Algı, Melek PamukSarıgöl, Rümeysa2024-08-012024-08-0120240939-6411https:/dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114419https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12451/12295Here, we disclose the synthesis of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) hydrogels incorporating a squaraine dye (Sq) as a chemical crosslinker, viz. Sq@PHEMA. Photothermal and photodynamic features of Sq@PHEMA hydrogels are evaluated in detail. It is noteworthy that Sq@PHEMA induces hyperthermia upon irradiation with an 808 nm laser. Furthermore, Sq@PHEMA enables the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon irradiation with red light. To our delight, Sq@PHEMA hydrogels can be used as efficient dual photosensitizers pertinent to both PDT and PTT simultaneously. Finally, the hydrogels are loaded with methotrexate (MTX) to investigate controlled drug release behavior. It is noted that Sq@PHEMA hydrogels are promising candidates as drug delivery systems since on-demand MTX release is feasible upon irradiation. In seninfo:eu-repo/semantics/embargoedAccessDrug DeliveryHydrogelPhotodynamic TherapyPhotothermal TherapySquaraineArticle20210.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114419Q1N/A