A novel composite hydrogel initiated by Spinacia oleracea L. extract on Hela cells for localized photodynamic therapy.

In this study, the poly (ethylene glycol) double acrylates (PEGDA) was first initiated by Spinacia oleracea L. extract (SOLE) to in situ form a polymer hydrogel shell on Hela cells with near infra-red irradiation. The SOLE was also a natural photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy of tumor. The use of SOLE is simple, eco-friendly, low cost, and convenient. More importantly, the PEGDA/SOLE composite hydrogel shell on Hela cells not merely prevents SOLE from diffusing to normal tissue for reducing the side effects, but also keeps high SOLE concentration on tumor cell for improving the antitumor effect. Such a hydrogel system has good biocompatibility and exhibits high therapeutic efficacy. This study extended the application of the SOLE/PEGDA gel in photodynamic therapy.