Multifunctional Carrier Based on Halloysite/Laponite Hybrid Hydrogel for Kartogenin Delivery

A novel carrier system based on halloysite nanotubes (HNT), for the potential intraarticular delivery of kartogenin (KGN) by means laponite (Lap) hydrogel (HNT/KGN/Lap), is developed. The drug was fi rst loaded into HNT, and the hybrid composite obtained was used as fi ller for laponite hydrogel. Both the fi ller and the hydrogel were thoroughly investigated by several techniques and the hydrogel morphology was imaged by transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, the gelating ability of laponite in the presence of the fi ller and the rheological properties of the hybrid hydrogel were also investigated. The kinetic release of kartogenin from HNT and HNT/Lap hybrid hydrogel was studied both in physiological conditions and in ex vivo synovial fl uid. In the last case, the kinetic results highlighted that HNT carrier can e ff ectively release KGN in a sustained manner for at least 38 days. Finally, a preliminary biological assays showed that the HNT/KGN/Lap hybrid hydrogel did not exhibit any cytotoxic e ff ect.