Applications of Polymer-Based Hydrogels in Drug Delivery Systems: History
View Latest Version
Please note this is an old version of this entry, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Contributor:
Nguyen Hoc Thang
,
Truong Bach Chien
,
Dang Xuan Cuong

Polymer-based hydrogels are a type of soft material composed of three-dimensional polymer networks that have the ability to absorb and retain large amounts of water or biological fluids while maintaining their structural integrity. Polymer-based hydrogels are hydrophilic polymer networks with crosslinks widely applied for drug delivery applications because of their ability to hold large amounts of water and biological fluids and control drug release based on their unique physicochemical properties and biocompatibility.

  • hydrogels
  • drug delivery
  • polymer
  • high water content
  • hydrogel matrix

1. Introduction

Drug delivery systems (DDS) play a critical role in optimizing the therapeutic efficacy of drugs by addressing the limitations of traditional drug formulations [1][2]. These limitations include low bioavailability, poor solubility, and a short half-life, which can significantly impact drug efficacy and necessitate frequent dosing [2][3]. However, controlled drug delivery systems, such as polymer-based hydrogels [4], offer a promising solution by enabling sustained drug release for a long time [4][5]. This sustained-release property helps maintain therapeutic drug concentrations within the desired range [6], avoiding a sudden increase or decrease that can lead to suboptimal treatment outcomes [7][8][9]. By extending the release duration, polymer-based hydrogels enhance drug bioavailability [8][10] and reduce the frequency of dosing, supporting patient compliance and convenience [7][11]. Additionally, DDSs including polymer-based hydrogels offer the potential for targeted drug delivery to specific tissues or organs [3][8][12]. By incorporating targeting ligands [13] or modifying the polymer-based hydrogel’s properties [10][14], drugs can be directed to their intended sites of action [3][8]. This targeted approach minimizes systemic exposure [15] and reduces the potential for off-target side effects, while maximizing therapeutic efficacy at the desired site [16][17]. Moreover, DDSs can be tailored to accommodate a wide range of drugs with different physicochemical properties [18]. In particular, polymer-based hydrogels offer versatility in drug loading [8] and release mechanisms [19], allowing for the delivery of various types of drugs with small molecules such as proteins [20][21], peptides [22], and nucleic acids [23]. This flexibility makes polymer-based hydrogels an attractive topic for researchers as well as for their applications in the treatment of various medical conditions.
Polymer-based hydrogels have been widely investigated for drug delivery applications due to their unique properties such as a high water content, biocompatibility, and the ability to respond to various stimuli [11][23]. Some of the applications of hydrogels in drug delivery systems include the following:
Controlled drug release: Polymer-based hydrogels can be used to control the release of drugs by varying the swelling behavior of the hydrogel. By altering the chemical composition or crosslinking density of the hydrogel, the release rate of the drug can be controlled [24][25].
Targeted drug delivery: Polymer-based hydrogels can be designed to specifically target certain tissues or cells. By incorporating targeting moieties such as antibodies or peptides into the hydrogel, the drug can be delivered to a specific site within the body [16][26].
Oral drug delivery: Polymer-based hydrogels can be used to improve the oral bioavailability of drugs. By encapsulating the drug within a hydrogel matrix, the drug can be protected from degradation in the gastrointestinal tract and released in a controlled manner [8][9][16].
Transdermal drug delivery: Polymer-based hydrogels can be used for transdermal drug delivery by incorporating the drug into the hydrogel matrix. The hydrogel can then be applied topically to the skin, and the drug will be released in a controlled manner over time [27][28].
Implantable drug delivery systems: Polymer-based hydrogels can be used as implantable drug delivery systems, where the hydrogel is placed within the body and releases the drug over an extended period of time. These systems can be used for the treatment of chronic diseases or for the delivery of long-acting drugs [29][30].
Gene delivery: Polymer-based hydrogels can also be used for the delivery of genetic material such as DNA or RNA. By incorporating the genetic material into the hydrogel matrix, the material can be protected from degradation and delivered to specific cells or tissues [31][32].
The unique properties of polymer-based hydrogels make them a promising candidate for drug delivery applications, and ongoing research in this area is expected to lead to the development of new and innovative drug delivery systems. There are common hydrogel-based products known as biotene, Simpurity™ Hydrogel (SupremeMed, Van Nuys City, City of Los Angeles, CA, USA), Soflens daily disposable, Nicorette®( Johnson & Johnson, Stockholm, Sweden), Neutrogena® Hydro Boost® (Johnson & Johnson, City of Los Angeles, CA, USA), Sericin (Huzhou Shengtao Biotech, Zhejiang, China), Suprasorb® G (Lohmann & Rauscher, Rengsdorf, Germany) and others.

2. Biotene Products

Biotene is an oral moisturizing agent that is commonly used for treating dry mouth. The product is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (London, United Kingdom) and contains a mixture of ingredients, including carbomer and hydroxyethyl cellulose, which are hydrogels that have the ability to absorb water and retain it within their three-dimensional structures. These hydrogels provide a sustained release of moisture in the oral cavity, relieving the symptoms of dry mouth and promoting oral health. Biotene is also available in other formulations, including mouthwash, toothpaste, and oral gel, and is recommended for individuals with dry mouth caused by medication, radiation therapy, or Sjogren’s syndrome [33].

3. SimpurityTM Hydrogel

Simpurity™ (from SupremeMed, Van Nuys City, City of Los Angeles, United States) Hydrogel from Safe n’ Simple is a hydrogel product that is used to treat skin burns, dry wounds, and dry scabs. The product is made from a combination of polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), acrylate, polyurethane, and pure water to create absorbent sheets. The hydrogel is designed to provide a moist environment for wound healing and can also help to reduce pain and inflammation. It is a widely used product for wound care and is known for its effectiveness in promoting wound healing [34].

4. Soflens Daily Disposable

Soflens daily disposable from Bausch & Lomb (New York, NY, USA) is a contact lens product used to correct short- and long-sightedness. The hydrogel material used in this product allows for a high water content and oxygen permeability, making the lenses comfortable for extended wear. The hydrogel also helps to maintain moisture around the lens, preventing dryness and discomfort for the wearer [35].

5. Nicorette® Hydrogel

Nicorette® hydrogel from GlaxoSmithKline (London, UK) is a chewing gum used as a smoking cessation aid. It contains hydroxypropyl methylcellulose as one of its components. The hydrogel in the chewing gum acts as a carrier for the nicotine and helps to release it slowly over time, providing a controlled release of nicotine to help with cravings and withdrawal symptoms during the quitting process [33].

6. Neutrogena® Hydro Boost® Hydrogel

Neutrogena® Hydro Boost® is a hydrogel-based face mask from Johnson and Johnson (City of Los Angeles, CA, USA)) that is used to provide the skin with immediate and long-lasting moisture. The key ingredient in the mask is hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring polysaccharide that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. The hydrogel mask is designed to adhere to the skin and slowly release the hydrating ingredients over time, leaving the skin feeling soft, supple, and moisturized [36].

7. Sericin Hydrogel

Sericin (Huzhou Shengtao Biotech, Zhejiang, China) has also been investigated for its potential use in drug delivery systems. In one study, sericin was used as a carrier for an optically trackable drug delivery system for malignant melanoma. The sericin nanoparticles loaded with the drug were shown to effectively deliver the drug to cancer cells and inhibit their growth, indicating its potential as a promising drug delivery system for cancer therapy [37].

8. Suprasorb® G Hydrogel

Suprasorb G (Lohmann & Rauscher, Rengsdorf, Germany) hydrogel is a wound dressing that is used for the management of various types of wounds such as lower leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, first- and second-degree burns, and scalds. The hydrogel is composed of a blend of acrylic polymers, polyethylene (PE), and phenoxyethanol, and contains 70% water. The hydrogel provides a moist environment for the wound, which promotes wound healing by facilitating the migration of cells and promoting the formation of granulation tissue. The water content of the hydrogel also helps to cool the wound, reducing pain and inflammation. Suprasorb G hydrogel is easy to apply and remove and can be used on both dry and exuding wounds [38].

In conclusion, polymer-based hydrogels offer significant potential in drug delivery systems. Their unique properties, biocompatibility, and ability to control drug release make them promising candidates for the development of innovative and effective therapeutic strategies. Continued research and development in this field are expected to lead to further advancements and applications of polymer-based hydrogels in the drug delivery fields and beyond.

This entry is adapted from the peer-reviewed paper 10.3390/gels9070523

References

  1. Hubbell, J.A. Hydrogel systems for barriers and local drug delivery in the control of wound healing. J. Control. Release 1996, 39, 305–313.
  2. Hubbell, J.A. Synthetic biodegradable polymers for tissue engineering and drug delivery. Curr. Opin. Solid State Mater. Sci. 1998, 3, 246–251.
  3. Perrie, Y.; Rades, T. Pharmaceutics—Drug Delivery and Targeting, 2nd ed.; Pharmaceutical Press: London, UK, 2009; pp. 1–240.
  4. Wang, Y.; Malcolm, D.W.; Benoit, D.S.W. Controlled and sustained delivery of siRNA/NPs from hydrogels expedites bone fracture healing. Biomaterials 2017, 139, 127–138.
  5. Brazel, C.S.; Peppas, N.A. Dimensionless analysis of swelling of hydrophilic glassy polymers with subsequent drug release from relaxing structures. Biomaterials 1999, 20, 721–732.
  6. Campea, M.; Lofts, A.; Xu, F.; Yeganeh, M.; Kostashuk, M.; Hoare, T. Disulfide-Cross-Linked Nanogel-Based Nanoassemblies for Chemotherapeutic Drug Delivery. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2023, 15, 25324–25338.
  7. Qiu, Y. Environment-sensitive hydrogels for drug delivery. Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev. 2012, 64, 49–60.
  8. Chien, Y. Novel Drug Delivery Systems, 2nd ed.; CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL, USA, 1991.
  9. Caló, E. Biomedical applications of hydrogels: A review of patents and commercial products. Eur. Polym. J. 2014, 65, 252–267.
  10. Das, D.; Pal, S. Modified biopolymer-dextrin based crosslinked hydrogels: Application in controlled drug delivery. RSC Adv. 2015, 5, 25014–25050.
  11. Ghosal, A.; Kaushik, A.K. Intelligent Hydrogels in Diagnostics and Therapeutics; CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL, USA, 2020.
  12. Knipe, J.M.; Chen, F.; Peppas, N.A. Enzymatic Biodegradation of Hydrogels for Protein Delivery Targeted to the Small Intestine. Biomacromolecules 2015, 16, 962–972.
  13. He, Y.J.; Young, D.A.; Mededovic, M.; Li, K.; Li, C.; Tichauer, K.; Venerus, D.; Papavasiliou, G. Protease-Sensitive Hydrogel Biomater with Tunable Modulus and Adhesion Ligand Gradients for 3D Vascular Sprouting. Biomacromolecules 2018, 19, 4168–4181.
  14. Yin, Y.; Papavasilion, G.; Zaborina, O.Y.; Alverdy, J.C.; Teymour, F. Synthesis and Functional Analysis of Polyphosphate-Loaded Poly(Ethylene) Glycol Hydrogel Nanoparticles Targeting Pyocyanin and Pyoverdin Production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a Model Intestinal Pathogen. Ann. Biomed. Eng. 2017, 45, 1058–1068.
  15. Porter, T.L.; Stewart, R.; Reed, J.; Morton, K. Models of hydrogel swelling with applications to hydration sensing. Sensors 2007, 7, 1980–1991.
  16. Bindu Sri, M.; Ashok, V.; Arkendu, C. As A Review on Hydrogels as Drug Delivery in the Pharmaceutical Field. Int. J. Pharm. Chem. Sci. 2012, 1, 642–661.
  17. Ottenbrite, R.M.; Park, K.; Okano, T. Biomedical Applications of Hydrogels Handbook; Springer: New York, NY, USA, 2010; p. 204.
  18. Licht, C.; Rose, J.C.; Anarkoli, A.O.; Blondel, D.; Roccio, M.; Haraszti, T.; Gehlen, D.B.; Hubbell, J.A.; Lutolf, M.P.; De Laporte, L. Synthetic 3D PEG-Anisogel Tailored with Fibronectin Fragments Induce Aligned Nerve Extension. Biomacromolecules 2019, 20, 4075–4087.
  19. Serra, L.; Doménech, J.; Peppas, N.A. Drug transport mechanisms and release kinetics from molecularly designed poly(acrylic acid-g-ethylene glycol) hydrogels. Biomaterials 2006, 27, 5440–5451.
  20. Stano, A.; Scott, E.A.; Dane, K.Y.; Swartz, M.A.; Hubbell, J.A. Tunable T cell immunity towards a protein antigen using polymersomes vs. solid-core nanoparticles. Biomaterials 2013, 34, 4339–4346.
  21. Clegg, J.R.; Peppas, N.A. Design of Synthetic Hydrogel Compositions for Noncovalent Protein Recognition. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 2023; in press.
  22. McCall, J.D.; Lin, C.C.; Anseth, K.S. Affinity Peptides Protect Transforming Growth Factor Beta during Encapsulation in Poly(ethylene glycol) Hydrogels. Biomacromol 2011, 14, 1051–1057.
  23. Thakur, V.K.; Thakur, M.K. (Eds.) Hydrogels; Springer: Singapore, 2018.
  24. Mastropietro, D.J.; Omidian, H.; Park, K. Drug delivery applications for superporous hydrogels. Expert Opin. Drug Deliv. 2012, 9, 71–89.
  25. Zhu, W.; Zhao, Y.; Wu, Z.; Lv, F.; Zhang, Y.; Guo, S. Application of UV responsive SiO2/PVP composite hydrogels as intelligent controlled drug release patches. Polymer 2023, 264, 125535.
  26. Zhang, H.; Wu, S.; Chen, W.; Hu, Y.; Geng, Z.; Su, J. Bone/cartilage targeted hydrogel: Strategies and applications. Bioact. Mater. 2023, 23, 156–169.
  27. Li, Y.; Yao, M.; Luo, Y.; Li, J.; Wang, Z.; Liang, C.; Qin, C.; Huang, C.; Yao, S. Polydopamine-Reinforced Hemicellulose-Based Multifunctional Flexible Hydrogels for Human Movement Sensing and Self-Powered Transdermal Drug Delivery. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2023, 15, 5883–5896.
  28. Naeem, A.; Yu, C.; Zang, Z.; Zhu, W.; Deng, X.; Guan, Y. Synthesis and Evaluation of Rutin–Hydroxypropyl β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes Embedded in Xanthan Gum-Based (HPMC-g-AMPS) Hydrogels for Oral Controlled Drug Delivery. Antioxidants 2023, 12, 552.
  29. Cong, Y.Y.; Fan, B.; Zhang, Z.Y.; Li, G.Y. Implantable sustained-release drug delivery systems: A revolution for ocular therapeutics. Int. Ophthalmol. 2023; in press.
  30. del Olmo, J.A.; Pérez-Álvarez, L.; Martínez, V.S.; Cid, S.B.; Ruiz-Rubio, L.; González, R.P.; Vilas-Vilela, J.L.; Alonso, J.M. Multifunctional antibacterial chitosan-based hydrogel coatings on Ti6Al4V biomaterial for biomedical implant applications. Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 2023, 231, 123328.
  31. Nam, S.H.; Park, J.; Koo, H. Recent advances in selective and targeted drug/gene delivery systems using cell-penetrating peptides. Arch. Pharm. Res. 2023, 46, 18–34.
  32. Wang, Y.; Zheng, C.; Wu, Y.; Zhang, B.; Hu, C.; Guo, C.; Kong, Q.; Wang, Y. An injectable and self-strengthening nanogel encapsuled hydrogel gene delivery system promotes degenerative nucleus pulposus repair. Compos. B Eng. 2023, 250, 110469.
  33. Jacob, S.; Nair, A.B.; Shah, J.; Sreeharsha, N.; Gupta, S.; Shinu, P. Emerging role of hydrogels in drug delivery systems, tissue engineering and wound management. Pharmaceutics 2021, 13, 357.
  34. Yu, S.; An, S.J.; Kim, K.J.; Lee, J.H.; Chi, W.S. High-Loading Poly(ethylene glycol)-Blended Poly(acrylic acid) Membranes for CO2 Separation. ACS Omega 2023, 8, 2119–2127.
  35. Ahn, J.; Choi, M. The pH-induced physical properties of ionic contact lens material. Heliyon 2023, 9, e12996.
  36. Altay Benetti, A.; Tarbox, T.; Benetti, C. Current Insights into the Formulation and Delivery of Therapeutic and Cosmeceutical Agents for Aging Skin. Cosmetics 2023, 10, 54.
  37. Lie, W.-R.; Steiner, H.; Williams, S.; Banerjee, M.; Saporita, A.; Gilliam, B.; Xiao, Q. Abstract 5298: Multiplex immunoassay characterization of 48 cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors in colorectal cancer. Cancer Res. 2023, 83, 5298.
  38. Nguyen, M.H.; Le, T.T.N.; Nguyen, T.A.; Le, H.N.T.; Pham, T.T. Biomedical materials for wound dressing: Recent advances and applications. RSC Adv. 2023, 13, 5509–5528.
More
© Text is available under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
This entry is offline, you can click here to edit this entry!
Video Production Service
Feedback