pH-responsive Sustained Release Research Articles

Designing silver nanoparticles impregnated acacia and tragacanth gum based copolymeric hydrogels for drug delivery applications

The current study investigates the utilization of gum acacia (GA) & tragacanth gum (TG) for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (NPs) and their subsequent incorporation into hydrogels for potential applications in drug delivery (DD). Cefoperazone, an antibiotic drug, was encapsulated into hydrogels to enhance their antimicrobial activity. Copolymers were characterized by UV–Vis, TEM, FESEM, AFM, XPS, XRD, FTIR, TGA and DSC techniques. UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed the formation of NPs at a wavelength of 436 nm with an optical density of 2.65. TEM images depicted AgNPs with an average size of 37.29 ± 7.25 nm with their uniform distribution. XRD analysis demonstrated distinct crystalline peaks at 2θ = 38.34o, 43.80o, 64.60o and 77.42o attributed to AgNPs. XPS peaks observed at 368 & 374 eV, corresponding to the 3d5/2 and 3d3/2 modes of silver, respectively, confirmed the incorporation of AgNPs in the polymer matrix. Hydrogels demonstrated pH responsive sustained release of cefoperazone. The diffusion mechanism was non-Fickian and described by the Higuchi kinetic model. In the DPPH assay, copolymers exhibited a 32.36 % inhibition of free radicals, whereas in the F–C reagent assay, antioxidant activity was measured as 22.25 μg equivalent of gallic acid. The copolymers displayed blood compatible nature, as evidenced from haemolysis (2.11 ± 0.03 %) and thrombogenicity (74.71 ± 1.63 %) results. The interactions of copolymer with intestinal membrane attributed to mucoadhesive properties and required detachment force of 55.30 ± 2.80 mN to separate from the biological membrane. Growth of E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus bacteria was inhibited by copolymers with and without antibiotic drug. These characteristic properties of copolymers make them ideal materials for DD carriers.

Supramolecular assembly of dual crosslinked nanocomposite polysaccharides hydrogel: Integration of injectable, self-healing, and pH-responsive platform for sustained delivery of polyphenols

This study introduces an innovative approach in the field of biomaterials through the development of a multifunctional, printable scaffold designed for the advanced delivery of polyphenols. Addressing challenges of burst-release, poor compounds solubility and bioavailability, we engineered a supramolecular-assembled dual crosslinked hydrogel combining fucoidan (F) and chitosan (CS) encapsulating nanoliposomes. The novel integration of dibenzaldehyde-terminated PEG (DB) within the hydrogel, created a synergistic crosslinking through the formation of the covalent Schiff base bonds and physical interactions which enhanced the hydrogel's overall characteristics. Tailoring F content (DBCS-F), allowed the crosslinking density modulation, yielding a robust gel network structure with enhanced mechanical properties, evidenced by a remarkable compressive stress resistance of 1.73 MPa at 60% strain, coupled with high compressive resilience (79.31% stress recovery after 6 cycles), surpassing single crosslinked hydrogel (DBCS). The rheological analysis further confirmed the hydrogel's improved viscoelasticity, stable network structure, and shear-thinning behavior, affirming its excellent injectability and suitability for 3D printing applications. Most notably, the incorporation of catechin/juglone-loaded nanoliposomes contributed to a pH-responsive sustained release of polyphenols in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The developed dual crosslinked hydrogel, integrating injectability, self-healing, and pH-responsiveness presents a significant advancement in biomaterials and holds a promising approach for the fabrication of personalized 3D printed scaffolds aimed for sustained and targeted polyphenols release.

Two biocompatible iron-based CPMs for high-capacity adsorption and pH-responsive sustained release of diclofenac sodium

This study focused on synthesizing two iron-based crystalline porous materials (CPMs) with cationic framework and their loading capacities and sustained release behavior for diclofenac sodium (DS), an anionic drug.

CCD-optimized Moringa oleifera-based hydrogel for the targeted and controlled release of the anti-cancer drug Raloxifene: evaluation of hemocompatible, cytotoxic and antioxidant properties

Naturally extracted Moringa oleifera gum has been utilized to synthesize a Moringa oleifera gum-based hydrogel for the pH-responsive sustained release of the anti-cancer drug Raloxifene.

Apigenin@ZIF-8 with pH-responsive sustained release function added to propolis-gelatin films achieved an outstanding antibacterial effect

Packaging films containing antibacterial substances play a crucial role in controlling contamination caused by food-borne pathogens. Herein, apigenin (APG) was encapsulated in zeolitic imidazolate frameworks 8 (ZIF-8) to achieve a synergistic antibacterial effect and prolonged drug release, aiming to extend the shelf life of food products. Under acidic condition, the release rate of APG reached 73.70 % after 12 h. Subsequently, propolis-gelatin (PG) films were prepared for food packaging. The addition of APG@ZIF-8 enhanced the hydrophobicity of PG films, making them more suitable for food packaging. However, the composite film exhibited reduced damage resistance and flexibility. The composite films demonstrated 100 % inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli under appropriate amount of APG@ZIF-8. The composite film coating significantly reduced the bacteria count on apple surfaces by 99.95% during storage, while maintaining their appearance. This study provides an effective way to develop novel antibacterial composite films.

A Dual-Targeted Metal-Organic Framework Based Nanoplatform for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis by Restoring the Macrophage Niche.

Inflammatory infiltration and bone destruction are important pathological features of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which originate from the disturbed niche of macrophages. Here, we identified a niche-disrupting process in RA: due to overactivation of complement, the barrier function of VSIg4+ lining macrophages is disrupted and mediates inflammatory infiltration within the joint, thereby activating excessive osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. However, complement antagonists have poor biological applications due to superphysiologic dose requirements and inadequate effects on bone resorption. Therefore, we developed a dual-targeted therapeutic nanoplatform based on the MOF framework to achieve bone-targeted delivery of the complement inhibitor CRIg-CD59 and pH-responsive sustained release. The surface-mineralized zoledronic acid (ZA) of ZIF8@CRIg-CD59@HA@ZA targets the skeletal acidic microenvironment in RA, and the sustained release of CRIg-CD59 can recognize and prevent the complement membrane attack complex (MAC) from forming on the surface of healthy cells. Importantly, ZA can inhibit osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, and CRIg-CD59 can promote the repair of the VSIg4+ lining macrophage barrier to achieve sequential niche remodeling. This combination therapy is expected to treat RA by reversing the core pathological process, circumventing the pitfalls of traditional therapy.

Effect of Chitosan Drug-Loaded Nanoparticles on Proliferation of Gastric Cancer Cells and Expression of Prdx6 Protein

Since there are many problems in the clinical application of traditional chemotherapy drugs for gastric cancer (GC), including poor water solubility and insufficient targeting, the preparation of docetaxel nanoparticles (NPs) with chitosan (CS) as the carrier under nanotechnology can improve its water solubility and targeting and thus improve the bioavailability and antitumor effect. GX1 was used as a GC target molecule, N-deoxycholic acid (DCA) hydroxyethyl CS was used as a nanodrug carrier, and docetaxel was used as an antitumor angiogenesis drug to fabricate GC target NPs. The physical characterization was analyzed, the sustained release performance was further analyzed, and the anticancer performance was tested from in vitro and in vivo perspectives. After the NPs were transfected into GC cells, Prdx6 protein level in the cancer cells was determined by western blotting, and the survival rate of GC cells was determined by cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8). Experiments showed that the encapsulation efficiency and drug loading rate of GC-targeted NPs reached 51.8% and 24.3%, respectively. The average particle size was 148.7 nm, and the surface showed smooth and homogeneous aggregation. docetaxel in the NPs belongs to pH-responsive sustained release, and the drug diffusion type belongs to non-Fickian diffusion. in vitro tests showed that GX1 can improve the uptake rate of the NPs by gastric vascular endothelial cells, and in vivo tests showed that the NPs can greatly limit the growth rate of GC tumors in nude mice (P < 0.01). Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) results of tumor sections showed that NPs could induce a large amount of tumor cell apoptosis. The expression of Prdx6 protein in GC cells was decreased after transfection with NPs (P < 0.05), and NPs notably inhibited the proliferation of GC cells (P < 0.01).

Synthesis and characterization of a novel, pH-responsive sustained release nanocarrier using polyethylene glycol, graphene oxide, and natural silk fibroin protein by a green nano emulsification method to enhance cancer treatment

In this study, for the first time, by employing a simple and efficient double nano-emulsification method and using sweet almond oil as the organic phase, polyethylene glycol (PEG)/graphene oxide (GO)/silk fibroin (SF) hydrogel-nanocomposite was synthesized. The aim of the research was to fabricate a biocompatible targeted pH-sensitive sustained release carrier, improve the drug loading capacity and enhance the anticancer effect of doxorubicin (DOX) drug. The obtained values for the entrapment (%EE) and loading efficacy (%LE) were 87.75 ± 0.7 % and 46 ± 1 %, respectively, and these high values were due to the use of GO with a large specific surface area and the electrostatic interaction between the drug and SF. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed the presence of all the components in the nanocomposite and the suitable interaction between them. Based on the results of dynamic light scattering analysis (DLS) and zeta potential analysis, the mean size of the carrier particles and its surface charge were 293.7 nm and −102.9 mV, respectively. The high negative charge was caused by the presence of hydroxyl groups in GO and SF and it caused proper stability of the nanocomposite. The spherical core-shell structure with its homogeneous surface was also observed in the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) image. The cumulative release percentage of the nanocarrier reached 95.75 after 96 h and it is higher in the acidic environment at all times. The results of fitting the release data to the kinetic models suggested that the mechanism of release was dissolution-controlled anomalous at pH 7.4 and diffusion-controlled anomalous at pH 5.4. The results of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry showed an increase in toxicity on MCF-7 cells and improved apoptotic cell death compared to the free drug. Consequently, the findings of this research introduced and confirmed PEG/GO/SF nanocomposite as an attractive novel drug delivery system for pH-sensitive and sustained delivery of chemotherapeutic agents in biomedicine.

Chitosan films as pH-responsive sustained release systems of naturally occurring antifungal volatile compounds

Reversible imine bonds have been used as a strategy to develop pH-dependent antifungal systems based on grafting benzaldehyde and citral onto the surface of chitosan films. Formation of imine bonds was confirmed by ATR-FTIR and XPS. Aldehyde unit incorporation respect to glucosamine units of chitosan polymer was estimated by elemental analysis. The rate and extent of imine bond hydrolysis depended on the pH of the media and the chemical structure of the aldehyde. The release of the aldehydes was monitored by gas chromatography observing acidic media favours the release. Imine bond obtained from benzaldehyde was more prone to be hydrolysed than citral. Chitosan films grafted with benzaldehyde and triggered at acidic pH controlled in vitro growth of common fruit and vegetable spoilage and pathogenic fungi. The films developed could be applied in the design of food packages intended to prevent postharvest fungal spoilage.

Development of water-dispersible gelatin stabilized hydroxyapatite nanoformulation for curcumin delivery

The therapeutic efficacy of hydrophobic curcumin (CUR) can be potentially enhanced by developing aqueous formulations of CUR. In the present study, we have prepared colloidally stable formulation of CUR by encapsulating it into the hydrophilic network of gelatin (Gel) and hydroxyapatite (HAp). The successful incorporation of CUR in the formulation was evident from spectroscopic analysis. The detailed structural characterization of CUR loaded formulation (CUR-Gel-HAp) was carried out using various techniques including PXRD, FTIR, TGA, FESEM, light scattering, and zeta-potential measurements. The formulation showed pH responsive sustained release of CUR with higher release rate under acidic environment. CUR-Gel-HAp showed enhanced cytotoxicity towards human lung cancer cells (A549) as compared to normal human lung fibroblast cells (WI-26 VA4). Moreover, CUR-Gel-HAp exhibited substantial cellular internalization and higher toxicity towards A549 cells as compared to free CUR. Further, the lyophilized CUR-Gel-HAp exhibited long-term stability and showed insignificant changes in the physicochemical properties and colloidal stability upon reconstituting in the aqueous medium.

Metal-phenolic networks as a novel filler to advance multi-functional immunomodulatory biocomposites

Here, we exploited the potential applications of metal-phenolic networks (MPNs) as a novel type of filler for next-generation multi-functional immunomodulatory biocomposites. Tannic acid (TA) and Mg2+ were selected as the model phenolic ligand and metal ion, respectively, and used to assemble MPN particles, and a TA-Mg/polycaprolactone (PCL) composite nanofibrous scaffold was then prepared by blending electrospinning. Measurements of the resultant composite scaffold verified strong hydrogen-bonding interactions between TA motifs and PCL chains and the good dispersity of MPN particles throughout the substrate. Due to the pH-responsive disassembly kinetics of MPN complexes, both TA and Mg2+ displayed pH-responsive sustained release behaviour, thus eliciting significant biological effects. Specifically, TA and Mg2+ synergistically generated an anti-inflammatory micro-environment, which was beneficial for osteogenesis, and Mg2+ directly stimulated the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells. Consequently, the composite membrane significantly enhanced in vivo osteogenic performance when used as a barrier membrane to guide bone tissue regeneration. One unique advantage of this filler is that it combines the functions of both metal ions and phenolic ligands. By selecting different phenolic ligands and metal ions, a series of novel MPN-based fillers with unique functions could be easily obtained, suggesting that this system has a wide range of potential applications for next-generation multi-functional biocomposites.

In situ assembly of Mt-HAP drug carrier with pH-responsive sustained release properties

The Mt-HAP composites were achieved by combining layered montmorillonite (Mt) and hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanoparticles produced by in situ assembly technique. Amoxicillin (AMX) loading and release experiment proved that the synthetic Mt-HAP composites demonstrated high drug loading ability and pH-responsive sustained release property. The AMX load of original Mt was 18.5 mg g−1, while that of Mt-HAP grew to 49.1 mg g−1. Experiments in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) release indicated that Mt drug carrier having a higher release rate of AMX within the initial 2 h. But after that, the drug release rate of AMX from Mt-HAP has a greater value (about 65% over 12 h) than that of Mt (about 50% over 12 h) because of the dissolution of HAP under acidic circumstance. However, the cumulative sustained release rate of Mt-HAP in simulated intestinal fluid (pH 6.8) over 12 h was only 30%, and the drug release amount of Mt was still about 49%. Compared to Mt@AMX, the drug release rate of Mt-HAP @ AMX is sensitive to changes in pH. The findings claimed that the Mt-HAP composite exhibited extreme potential as a drug carrier for controllable drug delivery.

Preparation and Characterization of Zein-Based Nanoparticles via Ring-Opening Reaction and Self-Assembly as Aqueous Nanocarriers for Pesticides.

Herein, we prepared and compared two water-soluble amphiphilic zein-based nanocarrier systems with avermectin (AVM) payload to enhance pesticide's water-dispersity, foliage wettability, adhesion, anti-UV, and pH-responsive controlled release property. Ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDE) and diethanolamine (DEA) were utilized to conjugate with hydrophobic zein via a ring-opening reaction and then encapsulated with AVM via a hydrophobic interaction to fabricate a nanopesticide marked as AVM@Zein-EGDE/DEA. For the sake of further improving the nanocarrier's performance, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was grafted with methyl methacrylate (MMA) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) to form a kind of copolymer CMC-g-P(HEMA-MMA), which was applied to conjugate with Zein-EGDE via a ring-opening reaction. Likewise, another nanopesticide system named AVM@Zein-EGDE/CMC-g-P(HEMA-MMA) was obtained through hydrophobic interactions as well as the electrostatic effect. Various techniques were utilized to confirm chemical interaction, thermal behavior, structural characteristics, and stability. The results showed that AVM encapsulated in Zein-EGDE/CMC-g-P(HEMA-MMA) possessed a larger particle size with an average value of 180-254 nm than AVM loaded in Zein-EGDE/DEA with 144-175 nm but had better stability in aqueous solution. Also, AVM loaded in Zein-EGDE/CMC-g-P(HEMA-MMA) enhanced the encapsulation efficiency, and both of them exhibited excellent pH-responsive sustained release behavior. Besides, the former improved wettability on a cucumber leaf surface and enhanced adhesion ability compared to AVM@Zein-EGDE/DEA because of CMC-g-P(HEMA-MMA) with hydrophobic segments. Similarly, anti-UV performance was also enhanced owing to CMC-g-P(HEMA-MMA) as an additional protective layer. More importantly, the encapsulation of Zein-EGDE/DEA and Zein-EGDE/CMC-g-P(HEMA-MMA) as protective barriers for AVM still retained a similar toxicity level. Overall, we demonstrated the proof of concept for the application of amphiphilic zein-based nanomaterials as aqueous nanocarriers for hydrophobic pesticides.

Enhanced antimicrobial activity and pH-responsive sustained release of chitosan/poly (vinyl alcohol)/graphene oxide nanofibrous membrane loading with allicin

Herein, the natural extract of garlic, allicin (Alli), was added into chitosan (CS)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/graphene oxide (GO) composites to develop the nanofibrous membranes with strong antibacterial activity and sustained-release properties by electrospinning technology. Vitro Alli release test showed that the release rate and amount of Alli could be regulated by the content of GO in the nanofibrous membrane. The antibacterial activity test against Staphylococcus aureus was performed and revealed the antibacterial activity of nanofibrous membranes loading with Alli. Compared with the nanofibrous membrane without GO, the CS/PVA/Alli nanofibrous membrane with 0.1 wt% GO still had nice antibacterial activity after 48 h. The water contact angle of nanofibrous membranes dropped significantly with the addition of GO and Alli, which showed the nanofibrous membrane had highly hydrophobic. The CS/PVA/GO nanofibrous membrane loading with Alli had great hygroscopicity and moisture-retention capacity. The essential characteristics of nanofibrous membranes were evaluated by SEM, FTIR, XRD. The above results indicate that the membrane has a strong antimicrobial activity and long-lasting efficacy, so the developed natural nanofibrous membranes hold potential as promising antibacterial wound dressing and tissue engineering.

Design and synthesis of aptamer AS1411-conjugated EG@TiO2@Fe2O3nanoparticles as a drug delivery platform for tumor-targeted therapy

AS1411@GMBS@EG@TiO2@Fe2O3nanoparticle is an effective and safe pH-responsive sustained release system for targeted drug delivery into nucleolin-positive cells.

Development of surface functionalized hydroxyapatite nanoparticles for enhanced specificity towards tumor cells

Nanoparticles coupled with targeting moieties have attracted a great deal of attention for cancer therapy since they can facilitate site-specific delivery of drug and significantly limit the side effects of systemic chemotherapy. In this study, our aim is to develop surface functionalized hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, which could provide binding sites for a cancer cell targeting ligand, folic acid (FA) as well as an anticancer drug, doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX). In order to attain dual functionalities, hydroxyapatite nanoparticles were functionalized with gelatin molecules. Gelatin, being a protein has both carboxyl and amine moieties, which makes it suitable for binding of DOX and FA. FA was chemically conjugated to the nanoparticles through an EDCNHS coupling reaction. The formation of single-phase hydroxyapatite nanostructure was ascertained by X-ray diffraction studies and the presence of organic moieties on the surface of nanoparticles was evident from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and U.V.-visible spectroscopy. The FA-conjugated nanoparticles (FA-Gel-HANPs) showed high affinity towards DOX and pH-responsive sustained release of drug with higher release rate under acidic pH conditions, desired for cancer therapy. The FA-Gel-HANPs showed negligible cytotoxicity towards different cell lines (HepG2, WEHI-164, KB, WI-26 VA4 and WRL-68). However, DOX loaded nanoparticles (DOX-FA-Gel-HANPs) exhibited significant toxicity towards these cells, which was however highest in folate receptor (FR)-overexpressing, KB cells. These results were correlated with enhanced cellular uptake of DOX-FA-Gel-HANPs in KB cells in comparison to FR-deficient, WRL-68 cells studied by confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry. Moreover, cell cycle analysis in KB cells, showed higher sub-G1 population, indicating apoptosis as one of the cell death mechanisms. Overall, this study suggests that DOX-FA-Gel-HANPs could serve as a promising tumor-targeted drug delivery system.

Development and Evaluation of Multifunctional Poly(Lactic-co-glycolic acid) Nanoparticles Embedded in Carboxymethyl β-Glucan Porous Microcapsules as a Novel Drug Delivery System for Gefitinib.

In this study, a new kind of folic acid (FA)-conjugated and chitosan (CS)-coated poloxamer 407 (P407)/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs), FCPP NPs, were prepared, and further micro-encapsulated by carboxymethyl β-glucan microcapsules (MCs) to produce a multifunctional system of NPs embedded in MCs (NEMs) for potential lung tumor-targeted delivery of gefitinib. The prepared gefitinib-loaded FCPP (GFB/FCPP) NPs showed a hydrodynamic diameter of 255.4 ± 14.5 nm and existed in an amorphous state. After encapsulation in carboxymethyl β-glucan MCs, the GFB/FCPP-based NEMs (GFB/FCPP-NEMs) also exhibited a spherical morphology with a median diameter (d50) of around 2.2 μm. After hydration, GFB/FCPP- NEMs can quickly dissociate into its primary particles, GFB/FCPP NPs. Our in vitro drug release study revealed that these GFB/FCPP-NEMs exhibited a pH-responsive prolonged release property. In addition, the cellular uptake study demonstrated that FCPP-NEMs serve as an efficient carrier to enhance the delivery of the entrapped drug into the target lung tumor cells. Moreover, the GFB/FCPP-NEMs induced a superior cytotoxic effect compared with free gefitinib. The inhibitory concentration to achieve 50% cell death (IC50) of GFB/FCPP-NEMs in A549 cells was 3.82-fold lower than that of free gefitinib. According to these results, FCPP-NEMs hold a great potential as a multifunctional and high-performance biomaterial for lung tumor targeting delivery, pH-responsive sustained release, facilitated cellular uptake, and enhanced antitumor effect of antitumor drugs, like gefitinib.

Mussel-inspired fabrication of konjac glucomannan/microcrystalline cellulose intelligent hydrogel with pH-responsive sustained release behavior

Intelligent hydrogels are attractive biomaterials for various applications, however, fabricating a hydrogel with both adequate self-healing ability and mechanical properties remains a challenge. Herein, a series of novel intelligent konjac glucomannan (KGM)/microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) hydrogels were prepared vis the mussel-inspired chemistry. MCC was firstly functionalized by the oxidative polymerization of dopamine, and the intelligent hydrogels were obtained by mixing aqueous solutions of KGM and functionalized MCC (PDMCC). By introducing PDMCC, a more compact interconnected porous structure formed for the resulting hydrogels. The self-healing ability and mechanical properties of intelligent hydrogels were dependence on the PDMCC content. Compared with KGM hydrogels, KGM/PDMCC hydrogels exhibited a more distinct pH sensitivity and a lower initial burst release, which was attributed to the compact structure and strong intermolecular hydrogen bond interaction between PDMCC and KGM. These results suggest that the KGM/PDMCC intelligent hydrogels may be promising carriers for controlled drug delivery.

Synthesis of New Antibacterial Cubane-based Nanocomposite and its Application in Combination Cancer Therapy.

The need for therapeutically effective anticancer drug delivery systems constantly persuades researchers to explore novel strategies. In this study a novel cubane based antibacterial nanocomposite was tailored as dual chemotherapy drug delivery vesicle in order to increase the therapeutic outcome in cancer therapy. The physico-chemical characterization of engineered nanocarrier was assessed by Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Field emission scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive using X-ray (FESEMEDX). The antibacterial activity of novel developed nanocomposite was tested by determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia Coli and Candida albicans. In order to investigate the efficacy of novel engineered nanocomposite (with average particle size of 50 nm) as dual anticancer drug delivery, DOX and MTX were bind to nanocarrier with encapsulation efficiency and loading content of around 97.3 ± 2.7% and 20.8 ± 1.6 %, respectively. Dual drugs released simultaneously with distinct tumor targeted, pH responsive sustained release manner. Moreover, the probable antitumoral activity of this engineered nanocomposite system against MCF7 cell lines was evaluated by MTT assay and cell cycle studies. The outcomes showed that novel engineered nanocomposite had no cytotoxic effects, while DOX@MTX-loaded nanocomposite possessed higher growth inhibition property and higher S-phase arrest as compared to cells treated with DOX@MTX alone. It was concluded that this novel cubane based drug delivery vehicle could process antibacterial and anticancer therapeutics spontaneously, representing promising tumor targeted system in nanomedicine.

Micellized α-Cyclodextrin-Based Supramolecular Hydrogel Exhibiting pH-Responsive Sustained Release and Corresponding Oscillatory Shear Behavior Analysis.

The fabrication of supramolecular hydrogels from micellized PLLA/DMAEMA/PEGMA polymers with α-CD has been explored to design injectable gel formulations for sustained drug release. The tricomponent hydrogels (5% w/v)/α-CD (10% w/v) were able to sustain protein (BSA and lysozyme) release for 60-120 h at different pH conditions (pH 3, 7 and 10). In-depth rheological analysis highlighted the role of pH in tuning hydrogel behavior upon shear at microscopic level affecting protein release profiles. Protein release involved complex interactions within the network (isoelectric point and diffusion coefficient of the protein, pKa of DMAEMA, and pore size of the hydrogel). Lissajous-Bowditch curves explained the microstructural response to increasing strain which weakened the supramolecular association and collapsed the formation of the porous hydrogel. Power Law was adopted to represent both transport mechanism and drug release phenomena. The release mechanism resulted from a combination of erosion- and diffusion-controlled release (non-Fickian and super case II).