Development of an Anticancer Fungal Paclitaxel-Loaded Hydrogel System via 3D Bioprinting: A Next-Generation Biomedical Platform

Paclitaxel (Taxol) is a widely used anticancer drug, but its limited natural availability necessitates alternative production strategies. In this study, Aspergillus flavus isolated from wastewater was identified as a source of paclitaxel, which was confirmed by chromatographic and spectroscopic analyses. To improve solubility and delivery, paclitaxel was incorporated into a three-dimensional bioprinted hydrogel composed of sodium alginate and hyaluronic acid. A 2:1 sodium alginate-to-hyaluronic acid ratio provided the most suitable formulation, as it balanced viscosity, stability, and printability. The resulting scaffolds exhibited uniform porosity and elastic recovery, supporting controlled drug release. Paclitaxel-loaded hydrogels showed significant cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells (IC50 = 11.63 μg/mL) and inhibited cell migration. These findings demonstrate a sustainable microbial route for paclitaxel production and highlight the potential of bioprinted hydrogels for targeted, controlled anticancer therapy.