Hyperthermia-induced drug delivery from thermosensitive liposomes encapsulated in an injectable hydrogel for local chemotherapy

Abstract

A novel drug delivery system, enabling an in situ, thermally triggered drug release is described, consisting of an injectable thermoresponsive chitosan hydrogel containing doxorubicin-loaded thermosensitive liposomes. The design, fabrication, characterization, and an assessment of in vitro bioactivity of this formulation is detailed. Combining on-demand drug delivery with in situ gelation results in a promising candidate for local chemotherapy.

Keywords: chemotherapy; chitosan hydrogels; hyperthermia; liposomes; thermoresponsive.