Functional Drug Delivery Research Articles

Toward Upconversion (Yb-Er) and near-Infrared (Yb-Ho-Er, Nd-Yb) Thermometry with Sea Urchin Type GdPO4 Nanoarchitectures.

In recent years, optical temperature probes operating in the second near-infrared (BW-II) and third near-infrared (BW-III) biological windows have garnered significant attention in the scientific community. For biological applications these probes offer distinct advantages, including enhanced tissue penetration depth, minimal autofluorescence, and a remarkable improvement in imaging sensitivity and spatial resolution. Moving toward theranostic applications, there is a growing demand for the development of materials that integrate both BW-II and BW-III thermometry systems with drug delivery functionalities. In this study, we concentrate on the development of GdPO4 materials, utilizing both hard and sacrificial template routes to synthesize (hollow) GdPO4 porous sea urchin-like particles. We first investigated the development of a Boltzmann-type thermometer utilizing an Yb-Er upconversion system, designed to operate within the physiological temperature range. Our exploration extends to the potential of GdPO4 particles in near-infrared (NIR) thermometry, spanning the first, second, and third biological windows with systems like Yb-Ho-Er, Nd-Yb, and Ho-Yb, respectively. We further examined the temperature impact of the Yb-Ho-Er system on the NIR emission within a biologically relevant setting, using a phantom that replicates biological tissue. Furthermore, we illustrate the successful loading of these materials with doxorubicin (DOX·HCl), a model anticancer drug, showing these particles exhibit pH-dependent DOX release. This demonstrates the versatility of these materials as upconversion and NIR thermometers while simultaneously serving as an on-demand drug carrier. The investigation involves assessing their cytotoxicity on specific human cells (Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts (NHDFs)), to determine their viability for potential use in biological applications. The study also investigates how effectively loading the particles with DOX enables targeted delivery to a cellular model of lymphoma (Jurkat E6-1), resulting in cell death. This comprehensive analysis highlights the promising potential of GdPO4 particles for medical applications.

Losartan rewires the tumor-immune microenvironment and suppresses IGF-1 to overcome resistance to chemo-immunotherapy in ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer (OvCa) is the most lethal of the gynecologic malignancies. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, which have revolutionized the treatment of multiple malignancies, have had limited efficacy in OvCa patients. This lack of effectiveness is partly due to the abnormal ovarian tumor microenvironment (TME), displaying a desmoplastic, highly fibrotic extracellular matrix. High extracellular matrix deposition leads to a buildup of compressive forces that cause tumor blood vessel collapse, reduced vessel perfusion, poor delivery of drugs, and compromised trafficking of cytotoxic T-cells to these tumors. Using two syngeneic OvCa models, we tested the effect of losartan, a widely prescribed anti-hypertensive drug, on reprogramming the TME and chemosensitizing the cancer cells. Losartan treatment (i) reprograms the TME leading to increased vascular perfusion, and thus enhances drug delivery and immune effector cell intratumoral infiltration and function; and (ii) rewires the OvCa cells by suppressing the IGF-1 signaling, resulting in enhanced chemosensitivity. As a result of the combined tumor and stromal effects, losartan treatment enhances the efficacy of chemo-immunotherapy in OvCa models. The safety and low cost ( < $1-2/day) of losartan warrant rapid translation of our findings to patients with OvCa.

Quantitative Visualization of Lipid Nanoparticle Fusion as a Function of Formulation and Process Parameters.

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have proven to be promising delivery vehicles for RNA-based vaccines and therapeutics, particularly in LNP formulations containing ionizable cationic lipids that undergo protonation/deprotonation in response to buffer pH changes. These nanoparticles are typically formulated using a rapid mixing technique at low pH, followed by a return to physiological pH that triggers LNP-LNP fusion. A detailed understanding of these dynamic processes is crucial to optimize the overall performance and efficiency of LNPs. However, knowledge gaps persist regarding how particle formation mechanisms impact drug loading and delivery functions. In this work, we employ single-molecule Convex Lens-induced Confinement (CLiC) microscopy in combination with Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurements to study LNP fusion dynamics in relation to various formulation parameters, including lipid concentration, buffer conditions, drug loading ratio, PEG-lipid concentrations, and ionizable lipid selection. Our results reveal a strong correlation between the measured fusion dynamics and the formulation parameters used; these findings are consistent with DLS and Cryo-TEM-based assays. These measurements offer a cost-effective method for characterizing and screening potential drug candidates and can provide additional insights into their design, with opportunities for optimization.

Influence of type of vehicle on dermal penetration efficacy of hydrophilic, amphiphilic, lipophilic model drugs

The influence of the vehicle on the dermal penetration efficacy of three different active ingredient (AI) surrogates (hydrophilic, amphiphilic, lipophilic model drugs), that were incorporated into these vehicles, was investigated with the ex vivo porcine ear model, which allowed to assess time and space resolved dermal penetration profiles of the AI. Fifteen different vehicles, including classical vehicles (hydrogel, oleogel, o/w cream, w/o ointment, amphiphilic cream) and innovative vehicles were included into the study. Results show tremendous differences in the penetration efficacy of the AI among the different vehicles. The differences in the total amounts of penetrated AI between lowest and highest penetration were about 3-fold for the hydrophilic AI surrogate, 3.5-fold for the amphiphilic AI and almost 5-fold for the lipophilic AI. The penetration depth was also affected by the type of vehicle. Some vehicles allowed the AI to penetrate only into the upper layers of the stratum corneum, whereas others allowed the penetration of the AI into deeper layers of the viable dermis. Data therefore demonstrate that the vehicles in compounding medications cannot be exchanged against each other randomly if a constant and safe medication is desired. The data obtained in the study provide first information on which types of vehicles are exchangeable and which types of vehicles can be used for enhanced dermal penetration of AI, thus providing a first base for a science-based selection of vehicles that can provide both, efficient dermal drug delivery and skin barrier function maintenance/strengthening at the same time.

Abstract A104: Losartan rewires ovarian cancer tumor-immune microenvironment and suppresses IGF-1 to amplify chemo-immunotherapy sensitivity

Abstract Background: Ovarian Cancer (OvCa) is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy worldwide. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized the therapy of several malignancies. Unfortunately, ICIs have had limited efficacy in OvCa, with objective response rates in only 10 to 15% of patients. Prevailing preclinical and clinical data indicate that abnormalities in the tumor microenvironment (TME) contribute to immunosuppression and dictate the outcome of ICIs. OvCa harbors an abnormal TME, characterized by a desmoplastic extracellular matrix with high collagen levels. The accumulation of extracellular matrix components gives rise to increased compressive forces within the tumor, leading to blood vessel collapse and vessel perfusion reduction, causing impaired drug delivery and compromised trafficking of cytotoxic T-cells. The resulting TME is hypoxic and immunosuppressive. In our attempts to normalize the TME, we discovered that angiotensin II receptor 1 (AT1) is a key regulator of compressive solid stress. We showed in OvCa models that treatment with losartan – a widely prescribed anti-hypertensive drug – reduced matrix content and re-opened compressed vessels. As a result, blood perfusion increased, leading to enhanced drug delivery and improved chemotherapy efficacy. Furthermore, our retrospective analysis demonstrated that treatment with angiotensin blockers is associated with a 30-month overall survival benefit in OvCa patients. As a natural extension of this study, we are now asking the question: Can losartan reprogram the immunosuppressive TME of OvCa to enhance immunotherapy alone or with chemotherapy? Methods and Results: Here, using two syngeneic immunocompetent OvCa models and genetic and pharmacologic perturbations, we discovered that losartan – a widely prescribed anti-hypertensive drug – exhibits dual effects on both the TME and cancer cells to sensitize OvCa to chemo-immunotherapy. Specifically, losartan treatment i) reprograms the TME, leading to increased vascular perfusion, and thus enhances ICI drug delivery and immune effector cell intratumoral infiltration and function; and ii) rewires the OvCa cells by suppressing the IGF-1 signaling, resulting in enhanced chemosensitivity. As a result of the combined tumor and stromal effects, losartan treatment enhances the efficacy of chemo-immunotherapy in OvCa models. Conclusions: Two of the greatest problems in ovarian cancer are chemotherapy resistance and the failure of immunotherapeutics to successfully alter the course of patients with OvCa. Our study offers a novel combination treatment strategy that can potentially enhance chemo-immunotherapy efficacy. As one of the most prescribed drugs for hypertension, the safety and low cost (less than $1-2/day) of losartan warrants rapid translation of our research to patients with OvCa. Citation Format: Yao Sun, Zhenzhen Yin, Limeng Wu, Changli Yue, Sonu Subudhi, Pinji Lei, Alona Muzikansky, Bo R. Rueda, Lei Xu. Losartan rewires ovarian cancer tumor-immune microenvironment and suppresses IGF-1 to amplify chemo-immunotherapy sensitivity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Ovarian Cancer; 2023 Oct 5-7; Boston, Massachusetts. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(5 Suppl_2):Abstract nr A104.

A Review on Formulation, Characterization and Applications of Nanoemulsion

This review discusses the development, manufacturing, fabrication, and manipulation of Nanoemulsions, an advanced drug delivery method that addresses the limitations of conventional systems. Nanoemulsions are biphasic dispersions of immiscible liquids, either water in oil or oil in water, stabilized by an amphiphilic surfactant. They offer various drug delivery functionalities but face challenges in stability, structure control, and characterization. Nanoemulsions, with droplet sizes of 100 nm, are kinetically stable liquid-in-liquid dispersions with high surface area, robust stability, optical transparency, and tunable rheology. These submicron-sized emulsions are being studied for drug delivery and targeting, offering potential in cosmetics, diagnostics, drug therapies, and biotechnologies. They are used in cancer treatment, drug targeting, mucosal vaccines, transdermal drug delivery, lipophilic drugs, and self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems. This review explores various techniques for developing and characterizing Nanoemulsions, their formation and stability theories, and their current and future applications due to their unique structures and chemistries. This review discusses the importance of optimal formulation for nano-droplet systems, focusing on droplet size, solubilization, colloidal stability, optical and rheological properties. This research focuses on the study of various techniques of preparing Nanoemulsions i.e., high energy methods and low energy methods. This study explores the best methods for formulating Nanoemulsions, their characterization, release kinetics, and application in various fields.

Exploring single-molecule interactions: heparin and FGF-1 proteins through solid-state nanopores.

Detection and characterization of protein-protein interactions are essential for many cellular processes, such as cell growth, tissue repair, drug delivery, and other physiological functions. In our research, we have utilized emerging solid-state nanopore sensing technology, which is highly sensitive to better understand heparin and fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1) protein interactions at a single-molecule level without any modifications. Understanding the structure and behavior of heparin-FGF-1 complexes at the single-molecule level is very important. An abnormality in their formation can lead to life-threatening conditions like tumor growth, fibrosis, and neurological disorders. Using a controlled dielectric breakdown pore fabrication approach, we have characterized individual heparin and FGF-1 (one of the 22 known FGFs in humans) proteins through the fabrication of 17 ± 1 nm nanopores. Compared to heparin, the positively charged heparin-binding domains of some FGF-1 proteins translocationally react with the pore walls, giving rise to a distinguishable second peak with higher current blockade. Additionally, we have confirmed that the dynamic FGF-1 is stabilized upon binding with heparin-FGF-1 at the single-molecule level. The larger current blockades from the complexes relative to individual heparin and the FGF-1 recorded during the translocation ensure the binding of heparin-FGF-1 proteins, forming binding complexes with higher excluded volumes. Taken together, we demonstrate that solid-state nanopores can be employed to investigate the properties of individual proteins and their complex interactions, potentially paving the way for innovative medical therapies and advancements.

Red-Fluorescent Covalent Organic Framework Nanospheres for Trackable Anticancer Drug Delivery.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as promising drug carriers due to their structural variability, inherent porosity, and customizable functions. However, most COFs used in drug delivery suffer from low cellular bioavailability and poor luminescence properties. In this study, we designed a series of size-tunable, crystalline, and red-fluorescent COF nanospheres (COFNSs) for trackable anticancer drug delivery. The semiconducting COFNSs were prepared by condensations of 1,3,5-triformylbenzene (TFB) with various dihydrazide blocks through the Schiff-base reaction, resulting in red emission at 647 nm and excellent fluorescence stability (∼100% for 1 h). Such fluorescence property allowed for systematic investigation of the cellular endocytosis pathway of COFNSs, visualization of drug delivery, and observation of the cell apoptosis process. The COFNSs exhibited high cell viability (>90%), a loading capacity of 183 wt % for the anticancer drug camptothecin (CPT), and significant enhancement in inhibiting 4T1 cancers both in vitro and in vivo as the CPT nanocarrier. This progress presents a valuable approach to design COF nanocarriers with integrated fluorescent and drug delivery functions.

Jacalin-Curcumin Complex Sensitizes the Breast Cancer MDA-MB-231 Cell Line.

Protein-drug interactions are crucial for understanding drug delivery and cell functions. Jacalin is a suitable molecule for such targeting, as it specifically recognizes the tumor-associated Thomsen-Friedenreich (TF) antigen that is expressed on the glycosylated proteins in cancer cells. The present paper describes the interaction of curcumin and jacalin, a possible carrier molecule for the delivery of antitumor drugs due to its ability to recognize tumor cells. Our results have shown that both steady-state fluorescence and fluorescent labelling of jacalin are two reliable methods to determine jacalin-curcumin interactions. The affinity of jacalin for curcumin is consistently within the micromolar range (using fluorescence and microscale thermophoresis) showing high-affinity binding of the complex. In vitro experiments on triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells indicated inhibition of cell growth after treating with the jacalin-curcumin complex for 48 h. The cell survival fraction was significantly reduced to 50% after combined treatment. In this paper, we report for the first time about the jacalin-curcumin interaction. We quantified this unique biomolecular interaction and gathered additional information on the binding event. We observed that the jacalin-curcumin complex inhibits the proliferation of the triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells.

Synthesis of persistent luminescence nanocage as both drug nanocarrier and autofluorescence-free bioimaging agent for the theranostics of bacterial infection

Persistent luminescent nanoparticles (PLNPs) have promising applications in long-term autofluorescence-free bioimaging due to the long and multiple activatable afterglow nature. Coating a mesoporous shell on the surface of PLNPs is a usual way to give PLNPs additional drug loading capability, but often leads to the reduction of afterglow luminescence. Herein, we report the fabrication of hyaluronic acid (HA) grafted near-infrared (NIR) PLNP with hollow nanocage structure (PLNC) without the need for an additional mesoporous coating for enhanced targeted autofluorescence-free afterglow imaging and nanocarrier mediated drug delivery to treat bacterial infection. The PLNC was prepared by calcinating solid Cr-doped MgSn(OH)6 in a reducing atmosphere. The as-synthesized PLNC not only gave better persistence luminescence than solid Cr-doped zinc gallogermanate PLNPs for autofluorescence-free bioimaging, but also possessed mesoporous structure as a nanocarrier for drug delivery. As a proof of concept, antimicrobial drug rifampicin (RIF) loaded amino modified PLNC (PLNC-NH2) was prepared for antimicrobial application. RIF loaded PLNC-NH2 was further modified with hyaluronic acid (HA) to make RIF loaded PLNC-HA selectively target to the site of bacterial infection. The developed RIF loaded PLNC-HA not only exhibited efficient antimicrobial therapeutic effects, but also provided autofluorescence-free targeted afterglow imaging of the infection site for guided therapy. This work provides a new simple way for the synthesis of mesoporous PLNCs with additional drug delivery function for nanotheranostic application.

Magnetic induction heating and drug release properties of magnetic carbon nanotubes

Aim The use of magnetic carbon nanotubes for multi-modal cancer treatment, incorporating both hyperthermia and drug delivery functions, has drawn substantial interest. Yet, the present method of regulating hyperthermia temperature involves manually adjusting the magnetic field intensity, adding to the complexity and difficulty of clinical applications. This study seeks to design novel magnetic carbon nanotubes capable of self-temperature regulation, and investigate their drug loading and release characteristics. Methods Using the co-precipitation method, we synthesized magnetic carbon nanotubes with a Curie temperature of 43 °C. A comprehensive investigation was conducted to analyze their morphology, crystal structure, and magnetic characteristics. To enhance their functionality, chitosan and sodium alginate modifications were introduced, enabling the loading of the antitumor drug doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) into these magnetic carbon nanotubes. Subsequently, the loading and release properties of DOX were investigated within the modified magnetic nanotubes. Results Under alternating magnetic field, magnetic carbon nanotubes exhibit self-regulating properties by undergoing a magnetic phase transition, maintaining temperatures around 43 °C as required for hyperthermia. On the other hand, during magnetic induction heating, the release percentage of DOX reached 23.5% within 2 h and 71.7% within 70 h at tumor pH conditions, indicating their potential for sustained drug release. Conclusions The prepared magnetic carbon nanotubes can effectively regulate the temperature during hyperthermia treatment while ensuring controlled drug release, which presents a promising method for preparing nanomaterials that synergistically enhance magnetic hyperthermia and chemotherapy drugs.

An in-vitro study on post-surgical breast wound healing activity by zinc oxide dots and its optimization using Box Behnken design

The development of effective treatments for post-surgical malignant wounds caused by recurrent breast cancer remains challenging. This study aimed to address this issue by creating a biocompatible fluorescent quantum dot using curcumin-loaded Zinc oxide bionanocomposite (Cur-ZnOBC). The ZnOBC was combined with neem essential oil-Aloe-vera gel complex to produce the nanoconjugate Cur-ZnOBC, which was then transformed into curcumin-based quantum dots (Cur-ZnOQDs) using a microwave-assisted method to enhance drug delivery function. The Box-Behnken design was used to optimize the concentration variables involved in the formation of Cur-ZnOQDs. The synthesized Cur-ZnOQDs were found to have low cytotoxicity to human breast cancer cells and exhibited wound healing activity in malignant wounds of breast cancer cells post-surgery. Cell death was noticed only at a concentration of 0.6 mg/mL, and the wound closure area increased from 22.3% to 44.2% at 48 h, which was 20 times greater than the control. Therefore, Cur-ZnOQDs at lower concentration range may act as bio-enhancers to improve outcomes associated with breast cancer and ultimately improve the survival rate.

Pemetrexed-layered double hydroxide with Eudragit® S100; 2D van der Waals nanohybrid with drug delivery function

The well-known anti-cancer drug, Pemetrexed (PMX), has low bioavailability upon oral administration owing to its poor chemical stability in a gastrointestinal condition. To conquer this major issue, pemetrexed drug was first intercalated into layered double hydroxide (LDH) to form a PMX-LDH nanohybrid, thereafter Eudragit® S100 (S100), an enteric coating agent, was functionalized to form a 2D van der Waals nanohybrid drug, PMX-LDH-S100, eventually to protect from drug degradation under a gastric condition. According to the pharmacokinetic (PK) study, the AUC, T1/2 and MRT (mean residence time) values for the present 2D van der Waals nanohybrid were determined to be more than three times greater than intact PMX, suggesting that LDH-S100 layers resulted in the formation of efficient barrier to induce a sustained release and prolonged circulation of PMX, and ultimately enhancing the plasma PMX concentration and oral bioavailability. Moreover, orally administered PMX-LDH-S100 significantly inhibited tumor volume in A549 tumor mouse model, suppressing tumor volume by 64% and 51% than PBS and PMX samples. This study indicates that the developed anticancer drug delivery technoloy might be an orally administrable system for PMX to have improved efficacy in cancer treatment.

Bioinspired 3D scaffolds with antimicrobial, drug delivery, and osteogenic functions for bone regeneration.

A major clinical challenge today is the large number of bone defects caused by diseases or trauma. The development of three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds with adequate properties is crucial for successful bone repair. In this study, we prepared biomimetic mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG)-based scaffolds with and without ceria addition (up to 3mol %) to explore the biological structure and chemical composition of the marine sponge Spongia Agaricina (SA) as a sacrificial template. Micro-CT examination revealed that all scaffolds exhibited a highly porous structure with pore diameters primarily ranging from 143.5μm to 213.5μm, facilitating bone ingrowth. Additionally, smaller pores (< 75μm), which are known to enhance osteogenesis, were observed. The undoped scaffold displayed the highest open porosity value of 90.83%. Cytotoxicity assessments demonstrated that all scaffolds were noncytotoxic and nongenotoxic toward osteoblast cells. Moreover, scaffolds with higher CeO2 content promoted osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells, stimulating calcium and osteocalcin secretion. The scaffolds also exhibited antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) as well as drug delivery ability. Our research findings indicated that the combination of MBG, natural biological structure, and the addition of Ce exhibited a synergistic effect on the structure and biological properties of scaffolds for applications in bone tissue engineering.

Fiber Based Devices for Sensing and Actuating Applications

The importance of multifunctional smart medical devices increases constantly during the last decades, fuelled by socio - economic challenges such as population aging and high costs of the healthcare system. Consequently, numerous research teams are focused on developing such devices with multiple functionalities in terms of both diagnostic and therapeutical approaches.Wearables become ubiquitous since computing and communication devices got smaller and more powerful, new functions being constantly added to consumer products such as smart watches or fitness monitors. Physical or chemical parameters including pulse, blood pressure or oxygen saturation are easily measured. Employing complex architectures based on nanostructures and materials with tailored properties represents an important path in developing a new generation of wearable medical devices which may both monitor chemical parameters (sweat or blood composition) and deliver various therapies.The present report focuses on describing such architectures with the potential of incorporating both health monitoring, transdermal drug delivery and other therapeutic functions in a relatively straightforward manner. As functional elements microscopic fibers are employed as both electrodes for electrochemical sensors, as microscopic heaters for the drug delivery function or, as building blocks for other specific functions. The fibers are fabricated using electrospinning or centrifugal/force spinning and functionalization (e.g. electrical conductivity) is achieved through physical and electrochemical deposition. Therefore, the fibers can be covered with thin metal layers and rendered conductive, oxidic or polymeric layers making them responsive to various stimuli. Heating is achieved in a straightforward manner through Joule effect and the use of a temperature responding hydrogel enables a controlled release of specific drugs while simultaneously improving epidermal permeation.These fiber-based systems can be easily employed on cheap, biocompatible substrates such as paper or textile materials and therefore can be mass produced with reasonable costs leading to a new generation of medical devices with increased functionality.

Characterization of Electrospun BDMC-Loaded PLA Nanofibers with Drug Delivery Function and Anti-Inflammatory Activity.

Controlled drug release systems are the subject of many investigations to achieve the therapeutic effect of drugs. They have numerous advantages, such as localized effects, lower side effects, and less onset of action. Among drug-delivery systems, electrospinning is a versatile and cost-effective method for biomedical applications. Furthermore, electrospun nanofibers are promising as drug carrier candidates due to their properties that mimic the extracellular matrix. In this work, electrospun fibers were made of Poly-L-lactic acid (PLA), one of the most widely tested materials, which has excellent biocompatible and biodegradable properties. A curcuminoid, bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) was added in order to complete the drug delivery system. The PLA/BDMC membranes were characterized, and biological characteristics were examined in vitro. The results show that the average fiber diameter was reduced with the drug, which was mainly released during the first 24 h by a diffusion mechanism. It was seen that the use of our membranes loaded with BDMC enhanced the rate of proliferation in Schwann cells, the main peripheral neuroglial cells, and modulated inflammation by reducing NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Considering the results, the prepared PLA/BDMC membranes hold great potential for being used in tissue engineering applications.

Advances of Chitin Biomass Derived from Seafood Waste in Biomedical Applications

As the second abundant biomass in nature, chitin widely exists in crustaceans, insects, plankton, fungi and so on. Thus, extracting chitin from crustaceans’ seafood waste and applying it and its derivatives in biomedicine represents the idea of turning waste into treasure. However, the poor solubility severely limits the application range and field of chitin. Thus, the chemical modification of chitin has always been a hot field in the research of such compounds, endowing chitin better solubility, pH-sensitive targeting, and drug delivery functions. In this review, the modification methods of chitin were summarized to improve the water solubility, pH sensitivity and targeting of chitin derivatives. At the same time, the application of chitin derivatives in many fields such as antibacterial, sustained release, targeting and drug delivery are introduced. This review offers a good reference for sustainable development.

Studies on PVP-Based Hydrogel Polymers as Dressing Materials with Prolonged Anticancer Drug Delivery Function.

Tamoxifen is a well-known active substance with anticancer activity. Currently, many investigations are performed on the development of carriers that provide its effective delivery. Particular attention is directed toward the formation of cyclodextrin-drug complexes to provide prolonged drug delivery. According to our knowledge, carriers in the form of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/gelatin-based hydrogels incorporated with β-cyclodextrin-tamoxifen complexes and additionally modified with nanogold have not been presented in the literature. In this work, two series of these materials have been synthesized-with tamoxifen and with its complex with β-cyclodextrin. The process of obtaining drug carrier systems consisted of several stages. Firstly, the nanogold suspension was obtained. Next, the hydrogels were prepared via photopolymerization. The size, dispersity and optical properties of nanogold as well as the swelling properties of hydrogels, their behavior in simulated physiological liquids and the impact of these liquids on their chemical structure were verified. The release profiles of tamoxifen from composites were also determined. The developed materials showed swelling capacity, stability in tested environments that did not affect their structure, and the ability to release drugs, while the release process was much more effective in acidic conditions than in alkaline ones. This is a benefit considering their use for anticancer drug delivery, due to the fact that near cancer cells, there is an acidic environment. In the case of the composites containing the drug-β-cyclodextrin complex, a prolonged release process was achieved compared to the drug release from materials with unbound tamoxifen. In terms of the properties and the composition, the developed materials show a great application potential as drug carriers, in particular as carriers of anticancer drugs such as tamoxifen.

Couple stress ternary hybrid nanofluid flow in a contraction channel by means of drug delivery function

The rheological perception of blood circulation with the dispersion of metal or non-metal nanomaterials via a squeezing channel is gaining more attention because of implementations in the blood filtration system, nano-pharmacology, obstructed hemodynamics, nano-hemodynamics, care of hemodynamic diseases, and some other areas. Inspired by the innovative importance and study in such a domain a computational hemodynamically framework is developed to simulate the hemodynamic properties of blood steam under the composition of nanomaterials through a squeezing channel. CuO, TiO2, and Al2O3 nanoparticles are dissolved in the blood to generate a tri-hybrid nano-blood emulsion (CuO+TiO2+Al2O3/blood). The blood flow is commonly described using the couple stress, fluid model. The concept of nonlinear radiation is also utilized in the equation of heat for the viability of drug delivery. The effects of MHD and the heat source are also considered. According to the existing research, the interaction of TiO2 nanoparticles with any other metal nanoparticle can kill more cancer cells than TiO2 alone. The mathematical framework of a squeezing channel is formulated for motion and energy and then solved the model problem by using the HAM technique. The numerical outputs were presented in the form of graphs for a random interval of model factors included for thermal and velocity distributions additionally to this, Cf and Nu are also deliberated through charts. Furthermore, the percentage-wise enhancement in Nul and Nuu is also displayed. The thermal profile improves as the values of M,ϕ,Rd and λ>0 grow, but it declines as λ<0 increases. The conclusions of the current model could be pertinent to regulating blood circulation and drug delivery systems.

Aptamers as Novel Binding Molecules on an Antimicrobial Peptide-Armored Composite Hydrogel Wound Dressing for Specific Removal and Efficient Eradication of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Here we present for the first time a potential wound dressing material implementing aptamers as binding entities to remove pathogenic cells from newly contaminated surfaces of wound matrix-mimicking collagen gels. The model pathogen in this study was the Gram-negative opportunistic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which represents a considerable health threat in hospital environments as a cause of severe infections of burn or post-surgery wounds. A two-layered hydrogel composite material was constructed based on an established eight-membered focused anti-P. aeruginosa polyclonal aptamer library, which was chemically crosslinked to the material surface to form a trapping zone for efficient binding of the pathogen. A drug-loaded zone of the composite released the C14R antimicrobial peptide to deliver it directly to the bound pathogenic cells. We demonstrate that this material combining aptamer-mediated affinity and peptide-dependent pathogen eradication can quantitatively remove bacterial cells from the "wound" surface, and we show that the surface-trapped bacteria are completely killed. The drug delivery function of the composite thus represents an extra safeguarding property and thus probably one of the most important additional advances of a next-generation or smart wound dressing ensuring the complete removal and/or eradication of the pathogen of a freshly infected wound.