Journal of Advanced Materials and Technologies

Journal of Advanced Materials and Technologies

Preparation and Characterization of an Injectable Thermosensitive Pluronic F127 Hydrogel for Targeted Drug Delivery in Cancer Treatment

Document Type : Original Reaearch Article

Authors
Mahtab Farzaneh 1
Sayed Ali Hassanzadeh-Tabrizi 2
Nader Mokhtarian 3
1 Master of Biomedical Engineering Graduate, Institute of Manufacturing Engineering and Industrial Technologies, Na.C, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Isfahan, Iran.
2 Professor, Institute of Manufacturing Engineering and Industrial Technologies, Na.C, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Isfahan, Iran.
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Shahreza Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahreza, Isfahan, Iran.
10.30501/jamt.2025.504800.1318
Abstract
In this study, an injectable hydrogel made from Pluronic F127 containing Doxorubicin (DOX), with thermosensitive properties for localized drug delivery, was prepared using the cold method. The effects of hydrogel concentration on gelation temperature and viscosity, as well as the effect of temperature on drug release rate, were investigated. Different concentrations of F127 hydrogel were evaluated for viscosity and other characteristics, and Doxorubicin release was studied at body temperature (37℃) and tumor temperature (43℃). The optimal concentration of F127 hydrogel was selected as 20% w/v, and its rheological and drug release properties were examined. The hydrogel was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and examined through Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy with Electrophoretic Light Scattering (FE-SEM/EDS). The drug release assay results indicated successful Doxorubicin release at both temperatures. The release increased by 18-20% with temperature rise, which is significant for malignant tumor treatment. The MTT assay results showed that the drug-containing hydrogel reduced cancer cell viability, with only 32% of the cells surviving after 72 hours in culture.
Keywords
Hydrogel
Doxorubicin
F127
Cancer
Temperature Sensitive

Subjects

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Journal of Advanced Materials and Technologies
Volume 14, Issue 1
Spring 2025
Pages 28-42

  • Receive Date 05 February 2025
  • Revise Date 12 March 2025
  • Accept Date 26 May 2025