Injectable self-healing polysaccharide hydrogel loading CuS and pH-responsive DOX@ZIF-8 nanoparticles for synergistic photothermal-photodynamic-chemo therapy of cancer

The injectable self-healing polysaccharide hydrogel was prepared by the formation of Schiff base bonds between aldehyde-modified methylcellulose (MC ???CHO) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC). The copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuS NPs) and pH-sensitive doxorubicin-loaded zeolitic imidazolate frameworks nanoparticles (DOX@ZIF-8 NPs) were prepared and could be well-dispersed into the hydrogel system. The presence of CuS NPs can achieve photothermal therapy (PTT) for tumors under the irradiation of the near-infrared (NIR) laser. Moreover, CuS NPs can generate photodynamic effects under NIR irradiation, converting oxygen into toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) and presenting efficient photodynamic therapy (PDT). The DOX@ZIF-8 NPs can be decomposed under an intracellular acidic environment and realize the controlled release of DOX. The injectable self-healing hydrogel loading CuS and DOX@ZIF-8 NPs can achieve synergistic photothermal-photodynamic-chemo therapy for tumors and will inspire the researchers to construct a platform from hydrogel combined with multifunctional nanomaterials to realize the effective multimodal therapy for tumor. ?? 2022 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The editorial office of Journal of Materials Science & Technology.

Automated summary

The injectable self-healing polysaccharide hydrogel was prepared by forming Schiff base bonds between aldehyde-modified methylcellulose and carboxymethyl chitosan. Copper sulfide nanoparticles and pH-sensitive doxorubicin-loaded zeolitic imidazolate frameworks nanoparticles were dispersed in the hydrogel system. This hydrogel system achieved synergistic photothermal-photodynamic-chemo therapy for tumors and provided inspiration for constructing a platform combining hydrogel and multifunctional nanomaterials for effective multimodal tumor therapy.