Design and In Vitro Evaluation of Cross-Linked Poly(HEMA)-Pectin Nano-Composites for Targeted Delivery of Potassium Channel Blockers in Cancer Therapy.

ABSTRACT: Potassium (K⁺) channel blockers are promising anticancer agents but suffer from off-target toxicities. We designed cross-linked poly-2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)-pectin nanogels (HPN) to deliver two model blockers-dofetilide (Dof) and azimilide (Azi)-and evaluated their physicochemical properties, release behavior, and in vitro anticancer activity. HPN was synthesized by surfactant-assisted aqueous nanogel polymerization and comprehensively characterized (FTIR, DLS, TEM/SEM, XRD, BET). The particles were monodispersed with a mean diameter ~230 nm, compatible with tumor accumulation via the Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effect, and exhibited a microporous matrix suitable for controlled release. Drug loading was higher for Dof than for Azi, with DL% values of 82.

SUBMITTER: Civir GO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12841014 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature