Microstructured Dextran Hydrogels for Sustained Release of PEGylated Protein Drugs

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.

PEG Hydrogels in Biomedical Applications

A simple yet effective approach was recently reported 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. This could be a very valuable method for the development of sustained protein delivery systems for a broad range of pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.

doi:10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.06.008