Drug Loading Capacity Research Articles

Developments in Emerging Topical Drug Delivery Systems for Ocular Disorders.

According to the current information, using nano gels in the eyes have therapeutic benefits. Industry growth in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors has been filled by nanotechnology. Traditional ocular preparations have a short retention duration and restricted drug bioavailability because of the eye's architectural and physiological barriers, a big issue for physicians, patients, and chemists. In contrast, nano gels can encapsulate drugs within threedimensional cross-linked polymeric networks. Because of their distinctive structural designs and preparation methods, they can deliver loaded medications in a controlled and sustained manner, enhancing patient compliance and therapeutic efficacy. Due to their excellent drugloading capacity and biocompatibility, nano-gels outperform other nano-carriers. This study focuses on using nano gels to treat eye diseases and provides a brief overview of their creation and response to stimuli. Our understanding of topical drug administration will be advanced using nano gel developments to treat common ocular diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, dry eye syndrome, bacterial keratitis, and linked medication-loaded contact lenses and natural active ingredients.

Gallic acid functionalized silk fibroin/gelatin composite wound dressing for enhanced wound healing.

ABSTRACT
As the incidence of chronic wounds increases, the requirements for wound dressings are rising. The specific aim of this study is to propose a novel gallic acid (GA) functionalized silk fibroin (SF) and gelatin (Gel) composite wound dressing in which GA is used as an antibacterial and wound healing substance. Via electrospinning, SF, Gel, and GA mixed solutions could be conveniently fabricated into a composite nanofiber mat (SF-Gel-GA), consisting of uniform fibers with an average diameter around 134.57 ± 84 nm. The internal mesh structure of SF-Gel-GA provides sufficient drug loading capacity, proper moisture permeability, and proper degradation rate. SF-Gel-GA presents excellent biocompatibility. NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells could adhere and spread stably on the SF-Gel-GA surface with slightly promoted proliferation. In the presence of SF-Gel-GA, the growth of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureusand Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is significantly inhibited in both plate and suspension cultures. A cutaneous excisional mouse wound model proves the efficient ability of SF-Gel-GA to promote wound healing. Compared with pure SF dressing and commercial Tegaderm Hydrocolloid3M dressing, the wound closure rate with SF-Gel-GA treatment is significantly improved. The histological assessments further demonstrate SF-Gel-GA could facilitate collagen deposition, neovascularization, and epithelialization at wound sites to promote wound healing. In conclusion, a novel SF-Gel-GA composite wound dressing with efficient wound healing activities have been developed for chronic wound treatment with broad healing potential.

Rifampicin‐Loaded Nano‐in‐Microparticles (Trojan Particles) as a Pulmonary Delivery System for Tuberculosis Treatment

AbstractThe oral rifampicin (RIF) dosage forms possess various side effects and limited efficacy for tuberculosis treatment. Thus, this work developed the nano‐in‐microparticles containing RIF (trojan nRIF) as a novel pulmonary delivery system. The RIF‐loaded nanoparticles (nRIF) were prepared by self‐assembly polyelectrolyte complexation between lecithin and chitosan, whereas the trojan nRIF were formulated by spray‐drying method of nRIF and mannitol/maltodextrin. The nRIF had a spherical shape with sizes of 86–126 nm, zeta potentials of 24–39 mV, entrapment efficiencies of 44–80 %, and drug loading capacities of 13–42 %. The RIF release from nRIF occurred in two stages, the initially rapid release stage and the controlled release stage upto 96 h, followed the Higuchi model. The trojan nRIF possessed the mass median aerodynamic diameter of 3.7–4.6 μm, fine particle fraction of 34–40 %, and alveolar fraction of 17–21 %. Compared to mannitol, maltodextrin was a superior carrier for nRIF, which yielded better aerodynamic properties and RIF was mainly stayed in the amorphous form. Moreover, using the scanning electron microscopy, the nano‐in‐microparticles were clearly observed with hollow structure. Finally, the trojan nRIF could preserve the physical properties of the encapsulated nRIF. In summary, the trojan nRIF could become a potential inhalation anti‐tuberculosis product.

Responsive Hydrogel-Based Drug Delivery Platform for Osteoarthritis Treatment

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent chronic joint disorder and is a major cause of disability among the elderly population. The degeneration and damage of articular cartilage associated with OA can result in a diminished range of motion in joints, subsequently impacting fundamental activities such as ambulation, standing, and grasping objects. In severe cases, it may culminate in disability. Traditional pharmacological treatments are often accompanied by various side effects, while invasive surgical procedures increase the risk of infection and thrombosis. Consequently, identifying alternative new methods for OA treatment remains a formidable challenge. With advancements in responsive hydrogel drug delivery platforms, an increasing number of strategies have emerged to enhance OA treatment protocols. Injectable response hydrogel drug delivery platforms show many advantages in treating OA, including improved biocompatibility, prolonged drug release duration, elevated drug loading capacity and enhanced sensitivity. This article reviews the recent progress of injectable responsive hydrogel drug delivery platform for OA treatment over the past few years. These innovative methodologies present new strategies and directions for future OA treatment while summarizing a series of challenges faced during the clinical transformation of injectable response hydrogel drug delivery platforms. Overall, injectable responsive hydrogel drug delivery platforms show great potential in treating OA, especially regarding improving drug retention time and stimulus-responsive release at the lesion sites. These innovative methods provide new hope for future OA treatment and point the way for clinical applications.

AuCePt porous hollow cascade nanozymes targeted delivery of disulfiram for alleviating hepatic insulin resistance

As the pathophysiological basis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), insulin resistance (IR) is closely related to oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation, while nanozymes have a good therapeutic effect on inflammation and OS by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Hence, AuCePt porous hollow cascade nanozymes (AuCePt PHNs) are designed by integrating the dominant enzymatic activities of three metallic materials, which exhibit superior superoxide dismutase/catalase-like activities, and high drug loading capacity. In vitro experiments proved that AuCePt PHNs can ultra-efficiently scavenge endogenous and exogenous ROS. Moreover, AuCePt PHNs modified with lactobionic acid (LA) and loaded with disulfiram (DSF), named as AuCePt PHNs-LA@DSF, can significantly improve glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis in IR hepatocytes by regulating the insulin signaling pathways (IRS-1/AKT) and gluconeogenesis signaling pathways (FOXO-1/PEPCK). Intravenous administration of AuCePt PHNs-LA@DSF not only showed high liver targeting efficiency, but also reduced body weight and blood glucose and improved IR and lipid accumulation in high-fat diet-induced obese mice and diabetic ob/ob mice. This research elucidates the intrinsic activity of AuCePt PHNs for cascade scavenging of ROS, and reveals the potential effect of AuCePt PHNs-LA@DSF in T2DM treatment.Graphical abstract

Quantitative Intracellular Delivery of Anticancer Nanodrugs Via an Immunoassay Employing Pt-SiO2 Janus-Peroxidase Nanozyme.

The accurate and efficient quantification of nanodrug dosage is crucial for early anticancer therapy. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has emerged as a robust tool for detecting anticancer nanodrug dosage; however, the development of sensing elements to quantify anticancer nanodrugs still poses a challenge. To overcome this problem, we utilize polysuccinimide-loaded curcumin (CUR @PSIOAm) as a model to employ an ELISA based on peroxidase nanozyme Pt-SiO2 Janus nanoparticles (Pt-SiO2 JNPs) for the indirect quantitative analysis of intracellular anticancer nanodrug dosage. This novel approach employs an immunoassay to indirectly quantify the dosage of anticancer nanodrugs while preserving its structural integrity. The silica components of Pt-SiO2 JNPs adsorb intermediates, while the Pt NP components exhibit high catalytic activity. Pt-SiO2 JNPs are functionalized with anti-PSIOAm antibody (Pt-SiO2 JNPs-Ab) to serve as an immunosensor capable of specific recognition of CUR @PSIOAm. Additionally, we employed cytotoxicity assays and confocal imaging techniques to demonstrate the excellent biocompatibility of CUR @PSIOAm, as well as its specific uptake by cancer cells. According to the experimental results, the limit of detection (LOD) for the immunoassay of Pt-SiO2 JNPs as a marker for detecting CUR @PSIOAm is approximately 4.5-fold lower than that of horseradish peroxidase. Therefore, by optimizing the conditions, we established a direct competitive ELISA using Pt-SiO2 JNPs as colorimetric indicators for the quantitative detection of intracellular CUR @PSIOAm. The LOD for this ELISA was determined to be 0.01 ng/mL, while the loaded CUR amount calculated from the drug loading capacity was found to be 0.22 pg/mL. Furthermore, the recoveries obtained from this established ELISA ranged between 94.0 and 108%, demonstrating excellent accuracy. Consequently, the peroxidase mimic Pt-SiO2 JNPs-based ELISA exhibits significant potential for precise quantification of intracellular anticancer nanodrug dosages.

Silk fibroin microspheres with photothermal nanocarrier encapsulation for anticancer drug delivery

Controlled drug release systems are pivotal in optimizing therapeutic outcomes and mitigating side effects in treatment protocols. While traditional delivery vectors such as liposomes, micro/nanoparticles, and microspheres are effective, they often struggle with consistency in drug release rates. This study addresses these issues by integrating stimuli-responsive elements specifically magnetic, thermal, and pH-responsive components into drug delivery systems for precise control. Central to our approach is the use of silk fibroin (SF), chosen for its superior biocompatibility and tunable degradation kinetics. We developed uniform carrier microspheres (CMs) by embedding polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA NPs) into SF microspheres using a custom-designed microfluidic platform. The development process and the application of this platform are detailed, highlighting the precision in control achievable. These CMs showcased enhanced photothermal effects, with the thermal response finely adjustable by altering the PDA NPs concentration, achieving a notable temperature increase of 24.5°C at 7.4 wt% concentration. High drug loading capacity (7.5%) and encapsulation efficiency (91.6%) were achieved, along with a pH-responsive release profile under near-infrared irradiation, paving the way for targeted anticancer drug delivery systems using the model drug doxorubicin hydrochloride. These findings underscore the potential of the developed CMs for external topical application, offering promising prospects for targeted cancer therapy utilizing drug-loaded microspheres.

Advancing Liposomal Coating Approaches for Improved Anticancer Drug Delivery.

Quercetin, a natural flavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, faces limitations in clinical application due to its poor solubility and bioavailability. This study presents a novel delivery system utilizing a combination of polyoxyethylene (100) stearyl ether and folic acid to enhance quercetin's effectiveness. We developed folate-conjugated polyoxyethylene (100) stearyl ether-coated liposomes (FA-Brij-LPs) to leverage the unique properties of polyoxyethylene (100) stearyl ether in conjunction with folic acid for targeted delivery. The FA-Brij-LPs were prepared using the thin-film hydration method and characterized for their physicochemical properties, including size, zeta potential, and drug loading capacity. The optimized FA-Brij-LPs exhibited a mean particle size of 147.57 nm, a zeta potential of 32.20 mV, and a drug loading capacity of 9.33%. In vitro studies demonstrated sustained quercetin release and significantly enhanced cellular uptake compared to free quercetin. The Resazurin cell viability assay further revealed superior anticancer efficacy of FA-Brij-LPs. This innovative approach underscores the effectiveness of combining polyoxyethylene (100) stearyl ether with folic acid in enhancing quercetin delivery and its potential applications in cancer therapy.

Effect of Solvent and Cholesterol on Liposome Production by the Reverse-Phase Evaporation (RPE) Method.

Liposomal drug delivery is a promising approach for delivering therapeutics effectively. While most liposomes are designed to be nanometer-sized for efficient cellular uptake, micron-sized liposomes are gaining interest due to their larger drug-loading capacity. When combined with macroscale structures, such as implants and hydrogels, they offer prolonged therapeutic delivery. This study investigates how solvents affect the production of micron-sized liposomes, with or without cholesterol, using the reverse-phase evaporation (RPE) method. Although the RPE method is established for producing micron-sized liposomes, the influence of solvents on liposome size and uniformity is not well understood. The study explores whether controlling the size of inverse micelles, an intermediate product, through the use of different organic solvents affects the final liposome size. Three solvents─diethyl ether, methanol, and acetone─were tested for their effect on the formation of inverse micelles and liposomes and their sizes. Results showed that without cholesterol, diethyl ether produced uniform inverse micelles, leading to mostly nanosized liposomes. Methanol and acetone resulted in phase separation, preventing uniform liposome formation, although some micron-sized liposomes appeared. The acetone sample yielded mostly oil droplets. The results showed that forming inverse micelles lead to nanosized liposomes. With cholesterol, phase separation was dominant in methanol, but micron-sized liposomes still formed. Across all cases, cholesterol reduced the liposome size. The findings reveal that inverse micelles are not always reliable predictors of the final liposome size and that the RPE method is highly sensitive to solvent polarity and lipid-solvent interactions. Overall, the findings of this study provide valuable insights into how the choice of solvent and lipid composition can influence the production of liposomes via the RPE method. These insights are critical for optimizing liposome production and influencing future designs of liposomal drug delivery systems.

Multifunctional hyaluronic acid ligand-assisted construction of CD44- and mitochondria-targeted self-assembled upconversion nanoparticles for enhanced photodynamic therapy.

Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have been used as a potential nanocarrier for photosensitizers (PSs), which have demonstrated a great deal of promise in achieving an effective photodynamic therapy (PDT) for deep-seated tumors. However, overcoming biological barriers to achieve mitochondria-targeted PDT remains a major challenge. Herein, CD44- and mitochondria-targeted photodynamic nanosystems were fabricated through the self-assembly of hyaluronic acid-conjugated-methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-diethylenetriamine-grafted-(chlorin e6-dihydrolipoic acid-(3-carboxypropyl)triphenylphosphine bromide) polymeric ligands (HA-c-mPEG-Deta-g-(Ce6-DHLA-TPP)) and NaErF4:Tm@NaYF4 core-shell UCNPs (termed CMPNs). The CMPNs presented ideal physiological stability, a good drug loading capacity and an improved capacity for the generation of singlet oxygen (1O2) based on the FRET mechanism. Significantly, confocal images revealed that CMPNs not only facilitated cellular uptake through CD44-receptor-targeted endocytosis, subsequently enabling rapid evasion from endo-lysosomal sequestration, but also specifically targeted mitochondria, ultimately inducing a profound disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, which triggered apoptosis upon laser irradiation, thereby significantly enhancing the therapeutic effect. Furthermore, in vitro antitumor experiments further confirmed the substantial enhancement in cancer cell killing efficiency achieved by treating with CMPNs upon near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation. This innovative approach holds promise for the development of NIR-laser-activated photodynamic nanoagents specifically designed for mitochondria-targeted PDT, thus addressing the limitations of the current PDT treatments.

Green synthesis of anethole-loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles enhances antibacterial strategies against pathogenic bacteria.

The threat of antibiotic resistance is escalating, diminishing the effectiveness of numerous antibiotics due to the rapid development of resistant bacteria. In response, the use of green-synthesized nanoparticle, alone or combined with antimicrobial agents, appears promising. This study explores the effectiveness of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) synthesized using Loranthus cordifolius leaf extracts and subsequently coated with anethole. The fabrication of these nanoparticles was confirmed via UV-Vis, FTIR and TEM analyses, ensuring the nanoparticles were produced as intended. Utilizing a nanoprecipitation process that excludes evaporation and drying, a high drug loading capacity of 16.59% was accomplished. The encapsulation efficiency for anethole was recorded at 88.23 ± 4.98%. Antibacterial efficacy was assessed by com paring the green-synthesized ZnONPs (average size: 14.47nm), anethole-loaded ZnONPs (average size: 14,75nm), and commercially sourced ZnONPs. The ZnONPs with anethole demonstrated superior inhibition against all tested bacterial strains, including Gram-negative species like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, and Gram-positive species like Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, outperforming the commercially available ZnONPs. Additionally, anethole-coated ZnONPs showed the greatest inhibition of Gyr-B activity (IC50 = 0.78 ± 0.2M), better than both green-synthesized and commercially available ZnONPs. These findings emphasize the enhanced antimicrobial properties of ZnONPs, particularly when combined with green synthesis and anethole loading, highlighting their potential in various biomedical applications.

Carrier-Free Biomimetic Organic Nanoparticles with Super-High Drug Loading for Targeted NIR-II Excitable Triple-Modal Bioimaging and Phototheranostics.

Multimodal near-infrared II (NIR-II) theranostics combined with nanotechnology have emerged as promising treatments for cancer due to their noninvasive and high spatiotemporal nature. Traditional NIR-II theranostics typically comprise useless and massive inert carriers, resulting in low drug loading capacity, reduced therapeutic effects, and potential biotoxicity. To overcome these limitations, this work reports carrier-free NIR-II theranostics simultaneously with high drug loading capacity and multimodal NIR-II imaging capabilities for cancer phototheranostics in the NIR-II window. Carrier-free BTA nanoparticles (NPs) are prepared by self-assembling the NIR-II responsive conjugated oligomer BTA without adding coating agents; these NPs exhibited 100% drug loading and high-performance NIR-II theranostic capabilities. Cancer cell membranes are camouflaged on carrier-free BTA NPs to provide homologous targeting ability, enhanced stability, and 77.8% drug loading. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that biomimetic NPs provide efficient triple-modal guidance for NIR-II fluorescence, photoacoustic, and photothermal imaging and complete tumor elimination via photothermal therapy (PTT). Additionally, theranostics-based treatments with good biosecurity are demonstrated. This study contributes a new strategy for the design of high-drug-loading NIR-II theranostics and further promotes the clinical translation of theranostic agents.

Harnessing the targeting potential of hyaluronic acid for augmented anticancer activity and safety of duvelisib-loaded nanoparticles in hematological malignancies

Duvelisib (DUV) is effective against numerous hematological malignancies; however, it suffers from numerous setbacks like poor aqueous solubility, low cellular uptake and adverse effects. Hyaluronic acid is an excellent ligand for CD44 receptors that are overexpressed on cancer cell surfaces. Thus, for the targeted delivery of DUV in hematological malignancies, we have fabricated hyaluronic acid-coated polylactide-co-glycolide nanoparticles (DUV-P/CH/HA-NPs) through electrostatic interactions. DUV-P/CH/HA-NPs exhibited optimum characteristics such as mean particle size of 183.63 ± 0.23 nm, polydispersity index of 0.261 ± 0.02 and drug loading capacity of 5.75 ± 0.05 %. An in-vitro release study demonstrated sustained release behavior of DUV-P/CH/HA-NPs (77.65 ± 2.89 % release in 48 h). The flow cytometry experiments revealed 1.62-fold and 1.50-fold enhanced uptake of DUV-P/CH/HA-NPs compared to non-coated nanoparticles in MOLT-4 and HH cells, respectively. The DUV-P/CH/HA-NPs showed higher cytotoxicity, arrested the cell cycle in G0/G1 phase and showed increased apoptosis compared to non-coated nanoparticles and free DUV. An in-vivo pharmacokinetic study revealed 2.9-fold and 3.6-fold enhancement in AUC0-t and MRT with the DUV-P/CH/HA-NPs compared to free DUV. Further, toxicity evaluation and hemolysis assessment of DUV-P/CH/HA-NPs indicated good safety for intravenous administration. Conclusively, DUV-P/CH/HA-NPs are an excellent option for selectively targeting hematological malignant cells.

Novel Silybin-Conjugated Chitosan Polymeric Micelles for Improving the Oral Absorption of Doxorubicin Based on the Inhibition of P-gp and CYP3A4.

A drug delivery system based on silybin-conjugated chitosan (CS-SB) polymeric micelles was developed to improve the oral absorption of doxorubicin (DOX). SB was grafted to CS via succinic acid, and CS-SB was identified by 1H NMR and FT-IR. The DOX-loaded micelles were prepared by self-assembly, and the characteristics of micelles, including a small particle size of 167.8 ± 2.3 nm, a high drug loading capacity of 8.59%, and a low critical micelle concentration of 1.3 × 10-5 g/mL, were demonstrated. The micelles showed oral bioavailability of up to 193% versus DOX·HCl. The cytotoxicity test showed the biosafety of CS-SB and the potential of reductive DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. The inhibition of P-gp efflux and CYP3A4 enzyme in CS-SB micelles was confirmed by cellular uptake and enzyme activity inhibition tests. The endocytosis process of micelles was revealed by an endocytosis inhibition test. The findings exhibited the potential of CS-SB micelles in drug delivery.

Review of Lipid Nanoparticles for Breast Cancer Management: Targeting Strategies and Clinical Perspective

Abstract: Chemotherapy, a conventional breast cancer treatment, has limitations due to its nonspecific mechanisms and undesirable side effects. Lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as a versatile and superior platform for targeted breast cancer treatment, offering several distinct advantages over traditional therapies. This class of nanocarriers, which includes solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), and liposomes, enhances the bioavailability and stability of therapeutic agents while minimizing systemic toxicity. LNPs can be engineered to precisely target breast cancer cells by exploiting tumor-specific markers, enabling selective delivery of chemotherapeutic agents and reducing off-target effects. SLNs provide controlled drug release and improved drug retention within the tumor, while NLCs offer higher drug-loading capacities and better stability. Liposomes, with their flexible design, allow for the encapsulation of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs and can be modified for active targeting through surface functionalization. These lipid-based carriers also address the challenges of multi-drug resistance (MDR) by enhancing intracellular drug concentration and overcoming efflux mechanisms. In this review, we focus on lipid-based nanoparticles- a subtype of nanoparticles, and their potential advantages as drug delivery systems for breast cancer treatment. Results revealed that lipidbased nanoparticles have shown potential in breast cancer management, these include improved drug efficacy, enhanced ability to overcome cancer therapy resistance, and effective drug carrier for co-loaded drugs.

Preparation and Characterization of Universal Liquid Proliposomes Encapsulating Water-soluble Efficacious Substances.

Liposomes were extensively used for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals due to their versatility, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, as well as the ability to encapsulate water-soluble and fat-soluble substances. However, some challenges remain unsolved, including poor stability, complex preparation process, limited encapsulation efficiencies (EE%) and drug loading capacity (DLC%). We herein prepared universal liquid proliposomes by rotary evaporation method and optimized formulations with different pH, glycerol content, ethanol content and preparation process. The EE% of water-soluble substances was above 85%, and the maximum DLC% was 37.5%. In 7 different conditions, the optimal formulation of the proliposomes remained stable over 60 days. The excellent stability of proliposomes and nicotinamide liposomes and their essence, when applied to cosmetic formulations, was confirmed by the Turbiscan stability analyzer. The proposed universal liquid proliposomes can form liposomes encapsulating a variety of water-soluble substances rapidly, making them an accessible and versatile tool for improving the stability and applicability of water-soluble raw materials.

Guiding Therapeutics: Lipid Labyrinths and Nanostructures for Enhanced Drug Delivery

Abstract: Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) offer a breakthrough platform for drug therapy, surpassing traditional limitations and delivering exceptional performance. Among various nanoparticulate systems, lipid nanoparticles stand out as one of the most promising options for medication delivery. NLCs stand out due to their solid matrix at ambient temperatures, setting them apart from conventional lipid-based carriers such as nanoemulsions and solid lipid nanoparticles. This paper thoroughly explores the makeup, classification, components, and various methods of preparing NLCs, based on extensive research findings. It emphasizes their numerous advantages, such as improved stability, minimal toxicity, extended storage capability, increased drug-loading capacity, and compatibility with biological systems. The review provides insights into the advantages and limitations of each method. Exploring the intricacies of drug loading and release, the review also addresses strategies to bolster NLCs’ stability. Moreover, it provides a detailed summary of both laboratory- based and animal studies demonstrating the efficacy of NLCs carrying cytotoxic drugs, particularly emphasizing their promise in targeted drug delivery to the brain. As the next-generation lipid nanocarriers, NLCs are composed of physiological and biocompatible lipids, rendering them novel pharmaceutical formulations. These colloidal drug delivery systems boast a solid lipid matrix with nanosized structures, offering superior drug loading capacity, physical stability, and bioavailability compared to conventional lipid nanoparticles. Several techniques, including high-pressure homogenization, microemulsion, solvent evaporation, and melt emulsification, add to the flexibility of nanostructured lipid carriers. Additionally, their exterior can be altered using coatings such as polyethylene glycol, chitosan, or antibodies to improve targeting ability and stealth characteristics. By elucidating the promising role of NLCs across diverse drug delivery systems, this review stimulates interest in their potential applications. It underscores the significance of understanding the structure, content, multiple formulation procedures, and characterization of NLCs, which are pivotal aspects for establishing stable drug delivery systems.

Effect of Sinapine on Microstructure and Anti-Digestion Properties of Dual-Protein-Based Hydrogels.

Sinapine is a natural polyphenol from the cruciferous plant family that has anti-aging effects but is low in bioavailability. To improve the bioavailability and therapeutic effect of sinapine, sinapine-crosslinked dual-protein-based hydrogels were prepared using soy protein isolate as a cross-linking agent. The preparation conditions were optimized by single-factor experiments, and the optimal ratios were obtained as follows: the concentration of sinapine was 300 μg/mL; the water-oil ratio was 1:3. The encapsulation rate was greater than 95%, and the drug loading capacity was 3.5 mg/g. In vitro, digestion experiments showed that the dual-protein-based hydrogels as a drug carrier stabilized the release of sinapine and improved the bioavailability of sinapine by 19.3%. The IC50 of DPPH antioxidants was 25 μg/mL as determined by in vitro digestion, and the antioxidant capacity of ABTS was about 20% higher than that of glutaraldehyde control. This is due to the addition of sinapine to enhance the antioxidant properties of the system. It can be seen that the developed hydrogels have potential applications in related fields, such as food nutrition fortification and drug delivery.

Preparation and slow-release properties of nanocellulose composite hydrogels

Nanocellulose (CNF) was obtained from carrots using a combination of chemical treatment, mechanical milling, and ultrasonic treatment. Ultrafast preparation of maleic anhydride esterified nanocellulose was achieved by a hydrated hydrogen ion-driven dissociation, chemical cross-linking strategy based on a “one-pot” reaction method. Esterification modification with maleic anhydride reduced the crystallinity of nanocellulose and enhanced its thermal stability. High-strength drug-carrying hydrogels (MACNF/SA) with different drug loading capacities were prepared using cefixime (CFX) as a drug model and maleic anhydride esterified nanocellulose (MACNF) and sodium alginate (SA) as the main raw materials. The compressive strength of MACNF/SA hydrogels made from MACNF reached a maximum of 80.3 kPa when the mass ratio of CNF to MA was 2.5:12. Rheological property tests showed that the MACNF/SA hydrogels were pseudoplastic fluids with shear thinning. The drug release from the drug-carrying hydrogels followed non-Fickian diffusion.

Advances in Electrospun Poly(ε-caprolactone)-Based Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering.

Tissue engineering has great potential for the restoration of damaged tissue due to injury or disease. During tissue development, scaffolds provide structural support for cell growth. To grow healthy tissue, the principal components of such scaffolds must be biocompatible and nontoxic. Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is a biopolymer that has been used as a key component of composite scaffolds for tissue engineering applications due to its mechanical strength and biodegradability. However, PCL alone can have low cell adherence and wettability. Blends of biomaterials can be incorporated to achieve synergistic scaffold properties for tissue engineering. Electrospun PCL-based scaffolds consist of single or blended-composition nanofibers and nanofibers with multi-layered internal architectures (i.e., core-shell nanofibers or multi-layered nanofibers). Nanofiber diameter, composition, and mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and drug-loading capacity are among the tunable properties of electrospun PCL-based scaffolds. Scaffold properties including wettability, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility have been further enhanced with scaffold layering, surface modification, and coating techniques. In this article, we review nanofibrous electrospun PCL-based scaffold fabrication and the applications of PCL-based scaffolds in tissue engineering as reported in the recent literature.