Innovative Thermosensitive Composite Materials: Merging Poloxamer PF-127 and Polysaccharides for Enhanced Functional Properties

Currently, new cancer treatment options are being developed following tumor resection surgery, with a focus on minimizing invasiveness and reducing systemic toxicity to lower the risk of recurrence. In this context, the thermosensitive poloxamer Pluronic Acid F-127 (PF-127) is modified by incorporating polysaccharides with varying structures—xanthan gum (XG), alginate (ALG), gellan gum (GG), and levan (LEV). Hydrogels are synthesized using different ratios of polysaccharides and PF-127. Rheological results reveal that adding polysaccharides to the hydrogel matrix increases storage moduli from 8 to 11–18 kPa and viscosity from 4.5 to 6.1–7.1 Pa s. Additionally, the micellar aggregation capacity (MAC) and gelation temperature shift from 34 °C to between 22 and 31 °C. Studies on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) release from these composites indicate that enhanced MAC prolongs drug release 4 times longer compared to the hydrogel made with PF-127 alone. A mathematical model is applied to analyze these experimental results, taking into account polymer chain release. Hydrogel's degradation rate and viscosity are primary determinants of drug release duration. Thus, by modifying the hydrogel composition, MAC, thermosensitivity, and drug release profile can be finely controlled based on the polysaccharide used.