Mimicking physiology: Perfusion bioreactor characterisation of the polyphenol-functionalized hydrogels for controlled drug delivery

Understanding the characteristics and release behavior of therapeutic compounds from complex controlled-release systems under physiological conditions remains a challenge in drug development. Biomimetic bioreactors provide a more accurate and reliable platform by replicating the dynamic physiological conditions of targeted tissues and applications. In this study, we aimed to develop a localized anticancer drug delivery system based on methacrylate chitosan hydrogels (MCH) functionalized with green tea polyphenols (GTP) or tannic acid (TA). We hypothesized that MCH prepared via UV-curing and subsequently functionalized with GTP or TA, would exhibit enhanced mechanical stability and enable the effective, sustained release of bioactive compounds. ...