TiO2 NPs improve ultrasound response: CS/β-GP/TiO2 NP hydrogel enabling on-demand administration

Abstract

The present study developed a novel injectable, biocompatible, and thermosensitive hydrogel system for ultrasound-triggered drug release, using a chitosan/sodium β-glycerophosphate/titanium dioxide nanoparticle (CS/β-GP/TiO2 NP) composite. The inclusion of TiO2 NPs aimed to enhance ultrasound sensitivity, enabling precise therapeutic release to targeted tissues. The hydrogels displayed excellent injectability (maximum injection force <6.5 N) and gelled effectively at body temperature. Biocompatibility was confirmed through Cell Counting Kit-8, LIVE/DEAD, and western blot assays. The present study demonstrated that hydrogels with TiO2 NPs significantly increased the release rates of sodium fluorescein and bovine serum albumin, affirming the role of TiO2 NPs as a sensitizer. This establishes the CS/β-GP/TiO2 NP hydrogel as a promising system for ultrasound-responsive drug delivery. Potential applications include drug delivery, tissue engineering, and wound healing, with the system offering controlled and targeted therapy under ultrasound stimulation. Future research will optimize hydrogel properties, assess in vivo performance, and evaluate long-term stability and effectiveness in clinical settings.