EFFECTS OF HYALURONIC ACID AND GELATIN-BASED HYDROGELS LOADED WITH DOXORUBICIN ON 4T1 CANCER CELLS

Аннотация

Cancer is one of the most life-threatening diseases, and conventional therapies such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and systemic treatments are widely used. However, these methods often cause severe side effects, highlighting the need for alternative strategies. Hydrogels, especially those based on hyaluronic acid (HA) and gelatin, are promising due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and drug delivery potential. They can release therapeutic agents locally, in a controlled and sustained manner. HA, a natural polysaccharide, combined with gelatin, a collagen derivative, forms hydrogels that interact efficiently with cancer cells, while their water retention and microenvironment support cell regulation. Doxorubicin (DOX), a common chemotherapeutic, inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis but is limited by systemic toxicity. Therefore, HA–gelatin hydrogels provide an innovative carrier to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects. The 4T1 breast cancer line, known for its aggressive and metastatic behavior, is a suitable model to evaluate these systems. This study examines DOX-loaded HA–gelatin hydrogels on 4T1 cells to provide insights for effective localized cancer therapy.