Evaluating Physicochemical Properties of Poly-vinyl Pyrrolidone (PVP) Hydrogels for Local Delivery of Lipoproteins in Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)

Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a fast growing, malignant tumor that develops from the glial cells that support the health of the nerve cells that affect the brain and spine. GBM has a low survival rate with minimal drugs/treatment options available. The purpose of our research was to seek potential innovative solutions to the challenges surrounding the treatment of GBM; particularly, we were interested in exploring a novel drug-delivery treatment that could be used in future GBM therapy. Through the use of Poly-vinyl Pyrrolidone (PVP), we aimed to develop a hydrogel with specific biomechanical properties that would contain lipoprotein-encased chemotherapeutic drugs; the idea being that these hydrogels would provide an ideal sustained released over a set amount of time. Using varying polymer concentration, molecular weights, and radiation doses, we tested the physical and chemical properties while simultaneously testing the kinetics of release of lipoproteins in each hydrogel.