Dual-drug delivery system based on the hydrogels of alginate and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose for colorectal cancer treatment

• Published in: Carbohydrate polymers 2021-10, Vol.269, p.118325-118325, Article 118325
• Main Authors: Sheng, Yanshan, Gao, Jun, Yin, Zheng-Zhi, Kang, Jing, Kong, Yong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alginate; Calcium carbonate microspheres; Dual pH-sensitivity; Dual-drug delivery system; Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose
• ISSN: 0144-8617; 1879-1344
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.118325

To improve the efficacy of chemotherapy and relieve the pain associated with colorectal cancer, a dual-drug delivery system (DDDS) is proposed. In this system, methotrexate (MTX) loaded CaCO3 (CaCO3/MTX) and aspirin (Asp) are co-entrapped in the hydrogels of alginate (Alg) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) crosslinked with Ca2+. The hydrogels can protect the anti-cancer drug of MTX from being absorbed in stomach and small intestine and ensure their efficacy at the target site of colorectum. More importantly, dual pH-responsive drug delivery can be achieved by the DDDS. Because the pH varies at small intestine and colorectum of human body, dual pH-responsive delivery of Asp and MTX can be achieved at the two organs, respectively, in response to ambient pH. These finding are of significant importance for medical science and pharmaceutics. [Display omitted] •A dual pH-sensitive DDDS based on CaCO3 microspheres-entrapped hydrogels is designed.•The hydrogels can protect MTX from being absorbed in stomach and small intestine.•Kinetic release curves reveal that dual pH-responsive drug delivery can be achieved.•The developed DDDS exhibits excellent biocompatibility on normal cells.