Nanoengineered chlorin e6 conjugated with hydrogel for photodynamic therapy on cancer

The aim of the present study is to fabricate hydrogel as a photosensitizer (PS) for photodynamic therapy. Chlorin e6 (Ce6)-fucoidan/alginates@gellam gum (Ce6-Fu/AL@GG)-based hydrogel was fabricated and characterised in terms of morphology and functional groups. MTT assay was used to check toxicity and also performed scratch assay for wound healing property of Ce6-Fu/AL@GGH. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed the existence of physical interactions between polysaccharides. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis confirmed a decrease in the thermal stability of the fabricated hydrogel. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images demonstrated porous matrixes representing homogeneous dispersion of nanoparticles in the hydrogel. Cytotoxicity tests revealed that a decrease in the cell viability occurred in PDT after 48 h treatment. Both Ce6 and laser irradiation induced the HT-29 apoptotic effect that was mediated by intracellular ROS generation and mitochondria' damage. The laser-treated hydrogel was effective in inhibiting HT-29 cell growth. Ce6-Fu/AL@GG hydrogel can be a promising platform for PDT on cancer treatment.