Significance
We describe a tissue-adhesive hydrogel that can regulate the release of drugs in a manner that is decoupled from its bulk properties. The mechanism of drug release is mediated by embedded microparticles with well-defined crosslink densities. The significance of this system is that, by encapsulating different drugs into the particles, it is possible to achieve multimodal drug release. We demonstrate this capability by releasing two immunomodulatory drugs at disparate rates. A drug that targets innate immune cells is released quickly, and a drug that targets adaptive immune cells is released slowly. This programmable system offers a direct means by which cellular responses can be enhanced through independent targeting for a variety of transdermal applications, including cancer treatment and vaccine delivery.
Statement of significance
We describe a tissue-adhesive hydrogel that can regulate the release of drugs in a manner that is decoupled from its bulk properties. The mechanism of drug release is mediated by embedded microparticles with well-defined crosslink densities. The significance of this system is that, by encapsulating different drugs into the particles, it is possible to achieve multimodal drug release. We demonstrate this capability by releasing two immunomodulatory drugs at disparate rates. A drug that targets innate immune cells is released quickly, and a drug that targets adaptive immune cells is released slowly. This programmable system offers a direct means by which cellular responses can be enhanced through independent targeting for a variety of transdermal applications, including cancer treatment and vaccine delivery.