A tumor responsive self healing prodrug hydrogel enables synergistic action of doxorubicin and miltefosine for focal combination chemotherapy

Abstract

Targeted therapy that facilitates the on-site, on-demand action of drug combinations is a promising approach for combination chemotherapy. In situ gelling hydrogels were prepared using biopolymers with in-built imine and borate diol ester linkages to render pH and glucose responsiveness, respectively to achieve a triggered release of doxorubicin in tumor milieu. Doxorubicin prodrug hydrogel doped with miltefosine demonstrated a synergistic effect on inhibition of drug resistant MDA-MB 231 human breast cancer cells, suitable for focal combination chemotherapy.