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A novel nonreversible heat-induced low-molecular-weight gel based on naturally-occurring self-assembled fupenzic acid for tumor therapy.

Researchers have discovered a nonreversible heat-induced supramolecular gel, a gel that forms when heated, using a natural triterpenoid called fupenzic acid (FA) found in the roots of Rosa laevigata. What sets this gel apart is its unique nonreversible phase transition from liquid to gel. The entire gelation process was digitally recorded, and a mechanism for its formation was proposed through experimental methods and molecular dynamics simulation. The gel exhibited excellent injectability and stability, and it was found to have better anti-tumor activity and higher biosafety compared to its equivalent free-drug form. This opens up new possibilities for using natural product gelators in medicine.

Sun Z et al (2023).
Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces.
PubMed:
37290198