IIT Guwahati and Bose Institute developed an injectable hydrogel for breast cancer

Tags: National

Why in the news?

• Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, in collaboration with Bose Institute Kolkata, have developed an advanced injectable hydrogel designed for localised breast cancer treatment. 

Key points:

• This innovative hydrogel system allows for precise delivery ofanti-cancer drugs to tumour sites, minimising side effects commonly seen in conventional treatments like chemotherapy.

• The hydrogel is made fromultra-short peptides,biodegradable and biocompatible components of proteins.

•  It is designed to remain stable at the injection site and activates in response to elevated glutathione (GSH) levels, a molecule commonly found in higher concentrations within tumour cells. 

• Once activated, the hydrogel releases the drug in a controlled manner, reducing its impact on healthy cells and minimising systemic side effects.