Thermoresponsive Chitosan-Grafted-Poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) Microgels via Ionotropic Gelation for Oncological Applications

Abstract

Microgels can be considered soft, porous and deformable particles with an internal gel structure swollen by a solvent and an average size between 100 and 1000 nm. Due to their biocompatibility, colloidal stability, their unique dynamicity and the permeability of their architecture, they are emerging as important candidates for drug delivery systems, sensing and biocatalysis. In clinical applications, the research on responsive microgels is aimed at the development of “smart” delivery systems that undergo a critical change in conformation and size in reaction to a change in environmental conditions (temperature, magnetic fields, pH, concentration gradient). Recent achievements in biodegradable polymer fabrication have resulted in new appealing strategies, including the combination of synthetic and natural-origin polymers with inorganic nanoparticles, as well as the possibility of controlling drug release remotely. In this review, we provide a literature review on the use of dual and multi-responsive chitosan-grafted-poly-(N-vinylcaprolactam) (CP) microgels in drug delivery and oncological applications.

Chitosan as an Outstanding Polysaccharide Improving Health-Commodities of Humans and Environmental Protection

“…Hence, thermosensitive nanocarriers containing chitosan have been designed for cancer therapy. For that, chitosan grafted with poly( N -vinylcaprolactam) or poly( N -isopropylacrylamide) are the most-used copolymers in trials where the temperature is a triggering factor for drug release [ 62 , 63 ]; this responsiveness is derived from a reversible phase transition based on their lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Additionally, dual- and triple-stimuli responsive materials are created for achieving a targeted and controlled drug release.…”

Metal and Metal Oxides Nanoparticles as Nanofillers for Biodegradable Polymers

“…It occurs under the influence of crosslinking reactions taking place in the polymer solution. [47] With this method it is possible to obtain stable nanoparticles of chitosan, starch, alginate, cellulose and other biopolymers. Nanoparticles obtained by this method have good encapsulation efficiency and retain the bioactivity of the deposited particles.…”

“…Gelation is the process of transition of a polymer solution from liquid to solid form. It occurs under the influence of crosslinking reactions taking place in the polymer solution [47] . With this method it is possible to obtain stable nanoparticles of chitosan, starch, alginate, cellulose and other biopolymers.…”

Stimuli-responsive dynamic hydrogels: design, properties and tissue engineering applications

“…Furthermore, they went on to study the clinical usability of the hydrogel in the mandibular socket after tooth extraction in 10 patients and the hydrogel supported the bone healing cascade at the defect site. Other homopolymers exhibiting a thermo-responsive behavior similar to PNIPAAm include PNVCL (LCST: 32-34 1C) [101][102][103] and poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazoline) (PAOx). 104,105 The LCST of PAOx can be fine-tuned based on the alkyl group.…”