PNVCL-Based Multifunctional Nanogels Loaded with Curcumin, 5-Fluorouracil, and Gold Nanorods: Their Performance in Colon Cancer Cells.

ABSTRACT: This study presents the development and evaluation of multifunctional, thermoresponsive nanogels based on poly(N-vinylcaprolactam-co-N-vinylpyrrolidone) (P(NVCL-co-NVP)) with a poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) shell and galactose (GAL) targeting ligand for colon cancer therapy. The nanogels were engineered to encapsulate two chemotherapeutic agents, curcumin (CUR) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), along with gold nanorods (GNRDs) to enable a synergistic chemo-photothermal treatment approach. These nanogels exhibit excellent biocompatibility and stability and a temperature-responsive drug release profile, leveraging the volume-phase transition temperature (VPTT) of the polymer network for controlled delivery. The inclusion of GNRDs permits efficient phot

SUBMITTER: Felix-Alcala DV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12841463 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature