Enhanced Antimicrobial Carboxy Methyl Cellulose-Based Hydrogel–ZnO Composites Film for UV Blocking and Controlled Drug Release

3D nanocomposite alginate hydrogel loaded with pitavastatin nanovesicles as a functional wound dressing with controlled drug release; preparation, in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation

A novel PVP-ALG/ZnO hydrogel nanocomposite film was synthesized using a solution casting method. By incorporating ZnO nanoparticles into a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and sodium alginate (ALG) hydrogel, the nanocomposite film demonstrated enhanced antimicrobial, mechanical and UV-blocking properties. Characterization techniques, including XRD, SEM, TEM and UTM, revealed an optimal tensile strength at a 0.0075 g ZnO composition. The composite exhibited superior swelling behaviour compared to pure PVP-ALG hydrogel in distilled water and buffer solution of pH 6.8. Drug-loading studies with cephalexin showed slower, sustained release under intestinal pH (6.8), attributed to ZnO-induced interactions. Antimicrobial analysis confirmed enhanced effectiveness and UV-blocking tests highlighted a high sun protection factor (SPF) of 7.9 for the nanocomposite film. The results highlighted the potential of the PVP-ALG/ZnO hydrogel as an excellent option for use in biomedical and pharmaceutical fields, especially for sustained drug delivery and protective applications.

In the present work, a nanocomposite hydrogel is designed consisting of gum acacia, poly(acrylamide) and carbon nitride by facile microwave approach. This nanocomposite hydrogel is sensitive to environmental stimuli which is essential for its application in environmental remediation and as a drug delivery system. The effects of carbon nitride percentage and microwave Watt variation on swelling capacity of gum acacia‐cl‐poly(acrylamide)@carbon nitride (Ga‐cl‐PAM@C3N4) nanocomposite hydrogel are analyzed. The structural characterizations are considered by numerous techniques such as FTIR (Fourier transform infra‐red spectroscopy), X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and elemental mapping. Batch experiment is performed for remediation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) drug from water. Various parameters such as effect of ciprofloxacin doses, Ga‐cl‐PAM@C3N4 nanocomposite hydrogel dosage, pH, time and temperature for adsorption of CIP on gum acacia‐cl‐poly(acrylamide)@carbon nitride nanocomposite hydrogel is examined. Maximum adsorption capacity of Ga‐cl‐PAM@C3N4 nanocomposite hydrogel observed is 169.49 mg g−1 at pH 6.4. The drug loading and drug release capacity of Ga‐cl‐PAM@C3N4 nanocomposite hydrogel is investigated for ciprofloxacin. Drug release is monitored in artificial ocular solution (pH 8), saline (pH 5.5), acetate buffer (pH 2.2), and distilled water. Maximum drug release is observed in artificial ocular solution.

Locust bean gum-based silver nanocomposite hydrogel as a drug delivery system and an antibacterial agent

Polymeric and electrospun patches for drug delivery through buccal route: Formulation and biointerface evaluation

One of the challenges facing medical science is the proper formulation of drug delivery systems for the correct transfer of active pharmaceutical ingredients to the body. Polymer and nanocomposite hydrogels have been considered ideal options in the preparation of drug delivery systems due to their proper properties, such as hydrophilicity and biocompatibility. In this, our research, described in this manuscript, the drug release from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-gelatin-montmorillonite (MMT) bionanocomposite hydrogel drug delivery systems loaded with clindamycin was studied. The structural and physical properties of prepared nanocomposite hydrogels were investigated using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer-Emmette-Teller (BET) analysis, gel fraction and swelling tests. The results showed that by adding MMT clay to PVA-gelatin hydrogels, the amount of gel fraction increased, and due to the decrease in the size of the pores, the amount of swelling decreased. The results of the drug release tests showed that the release rate of clindamycin was inversely related to the percentage of MMT added to the nanocomposite hydrogel. The results also showed that the shape of the drug delivery system and its dimensions affected the release rate of clindamycin. The dominant mechanism of drug release in all samples was found to be Fickian transport. Considering the favorable in-vitro drug release performance of our PVA-gelatin-MMT nanocomposite hydrogels in the release of clindamycin, it was concluded that they are suitable options for preparing practical drug delivery systems with controlled drug release ability.

To develop a new drug delivery approach, oxidized starch/CuO nanocomposite hydrogels were successfully prepared in‐situ during the formation of CuO nanoparticles within swollen oxidized starch hydrogels. Analysis and characterization of the prepared hydrogels are carried out using different experimental techniques including Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD analysis confirmed the formation of CuO nanoparticles in the hydrogel matrix, while SEM micrographs shows that nanoparticles ranged from 39 to 50 nm within the same matrix. The number of CuO nanoparticles increased with increasing Cu2+ concentration. The swelling behavior of the nanocomposite hydrogels is studied at pH 2.1 and 7.4, and exhibits a pH sensitive swelling ratio, compared to the neat oxidized starch hydrogel. In vitro drug release tests are carried out to assess the effectiveness of this novel type of nanocomposite as a controlled drug delivery system. Sustained and controlled drug release is observed for CuO nanoparticles containing oxidized starch, which increases with higher CuO nanoparticle content.

Sodium alginate/chitosan/hydroxyapatite (SA/CS/HAP) nanocomposite hydrogel containing different amounts, 0.6, 2.0, 3.5 and 5.0 % wt/v, of HAP was synthesized using gamma radiation as cross-linker to be utilized for oral delivery drug. The nanocomposites were characterized using Fourier transform infrared, X- ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The efficiency of nanocomposite hydrogel samples as a drug delivery system was examined where doxorubicin (DOX)—an anticancer drug for liver cancer—was chosen as a model drug. The in vitro drug release behavior of DOX from the nanocomposite was studied at pH 7.4 and pH 5 within 24 h at 37 °C. Based on the diffusion as well as the drug release behavior, the mechanism of the drug release from the nanocomposite has been described. The effect of initial feed concentration of drug as well as the % of HAP on drug release was also studied. The results showed that, drug release is pH sensitive and samples showed higher release at pH 5.

Cinnamaldehyde (CIN), a harmless bioactive chemical, is used in bio-based packaging films for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties. However, high amounts can change food flavor and odor. Thus, ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) as a supplementary antimicrobial agent are added to gelatin film with CIN. The CIN/ZnO interactions are the main topic of this investigation. FTIR-Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to investigate CIN/ZnO@gelatin films. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images revealed nanospheres morphology of ZnO NPs, with particle sizes ranging from 12 to 22 nm. ZnO NPs integration increased the overall activation energy of CIN/ZnO@gelatin by 11.94%. The incorporation of ZnO NPs into the CIN@gelatin film significantly reduced water vapour permeability (WVP) of the CIN/ZnO@gelatin film by 12.07% and the oxygen permeability (OP) by 86.86%. The water sorption isotherms of CIN/ZnO@gelatin were described using Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB) model. The incorporation of ZnO NPs into the CIN@gelatin film reduced monolayer moisture content (M0) by 35.79% and significantly decreased the solubility of CIN/ZnO@gelatin by 15.15%. The inclusion of ZnO into CIN@gelatin film significantly decreased tensile strength of CIN/ZnO@gelatin by 13.32% and Young`s modulus by 18.33% and enhanced elongation at break by 11.27%. The incorporation of ZnO NPs into the CIN@gelatin film caused a significant decrease of antioxidant activity of CIN/ZnO@gelatin film by 9.09%. The most susceptible organisms to the CIN/ZnO@gelatin film included Candida albicans, Helicobacter pylori, and Micrococcus leutus. The inhibition zone produced by the CIN/ZnO@gelatin film versus Micrococcus leutus was 25.0 mm, which was comparable to the inhibition zone created by antibacterial gentamicin (23.33 mm) and cell viability assessment revealed that ZnO/CIN@gelatin (96.8 ± 0.1%) showed great performance as potent biocompatible active packaging material.

The aim of controlled drug delivery is to manage the time and site of drug release according to the patients’ need.In this paper, Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology is described.This technology employs microelectronics and microprocessor circuits in order to reach individualized, targeted and controlled drug release and would construct the future drug delivery systems. Introduction: Controlled drug delivery systems are the state of the art in drug delivery technology with the goal of controlling the drug release at right time and site to satisfy the patient’s pathophysiological requirements. In spite of great improvements in this field, it still remains an open research area.MEMS employs sophisticated systems in a small scale. In last few decades, this technology has increasingly attracted the researchers’ attention due to its successful miniaturization of complicated drug delivery systems to address unmet dosing requirements more precisely.MEMS drug delivery systems are fabricated using the microelectronics and microprocessor circuits of highly-advanced technology. This provides the opportunity to implement several drug reservoirs and billions of electronic devices in few millimeters. Methods and Results: In this study, MEMS technology is introduced along with describing the fabrication process. Two main categories of MEMS devices including internal and transdermal devices and their applications in drug delivery systems are presented. Various actuators applied in these devices are described, including electrical, electrochemical, electromechanical, and electrothermal types. Finally, emerging technologies and prospects are briefly reviewed. Conclusions: MEMS techniques can be easily combined with microprocessors and sensors to implement an intelligent system which can determine the proper drug dosage and release time according to the signals received by biosensors. When placed inside the body, biocompatibility and biofouling issues should be well-considered, since the device will remain in the patient’s body for a long time. Therefore, MEMS technology seems to be the future aspect of targeted drug delivery systems. Key words: Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), targeted drug delivery, actuator, internal device, transdermal device

Metformin Hydrochloride (MF) is glucose lowering agent that is widely used for management for type II diabetes. MF is reported to be absorbed mainly in upper part of GIT. It is having narrow absorption window and high water solubility, and it would be more beneficial to retain the drug in stomach for prolonged duration so as to achieve maximum absorption and better bioavailability. A conventional oral CR formulation releases most of the drug content at the colon, which requires that the drug will be absorbed from the colon. The present investigation is aimed to develop novel gastroretentive (GR) drug delivery system, which not only release the drug in the absorption window but also provides controlled release drug profile that may result patient compliance and therapeutic success. Floating tablets of MF was prepared using sodium alginate, and sodium carboxymethylcellulose was used as a gelling agent, and release modifiers, respectively. Eudragit NE 30 D was used as sustained release polymer to control the initial burst release. Drug and excipients compatibility studies were monitored by thermal analysis by using differential scanning calorimeter. 32 full factorial design was applied to optimize the formulation. The DSC thermogram of drug, polymer and physical mixtures revealed that there was no known interaction between drug and polymers. The prepared tablets were evaluated for in vitro dissolution, in vitro buoyancy, percentage swelling, percentage erosion and similarity factors with marketed tablets. The optimization study using a 32 full factorial design revealed that the amount of sodium alginate and sodium carboxymethylcellulose had a significant effect on t50, t90, Flag and f2. Thus, by selecting a suitable composition of release rate modifier and gel forming agent, Gastro retentive system can be developed with the desired dissolution profile. This study indicated that the MF GR tablets prepared using sodium alginate and sodium carboxymethylcellulose can successfully be employed as a once-a-day oral controlled release drug delivery system.

The in situ application of the combination of different types of drugs revolutionized the area of periodontal therapy. The purpose of this study was to develop nanocomposite hydrogel (NCHG) as a pH-sensitive drug delivery system. To achieve local applicability of the NCHG in dental practice, routinely used blue-light photopolymerization was chosen for preparation. The setting time was 60 s, which resulted in stable hydrogel structures. Universal Britton–Robinson buffer solutions were used to investigate the effect of pH in the range 4–12 on the release of drugs that can be used in the periodontal pocket. Metronidazole was released from the NCHGs within 12 h, but chlorhexidine showed a much longer elution time with strong pH dependence, which lasted more than 7 days as it was corroborated by the bactericidal effect. The biocompatibility of the NCHGs was proven by Alamar-blue test and the effectiveness of drug release in the acidic medium was also demonstrated. This fast photo-polymerizable NCHG can help to establish a locally applicable combined drug delivery system which can be loaded with the required amount of medicines and can reduce the side effects of the systemic use of drugs that have to be used in high doses to reach an ideal concentration locally.

The CMCh-PVA/Ag nanocomposite hydrogels have been introduced a new technique to deliver drugs, which is dependent on pH. They were prepared successfully in situ by forming of Ag nanoparticles within swollen CMCh-PVA hydrogels. The resulting hydrogels were examined by running various experimental procedures such as FT-IR, XRD, EDX, SEM, and TGA. XRD and EDX patterns verified the formation of Ag nanoparticles in the hydrogel networks; moreover, the formation of Ag nanoparticles with size range from 21 to 81 nm within the hydrogel matrix was confirmed by SEM micrographs. It was shown that increased Ag+ concentration led to increased number of Ag nanoparticles. The prepared nanocomposite hydrogels were studied in terms of the swelling behavior at the pH of 2.1 (simulated gastric fluid) and pH 7.4 (simulated intestinal fluid); the results show that the prepared nanocomposite hydrogels outperformed the pure CMCh-PVA hydrogels in terms of swelling capacity. The antibacterial activity of the nanocomposite hydrogels was examined, and mechanisms involved in their synthesis were reported; the results showed an excellent antibacterial behavior of the nanocomposite hydrogel. To study the efficiency of this new category of nanocomposite hydrogels to be used as an in vitro drug release test to controlled drug delivery system. Also, for CMCh-PVA hydrogels-containing Ag nanoparticles sustained and controlled drug releases were observed that increased with increase in Ag nanoparticles content which can lead to prolong the release of the drug. The objective of this study is to prepare a new, improved drug release using pH-sensitive polymers of carboxymethyl chitosan-PVA with the weight ratios of 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3 containing AgNPs. In this study, to synthesize the new CMCh-PVA/Ag nanocomposite hydrogels efficiently, the Ag+ ions were reduced in the CMCh-PVA hydrogel medium in situ. The effect of the concentration of the Ag nanoparticles in gel content measurement, the swelling/deswelling ratio and drug release behavior and antibacterial activity for the Gram-negative E. coli and Gram-positive S. aureus bacteria was considered.

Local recurrence after surgical and therapeutic treatment remains a significant clinical problem in oncology. Recurrence may be due to imperfections in existing therapies, particularly chemotherapy. To improve antitumor activity and prevent local cancer recurrence while keeping toxicity at acceptable levels, we have developed and demonstrated a biodegradable local chemotherapy platform that provides controlled and prolonged drug release. The platform consists of a polycaprolactone (PCL) substrate, which provides the structural integrity of the platform and the predominant unidirectional drug release, and a thin multilayer coating (∼200 nm) containing doxorubicin (DOX). The coating is an electrostatic complex obtained by the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly and consists of natural polyelectrolytes [poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) and chitosan (CS) or poly-l-lysine (PLL)]. To improve the release stability, an ionic conjugate of DOX and γ-PGA was prepared and incorporated into the multilayer coating. By varying the structure of the coating by adding empty (without DOX) bilayers, we were able to control the kinetics of drug release. The resulting platforms contained equal numbers of empty bilayers and DOX-loaded bilayers (15 + 15 or 30 + 30 bilayers) with a maximum loading of 566 ng/cm2. The platforms demonstrated prolonged and fairly uniform drug release for more than 5 months while retaining antitumor activity in vitro on ovarian cancer cells (SKOV-3). The empty platforms (without DOX) showed good cytocompatibility and no cytotoxicity to human fibroblasts and SKOV-3 cells. This study presents the development of a local chemotherapy platform consisting of a PCL-based substrate which provides structural stability and a biodegradable polyelectrolyte layered coating which combines layers containing a polyanion ionic complex with DOX with empty bilayers to ensure prolonged and controlled drug release. Our results may provide a basis for improving the efficacy of chemotherapy using drug delivery systems.

Photodegradation and oxidation are major causes of the deterioration of food, resulting in darkening, off-flavors, and nutrient deficiency. To reduce this problem, novel functional polymeric materials are being developed to retain food’s light sensitivity. Nanofillers are also used in a polymeric film to produce effective UV blockings and oxygen barrier coatings so that the degradation of the food can be delayed, thereby increasing the shelf life. For this purpose, polyvinyl alcohol coatings were prepared by the incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles. Polyvinyl alcohol is a naturally excellent barrier against oxygen, and the addition of ZnO particles at the nanoscale size has demonstrated effective UV blocking capabilities. In this work, the hydrothermal technique is used to produce ZnO nanoparticles, and these produced particles are then incorporated into the polyvinyl alcohol to produce thin films. These films are characterized in terms of the compositional, macroscopic, microscopic, and optical properties via X-ray diffraction (XRD), FTIR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), as well as UV–VIS spectroscopy. ZnO nanoparticles at different concentrations were incorporated into the PVA solution, and the films were processed via the blade coating method. With the addition of ZnO, the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of pure PVA was not altered and remained stable, and the lowest OTR was recorded as 0.65 cm3/m2·day·bar. Furthermore, the addition of ZnO increased the water contact angle (WCA) of PVA, and the highest WCA was recorded to be around more than 70°. Due to this, water permeability decreased. Additionally, PVA/ZnO films were highly flexible and bendable and maintained the OTR even after going through bending cycles of 20K. Furthermore, the addition of ZnO showed a significant UV blocking effect and blocked the rays below a wavelength of 380 nm. Finally, the optimized films were used for packaging applications, and it was observed that the packaged apple remained fresh and unoxidized for a longer period as compared with the piece of apple without packaging. Thus, based on these results, the PVA/ZnO films are ideally suited for packaging purposes and can effectively enhance the shelf life of food.