A novel folic acid hydrogel loading β-cyclodextrin/camptothecin inclusion complex with effective antitumor activity

Abstract Folic acid, as a significant vitamin, is essential for human bodies, especially for pregnant women. However, folic acid hydrogel for drug delivery has not been reported until now. Herein, folic acid hydrogel was prepared by ion inducing method firstly. Then β-cyclodextrin/camptothecin inclusion complex was loaded into folic acid hydrogel successfully by co-assembly. Camptothecin loading folic acid hydrogel has good rheological mechanical property and thermodynamic stability. Moreover, the possible mechanism of hydrogel formation was proposed by energy dispersive spectrometer and small-angle X-ray scattering. Besides, compared to camptothecin itself, camptothecin release rate from camptothecin loaded hydrogel was prolongated remarkably through dialysis experiment. Finally, the cell inhibitory rate of camptothecin loading folic acid hydrogel was increased observably compared to camptothecin itself. Hence, as a green drug delivery system, our folic acid hydrogel has important potential application in medical engineering material. Graphic Abstract Herein, a novel β-cyclodextrin/camptothecin inclusion complex loaded folic acid hydrogel was constructed by elaborate design and preparation, which can load camptothecin into folic acid hydrogel effectively. Moreover, compared to camptothecin itself, camptothecin release rate from camptothecin loaded hydrogel was prolongated remarkably through dialysis experiment. Finally, the cell inhibitory rate of camptothecin loading folic acid hydrogel was increased observably compared to camptothecin itself. Hence, as a green drug delivery system, our folic acid hydrogel has important potential application in medical engineering material.