Evaluation of novel antiproliferative controlled drug delivery system based on poly(2-hydroxypropyl acrylate/itaconic acid) hydrogels and nickel complex with Oxaprozin

A series of dual-sensitive poly(2-hydroxypropyl acrylate/itaconic acid) (P(HPA/IA)) hydrogels were synthesized and evaluated as potential highly effective antiproliferative drug delivery system. Investigated hydrophobic antiproliferative agent, Ni(II) complex with Oxaprozin, was successfully synthesized and efficiently loaded into the’”intelligent” P(HPA/IA) hydrogels. Swelling studies showed that loaded agent did not annul pH- and temperature-sensitivity of the investigated hydrogels. In vitro antiproliferative activity of investigated complex against human cervical (HeLa) and melanoma cancer (FemX) cell lines was tested. The results of in vitro release study at different pH values confirmed synthesized hydrogels loaded with investigated complex as a highly effective pH-triggered drug delivery system for the advanced anticancer therapy as well as for the targeted treatment of intestine/colon cancers. [Display omitted] •Stimuli-sensitive antiproliferative drug delivery systems.•Transition metal complex with Oxaprozin.•Anticancer drugs based on Ni(II).•Controlled release of the Ni(II) complex with Oxaprozin.•Inhibition of FemX cell proliferation over 75%.