Preparation and Evaluation of Thermoreversible Injectable Drug Delivery Systems

Abstract

Controlled locoregional delivery of chemotherapeutic agents is an important strategy with the potential of maximizing the anti-tumor effect of a drug meanwhile reducing the drug systemic toxicity. In this work, the thermoreversible chitosan/β- glycerophosphate hydrogel was used as platform for the sustained delivery of cisplatin, one of the most potent anticancer drugs. The choice of this system aimed at reducing the severe systemic toxic effects of the drug, in particular its potential nephrotoxicity, by providing high local concentration and controlled delivery following fast gelation in response to the physiological temperature.