Microstructured dextran hydrogels for burst-free sustained release of PEGylated protein drugs. (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bae, Ki Hyun; Lee, Fan; Xu, Keming; Keng, Choong Tat; Tan, Sue Yee; Tan, Yee Joo; Chen, Qingfeng; Kurisawa, Motoichi
• Is Part Of: Biomaterials. Volume 63(2015)
• Page Start: 146
• Page End: 157
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: Dextran -- Hydrogels -- Microstructure -- Protein -- Controlled drug release; Biomedical materials -- Periodicals; Biocompatible Materials -- Periodicals; Biomatériaux -- Périodiques; 610.28
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.06.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-9612

Abstract

Abstract: Hydrogels have gained significant attention as ideal delivery vehicles for protein drugs. However, the use of hydrogels for protein delivery has been restricted because their porous structures inevitably cause a premature leakage of encapsulated proteins. Here, we report a simple yet effective approach to regulate the protein release kinetics of hydrogels through the creation of microstructures, which serve as a reservoir, releasing their payloads in a controlled manner. Microstructured dextran hydrogels enable burst-free sustained release of PEGylated interferon over 3 months without compromising its bioactivity. These hydrogels substantially extend the circulation half-life of PEGylated interferon, allowing for less frequent dosing in a humanized mouse model of hepatitis C. The present approach opens up possibilities for the development of sustained protein delivery systems for a broad range of pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.