Improved Chemosensitization Activity of Carboxymethyl Chitosan/PVA Hydrogels by Plasma Surface Modification

As global population escalates; the need for better healthcare shall inevitably intensify. Current scenario, thus, calls for a versatile technology for the construction for smart biomaterials to cater to the needs. In this context; hydrogels comprising carboxymethyl chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol (CMCS/ PVA) were fabricated using a green crosslinker, tetraethyl orthosilicate. To enhance their bio-efficacy; cold plasma assisted surface tailoring of the aforesaid hydrogels was performed as a function of four different gases viz Air, Ar, He and N2. Apart from improving the surface wettability; plasma treatment endowed the hydrogels with an improved tensile strength. 5-Fluorouracil (5FU) release studies from the hydrogels validated their potential as oral colon-targeted delivery systems. Hemolytic experiments revealed no adverse effect on RBCs post-plasma treatment. Pristine hydrogels exhibited good cytocompatibility with MCF-7 cells. A strong cell growth inhibition was observed from 5FU-loaded hydrogels as validated by caspase-3 assay. Further assessment by the soil burial test revealed the hydrogels were biodegradable. Among all, the Ar-plasma treated hydrogel demonstrated superior hemocompatibility, chemosensitivity and biodegradability. Thus, cold plasma technology has invariably paved the path as an eco-friendly, economical and effectual strategy for development of novel CMCS/ PVA hydrogels in anticancer therapy.