Loading the IFN-α2b in a hydrogel isolates the drug from the releasing medium; the inclusion of core-shell nanoparticles increases the loading capacity of the drug and provided pH-responsiveness to the acidic tumour microenvironment, releasing the entrapped drug at higher levels within the tumour microenvironment compared to normal physiological conditions, while also, shielding the IFN-α2b against rapid clearance, and degradation at lower pH of the tumour microenvironment. The gene discussed is IFNA2; the disease is neoplasm.