Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of the starch‐based α‐amylase responsive hydrogels

Abstract Controlled‐release drug delivery systems are promising platforms in medicine. Among various types of material in drug delivery, hydrogels are interesting ones. They are water‐soluble and tissue compatible polymers with a high capacity to carry and release drugs in a controllable manner. In this study, we introduce the synthesis, characterization, and application of an α‐amylase responsive hydrogel in controlled drug delivery. The newly synthesized starch‐based hydrogels structurally characterized by means of Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. A proapoptotic drug, doxorubicin, was loaded into the hydrogels and the controlled release of the drug was assessed in the presence of α‐amylase and ultimately it was evaluated to controlled‐drug release in vitro and subsequently in killing cancer cells. Our results highlight the effectiveness of temporal drug delivery using α‐amylase responsive hydrogels in killing cancer cells.