Romanian Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences

« Back to Farmacia Journal 3/2024

INFLUENCE OF DUAL-RESPONSIVE OXALIPLATIN (L-OHP)-/ NARINGIN (NAR) DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM ON THE GROWTH OF COLORECTAL TUMORS AND THE IMMUNE MICROENVIRONMENT

WENQIN LI, CHUANXIN ZOU*

Department of Gastroenterology, Jingzhou Central Hospital, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434020, Hubei, China

Download Full Article PDF

The aim of this study was to develop a drug delivery system (DDS) for oxaliplatin (L-OHP) and naringin (Nar) using pHresponsive and near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive mechanisms for precise drug release, and to evaluate its potential application in colorectal tumour therapy (CRT). Graphene oxide (GO) was prepared by an improved Hummers' method and then surface-loaded with Nar to form Nar-loaded GO (GO/Nar). The GO/Nar was then successfully encapsulated with sodium alginate (OxAlg) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) to form a hydrogel, resulting in a dual-responsive L-OHP/Nar DDS. In vitro release (IVR) experiments of the L-OHP/Nar DDS were carried out under different pH conditions and NIR irradiation. Release fluids were collected and drug concentrations were determined using UV spectroscopy at different time points. Based on the IVR data, the kinetic release curves of L-OHP and Nar were generated and parameters such as release rate and half-life were calculated to evaluate the drug release characteristics in different environments. A subcutaneous CRT model was also established in female Balb/c mice. After reaching a certain tumour volume, the mice were treated with different drug regimens and grouped into GO/CMCS/OxAlg group, GO/Nar group and L-OHP/Nar DDS group. Tumour growth was monitored, growth curves calculated and tumour volumes measured. Also, the levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-12 were assessed. Our results showed that by combining pH responsive and NIR-light-responsive mechanisms, the system achieved precise drug release, enhancing efficacy and reducing side effects.