Self-rolling film for in vivo drug delivery to limit colonic inflammation induced after radiation exposure

Radiotherapy is a cornerstone of cancer treatment; however, despite major technological advances, radiation-induced injury to surrounding healthy tissues remains a significant clinical challenge. Here, we developed a preclinical rat model of radiation proctitis using localized, fractionated colorectal irradiation followed by comprehensive histopathological characterization. To enable local drug delivery while minimizing systemic exposure, we engineered a self-rolling bilayer PEG-PLA film loaded with the anti-inflammatory drug prednisolone. The biomaterial was optimized for endoscopic implantation into the irradiated colorectum, providing a minimally invasive therapeutic approach. Local administration of prednisolone significantly reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, within the colonic mucosa, demonstrating the efficacy of the device in attenuating radiation-induced inflammation. Beyond prednisolone delivery, this adaptable platform could support localized administration of a broad range of therapeutic agents, including biologics or other compounds whose systemic use is limited by toxicity, poor tolerability, or high cost.