier for Dox and MNPs. Drug release studies confirmed that the hydrogel has the ability to control the amount and speed of drug release according to the amount of enzymes in the tumor environment. the cytotoxicity test shows that the hydrogel by itself has low toxicity and the hydrogel containing drug can eliminate cancer cells.Conclusion: Drug delivery systems based on hydrogels can be a promising approach for the effective treatment of breast cancer with low complications. they can increase the effectiveness of the treatment and reduce the possibility of recurrence of the disease, by providing the ability to combine two treatment methods together.