Potential benefits of using chitosan and silk fibroin topical hydrogel for managing wound healing and coagulation

Background & ObjectivesThe intricate process of wound healing involves replacing the cellular or tissue structure that has been destroyed. In recent years various wound dressings were launched but reported several limitations. The topical gel preparations are intended for certain skin wound conditions for local action. Chitosan-based hemostatic materials are the most effective in halting acute hemorrhage, and naturally occurring silk fibroin is widely utilized for tissue regeneration. So, this study was conducted to evaluate the potential of chitosan hydrogel(CHI-HYD) and chitosan silk fibroin hydrogel (CHI-SF-HYD) on blood clotting and wound healing.MethodsHydrogel was prepared using various concentrations of silk fibroin with guar gum as a gelling agent. The optimized formulations were evaluated for visual appearance, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), pH, spreadability, viscosity, antimicrobial activity, HR-TEM analysis, ex vivo skin permeation, skin irritation, stability studies, and in vivo studies by using adult male Wistar albino rats.ResultsBased on the outcome of FT-IR, no chemical interaction between the components was noticed. The developed hydrogels exhibited a viscosity of 79.2 ± 4.2 Pa.s (CHI-HYD), 79.8 ± 3.8 Pa.s (CHI-SF-HYD), and pH of 5.87 ± 0.2 (CHI-HYD), 5.96 ± 0.1 (CHI-SF-HYD). The prepared hydrogels were sterile and non-irritant to the skin. The in vivo study outcomes show that the CHI-SF-HYD treated group has significantly shortened the span of tissue reformation than other groups. This demonstrated that the CHI-SF-HYD could consequently accelerate the regeneration of the damaged area.Interpretation & ConclusionOverall, the positive outcomes revealed improved blood coagulation and re-epithelialization. This indicates that the CHI-SF-HYD could be used to develop novel wound-healing devices.     

Silk fibroin hydrogel containing Sesbania sesban L. extract for rheumatoid arthritis treatment

PurposeRheumatoid arthritis, a chronic and progressive inflammation condition in the joints, has significantly reduced the patient quality of life and life expectancy. Crucially, there is no complete therapy for this disease, and the current treatments possess numerous side effects. Thus, novel therapeutic approach is necessary. To that end, this study developed novel silk fibroin in-situ hydrogel containing Sesbania sesban L. extract, a plant with high anti-inflammatory actions that are beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis treatments.MethodsThe hydrogels were manufactured using simple method of spontaneous gelation at different temperature. The gel properties of morphology, gelation time, viscosity, gel strength, stability, drug loading capacity, drug release rate, and in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity were investigated with appropriate methods.ResultsThe optimal formulation had highly porous structure, with a gelation time of 0.5 h at room temperature and bodily temperature of 37 °C, a viscosity of 2530 ± 50 cP, a gel strength of 1880.14 ± 35.10 g, and a physical stability of >6 months. Moreover, the hydrogel contained the Sesbania sesban L. leaf extract with a total phenolic content of 92.8 ± 8.30 mg GAE/g, and sustained the release rate for >20 dạys, followed the Higuchi model. Regarding the in-vitro activities, all formulations were nontoxic to the RAW 264.7 cell line and demonstrated comparable anti-inflammatory activity to the free extract, in terms of the NO reduction levels.ConclusionConclusively, the systems possessed potential properties to be further investigated to become a prospective rheumatoid arthritis treatment.     

Exosome-cargoed microRNAs: Potential therapeutic molecules for diabetic wound healing

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Pollution dilemma in Asian population: CNG and wound healing

Automobile exhaust constituents contribute significantly to air pollution in urban areas and compressed natural gas (CNG) is considered one of the most promising fuel alternatives for the future. CNG-powered four-stroke engine auto-rickshaws are ubiquitous in South Asian cities as taxi and for commercial transportation. Automotive exhaust contains several toxins, which are overwhelmingly toxic to the processes of wound healing. By utilizing the in vivo mouse model of wound healing, this report analyzes the effects of CNG-powered four-stroke auto-rickshaws smoke solution (4SARSS) on different events of wound healing; dermal matrix regeneration, re-epithelialization and neovascularization. A total of 72 adult mice, divided in eight groups were exposed to 4SARSS for 12 days. A highly significant reduction (P < 0.001) in wound closure was observed among all 4SARSS treated groups, at each time point of the experiment. An immature development in both the neoepidermis and the neodermis was observed among all 4SARSS treated wounds with defective re-epithelialization, dermal matrix regeneration and maturation of collagen bundles. Abbott curve, angular spectrum, 3D surface topographies, and histological investigations of wounds explicated highly significant activation (P < 0.001) of delayed-neovascularization among 4SARSS treated wounds. All these annotations advocate excessive toxicity of emission from CNG-powered auto-rickshaws to the process of wound healing and people occupationally exposed to this toxic emissions may suffer varying degree of delayed wound healing.     

Development and characterization of a superabsorbing hydrogel film containing Ulmus davidiana var. Japonica root bark and pullulan for skin wound healing

Ulmus davidiana var. japonica (UD) has widely been used in Korean traditional medicine for the treatment of various types of diseases including inflammation and skin wounds. The UD root bark powders possess gelling activity with an excellent capacity for absorbing water. This distinct property could make the UD root bark powders to be a great material for manufacturing a gel film specifically for the healing of large and highly exudating wounds (e.g., pressure sores and diabetic ulcers). In this research, we separated the UD root bark powder into 4 different samples based on their sizes and then tested their water absorption capacity and flowability. Based on these results, 75–150 μm sized and below 75 μm sized samples of UD root bark powders were chosen, and UD gel films were prepared. The UD gel films showed good thermal stability and mechanically improved properties compared with pullulan only gel film with excellent swelling capacity and favorable skin adhesiveness. Further, in the animal studies with the skin wound mice model, the UD gel films exhibited significant therapeutic effects on accelerating wound closure and dermal regeneration. Overall, this study demonstrated the applicability of UD root bark powders for hydrogel wound dressing materials, and the potential of UD gel films to be superior wound dressings to currently available ones.     

Development of polyurethane foam dressing containing silver and asiaticoside for healing of dermal wound

 Polyurethane foam dressings for dermal wounds were formulated with natural polyols in order to improve the foam characteristics and the release of 2 active agents, silver and asiaticoside (AS) as an antimicrobial agent and an herbal wound healing agent, respectively. The foam was instantly formed by interaction of polyols and diisocyanate. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, chitosan and sodium alginate were individually mixed with the main polyols, polypropylene glycol, in the formulation while the active components were impregnated into the obtained foam dressing sheets. Although the type and amount of the natural polyols slightly affected the pore size, water sorption-desorption profile and compression strength of the obtained foam sheets, a prominent effect was found in the release of both active components. Among natural polyols formulations, foam sheets with alginate showed the highest silver and AS release. Non-cytotoxicity of these foam sheets to human fibroblast cells was confirmed. Antimicrobial testing on four bacteria strains showed that 1 mg/cm2 silver in formulations with 6% of natural polyols and without natural polyols had sufficient content of the silver release with comparable inhibition zone and significantly larger zone than other formulations. In pig study, the foam dressing with 6% alginate, 1 mg/cm2 silver and 5% AS could improve wound healing in both the percentage of the wound closure and histological parameters of the dermal wound without any dermatologic reactions. In conclusion, this innovative foam dressing had potential to be a good candidate for wound treatment.     

Polyherbal combination for wound healing: Matricaria chamomilla L. and Punica granatum L.

BackgroundPunica granatum L. (pomegranate) with astringent activities and Matricaria chamomilla L. (chamomile) with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are natural remedies used for various skin disorders, including wound healing.ObjectivesThis study was conducted to evaluate the individual and combined wound healing activity of the methanol extracts of pomegranate and chamomile flowers.MethodsAfter preparing the menthol fraction of pomegranate and chamomile flowers, the content of total phenols, total tannins, and total flavonoids of fractions was measured. For standardization of pomegranate and chamomile fractions, Gallic acid and apigenin-7-O-glucoside contents of them were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Moreover, their antioxidant activities were examined using DPPH and FRAP tests. The antimicrobial assay was performed against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Three different concentrations of methanol fraction of each plant and one combination dose of fractions were investigated for their wound healing activities in an excision wound model on the rats’ dorsum. Finally, histopathological studies were done at the end of the experiment.ResultsPhytochemical examinations showed high amounts of phenolic compounds in pomegranate flowers, while chamomile flower fractions contained a high amount of total flavonoids. Both fractions, especially pomegranate, had potent antioxidant activity. The best results for wound closure were observed 7 days after wound induction. All treated groups exhibited superior wound contraction compared to their placebo at all measurement times. The combined form of pomegranate and chamomile had better wound healing properties compared to a single therapy, especially on time earlier to wound induction.ConclusionThis study represented high antioxidant and wound healing activities for methanol fraction of pomegranate and chamomile flowers, which could be related to their high content of phytochemicals. In comparison with single herb treatment, the combined form of these two fractions in lower concentrations accelerated wound closure.Graphical abstract      

The effects of topical (gel) astemizole and terfenadine on wound healing

Objective:

To develop topical gel preparations of astemizole and terfenadine and to investigate the actions of the gels on the healing of incision and excision wounds in male albino rats.

Materials and Methods:

Gels containing 1% astemizole, with varying concentrations of carbopol 934 (polymer), were prepared. Similarly, 1% terfenadine gels were made. The formulations were evaluated for release rate and stability. Incision and excision wounds were inflicted on male albino rats under ketamine anesthesia, taking aseptic precautions. The animals were divided into two groups. They were given a topical application of either astemizole or terfenadine gel, at a dose of 100 mg per wound, once daily, for 10 days in the case of incision wounds and till the time of complete closure in the case of excision wounds. On the 11^th day, breaking strength of the incision wound was measured. In the excision wound model, wound closure rate, epithelization time, scar features and hydroxyproline content of scar tissue were studied from the day of wounding till the day of the scab falling off, with no residual raw area.

Results:

Gels prepared using 0.8% carbopol 934 and 1% of drug in gel base were found to be stable. The gels of astemizole and terfenadine significantly (P < 0.05) promoted the phases of healing such as collagenation (in incision wounds), wound contraction and epithelization (in excision wounds).

Conclusion:

The gels of astemizole and terfenadine might play an important role in wound management program.     

A photo-crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel growth factor release vehicle for wound healing applications

The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a hydrogel vehicle for sustained release of growth factors for wound healing applications. Hydrogels were fabricated using ultraviolet photo-crosslinking of acrylamide-functionalized nondegradable poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Protein permeability was initially assessed using trypsin inhibitor (TI), a 21 000 MW model protein drug. TI permeability was altered by changing the solids content of the gel and by adding hydrophilic PVA fillers. As the PVA content increased from 10% to 20%, protein flux decreased, with no TI permeating through 20% PVA hydrogels. Further increase in model drug release was achieved by incorporating hydrophilic PVA fillers into the hydrogel. As filler molecular weight increased, TI flux increased. The mechanism for this is most likely an alteration in protein/gel interactions and transient variations in water content. The percent protein released was also altered by varying protein loading concentration. Release studies conducted using growth factor in vehicles with hydrophilic filler showed sustained release of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-β,β) for up to 3 days compared with less than 24 hours in the controls. In vitro bioactivity was demonstrated by doubling of normal human dermal fibroblas numbers when exposed to growth factor-loaded vehicle compared to control. The release vehicle developed in this study uses a rapid and simple fabrication method, and protein release can be tailored by modifying solid content, incorporating biocompatible hydrophilic fillers, and varying protein loading concentration.     

Phenol removal from wastewater using low-cost natural bioadsorbent neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves: Adsorption study and MLR modeling

This research aims to experiment with the potential of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves for phenol adsorption. Morphology, functional groups, etc. characterize the adsorbent. Batch studies are conducted at pH (2–7), dose (7–12 g/L), time (60–360 min), initial concentration (100–500 mg/L), and temperature (30–50 °C). Maximum 97.5% phenol is removed when pH, dose, time, temperature, and phenol concentration is 3, 10 g/L, 240 min, 30 °C and 100 mg/L, respectively. Experimental results are supported by pseudo-second-order (r² = 0.99999). Kinetic testing is supported by adsorption mechanisms developed by Elovich, Reichenberg, Boyd, Furusawa and Smith, and Fick models. Freundlich model (r² = 0.99648) is fitted well compare to other models. Sorption energy (0.5288 kJ/mol) supports physical adsorption. Thermodynamics has suggested for a non-random, exothermic, and spontaneous process. The multiple linear progressing (MLR) modeling has successfully predicted the removal percentage. Desorption with ethanol has revealed 58.5% phenol removal potential. Safe disposal of the used adsorbent is recommended by incineration. The scale-up design has demonstrated that 27.925 kg adsorbent is required for 1000 L wastewater to reduce phenol from 100 ppm to 0.06 ppm in two stages. The novel study concludes that the natural, low-cost bio-adsorbent neem leaves can suitably be used in the refineries and other allied chemical industries for phenol remediation.     

Flavonoid dyes from vine tea (Ampelopsis grossedentata) have excellent bioactive properties for dyeing and finishing of silk fabrics

Natural bioactive compounds are not only an ideal substitute for synthetic finishing agents, but have also attracted numerous interests in the textile industry. Here, we used vine tea (Ampelopsis grossedentata) as dyestuff, and selected the pad-steaming process in the presence of natural mordant to realize the dyeing and fixation of flavonoids colorant on silk fabrics. Results indicated that it endowed silk fabrics with unique flavonoid functions that allowed bioactive finishing of silk fabrics. The optimal extraction process of flavonoids dye from A. grossedentata was achieved at a temperature of 100°C, time 0.5 h and a bath ratio of 1:20. We adjusted the pH value of the dye liquor to 3, by adding mordant, and found that the K/S value of the silk fabric reached the maximum using dip-padding and steaming process. In addition, the fabric showed excellent color fastness to rubbing. FTIR, SEM and EDS results further confirmed that the silk fabric was successfully dyed with flavonoids colorant. Results from antioxidant and antibacterial tests revealed that the dyed fabric had excellent anti UV properties (UPF: 173.58), excellent antioxidant activity and antibacterial properties against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Collectively, our results affirmed the simplicity, high efficiency and energy saving attributes of natural products in dyeing and functional finishing of textiles, thus provide a new direction for clean modification of textile materials.     

Biologically active Chitosan/ZnO/Acalypha indica leaf extract biocomposite: An investigation of antibacterial,cell proliferation and cell migration aptitude for wound healing application

A biocomposite composed of Chitosan (Cs), Zinc oxide (ZnO), Acalypha indica (AI) was fabricated by simple chemical precipitation method. The achieved biocomposite was characterized by Fourier Transmission Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM) with Energy dispersive X-ray analysis spectroscopy (EDAX) and Transmission electron microscope (TEM). The phytochemical constituents in the AI leaf extract were also studied by Gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analysis. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant studies were studied using Diclofenac sodium and ascorbic acid as standard by Fetal bovine serum denaturation and (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) DPPH radical scavenging method. The effective bactericidal action of the composite was evaluated against both gram-negative, gram-positive bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus). The hemolysis activity was studied using Triton x 100 as negative and Phosphate buffer solution (PBS) as positive control. The biocompatibility nature was evaluated by the MTT (3- (4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) MTT assay and Fluorescence staining method using mouse fibroblast cells (L929). Additionally, the in-vitro wound healing potential was also assessed by scratch wound assay with L929 mouse fibroblast cells. Hence, these obtained results suggest that the Cs/ZnO/AI biocomposite can act as a suitable candidate in wound care applications.     

大黄、芒硝中药贴敷对产妇剖宫产术后腹部切口愈合和疼痛的影响

目的 探讨大黄、芒硝中药贴敷治疗对经剖宫产术后产妇腹部切口的愈合和疼痛的影响.方法 选取2014年11月-2015年11月期间该院妇产科采取剖宫产术进行分娩的产妇96例,应用区组随机分组法将其分为对照组与观察组,各48例.对照组实施常规术后治疗,观察组在对照组的基础上实施中药贴敷,在经中药贴敷治疗前后采用温哥华瘢痕评估表对其切口愈合程度进行评估,采用视觉模拟评价量表对两组产妇切口疼痛感进行评估,并观察记录两组产妇切口处发生感染、液化等术后并发症情况.结果 两组产妇术后经护理后,观察组VSS量表评分为(3.8 ±1.6)分,显著低于对照组的(5.5 ±2.7)分,且2周内观察组切口为甲级愈合例数多于对照组;观察组的愈合不良结局总例数要显著低于对照组(P<0.05);观察组VAS评分为(3.7 ±2.4)分,显著低于对照组的(5.8 ±3.0)分(P<0.05).另外,对照组住院时间明显长于观察组,观察组产妇的满意率显著高于对照组(P<0.05).结论 采用大黄、芒硝中药贴敷治疗的方法可以促进经剖宫产术后腹部切口的愈合,减少术后切口愈合不良情况的发生,减缓愈合过程所带来的疼痛感,提高舒适度.     

依济复与贝复济应用在供皮创面的比较

目的为了比较依济复与贝复济促进供皮区愈合的治疗效果。方法采用自身对照分组比较方法,观察供皮愈合时间,有无刺激性,所得数据用平均数(x±s)表示并χ2检验。结果对照组比较依济复及贝复济均能促进供皮区创面的愈合(P<0.01),依济复与贝复济比较其创面愈合时间无明显差异(P>0.05),两种药物共同使用在创面上与单独应用一种药物效果差异不大(P>0.05)。依济复与贝复济对创面都有轻度的刺激性。结论尽管作用对靶细胞有所不同,两种药物均能加速供皮创面的愈合,但两种药物对供皮区(取刃厚皮及中厚皮)的作用效果无明显差别。     

Carbohydrate‐derived Fulvic acid (CHD‐FA) inhibits Carrageenan‐induced inflammation and enhances wound healing: efficacy and Toxicity study in rats

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the safety and anti‐inflammatory and wound‐healing characteristics of carbohydrate‐derived fulvic acid (CHD‐FA) in rats. CHD‐FA (≥100 mg/kg p.o.) effectively reduced carrageenan‐induced paw edema in rats, which was comparable to 10 mg/kg p.o. indomethacin. Topical application of CHD‐FA, formulated to contain 1.75% active product in a cetomicrogol cream at pH 1.98, compared favorably with fusidic acid cream (10 mg/g) in accelerating the healing of excised wounds infected with Staphylococcus aureus. No signs of toxicity were observed in rats during the 6‐day acute and 6‐month chronic treatment with CHD‐FA (100 mg/kg p.o.). Topical application of CHD‐FA, formulated in UEA cream and applied to the right ears of mice at 400 mg/g body weight on days 1 and 7–38, produced no adverse events. No signs of toxicity were observed in the teratogenicity study, in which CHD‐FA was administered at 100 mg/kg p.o. to pregnant female mice 3 days before fertilization to 14 days of pregnancy. In conclusion, CHD‐FA is a safe compound with anti‐inflammatory and wound‐healing properties and merits further evaluation in the treatment of patients suffering from similar conditions. Drug Dev Res 73: 18–23, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Current evidence on immunological and regenerative effects of menstrual blood stem cells seeded on scaffold consisting of amniotic membrane and silk fibroin in chronic wound

Wound healing process is a complex of overlapping and coordinated events progresses beyond the inflammatory phase toward wound resolution, whereas chronic wounds fail to terminate inflammatory phase and could not develop toward regenerative state. The immunopathology of chronic wounds has been attributed to the prolonged inflammation and dysregulation of microenvironments responsible for imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory states, as well as cellular and tissue senescence.We here discuss that menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MenSCs) with their authentic functions especially immunosuppressive, angiogenic and migratory properties in combination with a bilayer amniotic membrane/nano-fibrous fibroin scaffold could bring about effective regenerative effects in healing of chronic wound. To debate, following evidences have been cumulated : 1) Persistent pro-inflammatory state in chronic wound bed could inhibit wound resolution; 2) MenSCs exhibit noticeable regenerative, immunosuppressive effects and immunomodulatory activity, 3) The migratory characteristics of MenSCs may not be sufficient for their homing to chronic wounds site, and 4) Bilayer scaffold composed of amniotic membrane and silk fibroin induces MenSCs differentiation into keratinocyte-like cells and stimulates skin regeneration.     

IBT 9302 (Heparinase III): a novel enzyme for the management of reperfusion injury-related vascular damage, restenosis and wound healing

IBT 9302 (heparinase III, EC 4.2.2.8), purified from Flavobacterium heparinum, selectively cleaves heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) from cellular surfaces and extracellular matrices. HSPGs serve as binding sites for P- and L-selectins, as well as for pro-inflammatory chemokines, such as interleukin (IL)-8. IBT 9302 reversibly removes these binding sites and inflammatory mediators, thereby limiting tissue damage following reperfusion of ischaemic areas by reducing leukocyte rolling, adhesion and extravasation. In models of myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury, infusion of IBT 9302 the time of transport and reperfusions, reduces the area of necrosis/area at risk ratios relative to vehicle-treated animals. Cardioprotection is accompanied by a reduction in serum creatine kinase levels and neutrophil adherence to coronary vessels, and the preservation of endothelial relaxation responsiveness to acetylcholine. HSPGs also serve as accumulation sites for most growth factors and IBT 9302 limits both proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and endothelial growth factor (EGF). In vivo, the application of IBT 9302 at the time of vascular injury significantly reduces arterial medial proliferation. External application of IBT 9302 to wounds in a steroid-impaired wound healing model increases tensile strength by releasing mitogenic growth factors and HSPGs from the surrounding extracellular matrix. Pharmacokinetic studies show a simple monoexponential decay following iv. bolus dosing of IBT 9302, with a half-life of 5 - 6 min. The majority of [(125)I]-IBT 9302 goes to the liver (60%) and kidneys (25%), following iv. dosing. Preliminary toxicology studies in rats following single iv. bolus (10 mg/kg) or infusion (10 mug/kg/min) dosing show no untoward effects. These results suggest that IBT 9302 may have therapeutic utility in treating myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury, ischaemic stroke, restenosis or in healing diabetic ulcer wounds, by virtue of its ability to selectively cleave HSPGs.     

Local anesthetic lidocaine-encapsulated polymyxin–chitosan nanoparticles delivery for wound healing: in vitro and in vivo tissue regeneration

In relieving local pains, lidocaine, one of ester-type local anesthetics, has been used. To develop the lidocaine membranes of enhanced local anesthetic effects, we have designed to establish the composition of wound dressings based on lidocaine chloride (LCH) (anesthetic drug)-loaded chitosan (CS)/polymyxin B sulfate (PMB). The LCH membranes (LCH-CS/PMB) was fabricated by the LCH oxide solutions within the CS/PMB matrix. The influences of different experimental limitations on CS/PMB membrane formations were examined. The double membrane particle sizes were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM). Additionally, antibacterial efficacy was developed for gram-positive and negative microorganisms. Moreover, we examined in vivo healing of skin wounds formed in mouse models over 16 days. In contrast to the untreated wounds, rapid healing was perceived in the LCH-CS/PMB-treated wound with less damaging. These findings indicate that LCH-CS/PMB-based bandaging materials could be a potential innovative biomaterial for tissue repair and regeneration for wound healing applications in an animal model.     

Injectable and biodegradable poly(organophosphazene) hydrogel as a delivery system of docetaxel for cancer treatment

Abstract

Although docetaxel (DTX) is an advanced taxoid, further augmentation of its properties is still required, such as improvement in its low aqueous solubility. Herein, we report the development of biodegradable/injectable poly(organophosphazene) (PPZ) hydrogels for the delivery of DTX without the use of organic solvents. An aqueous solution of PPZ containing α-amino-ω-methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol) (AMPEG) 750 instead of AMPEG 550 was prepared, thereby increasing the erosion capacity of the hydrogel by judicious balance of the hydrophobic/hydrophilic moieties. The safety of the hydrogel was demonstrated using a biocompatibility test. The PPZ aqueous solution (8?wt%) containing DTX exhibited a thermosensitive sol–gel–sol transition that was independent of the concentration of DTX (1–3?mg/mL). The in vitro release study indicated that the dominant release mechanism was either erosion or diffusion/erosion-controlled release depending on the DTX content of the hydrogel. The in vivo anticancer effect of the intratumorally injected PPZ system in human gastric cancer cell-xenografted mice was evaluated, which demonstrated a significantly (p?<?0.01) enhanced effect of the DTX-PPZ hydrogel system compared to the control (DTX solution, i.v.). In conclusion, the PPZ hydrogel may be a promising candidate for DTX delivery, affecting a decrease in the size of tumors with little toxicity prior to exeresis.