Supramolecular hydrogels co-loaded with camptothecin and doxorubicin for sustainedly synergistic tumor therapy

The co-delivery of multiple drugs has become the primary strategy in cancer therapy in recent years, because this technique could promote synergistic actions, reduce side effects and deter the development of drug resistance. To achieve a controlled and sustained release of the loaded drugs, a supramolecular hydrogel based on the host–guest interactions between a hyperbranched polyglycerol derivative and α-cyclodextrin was prepared and used to co-load camptothecin and doxorubicin for sustainedly synergistic tumor therapy. The gelation kinetics, hydrogel strength and supramolecular structure of the obtained hydrogel were studied by dynamic and steady rheometry under various concentrations of α-CD. The sustained dual drug release from the supramolecular hydrogel in vitro, and their synergistic effect in vitro and in vivo were also explored. Moreover, the supramolecular hydrogel showed receivable blood compatibility and non-cytotoxicity by in vitro and in vivo assays. Therefore, this supramolecular hydrogel could potentially be applied in sustainedly synergistic tumor therapy.