Conductive polymers are functional materials that have attracted increasing attention in biomedical applications owing to their ability to combine electrical properties, mechanical flexibility, and biocompatibility. Their π-conjugated electronic structure enables stable electrical conduction, while doping, chemical modification, and composite formation can improve their performance in physiological environments. Conductive polymers have been utilized in various medical technologies, including biosensors, neural interfaces, electrically controlled drug delivery systems, scaffolds for tissue engineering, wearable devices, and flexible bioelectronics. However, several challenges remain, such as long-term stability, brittle mechanical properties, and degradation under biological conditions of use. Further research on elastomeric materials, self-healing systems, and high-conductivity composites is expected to expand their potential applications in modern healthcare technologies. Overall, conductive polymers offer great prospects as innovative materials for next-generation biomedical devices.

Hydrogels have become a pivotal biomaterial in artificial skin engineering, owing to their ability to replicate the structural and functional characteristics of native skin. This paper systematically explores the structural basis of hydrogelscomprising 3D polymeric networks with hydrophilic and hydrophobic groupsand the key properties derived therefrom, such as high water retention, elasticity, and biocompatibility. It further elaborates on their specific applications in wound repair, including as wound dressings, tissue engineering scaffolds, and controlled drug delivery systems, with a focus on natural polymeric hydrogels (e.g., chitosan, hyaluronic acid, collagen, alginic acid) and their optimized crosslinking strategies. Additionally, the study addresses the limitations of these hydrogels and proposes targeted improvement methods, establishing a clear link from molecular design to clinical utility in advancing wound healing.

Using Controlled Drug Delivery Systems to Increase the Effectiveness of Intratumoral Immuno-oncology.

The primary objective of this article is to present the potential biomedical applications of hydroxyapatite-based materials coated with polymers, as well as the methods used for producing such polymer coatings. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is an inorganic component of bone, distinguished by its high biocompatibility, bioactivity, and ability to integrate with bone tissue. However, its limited mechanical strength poses a barrier to broader clinical application. A solution to this issue involves coating HA with polymeric layers—both synthetic and natural—which enhances its physicochemical properties, increases resistance to compression and fracture, and enables surface functionalization. The article outlines various coating techniques, categorized into physical and chemical methods. It also discusses examples of applications for these materials, including controlled drug delivery systems, bone tissue engineering, and gene delivery. Owing to its surface modification capabilities and favorable properties, polymer-coated HA may serve as a basis for advanced implants and drug carriers. Furthermore, the article highlights the use of HA-polymer composites for coating metallic implants, which significantly improves their corrosion resistance and enhances bioactivity. The entire study is based on a review of scientific literature that identifies current trends and research directions in the development of modern HA-based biomaterials.

Thermoresponsive hydrogels have been extensively investigated for biological applications, particularly in wound healing due to their capacity to undergo phase transitions in response to temperature changes. Natural polymers have been identified as promising candidates for hydrogel synthesis owing to their intrinsic biocompatibility, biodegradability, and hydrophilicity. In this review, the critical role of natural polymers in the development of thermoresponsive hydrogels for wound healing applications is highlighted. Wound healing is recognized as a complex, multiphase process that necessitates an optimal microenvironment to facilitate tissue regeneration while minimizing inflammation and infection. Natural polymers such as chitosan, gelatin, agarose, and cellulose derivatives have been considered ideal for wound dressings, as they provide favorable conditions for cellular adhesion and proliferation. The physicochemical properties of natural polymers, including their thermoresponsive behaviors governed by phase transition temperatures, such as the Lower Critical Solution Temperature (LCST) and Upper Critical Solution Temperature (UCST), along with their gelation mechanisms, are discussed. Recent advancements in natural polymers with enhanced thermoresponsive characteristics are examined for their improved therapeutic outcomes. To address limitations in mechanical strength and response performance, various formulation strategies, including physical and chemical cross-linking, as well as hybrid systems incorporating synthetic polymers, have been explored. Applications in wound care, such as controlled drug delivery systems and smart dressing technologies, are reviewed in detail. Finally, the challenges and future directions for clinical translation of these systems are considered. This comprehensive review underscores the potential of natural polymer-based thermoresponsive hydrogels as intelligent, bioactive platforms for accelerating wound healing and advancing regenerative medical therapies.

Release mechanisms of PLGA-based drug delivery systems: A review☆

Molecularly tailored strategies based on natural polysaccharide structural and functional benefits for precise nutrients delivery.

Diffusional release of a dispersed solute from solid and hollow cylindrical polymeric matrix into a finite external volume.

Precision medicine aims to improve patient outcomes and minimize adverse effects by tailoring drug based therapies to each individual’s characteristics. Magnetically actuated drug delivery systems enable noninvasive, targeted, and on-demand therapeutic release. However, important challenges in the design considerations, including the drug dosage volumes and total dosage incorporated in the design, as well as the ability to batch manufacture such devices with high repeatability, still need to be addressed. In this paper, we explore the role of controlled drug delivery systems with a particular focus on magnetic field-responsive systems and the transformative impact of 3D printing technology. We use stereolithography 3D printing in combination with high-concentration magnetic composite UV curable resins for the fabrication of high-resolution, magnetically actuated drug delivery devices. By optimizing the 3D printing parameters, we achieve structurally consistent and reproducible scaffolds with high geometric fidelity. Our results show that the scaffolds based on 40 w/w% magnetic microparticles and photo-curable resin exhibit strong magnetic responsiveness when applying low magnetic field strengths, leading to compression ratios up to 52.94% and drug release amounts ranging from 8.6 ± 0.5 μl/mm to 135.9 ± 3.1 μl/mm. Comparative analysis of six scaffold designs reveals that the scaffold’s structural configuration can be used to tailor the drug release profile. The presented fabrication method and drug delivery devices are particularly suited for applications demanding accurate dose delivery and remote actuation. We present a proof-of-concept demonstration of our device for precise drug delivery in ophthalmic treatment.

Innovative DNA tetrahedron inspired by ancient mortise-and-tenon technique offers new immunotherapy strategy for metastatic breast cancer.

Phosphate carboxymethyl cellulose nanocomposites with ketoconazole from eggshell waste as a drug delivery platform for odontology application.

Synthesis of pH-sensitive hydrogel beads for controlled delivery of ketorolac tromethamine: computational evaluation and in vivo pharmacokinetic study

Electrospinning is a versatile technique used to manufacture nanofibers by applying an electric field to a polymer solution. This method has gained significant interest in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, and materials engineering fields due to its ability to produce porous structures with a high specific surface area, making it ideal for applications such as wound dressings, controlled drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering. The materials used in electrospinning play a crucial role in determining the final properties of the obtained nonwoven nanofibers. Among the most studied substances are chitosan, collagen, and fish-derived gelatin, which are biopolymers with high biocompatibility. These materials are especially used in the medical and pharmaceutical fields due to their bioactive properties. In combination with synthetic polymers such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), these biopolymers can form electrospun fibers with improved mechanical characteristics and enhanced structural stability. The characterization of these materials was performed using modern characterization techniques, such as one-dimensional (1D) proton NMR spectroscopy (1H), for which the spin–spin relaxation time distributions T2 were characterized. Additionally, two-dimensional (2D) measurements were conducted, for which EXSY T2-T2 and COSY T1-T2 exchange maps were obtained. The characterization was complemented with FT-IR spectra measurements, and the nanofiber morphology was observed using SEM. As a novelty, machine learning methods, including artificial neural networks (ANNs), were applied to characterize the local structural order of the produced nanofibers. In this study, it was shown that the nanofiber nonwoven materials made from PVA are characterized by a degree of order in the range of 0.27 to 0.61, which are more ordered than the nanofibers made from chitosan and fish gelatin, characterized by an order degree ranging from 0.051 to 0.312, where 0 represents the completely unordered network and 1 a fully ordered fabric.

Plastic polymers, thanks to their numerous properties, have found widespread use in daily human life, replacing many traditional materials. However, improper disposal and environmental accumulation of plastics have generated serious ecological concerns. Exposure to atmospheric agents causes the fragmentation of plastics into microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), which persist in the environment and, through biomagnification, reach humans. Given the proven hazards of conventional plastics to organisms and the environment, biodegradable polymers such as Polylactic Acid (PLA) have been developed to safeguard the planet and its inhabitants. PLA, promoted as a “green” alternative to conventional plastics, is used in various sectors, from food packaging to biomedical applications, including medical devices and controlled drug delivery systems, thanks to its biocompatibility and perceived safety. However, recent studies have questioned the actual biodegradability of PLA, and the increasing release of MPs and NPs derived from PLA-based materials raises concerns about the biological effects of these particles, particularly as potential endocrine disruptors (EDCs) capable of interfering with hormonal regulation and key processes such as development, reproduction, and metabolism. Previous research has shown that MPs and NPs from standard plastic polymers such as polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene can alter the endocrine system in both in vitro and in vivo models. These findings motivate the investigation of the potential endocrine-disrupting effects of PLA nanoplastics (PLA-NPs). Such evidence provides a strong foundation to explore the endocrine-disrupting potential of PLA-NPs, a biodegradable material widely used in biomedical fields. To date, no systematic studies have evaluated the impact of PLA-NPs on the endocrine system, making this research pioneering in filling a significant knowledge gap. This study aims to evaluate the endocrine and oxidative effects of PLA-NPs on three cell models: MCF-7 (ER-positive breast carcinoma), MDA-MB-231 (triple-negative breast carcinoma), and HB-2 (normal mammary epithelial cells). Cells will be treated with PLA-NPs at concentrations of 50, 100, and 300 µg/mL for 24, 48, and 72 hours. Cell viability (MTT assay) and proliferation (Ki-67 analysis by Western blot and immunofluorescence), reactive oxygen species production (DCFH-DA), lipid peroxidation (MDA assay), and antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, CAT) will be assessed. The expression of hormone receptors (ERα, ERβ, PR, AR), oxidative stress markers (Nrf2, HO-1), proteins involved in cellular damage (p53), and apoptosis (Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3) will be analyzed by Western blot and immunofluorescence. The expected results will provide novel insights into the role of PLA-NPs in modulating hormonal signaling and oxidative stress in mammary cells, contributing to a more accurate risk assessment associated with the use of bioplastics in human exposure contexts. 1. van Boxel J, et al. Toxicol In Vitro 2024 doi: 10.1016/j.tiv.2024.105938.

Depot injections represent a pivotal advancement in sustained and controlled drug delivery systems, offering prolonged therapeutic effects, enhanced patient compliance, and reduced dosing frequency. This review comprehensively examines the formulation strategies, mechanisms of drug release, clinical applications, and recent innovations in depot injection technologies. Polymeric matrices, lipid-based systems, and in situ forming depots are discussed alongside their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic implications. Furthermore, the challenges associated with manufacturing, stability, and regulatory considerations are addressed. With over 45 referenced studies, this paper highlights the transformative potential of depot injections in treating chronic diseases, hormonal disorders, and psychiatric conditions while identifying future research directions for optimizing their efficacy and safety.

This study focuses on the preparation of poly(HCQM-co-VP) copolymeric nanoparticles (NPs) to enhance the aqueous solubility and bioavailability of the hydrophobic and antitumor molecules HCQ (hydroxychloroquine) and α-TOS (α-tocopheryl succinate). HCQ is covalently incorporated into the polymer backbone, while α-TOS is encapsulated within the nanoparticles by non-covalent interactions. Poly(HCQM-co-VP) was synthesized from a vinyl derivative of HCQ (HCQM) and N-vinylpyrrolidone (VP), with a molar composition of 17% HCQM and 83% VP, providing the optimal hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance for forming, via nanoprecipitation, empty nanoparticles (NPs) with a diameter of 123.6 nm and a zeta potential of −5.8 mV. These nanoparticles effectively encapsulated α-TOS within their hydrophobic core, achieving an encapsulation efficiency (%EE) of 78%. These α-TOS-loaded NPs resulted in smaller diameters and more negative zeta potentials (71 nm, −19.2 mV) compared to the non-loaded NPs. The cytotoxicity of these NPs was evaluated using the AlamarBlue assay on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The empty NPs showed no toxic effects within the tested concentration range, after 72 h of treatment. In contrast, the α-TOS-loaded NPs, exhibited a pronounced cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells with an IC50 value of 100.2 μg·mL−1, thereby demonstrating their potential as controlled drug delivery systems for cancer treatment. These findings contribute to the development of a new HCQ-based polymeric nanocarrier for α-TOS or other hydrophobic drugs for the treatment of cancer and other diseases treatable with these drugs.

Mustard honey (MH) is a rich source of polyphenols, whichimpartantioxidant, antiapoptotic, and cytoprotective activities in neuronalcells. However, its high-dose requirement for delivering pharmaceuticalproperties, along with challenges faced by dysphagic individuals,necessitates a controlled delivery system for therapeutic applications.In this study, electrospun nanofibers comprising poly­(vinyl alcohol)(PVA) and acacia gum (AG), loaded with varying concentrations of theIndian variety of MH (5–20%), were designed and developed forsublingual administration. The physicochemical properties of PVA/AG/MHnanofibers, including viscosity, conductivity, morphology, and chemicalcomposition, were investigated. Release kinetics analysis showed thatMH release followed a non-Fickian mechanism that was best describedby the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, and 15% MH-loaded nanofibers achievedan optimal balance between rapid, predictable release and uniformfiber morphology. The antioxidant potential of the nanofibers wasassessed using DPPH and ABTS assays, while their neuroprotective effectswere evaluated in HT-22 cells subjected to H2O2-induced oxidative stress followed by measuring the intracellularreactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant gene expression, apoptoticcell population, and mitochondrial membrane potential. PVA/AG nanofibersloaded with 15 and 20% MH concentrations (w/v) showed significantlyenhanced antioxidant and neuroprotective activities against H2O2-induced oxidative stress by upregulating antioxidantgenes including Sod1 (2.6- and 2.3-fold), Sod2 (3.3- and 3.4-fold), Cat (2.9- and3.1-fold), Gpx (3.1- and 3.3-fold), and Gsta1 (3.9- and 4.5-fold), leading to decreased ROS, reduced apoptoticcell population, and improved mitochondrial membrane potential. Inconclusion, PVA/AG/MH nanofibers demonstrated a potent controlleddrug delivery system capable of inducing neuroprotective activityvia sublingual administration.

Developing novel and effective methods for producing multifunctional polymeric bioactive coatings with controlled drug release has become a top priority for the scientific community. In the current study, a novel controlled drug delivery system was developed on the surface of a Ti alloy implant using a biodegradable polymer matrix composed of synthetic polymer (Polylactic acid (PLA)), biodegradable polymer (Vanillin (Van)), and antibiotic drug (Gentamycin (GM)) loaded Ti nanotubes (TNT). The chemical structure, microstructure, and surface properties of the TNT and coated surfaces were investigated using SEM/EDS, TEM, XRD, FT-IR, and water contact angle measurements. The obtained results revealed that the PLA/1Van/GM/TNT coatings released GM from the PLA/Van matrix at a linear rate and with a releasing profile over 168 h. The PLA/1Van/GM/TNT coating improved corrosion protection in the simulated body fluid by lowering the passive current density by two orders of magnitude over the bare substrate. After 24 h, the antibacterial efficiency of the PLA/1Van/GM/TNT coating was 94% against Gram + Ve and 95% against Gram-Ve. After 5 days of culturing in MG63 cell lines, the cell proliferation of PLA/1Van/GM/TNT coating was significantly higher than the pure PLA and bare substrate. Furthermore, after 7 days of culture, the number of cells on the PLA/1Van/GM/TNT coating increased significantly, whereas the bare substrate and pure PLA had a slower proliferation rate. The developed biocompatible PLA/Van coatings showed remarkable corrosion-resistant and antibacterial properties, making them potential for biomedical applications.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-99983-w.

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a promising material for radiative cooling owing to its high infrared emissivity and mechanical flexibility; however, its inherent hydrophilicity limits its practical applications, particularly in humid environments. In this study, a scalable and environmentally friendly approach is introduced to overcome this limitation by incorporating Zein—a hydrophobic protein derived from corn—into a PVA matrix in conjunction with aluminum oxide and silicon dioxide nanoparticles. The resulting composite nanofiber membrane, PZAS, exhibits significantly enhanced hydrophobicity, achieving an average water contact angle of 118.5° over 60 s, compared with ≈40° for pure PVA nanofibers. A high solar reflectance of 91.7% and strong infrared emissivity of 96.9% within the atmospheric transparency window are demonstrated. In outdoor measurements, a temperature reduction of up to 6.9 °C is achieved below ambient temperature. These findings underscore the potential of PZAS as a viable and sustainable radiative cooling material for applications in thermal regulation, particularly in textiles and wearable cooling technologies. The initial hydrophobicity followed by gradual water absorption of PZAS highlights its suitability for advanced biomedical applications, including moisture‐managing textiles, sweat‐based biosensors, and controlled drug delivery systems.

This study developed hydrogels from durian rind-derived carboxymethyl cellulose (CMCd) blended with poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVA) for biomedical applications. The influence of NaOH concentration (10–60% w/v) on the degree of substitution (DS) of CMCd and the crosslinking properties of the resulting hydrogels was examined. Durian rind, a biodegradable and renewable resource, was transformed into CMCd with DS values ranging from 0.17 to 0.94. The highest yield (230.96%) was achieved using 30% NaOH (CMCd-30). This CMCd-30 was combined with PVA and crosslinked using citric acid to form a hydrogel with maximum crosslinking efficiency (86.16%). The resulting CMCd-30/PVA hydrogel exhibited a high swelling ratio (125.54%), reflecting its superior water absorption and functional group availability—key traits for biomedical use. Methylene blue (MB) release from the hydrogel extended up to 1440 min, confirming its drug delivery potential. Overall, the CMCd-30/PVA hydrogel demonstrated promising biocompatibility potential and performance, making it a promising candidate for wound dressings and controlled drug delivery systems. This work highlights the potential of agricultural waste valorization in developing sustainable and efficient biomaterials for pharmaceutical and medical applications.