Loading Efficiency Research Articles

Spirulina protein concentrate hydrogel reinforced by hydroxyapatite nanoparticles and hydroxychloroquin: A novel platform for bone regeneration

Among the fabrication methods, hydrogels have received significant attention due to their excellent ability to mimic the extracellular matrix structure. Spirulina is a type of unicellular blue-green algae. It is an excellent source of protein and a wide variety of other nutrients. Hydroxychloroquin (HCQ) reduces bone resorption and osteoclasts growth. This study hypothesized that the hydrogel, which is composed of Spirulina protein cross-linked by transglutaminase and reinforced by hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanoparticles loaded with HCQ, could potentially aid in bone regeneration. The protein from Spirulina was extracted using the probe sonication method. Afterwards, hydrogels were prepared by incorporating the Spirulina protein with gelatin and cross-linked with varying percentages of transglutaminase. HCQ-loaded HAP nanoparticles were used to enhance not only the mechanical properties of the hydrogels but also to stimulate bone mineralization. Hydrogels were studied for their mechanical and rheological properties in vitro, as well as their ability to swell, break down, injectability, and release HCQ. Cell adhesion, proliferation, and bone mineralization on MG-63 osteoblast cells were also studied using Alizarine red and alkaline phosphatase markers. The loading efficiency of HCQ in HAP nanoparticles was about 97 %. The HCQ release rate from hydrogel containing HAP was 85 % in 9 hours. The tensile strength and injectability force of the optimized hydrogel were in the range of 530.75 KPa and 21 N, respectively. The results showed that hydrogels made with 10 % protein, 150 units of transglutaminase, 6 % gelatin, and HAP loaded with HCQ had the best cell behavior and improved markers of bone regeneration. The promising results obtained suggest that the prepared hydrogel may act as a suitable construct for accelerating bone regeneration.

Novel CD44-Targeted Albumin Nanoparticles: An Innovative Approach to Improve Breast Cancer Treatment.

This study introduces novel CD44-targeted and redox-responsive nanoparticles (FNPs), proposed as doxorubicin (DOX) delivery devices for breast cancer. A cationized and redox-responsive Human Serum Albumin derivative was synthesized by conjugating Human Serum Albumin with cystamine moieties and then ionically complexing it with HA. The suitability of FNPs for cancer therapy was assessed through physicochemical measurements of size distribution (mean diameter of 240 nm), shape, and zeta potential (15.4 mV). Nanoparticles possessed high DOX loading efficiency (90%) and were able to trigger the drug release under redox conditions of the tumor environment (55% release after 2 h incubation). The use of the carrier increased the cytotoxic effect of DOX by targeting the CD44 protein. It was shown that, upon loading, the cytotoxic effect of DOX was enhanced in relation to CD44 protein expression in both 2D and 3D models. DOX@FNPs significantly decrease cellular metabolism by reducing both oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification rates. Moreover, they decrease the expression of proteins involved in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway, consequently reducing cellular viability and motility, as well as breast cancer stem cells and spheroid formation, compared to free DOX. This new formulation could become pioneering in reducing chemoresistance phenomena and increasing the specificity of DOX in breast cancer patients.

Dual Temperature and pH Sensitive Poly(ethyl methacrylate‐co‐acrylamide) Nanogels Have Potential for Controlled Release of Doxorubicin

AbstractIn this study, the synthesis and characterization of poly(ethyl methacrylate‐co‐acrylamide) (i.e., poly(EMA‐co‐AAm)) nanogels and the loading and release studies of doxorubicin hydrochloride were carried out. The synthesis of nanogels was carried out using the emulsion polymerization technique at 60 °C. Swelling experiments showed that the nanogels were sensitive to temperature and pH of the medium. Zeta sizer analysis results showed that the synthesized nanogels had an average size of 23.17 nm and the PDI value was 0.270. In the loading studies of doxorubicin into nanogels, the drug loading capacity (DLC) of the nanogel was determined as 32% and the drug loading efficiency (DLE) was determined as 77%. Release studies conducted at pH = 5.4 and pH = 7.4 at 37 °C showed that the release percentage was 17% even in 32 h at pH = 7.4, and 82% in 5 h at pH = 5.4. Release studies conducted at different temperatures at pH = 5.4 revealed that the release percentage was 82% at 37 °C, 85% at 39 °C, and 89% at 41 °C. These results revealed that poly(EMA‐co‐AAm) nanogels can be used in targeted controlled release of doxorubicin and can increase drug effects while reducing side effects.

Efficient load balancer for local internet service providers based on operation research

Load balancing in internet services acts as a reverse proxy to distribute network bandwidth or application traffic across multiple servers. To decrease the internet route cost and to make the network intermediate devices more intelligent distance, number of hops, bandwidth capacity, equipment maintenance, power consumption ...etc must be considered. .. The aim is for the devices to have self-decision: acting upon data found in the network and transport layer protocols (Internet Protocol IP, Transmission Control Protocol TCP, File Transfer Protocol FTP, User Datagram Protocol UDP), and delivering the services to the secondary internet (wireless or optical fibers) ISPs. To achieve this target, the use of an operation research algorithm, such as linear programming, has been proposed to solve the problem of minimizing transport and distribution costs by developing and overcoming the transmission load cost of the path selection. The proposed EWRRLB (Efficient Weighted Round Robin Load Balancer) will assign different costs to each internet connection based not only on its capacity or priority but also on the cost of transmission paths. This allows load balancers to allocate the best economic path and the share of the bandwidth to certain connections.

Phosphorus-loaded coconut biochar: A novel strategy for cadmium remediation and soil fertility enhancement

The management of cadmium (Cd) contamination in soils poses a significant environmental challenge. This study investigates the effectiveness of phosphorus (P)-loaded coconut biochar, synthesized at various pyrolysis temperatures (450°C, 500°C, 550°C, and 600°C), in immobilizing Cd and enhancing P availability in soil environments. The biochar underwent a series of treatments including activation and P enrichment, followed by incubation trials to evaluate its performance in Cd immobilization and P bioavailability enhancement across varying soil concentrations (0.5 %, 1.0 %, and 2.0 %) over time periods of 15, 30, and 45 days. Remediation progress was monitored using phytotoxicity assessments with radish (Raphanus sativus) root length as a bioindicator, supplemented by urease activity analyses. Notably, the activation process increased the P loading capacity of biochar produced at 450°C, 500°C, and 550°C by 54.6 %, 72.4 %, and 51.8 %, respectively, while reducing the P retention capacity of biochar prepared at 600°C by 31.0 %. The biochar activated at 550°C presented the highest efficiency in remediating Cd-contaminated soils. Key findings indicate that the enhanced specific surface area and oxygenated functional group content of the activated biochar facilitated Cd adsorption and P uptake. The P-loaded biochar exhibited a substantial adsorption capacity for Cd, particularly effective at lower concentrations, rendering it highly suitable for soil remediation purposes. Additionally, the study revealed that the application of biochar led to an increase in soil pH, resulting in precipitation of Cd as hydroxide species and formation of insoluble complexes with phosphate ions, thereby reducing its bioavailability. In summary, incorporating P-loaded biochar into soil significantly improved soil quality and enhanced Cd passivation in contaminated soils. The utilization of biochar produced at 550°C, which exhibited optimal performance, suggests a practical and sustainable approach for soil remediation. Future research endeavors should prioritize the refinement of the biochar production process to enhance cost-effectiveness while maintaining high P loading efficiency.

Citrus exosome-modified exogenous dsRNA delivery reduces plant pathogen resistance and mycotoxin production

Plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PENs) are crucial for intercellular communication. However, PEN-based transport of pathogenic fungal genes remains unclear. This study isolated and purified PENs from lane late navel orange citrus juice by following the sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation technique. Citrus PENs were round and oval-shaped with an average size of 154.5 ± 1.9 nm. Electroporation-based exogenous dsRNA to PENs loading efficiency remained at 6.0 %. Laser confocal microscopy was employed to investigate citrus PEN uptake by fungal spores. dsCrcB loaded PENs inhibited the CrcB gene expression in spores to alleviate Penicillium italicum resistance against prochloraz fungicide, which promoted resistant strains' mortality by 10-fold. Moreover, dsFUM21-loaded PENs suppressed the FUM21 gene expression in spores, which significantly reduced FB1 production in Fusarium proliferatum. These findings suggest that citrus PENs could potentially serve as nano-carriers to counter fungicide resistance and mycotoxin production in pathogenic plant fungi.

PH-sensitive and redox-responsive poly(tetraethylene glycol) nanoparticle-based platform for cancer treatment

Effective drug delivery with precise tumour targeting is crucial for cancer treatment. To address the challenges posed by the specificity and complexity of the tumour microenvironment, we developed a poly(tetraethylene glycol)-based disulfide nanoparticle (NP) platform and explored its potential in cancer treatment, focusing on drug loading and controlled release performance. Poly(tetraethylene glycol) NPs were characterised using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Additionally, we evaluated physicochemical properties, including dynamic light scattering, zeta potential analysis, drug loading capacity (DLC), and drug loading efficiency (DLE). The impact of NPs on the mouse colorectal cancer cell line (CT26) and NIH3T3 cells was assessed using a cytotoxicity assay, live/dead staining assay, flow cytometry, and confocal fluorescence microscopy. The experimental results align with the expected chemical structure and physicochemical properties of poly(tetraethylene glycol) NPs. These NPs exhibit high DLE (78.7%) and DLC (12%), with minimal changes in particle size over time in different media.In vitroexperiments revealed that the NPs can induce significant cytotoxicity and apoptosis in CT26 cells. Cellular uptake notably increases with increasing concentration and exposure time. The confocal microscopic analysis confirmed the effective distribution and accumulation of NPs within cells. In conclusion, poly(tetraethylene glycol) NPs hold promise for improving drug-delivery efficiency, offering potential advancements in cancer treatment.

Acrylic Acid Modified Poly-ethylene Glycol Microparticles for Affinity-Based release of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 in Neural Applications.

Sustained release of bioactive molecules via affinity-based interactions presents a promising approach for controlled delivery of growth factors. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) has gained increased attention due to its ability to promote axonal growth in the central nervous system. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the effect of IGF-1 delivery from polyethylene-glycol diacrylate (PEG-DA) microparticles using affinity-based sustained release on neurons. We developed PEG-DA-based microparticles with varying levels of acrylic acid (AA) as a comonomer to tune their overall charge. The particles were synthesized via precipitation polymerization under UV light, yielding microparticles (MPs) with a relatively low polydispersity index. IGF-1 was incubated with the PEG-DA particles overnight, and formulations with a higher AA content resulted in higher loading efficiency and slower release rates over 4 weeks, suggesting the presence of binding interactions between the positively charged IGF-1 and negatively charged particles containing AA. The released IGF-1 was tested in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurite outgrowth assay and found to retain its biological activity for up to two weeks after encapsulation. Furthermore, the trophic effect of IGF-1 was tested with stem cell-derived V2a interneurons and found to have a synergistic effect when combined with neurotrophin-3 (NT3). To assess the potential of a combinatorial approach, IGF-1-releasing MPs were encapsulated within a hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel and showed promise as a dual delivery system. Overall, the PEG-DA MPs developed herein deliver bioactive IGF-1 for a period of weeks and hold potential to enable axonal growth of injured neurons via sustained release.

Effect of Silicon Carbide Particulates on Mechanical Behavior of Al5052 Alloy Metal Matrix Composites for Mining Applications

In particular, the impact of Silicon Carbide (SiC) particles on the mechanical properties of stir-cast Al5052 alloy Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) for rotor blade applications is examined in this work. The goal of integrating SiC particles is to improve mechanical characteristics including wear resistance, tensile strength, and hardness while preserving the ideal weight-tostrength ratio, which is essential for rotor blade performance. The Al5052 matrix was filled with SiC in a variety of compositions (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% by weight), and the resultant composites underwent mechanical testing and microstructural examination. Due to the efficient load transfer and reinforcing processes, the results show a considerable improvement in tensile strength and hardness with the addition of SiC particles. Furthermore, microstructural analyses demonstrate a uniform dispersion of SiC in the matrix, which supports the improved performance attributes. Wear resistance of Al5052 alloy is greatly increased when Silicon Carbide (SiC) particles are added as reinforcement. This makes the composite material perfect for applications requiring great durability and longevity to survive hard mining conditions, such as wear plates, conveyor liners, and drill bits in mining machinery components.

Natural Binary Herbal Small Molecules Self-Assembled Nanogel for Synergistic Inhibition of Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most significant pathogenic infections in childhood, associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Currently, there is no effective and safe drug or vaccine available for RSV. Glycyrrhizic acid (GA), an active compound derived from the natural herb licorice, has been reported to provide protection against influenza and coronaviruses, exhibiting notable antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Ephedrine (EPH) is a commonly prescribed medication for the treatment of cough and asthma, and it also demonstrates certain antiviral effects. In this study, EPH and GA were combined to form an efficient nanomaterial (EPH-GA nanogel). The self-assembly of this nanogel is driven by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, allowing it to serve as an antiviral nanomedicine without the need for a dual-component carrier, achieving a 100% drug loading efficiency. Oral administration of the EPH-GA nanogel significantly reduced viral load in the lungs of mice and improved lung lesions and tissue infiltration caused by RSV. Notably, we discovered that the assembled drug may create a "physical barrier" that prevents RSV from adsorbing to host cells, while free GA and EPH may compete with RSV for protein binding sites, thereby enhancing cellular uptake of EPH. Consequently, this prevents RSV infection and proliferation within host cells. Furthermore, the EC50 values changed from 310.83 μM for EPH and 262.88 μM for GA to 68.25 μM for the EPH-GA combination, with a combination index of 0.458. In addition, the in vivo biopharmaceutic process of GA and EPH was investigated, revealing that the oral administration of EPH-GA significantly increased the bioavailability of EPH while maintaining its plasma concentration at a relatively stable level. This enhancement may contribute to a synergistic antiviral effect when combined with GA. Furthermore, the in vivo process of EPH-GA demonstrates the advantage of delivering the drug to the lesion at elevated levels, thereby facilitating its antiviral mechanism at the cellular level. In this study, we identified an effective nanomedicine, EPH-GA nanogel, which can inhibit the proliferation of RSV and mitigate lung lesions resulting from viral infection by influencing the biopharmaceutical process in vivo. This research not only offers a novel strategy for the nanomedicine treatment of RSV but also elucidates, to some extent, the compatibility mechanisms of the multicomponents of traditional Chinese medicine.

Hyaluronic acid/chitosan microcapsules capped with hollow CuS nanoparticles for NIR/pH dual-responsive drug release

Hollow natural polysaccharide microcapsules have broad applications in drug delivery field due to their excellent biocompatibility and drug loading efficiency. In this paper, pH/near-infrared (NIR) dual-responsive microcapsules composed of hyaluronic acid (HA), chitosan (CS) and hollow CuS (HA/CS/HA@CuS) had been fabricated via a layer-by-layer (LbL) approach. The negative charge, rough surface and hollow structure of microcapsules are very favorable for loading positively charged DOX. As a result, hollow microcapsules display a high drug loading efficiency of 91.15 %. The variation in the degree of amino ionization at different pH values leads to the changes in the electrostatic force between CS/HA multilayers, resulting in the structural change in microcapsules. Therefore, microcapsules exhibit significant pH-responsive drug release properties. In addition, hollow CuS nanoparticles with excellent photothermal conversion ability are capped on the multilayer surface, enabling microcapsules to exhibit excellent NIR-responsive drug delivery properties. Overall, hyaluronic acid/chitosan-based hollow microcapsules with notable pH/NIR dual-responsiveness have been prepared, which can be used as a potential drug carrier for controlled drug delivery and photothermal chemical combination therapy.

Influence of copper-coated graphene films on mechanical and damping properties of bionic laminar CuAlMn matrix composites

Inspired by the structure of nacre, bionic laminar composites composed of 85.6 wt% Cu, 11.9 wt% Al, and 2.5 wt% Mn were prepared using highly flexible Cu-coated graphene films as fillers. The effects of surface modification and graphene films content on the properties were investigated. Results indicated that the loss factor of composites with 0.1 wt% Cu-coated graphene films is improved by approximately 28% and reaches 0.044 compared to uncoated samples. The density and tensile strength are increased by up to 98% and 362 MPa, respectively. This enhancement is attributed to the improved bonding at the graphene films/matrix interface due to the Cu coating, which allows for efficient load transfer. Concurrently, the activation of interlayer sliding in the graphene films dissipates substantial energy. However, an excessive addition of graphene films leads to decreased density and increased internal defects in the composites, resulting in deteriorated properties. This study provides a reference for the preparation of CuAlMn matrix composites with enhanced mechanical and damping properties.

Organotin(IV) compounds loaded in thermo- and pH-responsive smart polymeric nanocarriers based on poly(DEGMA-co-OEGMA)-b-poly(DEAEM) a drug releasing system and in vitro anticancer activity

Nanocarriers in cancer treatment are important for transport and release of insoluble drugs. In this work, block thermo- and pH-responsive copolymers based on poly(di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate-co-oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (PDO) and poly(2-(N,N-diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDEA) were tested. At pH 7.4 and 37 °C, the title polymers formed micelles which were used for the loading and release of diorganotin(IV) complexes (LSnR2), where L is a Schiff base ligand and R = n-butyl (LSnBu2) or cyclohexyl (LSnCy2). Results revealed that the PDO-b-PDE block copolymers could enhance the solubility of LSnR2(IV) compounds in PBS at pH = 7.4, resulting in good loading capacity (%DLC) and loading efficiency (%DLE), and better release performance (pH-dependent and T-dependent) than the free compound. In vitro cytotoxic activity was evaluated by the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay against a normal cell line, African green monkey kidney fibroblast (COS-7) and seven human cancer cell lines prostate (PC-3), leukemia (K-562), colon (HCT-15), lung (SKLU-1), central nervous system glia (U-251), breast Strogen receptor-positive (MCF-7) and breast hormone-independent (MDA-MB-231). The non-loaded block copolymers were non-cytotoxic, but the loaded ones showed high cell growth inhibition against human cancer cell lines. Results confirmed that these temperature and pH-sensitive polymeric systems are excellent candidates for the loading and release of potential metallodrugs, such as LSnR2, against diverse types of cancers.

Design, Devlopment and Evaluation of Gastroretentive Floating Microspheres of Glibenclamide: In-vitro In-vivo Studies .

The current research study was designed to characterize the ethyl cellulose act as a carrier mediator used to prepare a floating microsphere of glibenclamide for developed gastroretentive sustain release floating drug delivery. Different microspheres of glibenclamide were formulated by the emulsion solvent evaporation technique of glibenclamide with EC in different ratios by using two solvent systems (ethanol and chloroform). After evaluating the micropolitics properties, %of yield value, drug loading efficiency, entrapment efficiency, diameter and surface morphology of the microsphere by using DLS and SEM, in-vitro drug release in gastric content, in-vitro buoyancy, and in-vivo floatation using animal model, compatibility study by FTIR, DSC and any other analytical study to demonstrate all formulation (especially GM2) was showing excellent results. So this work shows great gastro etentive floating drug delivery system for prolonged periods of time which is very useful in future for further study.

Drug Binding to Partially Unfolded Serum Albumin: Insights into Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Naproxen-BSA Interactions from Spectroscopic and MD Simulation Studies.

Understanding the binding details of a small-molecule drug to a protein in its partially unfolded state is important for drug delivery as it provides insight into the overall drug-binding ability of the protein, even when the majority of binding pockets in its unfolded state are impaired. The interaction of partially unfolded proteins with drugs remains poorly understood due to a lack of structural information on proteins in their partially unfolded states. Here, we studied the interaction between serum albumin (bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model system), an abundant protein in blood serum that is an effective carrier for numerous known drugs, and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) naproxen (NPS) using various spectroscopic and computational methods. Molecular dynamics simulations starting from the drug-unbound state and performed at physiological and higher temperatures revealed novel hydrophobic sites on the BSA surface. We analyzed the BSA-NPS interaction in the presence and absence of the cationic organized assembly CTAB and two oligosaccharides (β-CD and 2-HP-β-CD) at different excitation wavelengths. The solvation dynamics of BSA under NPS-bound conditions became ∼4.6% faster. Oligosaccharides were found to increase the solubility of NPS by providing a hydrophobic environment for the formation of inclusion complexes through host-guest interactions. These findings provide a comprehensive overview and uncover the binding model and mechanism of interaction of NPS with BSA, revealing hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds required for BSA to bind NPS at these noncanonical sites. The molecular-level understanding of the binding mechanism of commonly used NSAIDs like NPS with partially unfolded BSA will be useful in designing pharmaceutically important molecules with efficient loading and delivery properties.

Discovery of Limb Brightening in the Parsec-scale Jet of NGC 315 through Global Very Long Baseline Interferometry Observations and Its Implications for Jet Models

We report the first observation of the nearby giant radio galaxy NGC 315 using a global very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) array consisting of 22 radio antennas located across five continents, including high-sensitivity stations, at 22 GHz. Utilizing the extensive u v-coverage provided by the array, coupled with the application of a recently developed superresolution imaging technique based on the regularized maximum-likelihood method, we were able to transversely resolve the NGC 315 jet at parsec scales for the first time. Previously known for its central ridge-brightened morphology at similar scales in former VLBI studies, the jet now clearly exhibits a limb-brightened structure. This finding suggests an inherent limb brightening that was not observable before due to limited angular resolution. Considering that the jet is viewed at an angle of ∼50°, the observed limb brightening is challenging to reconcile with the magnetohydrodynamic models and simulations, which predict that the Doppler-boosted jet edges should dominate over the nonboosted central layer. The conventional jet model that proposes a fast spine and a slow sheath with uniform transverse emissivity may pertain to our observations. However, in this model, the relativistic spine would need to travel at speeds of Γ ≳ 6.0–12.9 along the deprojected jet distance of (2.3–10.8) × 103 gravitational radii from the black hole. We propose an alternative scenario that suggests higher emissivity at the jet boundary layer, resulting from more efficient particle acceleration or mass loading onto the jet edges, and consider prospects for future observations with even higher angular resolution.

Optimizing the synthesis conditions of CaAl‐layered double hydroxide and poly (3‐hydroxybutyrate)/CaAl‐LDH nanocomposite for potential use in antibacterial drug delivery

AbstractCalcium aluminum layered double hydroxide (CaAl‐LDH) has gained significance for drug delivery applications due to its multiple advantages, including high drug‐loading capacity, pH sensitivity, biocompatibility, high acceptable intake values of metal ions, and its ability to provide sustained release of the intercalated drug. In this study, pristine CaAl‐LDH was synthesized by co‐precipitation method at different pH values (9 and 10) and aging times (16 and 24 h) to obtain LDH with higher d‐spacing, which is beneficial for achieving a high drug loading efficiency. Ofloxacin (OFX), an antibiotic drug, was loaded into CaAl‐LDH via regeneration (CaAl‐LDH‐OFX(RG)) and co‐precipitation (CaAl‐LDH‐OFX(CPT)) methods, and achieved drug loading of 28.3% and 36.5%, respectively. The release behavior of OFX from CaAl‐LDH‐OFX(RG) and CaAl‐LDH‐OFX(CPT) formulations was examined in simulated conditions representing the gastrointestinal tract. CaAl‐LDH‐OFX(RG) showed less initial burst release of OFX compared to CaAl‐LDH‐OFX(CPT) in acidic as well as neutral pH conditions. In order to overcome the degradation of the drug before reaching the target site, CaAl‐LDH‐OFX(RG) was reinforced at 1, 3, and 5 wt% in poly (3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) matrix by sonication‐assisted solution casting method. The PHB‐based nanocomposites were characterized by XRD, FESEM, TGA, and FTIR analyses. FESEM characterization of PHB‐based films loaded with 3 wt% of CaAl‐LDH‐OFX(RG) revealed compact morphology without any aggregate formation. Moreover, PHB/3CaAl‐LDH‐OFX(RG) films demonstrated sustained release of OFX at pH 1.2 (95.60% in 96 h), pH 6.8 (78% in 113 h), and pH 7.4 (40.90% in 107 h). The promising potential of PHB‐based formulations for antibacterial drug delivery systems was confirmed by their significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.Highlights pH and aging time influence the structural characteristics of pristine CaAl‐LDH. Ofloxacin loaded CaAl‐LDH prepared by co‐precipitation and regeneration methods. Sustained release of ofloxacin from poly (3‐hydroxybutyrate)‐based formulation. Poly (3‐hydroxybutyrate)‐based formulations exhibit excellent antibacterial activity.

Evaluating the efficacy of Rose Bengal-PVA combinations within PCL/PLA implants for sustained cancer treatment.

The current investigation aims to address the limitations of conventional cancer therapy by developing an advanced, long-term drug delivery system using biocompatible Rose Bengal (RB)-loaded polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrices incorporated into 3D printed polycaprolactone (PCL) and polylactic acid (PLA) implants. The anticancer drug RB's high solubility and low lipophilicity require frequent and painful administration to the tumour site, limiting its clinical application. In this study, RB was encapsulated in a PVA (RB@PVA) matrix to overcome these challenges and achieve a localised and sustained drug release system within a biodegradable implant designed to be implanted near the tumour site. The RB@PVA matrix demonstrated an RB loading efficiency of 77.34 ± 1.53%, with complete RB release within 30min. However, when integrated into implants, the system provided a sustained RB release of 75.84 ± 8.75% over 90 days. Cytotoxicity assays on PC-3 prostate cancer cells indicated an IC50 value of 1.19 µM for RB@PVA compared to 2.49 µM for free RB, effectively inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. This innovative drug delivery system, which incorporates a polymer matrix within an implantable device, represents a significant advancement in the sustained release of hydrosoluble drugs. It holds promise for reducing the frequency of drug administration, thereby improving patient compliance and translating experimental research into practical therapeutic applications.

Development of a Polymer Ultrasound Contrast Agent Incorporating Nested Carbon Nanodots

Polymer microbubbles have garnered broad interest as potential theranostic agents. However, the capabilities of polymer MBs can be greatly enhanced, particularly regarding the imaging performance and functional versatility of the platform. This study investigates integrating fluorescent carbon nanodots within polylactic acid (PLA) microbubbles. First, the formulations are characterized by their size, microbubble counts, zeta potential, and resonance frequency. Then, the fluorescence capabilities, nanoparticle loading, and acoustic capabilities are examined. Unmodified (U-), carboxylated (C-), and aminated graphene quantum dots (A-GQDs) were separately suspended and synthesized at a 2% w/w ratio with PLA in the organic phase of the water/oil/water double emulsion process. The new microbubbles were characterized using an AccuSizer, Zetasizer, scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and fluorimetry, a custom-built acoustic setup, and clinical ultrasound. The GQD microbubbles were sized between 1.4 and 1.9 µm (U = 1.90, C = 1.44, A = 1.72, Unloaded = 2.02 µm). The U-GQD microbubble exhibited a higher bubble concentration/mg PLA ( p < .05) and the A-GQD microbubbles exhibited the greatest shift in zeta potential. Electron microscopy revealed smooth surfaces and a spherical shape, showing that the nanoparticle addition was not deleterious. The A-GQD microbubbles were specifically detectable using DAPI-filtering with fluorescence microscopy and had the highest TRITC-filtered fluorescence. The C-GQD microbubbles had the highest loading efficiency at 59.4% ( p < .05), and the lowest max acoustic enhancement at 5 MHz (U = 19.8, C = 17.6, A = 18.9, Unloaded = 18.5 dB; p < .05). Additionally, all microbubbles were visible and susceptible to inertial cavitation utilizing clinical ultrasound. The A-GQDs showed promise toward improving the theranostic capabilities of the microbubble platform. They have imbued the most advantageous fluorescence capability and slightly improved backscatter enhancement while retaining all the necessary capabilities of an ultrasound contrast agent. Future studies will investigate the coloading potential of A-GQDs and drug within microbubbles.

Synthesis and characterization of a novel dual sensitive iron nanoparticles incorporated Schiff base composite hydrogel for diabetic wound healing therapy

Chronic wounds in diabetic patients deteriorate into multiple infections. A multifunctional transdermal material with high self-healing ability, remodeling capability, antibacterial and radicle scavenging activity, and an excellent multi-sensitive carrier was needed to promote wound healing. For that, Oxidized Cellulose (OC) and gelatin (GLN) are selected to construct a dual drug-loaded Schiff base hydrogel with iron nanoparticle (IONPS) incorporation for the controlled and sustained release of Insulin (INS) and Metfomin (MET), which synergistically promote wound repair. The INS/MET-IONPS-OC/GLN hydrogel drug payload was characterized using FT-IR, XRD, DLS, ZETA, TG, FE-SEM, TEM, and VSM analysis. The high drug loading and encapsulation efficiency were 93.20 % and 98.8 % for INS and 90.2 % and 95.1 % for MET, respectively. The temperature-sensitive drug release (92.0 % of INS and 90.0 % of MET) percentage is much better than the pH-sensitive drug release (83.5 % of INS and 80.2 % of MET). Above 90.0 % viability in MTT and apoptosis assay reveals the nontoxic nature of the INS/MET-IONPS-OC/GLN towards L929 normal cell lines. The zone of inhibition value of 12 and 15 mm in gram-negative bacteria reveals the anti-bacterial effect. The antioxidant activity of the carrier shields the cells against reactive oxygen species promotes healing rate ensures by DPPH assay.The cell proliferation and angiogenesis were confirmed by scratch assay on L929 cell lines in diabetic and non-diabetic conditions, showing the healing ability of the INS/MET-IONPS-OC/GLN hydrogel.