Thermoresponsive magnetic nanoparticle – Aminated guar gum hydrogel system for sustained release of doxorubicin hydrochloride

Hydrogel based sustained drug delivery system has evolved as an immense treatment method for solid tumors over the past few decades with long term theranostic ability. Here, we synthesized an injectable hydrogel system comprising biocompatible aminated guar gum, Fe3O4–ZnS core–shell nanoparticles and doxorubicin hydrochloride. We show that amination of guar gum resulted in attraction of water molecules thereby forming the hydrogel without using toxic crosslinking agents. Hydrogel formation was observed at 37 °C and is stable up to 95 °C. The prepared hydrogel is also stable over a wide pH range. The in vitro studies show that the maximum de-gelation and drug release up to 90% can be achieved after 20 days of incubation. Studies reveal that the drug and the core–shell nanoparticles can be released slowly from the hydrogel to provide the healing and diagnosis of the solid tumor thereby avoiding several drug administrations and total excision of organs.