Algı, Melek PamukSarıgöl, Rumeysa2024-04-182024-04-1820231773-2247https:/dx.doi.org10.1016/j.jddst.2023.104993https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12451/11637Herein we disclose an approach that provides access to multifunctional polymeric hydrogels by cross-linker engineering. To this purpose, a new squaraine dye, Sq1, was synthesized. It was found that Sq1 could generate hyperthermia upon irradiation with NIR (808 nm) light. More importantly, PAAm hydrogels incorporating Sq1 as a covalent cross-linker (Sq1@PAAm) can be obtained successfully. Delightfully, cross-linker-engineered PAAm hydrogels can be used as an efficient photosensitizer for photothermal therapy. In vitro studies with human melanoma cell line (SK-MEL-30/An1) cell lines show that Sq1@PAAm hydrogels can eliminate more than 70% of cancer cells. Finally, methotrexate (MTX) as a model drug is loaded into the hydrogel, and release behavior is evaluated. Notably, sustained MTX release was possible by irradiating the Sq1@PAAm hydrogel. Overall, we have successfully shown that the cross-linker engineering of hydrogel enables photothermal therapy.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/embargoedAccessDrug DeliveryHydrogelPhotothermal TherapySquaraineArticle8910.1016/j.jddst.2023.104993Q1WOS:001105957300001Q1