Preparation and anti-tumor activity evaluation of sabutoclax-loaded sodium alginate-based hydrogel

LIU Xin-zhu; YAN Yi; BAI Juan; HAN Bo; WANG Jian-cheng

doi:10.20251/j.cnki.1003-3734.2026.06.008

Abstract：Objective:To develop an injectable sodium alginate(SA)-based hydrogel loaded with Sabutoclax(Sabu@SA gel)to achieve localized accumulation and sustained release of Sabutoclax within tumor tissues,thereby enhancing antitumor efficacy while reducing systemic toxicity.Methods:The Sabu@SA gel was prepared via calcium ion crosslinking.The microstructure,rheological properties,swelling ratio,degradation behavior,and drug release profile of Sabu@SA gel were systematically characterized.In vitro antitumor effects and mechanisms were evaluated using CCK-8 assays,flow cytometry,and quantitative RT-qPCR assays.A B16F10 tumor-bearing mouse model was established to assess in vivo therapeutic efficacy and safety of Sabu@SA gel.Results:The Sabu@SA gel exhibited a porous microstructure,great injectability,mechanical stability,and biodegradability,enabling sustained release of Sabutoclax over 11 days.In vitro studies demonstrated that Sabu@SA gel significantly inhibited tumor cell proliferation and induced apoptosis,accompanied by the downregulation of anti-apoptotic gene expression,including B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),B-cell lymphoma-extra large(Bcl-xL),and Myeloid cell leukemia-1(Mcl-1),with respective mRNA inhibition rates of 78.6%,41.9%,and 65.3%,respectively.In vivo results revealed that the Sabu@SA gel showed stronger tumor growth inhibition effects and improved systemic safety compared to free Sabutoclax.Conclusion:The Sabu@SA gel system provides a safe and effective strategy for local delivery of Sabutoclax within tumors.