ODC hydrogel

ODC hydrogel is an injectable, dual-network, stimuli-responsive drug delivery system designed for the localized treatment of breast cancer. It is synthesized through the crosslinking of N-carboxyethyl chitosan (CEC) and oxidized chondroitin sulfate (OXCS) via Schiff base reactions, creating a biocompatible and biodegradable matrix. The hydrogel is loaded with the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (DOX), which is released in a pH-dependent manner. In the acidic tumor microenvironment (pH ~5.5), the hydrogel network undergoes accelerated degradation or collapse, facilitating the rapid release of doxorubicin at the tumor site. This localized delivery mechanism aims to enhance the therapeutic index of doxorubicin by increasing its concentration within the tumor while minimizing systemic toxicity and damage to healthy tissues. It is often studied as a base component for more complex delivery systems, such as those incorporating additional nanoparticles for synergistic therapy.

Other names

Oxidized chondroitin sulfate/N-carboxyethyl chitosan/doxorubicin hydrogelOXCS-DOX-CEC hydrogel