Hydrogels Decorated with Hydrophobic Nanoparticles for the Oral Delivery of Chemotherapeutics

摘要

A sequential interpenetrating network (IPN) composed of hydrophilic P(MAA-g-EG) and hydrophobic PBA has been developed for the oral delivery of chemotherapeutic agents. P(MAA-g-EG) provides pH responsive properties for protection and proper release in the upper small intestine while PBA provides the hydrophobicity necessary to preferentially load therapeutic levels of anticancer agents. A series of IPNs was synthesized with varying amounts of PBA and their loading and release properties were investigated against fluorescein, a cancer drug analogue.