Microfluidic fabrication of biocompatible poly(N-vinylcaprolactam)-based microcarriers for modulated thermo-responsive drug release

Various thermo-responsive polymers have been developed for controlled drug delivery upon the local application of external heat. The development of thermo-responsive polymers with high biocompatibility and tunable thermo-sensitivity is crucial for safe and efficient therapeutic application. In this study, thermo-responsive drug carriers featuring tunable thermo-sensitivities were synthesized using biocompatible poly(N-vinyl caprolactam) (PVCL) and stop-flow lithography. The PVCL-based particles showed selective drug release depending on temperature, illustrating their feasibility for on-demand controlled drug delivery. The volume phase transition temperature (VPTT) of the PVCL-based particles can be adjusted to vary from room temperature to body temperature by controlling their monomer compositions. In addition, modulated drug release was achieved by constructing multicompartments of different thermo-sensitivities within the PVCL particles. To accomplish thermo-responsive anticancer therapy, doxorubicin (DOX) was encapsulated into the PVCL particles as an anticancer drug. The DOX-loaded PVCL particles exhibited both thermo-responsive drug release and anticancer activity. This study demonstrates that thermo-responsive PVCL particles are highly promising carriers for safe and targeted anticancer therapy.