Hybrid colloidal gels assembled from inorganic and polymeric nanoparticles as a drug-delivery platform

Abstract Colloidal gels with two anticancer drugs loaded were designed and prepared. Negatively charged PEG-PLA nanoparticles with PTX loaded and positively charged ZnO nanoparticles with DOX loaded were assembled into colloidal gels. The drug-loading colloidal gels were shear-thinning physical gels. Such gels were injectable and could be directly injected to target sites. The gels released the PEG-PLA and ZnO nanoparticles spontaneously under physiological conditions. Both PEG-PLA and ZnO nanoparticles could decompose at reduced pH and release PTX and DOX, respectively. The co-delivery of two drugs provides a promising alternative for synergistic therapy.