Injectable small molecule hydrogel as a potential nanocarrier for localized and sustained in vivo delivery of doxorubicin

Nanoscale. 2014 Nov 7;6(21):12849-55. doi: 10.1039/c4nr04064c.

Abstract

The majority of the localized drug delivery systems are based on polymeric or polypeptide scaffolds, as weak intermolecular interactions of low molecular weight hydrogelators (LMHGs, Mw <500 Da) are significantly perturbed in the presence of anticancer drugs. Here, we present l-alanine derived low molecular weight hydrogelators (LMHGs) that remain injectable even after entrapping the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX). These DOX containing nanoassemblies (DOX-Gel) showed promising anticancer activity in mice models. Subcutaneous injection of DOX-Gel near the tumor achieved a greater decrease in tumour load than by intravenous injection of DOX (DOX-IV), and local injection of DOX alone (DOX-Local) at the tumor site. We noticed that DOX-Gel nanocarriers are especially effective when injected during the early stage of tumor progression, and achieve a substantial decrease in tumor load in the long term.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Survival
  • Coloring Agents / chemistry
  • Disease Progression
  • Doxorubicin / administration & dosage*
  • Doxorubicin / chemistry*
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Female
  • Hydrogels / chemistry*
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Molecular Weight
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Nanotechnology
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Polymers / chemistry

Substances

  • Coloring Agents
  • Hydrogels
  • Polymers
  • Doxorubicin