New Generation of Phenol‐Functionalized Polysaccharide Hydrogels Activated by Atmospheric Humid Air Plasma for Controlled Reactive Oxygen Nitrogen Species Delivery in Prostate Cancer Cells

Plasma activated hydrogels were synthetized as selective reactive oxygen nitrogen species (RONS) delivery systems for prostate cancer therapy. Phenol functionalized polyglucuronic acid (PGU) and xanthan were crosslinked with laccase to preserve plasma generated species. Higher polymer and enzyme concentrations accelerated gelation, while plasma pre treatment increased viscosity and elasticity. PGU Ph released more H 2 O 2 , whereas Xan Ph delivered more NO 2 − ; both produced stable NO 3 − release. Plasma treated PGU Ph hydrogels strongly reduced PC3 (malignant) cell viability (≤ 25%) without affecting RWPE 1 (healthy) cells, unlike equivalent exogenous H 2 O 2 , indicating synergistic RONS action. These results highlight laccase crosslinked plasma treated hydrogels as promising localized RONS delivery platforms for prostate cancer treatment and next generation injectable biomaterials.