Design and Evaluation of Thermo-Responsive Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-Based Polymeric Nanoparticles for Temperature-Triggered Intratumoral Release of Doxorubicin in Solid Tumors

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 04 | Page :
    By

    Kavya D,

  • Khanderao Rajaram Jadhav,

  • Suvarna Manoj Bhadane,

  • Sujit Appasaheb Jadhav,

  • Mohit Kumar,

  • Manisha S Nangude,

  • Josef Yakin,

  • Vikrant Kisanrao Nikam,

  • Akshay Kumar K S,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics, KLE College of Pharmacy, KLE academy of Higher education and research, deemed-to-be-university, Rajajinagar, Belgavi, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  2. Associate Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics, KCT’S Ravindra Gambhirrao Sapkal College of Pharmacy Savitraibai Phule Pune University, Nashik, Maharashtra, India
  3. Associate Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics, Kalyani Charitable Trusts Ravindra Gambhirrao Sapkal Institute of Pharmacy, Anjaneri, Nashik, Maharashtra, India
  4. Associate Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics, Kalyani Charitable Trusts Ravindra Gambhirrao Sapkal College of Pharmacy, Anjaneri, Nashik, Maharashtra, India
  5. Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics, Teerthanker Mahaveer College of Pharmacy, Teerthanker Mahaveer University; Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
  6. Professor, Department of Pharmacognosy, Shivajirao S. Jondhle College of Pharmacy, Asangaon, Thane, Mumbai University, Maharashtra, India
  7. Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Assam Down Town University, Kamrup (M), Assam, India
  8. Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics, Amrutvahini College of Pharmacy, Sangamner, Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, India
  9. Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics, KLE College of Pharmacy, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Deemed-to-be-University, Rajajinagar, Belagavi, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Thermo-responsive polymeric systems have emerged as promising platforms for targeted intratumoral drug delivery in cancer therapy. This study aimed to develop and evaluate poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)-based polymeric nanoparticles as intelligent carriers for temperature-responsive delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) to solid tumors. Nanoparticles were synthesized via free radical polymerization using N-isopropylacrylamide as a thermoresponsive monomer and N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide as a crosslinker, forming a stable network with a tunable lower critical solution temperature (LCST).The optimized nanoparticles demonstrated favorable physicochemical properties, including a mean particle size of 142.6 ± 5.3 nm, zeta potential of −21.4 ± 1.7 mV, and polydispersity index of 0.182 ± 0.02, indicating good colloidal stability. Drug loading efficiency was 18.7 ± 1.2%, with an encapsulation efficiency of 76.5 ± 2.8%. DSC and FTIR analyses confirmed successful incorporation of DOX without chemical degradation and strong polymer–drug compatibility. The system exhibited an LCST of 39.2 ± 0.6°C, ensuring minimal drug release at physiological temperature and enhanced release under hyperthermic conditions. In vitro release studies showed 28.4 ± 3.1% release at 37°C and 81.7 ± 4.5% at 42°C over 48 hours. SEM analysis revealed uniform, spherical nanoparticles with smooth morphology.Cytotoxicity studies in MCF-7 cells demonstrated enhanced anticancer activity, with an IC₅₀ of 2.8 µg/mL compared to 5.6 µg/mL for free DOX. Overall, PNIPAM-based nanoparticles exhibit significant potential as temperature-responsive nanocarriers for controlled and effective intratumoral drug delivery.

Keywords: Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide); Thermo-responsive polymers; Polymeric nanocomposites; Doxorubicin; Temperature-triggered drug release; Lower critical solution temperature

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How to cite this article:
Kavya D, Khanderao Rajaram Jadhav, Suvarna Manoj Bhadane, Sujit Appasaheb Jadhav, Mohit Kumar, Manisha S Nangude, Josef Yakin, Vikrant Kisanrao Nikam, Akshay Kumar K S. Design and Evaluation of Thermo-Responsive Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-Based Polymeric Nanoparticles for Temperature-Triggered Intratumoral Release of Doxorubicin in Solid Tumors. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(04):-.
How to cite this URL:
Kavya D, Khanderao Rajaram Jadhav, Suvarna Manoj Bhadane, Sujit Appasaheb Jadhav, Mohit Kumar, Manisha S Nangude, Josef Yakin, Vikrant Kisanrao Nikam, Akshay Kumar K S. Design and Evaluation of Thermo-Responsive Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-Based Polymeric Nanoparticles for Temperature-Triggered Intratumoral Release of Doxorubicin in Solid Tumors. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(04):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=246777


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Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
04
Received 27/05/2026
Accepted 05/06/2026
Published 16/06/2026
Publication Time 20 Days
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