Injectable Nanomedicine–Hydrogel for NIR Light Photothermal–Chemo Combination Therapy of Tumor

Abstract

Traditional hydrogels have drawbacks such as surgical implantation, large wound surfaces, and uncontrollable drug release during tumor treatment. In this paper, targeted nanomedicine has been combined with injectable hydrogel for photothermal–chemotherapy combination therapy. First, targeted nanomedicine (ICG—MTX) was fabricated by combining near-infrared (NIR) photothermal reagents (ICG) and chemotherapy drugs (MTX). The ICG—MTX was then mixed with the hydrogel precursor and radical initiator to obtain an injectable hydrogel precursor solution. Under the irradiation of NIR light, the precursor solution could release alkyl radicals, which promote the transition of the precursor solution from a liquid to a colloidal state. As a result, the nanomedicine could effectively remain at the site of the tumor and continue to be released from the hydrogel. Due to the targeted nature of MTX, the released ICG—MTX could target tumor cells and improve the accuracy of photothermal–chemo combination therapy. The results indicated that the injectable nanomedicine–hydrogel system has a favorable therapeutic effect on tumors.

Injectable hydrogels as emerging drug-delivery platforms for tumor therapy

“…Under near-infrared light irradiation, the precursor solution can release alkyl radicals, which promotes the transformation of the precursor solution from a liquid to a colloidal state, allowing the nanomedicine to be effectively retained at the tumor site and continue to be released from the hydrogel. Due to the targeted nature of MTX, the released ICG-MTX can target tumor cells and improve the accuracy of combined photothermal-chemical therapy 129 (Fig. 8C).…”

Recent Advances in Hydrogel-Based Phototherapy for Tumor Treatment

“…Furthermore, hydrogels with an LCST within the temperature range of room temperature to body temperature are highly suitable for in situ gelling upon injection. Additionally, the recent development of LCST hydrogels involves the incorporation of natural, such as chitosan [ 81 ], or synthetic macromolecules, such as poly-(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM) [ 82 , 83 , 84 ] and Pluronic F127 [ 85 , 86 , 87 , 88 ].…”

“…Under NIR light irradiation, the Au–MnO triggered the nanoparticles to release DOX into the hydrogel, while the sol–gel transition of the hydrogel at 37 °C avoided drug leakage and maintained sustained DOX release at the tumor site. Furthermore, Qi et al [ 82 ] developed a thermosensitive hydrogel through the self-assembly of thermosensitive polymers PNIPAM, PEGDA, and 2,2-azobis [2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl) propane, which can undergo a sol–gel transition triggered by heat. After being loaded with ICG-methotrexate (MTX) nanomedicines, the hydrogel system exhibited additional desirable PTT efficiency and controlled release of MTX.…”

Advances in NIR-Responsive Natural Macromolecular Hydrogel Assembly Drugs for Cancer Treatment

“…The high photothermal efficiency maintains the high concentration of metformin in the tumor, which provides an excellent synergy between PDT and IT [117] Melanoma Combination of targeted drug therapy and PTT [118] MXenes Osteosarcoma Thermal ablation of residual tumor cells can effectively promote bone tissue regeneration and has antibacterial properties [119] HTA Osteosarcoma Induction of apoptosis in osteosarcoma-related cells and thermal ablation of tumors [120] SPIIN Breast cancer Tumor growth and metastasis to the lung were inhibited by 1064 nm light irradiation [121] PDA NPS Melanoma Dual regulation of pH and NIR can improve the tumor's hypoxic environment and maintain drug concentration [122] Breast cancer Cooperates with PPT and IT [123] Osteosarcoma High photothermal effect and good biocompatibility provide a good carrier for drug delivery [124] DOX/DOPA-rGO Breast cancer Combined photothermal and CT effectively reducing the viability to 21% [125] Au Melanoma Gene-targeted therapy for ocular melanoma under photothermal synergy [126] Breast cancer The gold coating was attached to enhance the fluorescence signal for easy diagnosis, and the photothermal conversion efficiency reached 65% [127] 4.…”