Identification of anti-cancer potential of doxazocin: Loading into chitosan based biodegradable hydrogels for on-site delivery to treat cervical cancer

In this study, an effective, biocompatible and biodegradable co-polymer comprising of chitosan (CS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels, chemically crosslinked and impregnated with doxazocin, is reported. The chemical structural properties of the hydrogels were evaluated by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and physical properties were analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The swelling behaviour is an important parameter for drug release mechanism and was investigated to find out the solution absorption capacity of the synthesized hydrogels. MTT assay revealed that doxazocin loaded hydrogels significantly hindered the cell viability. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to analyse the effect of 8CLH and 4CLH on regulation of cell cycle. Moreover, in vivo anti-cancer potential of synthesized hydrogels was assessed by CAM Assay. Results displayed that 8CLH with 1 mg/ml of doxazocin had prominently decreased the angiogenesis and significantly increased the number of cells in G1 phase of cell cycle. These results declared that 8CLH will be a good addition among hydrogels used for treatment of cancer by onsite delivery of drug.