Nanobiotechnology Research Articles

Revolutionizing healthcare: Harnessing nano biotechnology with zinc oxide nanoparticles to combat biofilm and bacterial infections-A short review

A crucial pathogenic mechanism in many bacterial diseases is the ability to create biofilms. Biofilms are suspected to play a role in over 80 % of microbial illnesses in humans. In light of the critical requirement for efficient management of bacterial infections, researchers have explored alternative techniques for treating bacterial disorders. One of the most promising ways to address this issue is through the development of long-lasting coatings with antibacterial properties. In recent years, antibacterial treatments based on metallic nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as an effective strategy in the fight over bacterial drug resistance. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are the basis of a new composite coating material. This article begins with a brief overview of the mechanisms that underlie bacterial resistance to antimicrobial drugs. A detailed examination of the properties of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) and their potential use as antibacterial drugs for curing drug-sensitive and resistant bacteria follows. Furthermore, we assess metal nanoparticles (NPs) as powerful agents to fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the growth of biofilm, and we look into their potential toxicological effects for the development of future medicines.

A novel computational investigation for EMHD gold nanofluids in an asymmetric inclined ciliated microchannel

The advancement in bio nanotechnology due to its enormous application in the field of biomedical, for instance in drug delivery systems, in vitro assessment, in bioimaging, cure of cancer tumor, laser therapy has emerged as burning topic among many researchers. Gold nanomaterials can be mingled in multiple shapes and dimensions. Because of having such significant features, gold nonmaterial can transmute excellently, heal the infected cells, and finish them. A EMHD gold-blood nanofluid transport characteristics in asymmetric vessel under the influence of ciliary mechanism that produces a metachronal rhythm is investigated. The pertinent equations of flow dynamics are encountered by relying on low Reynolds and long wavelength and Debye-Huckel simplifications. A computation study is carried out in MATLAB with novel BVP4C methodology. Impact of relevant parameters on flow dynamics thoroughly interrogated with the aid pictorial illustrations. It has been revealed the shape factor of Gold nanofluids really effect the flow dynamics in a ciliated microchannel and it has been established that Brick shape nanofluid has higher fluid velocity in comparison to platelets and cylindrical shaped nanofluid. The axial velocity experiences surge in the bulk flow regime of ciliary vessels for rising electroosmosis phenomena. Also, it can be concluded that nanoparticles temperature concentration, and microorganism profile surges with enhanced Brownian phenomena and turnaround is experienced for temperature ratio parameter.

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Spirulina: Enhancement of Antibacterial, Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Activities

Spirulina has shown a greater source such as food, cattle feed, and as an SCP. It also contains several medical activities such as antibacterial and antiviral, anticancer, as well as an immune stimulant and antioxidant because of its rich content - protein, polysaccharides, and lipids. It also shows metaloprotective activity. As a developing field, Bio nanotechnology shows biosynthetic and environmentally friendly uses from nanoparticle synthesis. Nowadays, Silver nanoparticles have applications in various fields such as medical and industrial purposes. Silver Nanoparticles are commonly used for their antimicrobial and anticancer activities and are also applied as a promoter in wound repair and bone healing. Medicinal uses as an anti-diabetic agent, and also in biosensors. Silver Nanoparticles are also used as antimicrobial coats in textiles and also employed in biomedical devices. The purpose of this study is to synthesize and extract the silver nanoparticles from the seaweed spirulina and the silver nanoparticles are assessed for their antimicrobial effects against various organisms.

Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly for the Angiosperm Silene conica.

The angiosperm genus Silene has been the subject of extensive study in the field of ecology and evolution, but the availability of high-quality reference genome sequences has been limited for this group. Here, we report a chromosome-level assembly for the genome of Silene conica based on Pacific Bioscience HiFi, Hi-C, and Bionano technologies. The assembly produced 10 scaffolds (1 per chromosome) with a total length of 862 Mb and only ∼1% gap content. These results confirm previous observations that S. conica and its relatives have a reduced base chromosome number relative to the genus's ancestral state of 12. Silene conica has an exceptionally large mitochondrial genome (>11 Mb), predominantly consisting of sequence of unknown origins. Analysis of shared sequence content suggests that it is unlikely that transfer of nuclear DNA is the primary driver of this mitochondrial genome expansion. More generally, this assembly should provide a valuable resource for future genomic studies in Silene, including comparative analyses with related species that recently evolved sex chromosomes.

Ethics and Regulation in Bionanotechnology: A Step Further in Ethical Rules and its Applications

Nanobiotechnology can be defined as the interconnection between technology and nanoscale. Many questions have been raised on ethical and regulatory issues. This has to do with the safety of humans and the environment. In nano biotechnology their a lot of risks and benefits in nanobiology. The EU Commission intends to place nanobiotechnology in the structure. The development of bionanotechnology is fast-growing including the ethical issue. This write-up shows the importance of ethical issues in bionanotechnology, these ethical issues cut across all other fields in biotechnology. In nanotechnology, there is a lot of implication that affects society and human. There is a difference in great impact but many needs to know more about nanotechnology. Some researchers are researching ethical and societal problems.

An Investigation on Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles

Introduction: Nano science and nano biotechnology provided enormous opportunities for exploring the bactericidal and fungicidal activities. Since ancient times, silver was known for its anti-bacterial effects and for centuries it has been used for prevention and control of disparate infections. On the effective use silver nanomaterials synthesized and characterized play a vital role of the modern science.
 Aims: Our goal is to prepare silver nanomaterials since studies have shown that silver nanoparticles have efficient activity against bacterial biofilms.
 Methodology: The silver nanoparticles were generally synthesized by non-aqueous sol-gel technique in the presence of different precursor by chelating agent.
 Results: Here found a cubic unit cell with miller indices (111) (200) (220) (311) (222) and crystallite size around 50.00nm by XRD. The morphology of the prepared nano particles has been revealed by SEM below 10.00 nm and TEM is below 5.00nm in size of graphical presentation such as size, shape, surface etc. of the nanoparticles. DLS is a unique technique to discern particle size around 65.00nm and size distributions in aqueous or physiological solutions of the nanoparticles.
 Conclusion: The studies on the combined synthesized and use of AgNPs with other antimicrobial agents generally help reduce the problem of toxicity and to avoid the potential for development of resistance and strongly enhance the microbicidal effect. This paper describes a short and very precise description about the chemical synthesis process of silver nanoparticles like no aqueous SGM. Also, this paper contains a brief description about different characterization technique of nanoparticles like X-ray Diffraction review the shape of crystal a cubic unit cell with miller indices (111) (200) (220) (311) (222) where crystallite size around 50.00nm, the morphology of the prepared nanoparticles has been revealed with size 10.00nm by SEM, Dynamic Light Scattering discern particle size around 65.00nm and Transmission Electron Microscope review the spherical shape of the nanomaterials. Further investigation will be continuing the antimicrobial activity test of AgNPs with ceramic coating.

Application of Bionano-DNA Full-Length Optical Mapping Technology in Genetic Diagnosis of Hemophilia A Carriers

To apply Bionano Saphyr visual full-length DNA optical mapping technology to the precise genetic diagnosis of hemophilia A carriers. For 2 suspected F8 gene deficiency female carriers who could not be diagnosed by conventional next-generation sequencing technology, the full-length DNA optical mapping technology was used to detect and scan the sample X chromosome full-length visual haplotype characteristic map, which was compared with the normal haplotype. The gene structure variation information of the samples was obtained by compare with DNA atlas library. The average fluorescent marker length of the X chromosome DNA molecular where the F8 gene was located in the two samples was greater than 2.5 Mbp, and the average copy number was greater than 20×. After comparative analysis, one of the samples was a proximal inversion of intron 22 of the F8 gene, and another was an inversion of intron 22 accompanied by multiple deletions of large fragments. Bionano technology has a good detection rate for gene defects with large length and complex variation. In the absence of a proband or accurate genetic diagnosis results of the proband, the application of this technology to detect the heterozygous complex variant of the F8 gene is of great significance for the prenatal diagnosis and pre-pregnancy diagnosis of hemophilia carriers.

Clove leaf-based magnesium nanoparticles synthesis for antimicrobial applications

Nanoparticles can be synthesized by various chemical, physical, or biological methods. Chemical and physical methods have certain drawbacks such as time consuming, high cost, high energy requirement, low yield and also produces hazardous chemicals which will be harmful to environment. Bio-synthesis seems a possible solution for the environment friendly synthesis of nanoparticles with enhances stability and clean synthesis technology to minimize environment and health associated risk. Bio nanotechnology encourages replacement of existing products with new environment friendly nano-products. Present study reports, the plant-based synthesis of magnesium nanoparticles with Syzygium aromaticum and their characterized with Dynamic Light scattering, Scanning Electron Microscope, UV-spectrophotometer and Fourier transfer infrared (FTIR). Bio-synthesized nanoparticles show promising antimicrobial activity against Gram + ve (Bacillus sphaericus, Bacillus subtilis) and Gram -ve bacteria (Escherichia coli) group of Microorganisms.

Active Ingredients and Carriers in Nutritional Eco-Cosmetics

Beauty and personal care became a significant part of the global economy for two reasons: (1) The elderly growing in the global population and (2) the desire of women and men to appear younger and more attractive. Thus, both young and old people are looking for revolutionary nutritional eco-cosmetics (combined use of cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals) manufactured by natural active ingredients, using biopolymers as substrates, and made by innovative and sustainable technologies. Consequently, the market of both cosmetics and diet supplements is continually growing together with the request of natural active ingredients, including bio-peptides and biological macromolecules such as chitin and lignin. Therefore, both consumers and industry need to recover innovative active ingredients and carriers (vehicles), naturally derived and supported by advanced methods for controlling their effectiveness and safeness on skin and mucous membrane layers. The use of selected bio-ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and bio-mimetic peptides, obtained by advanced, innovative and sustainable bio nanotechnologies, will be of interest to develop smart cosmeceutical and nutraceutical formulations. Innovation is considered the key business strategy to drive sustainable economic growth. For trying to reduce waste and produce sustainable, biodegradable and innovative products, the realization of new non-woven tissues, used as carriers for making innovative cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals was considered. Both carriers and active ingredients have been obtained from food waste to reduce loss and pollution. This review will report a brief description of the skin functions, trying also to focus and discuss some of the active ingredients and carriers used in nutritional eco-cosmetics to clarify the supposed mechanism of action, effectiveness and safeness of both active ingredients and carriers, as well as the supposed activity of beauty and personal care products.

Use of agricultural production waste in relation to bio nano technology for the synthesis of functionalized selenium nanoparticles

The application of nanotechnological innovations to increase the effectiveness of the bioflavonoid quercetin is considered. The ability to functionalize with specific ligands that target specific organs or cells is very important because it is possible to increase the concentration of quercetin at the desired target level while reducing side effects. Quercetin, as a flavonoid antioxidant, is widely used to reduce oxidative stress and activate important signalling pathways in cells. However, poor solubility in water, intensive first-pass metabolism limits its use. A strategy for the development of nanocomposites is presented, which involves combining quercetin obtained from agricultural waste with selenium nanoparticles. In vitro results demonstrated that quercetin-nanoselenium has high water solubility compared to individual flavonoids. It has been proven that quercetin-nano-selenium nanoparticles are capable of reducing 1,1-dipheny l-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and are characterized by high antioxidant activity. The ability to functionalize nanoparticles with specific ligands that target the modulation of specific signaling pathways (Keap1/ Nrf2/ARE, Nf-kB, mTOR) in individual cells is very important, as it allows increasing the concentration of quercetin to the desired level while reducing side effects. Considering the beneficial effects of quercetin, a strategy has been developed that involves the use of selenium nanoparticles to deliver quercetin in a specific and controlled manner. Research in this direction is promising, as it will contribute to clarifying the expediency of using such nanosystems, which have not yet been widely used. The use of onion waste and its extracts in biotechnology, biomedicine, pharmaceuticals and the agro-industrial sector can be an optimal solution for reducing environmental damage. In addition, it will provide an economically determined alternative for the production of feed additives for animals and poultry. Compounds of quercetin with nanoselenium should take a worthy place in clinical medical practice, biology and agriculture. The beneficial effects of quercetin can be further enhanced with the help of nanotechnology, which will contribute to the effective use of this compound with such great biological potential. Key words: nanobiotechnologies, waste, onion peel, 1,1-dipheny l- 2-picrylhydrazyl, antiradical activity.

Structural Study of Boron Nanotubes by Shigehalli, Kanabur, and Sanskruti Indices Along with their Multiplicative Invariants

Nanotechnology revolutionized the 21st century because of its applications in many important fields like defense and security, electronics, optical engineering, nano devices, nano fabrics, computer, medicine drugs, cosmetics, and nano biotechnology. Boron nanoclusters, boron nanowires, and boron nanotubes have all been developed in the previous 20 years. Keeping in view the sensitivity of boron nanostructures, we have calculated the Shigehalli, Kanabur invariants and their multiplicative versions MSK, MSK_1 and MSK_2 indices of boron tri-hexagonal, boron tri-angular, and boron alpha nanotubes (BANT) are useful in estimating these nanostructures' chemical properties.

Toxicologic Concerns with Current Medical Nanoparticles.

Nanotechnology is one of the scientific advances in technology. Nanoparticles (NPs) are small materials ranging from 1 to 100 nm. When the shape of the supplied nanoparticles changes, the physiological response of the cells can be very different. Several characteristics of NPs such as the composition, surface chemistry, surface charge, and shape are also important parameters affecting the toxicity of nanomaterials. This review covered specific topics that address the effects of NPs on nanomedicine. Furthermore, mechanisms of different types of nanomaterial-induced cytotoxicities were described. The distributions of different NPs in organs and their adverse effects were also emphasized. This review provides insight into the scientific community interested in nano(bio)technology, nanomedicine, and nanotoxicology. The content may also be of interest to a broad range of scientists.

Dynamic intracellular exchange of nanomaterials’ protein corona perturbs proteostasis and remodels cell metabolism

The nanomaterial–protein “corona” is a dynamic entity providing a synthetic–natural interface mediating cellular uptake and subcellular distribution of nanomaterials in biological systems. As nanomaterials are central to the safe-by-design of future nanomedicines and the practice of nanosafety, understanding and delineating the biological and toxicological signatures of the ubiquitous nanomaterial–protein corona are precursors to the continued development of nano–bio science and engineering. However, despite well over a decade of extensive research, the dynamics of intracellular release or exchange of the blood protein corona from nanomaterials following their cellular internalization remains unclear, and the biological footprints of the nanoparticle–protein corona traversing cellular compartments are even less well understood. To address this crucial bottleneck, the current work screened evolution of the intracellular protein corona along the endocytotic pathway from blood via lysosomes to cytoplasm in cancer cells. Intercellular proteins, including pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), and chaperones, displaced some of the initially adsorbed blood proteins from the nanoparticle surface, which perturbed proteostasis and subsequently incited chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) to disrupt the key cellular metabolism pathway, including glycolysis and lipid metabolism. Since proteostasis is key to the sustainability of cell function, its collapse and the resulting CMA overdrive spell subsequent cell death and aging. Our findings shed light on the consequences of the transport of extracellular proteins by nanoparticles on cell metabolism.

Oxford Nanopore and Bionano Genomics technologies evaluation for plant structural variation detection

BackgroundStructural Variations (SVs) are genomic rearrangements derived from duplication, deletion, insertion, inversion, and translocation events. In the past, SVs detection was limited to cytological approaches, then to Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) short reads and partitioned assemblies. Nowadays, technologies such as DNA long read sequencing and optical mapping have revolutionized the understanding of SVs in genomes, due to the enhancement of the power of SVs detection.This study aims to investigate performance of two techniques, 1) long-read sequencing obtained with the MinION device (Oxford Nanopore Technologies) and 2) optical mapping obtained with Saphyr device (Bionano Genomics) to detect and characterize SVs in the genomes of the two ecotypes of Arabidopsis thaliana, Columbia-0 (Col-0) and Landsberg erecta 1 (Ler-1).ResultsWe described the SVs detected from the alignment of the best ONT assembly and DLE-1 optical maps of A. thaliana Ler-1 against the public reference genome Col-0 TAIR10.1. After filtering (SV > 1 kb), 1184 and 591 Ler-1 SVs were retained from ONT and Bionano technologies respectively. A total of 948 Ler-1 ONT SVs (80.1%) corresponded to 563 Bionano SVs (95.3%) leading to 563 common locations. The specific locations were scrutinized to assess improvement in SV detection by either technology. The ONT SVs were mostly detected near TE and gene features, and resistance genes seemed particularly impacted.ConclusionsStructural variations linked to ONT sequencing error were removed and false positives limited, with high quality Bionano SVs being conserved. When compared with the Col-0 TAIR10.1 reference genome, most of the detected SVs discovered by both technologies were found in the same locations. ONT assembly sequence leads to more specific SVs than Bionano one, the latter being more efficient to characterize large SVs. Even if both technologies are complementary approaches, ONT data appears to be more adapted to large scale populations studies, while Bionano performs better in improving assembly and describing specificity of a genome compared to a reference.

Biguanide Pharmaceutical Formulations and the Applications of Bile Acid-Based Nano Delivery in Chronic Medical Conditions.

Biguanides, particularly the widely prescribed drug metformin, have been marketed for many decades and have well-established absorption profiles. They are commonly administered via the oral route and, despite variation in oral uptake, remain commonly prescribed for diabetes mellitus, typically type 2. Studies over the last decade have focused on the design and development of advanced oral delivery dosage forms using bio nano technologies and novel drug carrier systems. Such studies have demonstrated significantly enhanced delivery and safety of biguanides using nanocapsules. Enhanced delivery and safety have widened the potential applications of biguanides not only in diabetes but also in other disorders. Hence, this review aimed to explore biguanides’ pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmaceutical applications in diabetes, as well as in other disorders.

GREEN SYNTHESIS OF CHROMIUM OXIDE NANOPARTICLES USING CHROMIUM (III) COMPLEX AS A SINGLE ROUTE PRECURSOR: ANTI-OXIDANT ACTIVITY

Green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles using plant sources has become an excellent substitute for conventional chemical synthetic methods. Nowadays, nano biotechnology is growing at a very fast rate due to its various possible application in the pharmaceutical biomedical, textile, paper industries. In our study, we have reported the green synthesis of chalcogenide nanostructure pharmacologically active chromium oxide (Cr2O3) nanoparticles using synthesized chromium (III) complex as a single route precursor. The synthesized chromium (III) complex was reacted with an aqueous extract of cinnamon bark for the green synthesis of Cr2O3 nanoparticles. In the present study, we aimed to synthesize chromium oxide nanoparticles (Cr2O3 NPs) through a facile low-cost, eco-friendly route. In this method, we use the aqueous environment for green synthesize of Cr2O3 NPs because the use of an aqueous medium plays a very important role in reducing time, reducing minimum possibilities of side reactions and proper execution of conversions of synthesized Cr(III) complex into a good quality of Cr2O3 NPs in a very less time. The synthesized chromium (III) complex and green synthesized Cr2O3 NPs were thoroughly analyzed through various structural, morphological, electronic, vibrational and pharmacological characterization techniques. Powdered X-ray diffraction studies confirm the formation of well-defined equip spaced crystalline nanoparticles of chromium oxide. Transmission electron microscopy exhibits oval-shaped structure of Cr2O3 NPs with an average particle size of 48 nm. Sharp electronic absorptions ends at 345nm for Cr(III) complex and at 429nm indicates the synthesis of good quality of chromium(III) complex and Cr2O3 NPs. The FT-IR spectral studies confirmed the presence of Cr-O stretching, N-H bonding and C=O stretching vibrations in synthesized Cr(III) complex was performed to investigate the thermal stability of the complex. The Cr(III) complex is stable up to 350ºC. The effective pharmacological activities like in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities explained the presence of strong electron-withdrawing and electronwithdrawing groups in synthesized chromium (III) complex. The green synthesis of Cr2O3 NPs via aqueous extract of cinnamon back in proper stoichiometric ratio is a good method for synthesizing highly effective bioactive agents which will be considered as a good drug candidate for various biological applications in future for various biomedical applications

Recent developments in smart nano-agrochemicals: A promise for revolutionizing present-day agriculture

Continuous use of conventional agrochemicals during the green revolution not only cracked the limitation of starvation for a little sort of time but also in turn emerged trouble of soil eradication, environmental pollution, and quality reduction of crop plants. Again, the issue of hunger and malnutrition has raised because 7.5 billion of the world’s population is going to be 9 billion by 2050. Therefore, ensuring food and nutritional security is the prime limiting factor. Conventional agrochemicals are nonsignificant to improve crop productivity due to disturbed microbial and nutrient status of the soil. So smart agrochemicals based on nano-materials are required to achieve this goal. The top-down and bottom-up methods have been rigorously implemented in the synthesis of nanostructured materials. The objective is to show the importance of nanotechnology in boosting plant yields and an early milestone for meeting the needs of global food requirements. The most recent progress in the smart agrochemical industry is the development of the world’s first liquid nano-urea by IFFCO at Nano Biotechnology Research (NBRC) Center, Gujarat (India) on the occasion of World Environment Day (5th June 2021) which has immense potential as 500 mL bottle will replace at least one bag of conventional urea reducing the cost of production for farmer. So, this review highlighted the impact and potential of smart agrochemicals/NPs which have tremendous potential to revolutionize the world’s agriculture to make breakthroughs in the hope of making a better world for a living.

L-Glutamic acid (i.e. L-amino acid) based molecular junction as rectifiers

Dissimilar metal electrodes in molecular junction play significant role in exploring the intriguing properties of biomolecules. One such property is rectification ratio, which ensures the candidature of different biomolecules as nanoelectronics devices. Protein based nanoelectronics devices are gaining enduring attention among researchers working in the field of bio nanotechnology. The alluring properties of proteins can be predicted if the subunit i.e. amino acids be explored individually. With the aim of exploring amino acid based nanoelectronics devices, we consider the negatively charged amino acid (i.e., L-Glutamic acid, (C5H9NO4)) with dissimilar metal electrodes on either side, forming Au-Glutamic-Ag, Au-Glutamic-Cu and Ag-Glutamic-Cu molecular junctions. The first-principle calculations are performed using Density functional theory in local density approximations (DFT-LDA). The molecule with dissimilar electrodes offers dissimilar rectification ratio and finite negative differential resistance. The Au-Glutamic-Cu molecular device exhibits highest while Ag-Glutamic-Cu exhibits the lowest zero bias conductance values. Higher rectification ratio and lower Homo-Lumo gap is observed with Au-Glutamic-Cu and Au-Glutamic-Ag molecular devices. Such investigation highlights the prospect of L-Glutamic acid like biomolecules for future nanoelectronic devices.

<i>Eletteria cardamomum</i> and Greenly Synthesized MgO NPs: A Detailed Review of Their Properties and Applications

The use of live cells to synthesize green nanoparticles (NPs) is a promising and novel bio nanotechnology method. Chemical and physical methods are utilized to synthesize NPs; however, biological approaches are preferred because they are ecologically friendly, safe, healthful, cost-effective, accessible, and effective sources of high productivity and purity. Toxic and hazardous substances, as well as the use of external reducing, stabilizing, or capping agents, are not necessary for the green synthesis of NPs. Cardamom seeds, which are little Capsules (fruits) of <i>Elettaria cardamomum</i> (Family (Zingiberaceae)], have been used in herbal medicine to treat a wide range of ailments, including asthma, tooth and gum infections, cataracts, nausea, diarrhea, and cardiac, digestive, and kidney problems. Cardamom capsules have a number of additional health benefits that are important from both a traditional and current pharmacological perspective. MO-NPs (metal oxide nanoparticles) have caused quite a stir in recent years due to their diverse set of properties. <i>Elettaria cardamomum</i> is high in polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids, making it a viable green source for large-scale, low-cost, and environmentally friendly MgO-NP production. UV-Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with EDS are used to investigate the phytoassisted synthesis of MgO. (Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy). Researchers have successfully disseminated suitable MO-NPs for obtaining significant results by leveraging their numerous desirable qualities, such as those found in the pharmaceutical, ceramics, textile, electronic, and fertilizer industries.

The Use of Natural Polymers in Formation of Polyelectrolyte Complexation

In recent years, great advances have been made towards the development of various techniques for novel drug delivery systems. These techniques focus on the rate of drug delivery, duration of action and site of action. One of such technique in fabricating novel drug delivery system is the use of polymers in development of in-situ drug delivery systems. Polymers used as carriers have revolutionized over the years. The formation of a polymer complex with other oppositely charged polymers resulted in the formation of polyelectrolyte complexes, which possess unique physicochemical properties with high biocompatibility. The polyelectrolyte's themselves are characterized as cationic, anionic and non-ionic according to the nature of the functional group present at the polymer chain, type of macromolecules formed and interaction forces existing between the complex formed. Additionally, these natural complexes avoid the use of chemical agents for cross linking of polymeric chains, thereby limiting toxicity. Due to their sustain and convenient way to deliver highly water soluble drugs they could target therapeutically active moiety to the site of action, and for these reasons they have led to various applications in the biomedical sector, in pharmaceutical and nano biotechnology industries. Thereby the use of polymers in in-situ drug delivery offers many benefits because of their sustained and prolonged drug delivery action when compared with other conventional drug delivery systems. The present review focuses on the use of natural Polymers in polyelectrolyte complexes as a drug delivery technology.