Surface Charge Reversible Polymeric Micelle‐Laden Hydrogels for Drug Delivery and 3D Cell Culture

Abstract

Hydrogels have significant advantages in the local treatment of diseases. However, improving the solubility of hydrophobic drugs and enhancing cell targeting of drug delivery remain significant challenges in the application of such hydrogels. Surface charge reversible polymeric micelle‐laden hydrogels are developed for drug delivery and 3D cell culture. Borax is added into the system to form borate with hydroxyl groups of alginate for rapid gelation. Decreasing pH surrounding the hydrogels facilitates the degradation of the hydrogels and charge reversal of polymeric micelles. The negative‐to‐positive charge reversal endows polymeric micelles with cell targeting and enhanced cell uptake of polymeric micelles. A potential and effective in situ drug delivery system for the local treatment of diseases is provided.