Fig. 1

Preparation and characterization of ROD hydrogel. A R, RD, RO, and ROD hydrogel gelated for 7 days. B Thixotropic property of the ROD hydrogel. C TEM images of R, RD, RO, and ROD hydrogel, showing that these hydrogels self-assembled into networks of interwoven nanofibers. D Frequency sweep rheological analysis of the ROD hydrogel, suggesting the formation of a stable hydrogel. E Step-strain time-dependent rheological analysis of the ROD hydrogel, indicating ROD had a good rheological nature of for injection. Measurements were performed at a fixed angular frequency of 1 rad/s. F The release profiles of RD and ROD hydrogel-loaded DOX in the presence or absence of proteinase K. G The measurement of the weight of RD and ROD hydrogels in the presence or absence of proteinase K. H The release profile of DOX in ROD hydrogel and DOX solution after intratumor injection in the subcutaneous Hep1-6 tumor (n = 3), suggesting a good controlled-release nature of ROD hydrogel. ROD, RADA16-I peptide hydrogel loaded with lyOK-432 and doxorubicin; RO, RADA16-I peptide hydrogel loaded with lyOK-432; RD, RADA16-I peptide hydrogel loaded with doxorubicin; R, RADA16-I peptide hydrogel; DOX D doxorubicin, TEM transmission electron microscopy