Sustained Delivery Research Articles

MG53 Protein-Mediated biomimetic nanotherapeutics for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction by driving the impaired plasma membrane resealing

Myocardial infarction (MI) remains a leading global cause of mortality. The frequent disruptions of cardiomyocyte plasma membranes underscore the pivotal role played by MG53, a tissue repair protein secreted by skeletal muscle in response to physical exercise, in cardioprotection. However, the clinical application of recombinant human MG53 (rhMG53) is challenged by its short circulation half-life, necessitating frequent administration, and its low cell membrane permeability. Here we introduce an innovative MG53 protein-mediated biomimetic nanotherapeutic (Rm@mSiO2@MG53) to address the poor delivery. Rm@mSiO2@MG53 nanotherapeutics, attributed to the high specific surface area and adjustable pore size of mSiO2 and the expression of CD47 on erythrocyte membranes, enable sustained protein delivery, enhance their ability to evade the mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS), and extend the half-life of rhMG53 proteins in circulation. In a mouse MI model, Rm@mSiO2@MG53 demonstrated superior efficacy in protecting injured cardiomyocytes and preserving heart function post-MI. Our findings developed a novel protein biomimetic nanotherapeutics that mediates heart repair by driving cell membrane resealing, offering the potential to expedite the clinical deployment of rhMG53 as a viable therapeutic for treating MI and other tissue injuries.

Nanocarrier-Assisted Delivery of Berberine Promotes Diabetic Alveolar Bone Regeneration by Scavenging ROS and Improving Mitochondrial Dysfunction.

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are potential contributors to the compromised tissue regeneration capacity of alveolar bone in diabetic patients. Berberine, an active plant alkaloid, exhibits multiple pharmacological effects including antioxidation, blood glucose- and blood lipid-lowering properties. However, it remains uncertain whether berberine can improve impaired osteogenesis in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and its poor solubility and oral bioavailability also constrain its applications in bone regeneration. Thus, our study aimed to probe the effects of berberine on bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) in a diabetic microenvironment, with a greater emphasis on developing a suitable nano-delivery system for berberine and assessing its capability to repair diabetic alveolar bone defects. Firstly, BMSCs were exposed to berberine within a high glucose and palmitate (HG+PA) environment. Reactive oxygen species levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP generation, cell apoptosis, and osteogenic potential were subsequently assessed. Next, we explored the regulatory mechanism of autophagy flux in the positive effects of berberine. Furthermore, a nanocarrier based on emulsion electrospinning for sustained local delivery of berberine (Ber@SF/PCL) was established. We assessed its capacity to enhance bone healing in the alveolar bone defect of T2DM rats through micro-computed tomography and histology analysis. Berberine treatment could inhibit reactive oxygen species overproduction, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and improve osteogenesis differentiation by restoring autophagy flux under HG+PA conditions. Notably, Ber@SF/PCL electrospun nanofibrous membrane with excellent physicochemical properties and good biological safety had the potential to promote alveolar bone remodeling in T2DM rats. Our study shed new lights into the protective role of berberine on BMSCs under T2DM microenvironment. Furthermore, berberine-loaded composite electrospun membrane may serve as a promising approach for regenerating alveolar bone in diabetic patients.

Enzyme-responsive microgel with controlled drug release, lubrication and adhesion capability for osteoarthritis attenuation

The treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) remains challenging due to the narrow therapeutic window and rapid clearance of therapeutic agents, even with intra-articular administration, resulting in a low treatment index. Recent advancements in local drug delivery systems have yet to overcome the issues of uncontrolled burst release and short retention time, leading to suboptimal OA treatment outcome. Herein, we developed a methacrylate-crosslinking hyaluronic acid (HA) microgel (abbreviated as CXB-HA-CBP) that covalently conjugates the anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib (CXB) via a metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2)-responsive peptide linker (GGPLGLAGGC) and a collagen II binding peptide (WYRGRLC). The GGPLGLAGGC linker is specifically cleaved by the overexpressed MMP-2 enzyme within the OA joint, enabling the sustained and on-demand release of CXB entity. The synergistic action of CXB and HA effectively inhibited macrophage activation and reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, protecting chondrocytes from damage. Furthermore, the collagen II peptide introduced on the microgel surface enabled a cartilage-binding function to form an artificial lubrication microgel layer on the cartilage surface to reduce cartilage wear. The CXB-HA-CBP microgel showed an extended retention time of up to 18 days in the affected joint, leading to an effective OA treatment in rats. This sophistically designed microgel, characterized by the prolonged retention time, sustained drug delivery, and enhanced lubrication, presents a promising biomedicine for OA treatment. Statement of SignificanceA new methacrylate-crosslinking hyaluronic acid (HA) microgel, covalently conjugated with the celecoxib (CXB)-GGPLGLAGGC and the collagen II binding peptide (CBP, peptide sequence: WYRGRLC), was developed. The overexpressed MMP-2 in OA joint cleaved the GGPLGLAGGC linker to trigger the CXB moiety release. Besides, the CBP on the surface of microgels enabled a cartilage-attaching ability, resulting in a prolonged retention time and an improved lubrication property in joint. This advanced drug-loading microgel remarkably reduced macrophage activation and pro-inflammation cytokine production, while protecting the chondrocytes via a dual action of CXB and HA. This study demonstrated that the enzyme-responsive drug-loading microgel could serve as an platform to efficiently attenuate osteoarthritis.

Unlocking The Potential Of Natural Polymers: A Comparative Study For Innovative Drug Delivery Systems

This study aims to characterize and compare four biopolymers - pectin, guar gum, xanthan gum, and sodium alginate - for their potential use in drug delivery systems by evaluating their hydrophilicity, pH sensitivity, and thermosensitivity. Biopolymer films were prepared and subjected to water absorption tests for hydrophilicity, gravimetric analysis in varying pH conditions for pH sensitivity, and weight change measurements after heat exposure for thermosensitivity. Each test was conducted in five trials to ensure reliability. Pectin demonstrated the highest responsiveness across all tests, showing rapid water absorption (6.46 seconds), significant pH sensitivity (0.53g weight change in acidic conditions), and high thermosensitivity (0.378g weight change). Guar gum showed moderate responsiveness, while xanthan gum and sodium alginate exhibited the most stability across varying conditions. Pectin's high responsiveness suggests suitability for smart, multi-stimuli-responsive systems. Guar gum's moderate responsiveness indicates potential for controlled release formulations. The stability of xanthan gum and sodium alginate makes them ideal for applications requiring consistent drug release in diverse physiological environments. This study offers a comprehensive, comparative analysis of four widely used biopolymers, filling a gap in the existing literature. The results provide a foundation for developing tailored, sustainable drug delivery systems, contributing to the advancement of personalized medicine and environmentally friendly pharmaceutical practices

Essential Oils of Some Potential Medicinal Plants and their Wound Healing Activities.

The wound has been recognised as a deep cut or tearing of the epidermis, which is also referred to as trauma and harm to the body tissues. Healing of wounds requires a coordinated series of cellular processes, including cell attraction, proliferation, differentiation, and angiogenesis. These processes involve interactions between various cells, such as macrophages, endothelial cells, keratinocytes, fibroblasts, growth hormones, and proteases. The outcome of wounds can be fatal if not treated properly, resulting in chronic wounds, chronic pain, and even death. Wound healing is replacing missing tissue with tissue repairs and regeneration. Some local variables are the presence of tissue maceration, foreign objects, biofilm, hypoxia, ischemia, and wound infection. Sustained growth factor delivery, siRNA delivery, micro-RNA targeting, and stem cell therapy are all emerging possible therapeutic approaches for wound healing. Traditional approaches, such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani medicines, are also being used for treatment. The therapeutic application of nanoformulations in wound infections has shown various beneficial effects. Several herbal medicines, especially essential oils have shown potential wound healing activities, such as lavender, tea tree, sesame, olive, etc. Various nanoparticles and their nanoformulations have been explored in wound healing therapy. The present review article highlights several aspects of essential oils for wound healing activity through a novel drug delivery system. Further, some patents on wound healing through herbal medicine have been listed.

Preservative-free electrospun nanofibrous inserts for sustained delivery of ceftazidime; design, characterization and pharmacokinetic investigation in rabbit's eye

Ocular drug delivery presents significant challenges, attributed to the various anatomical and physiological barriers, as well as the limitations associated with conventional ocular formulations including low bioavailability, necessitating frequent dosing. The objective of the essay was to design sustained release nanofibrous inserts loaded with ceftazidime (CAZ), an antibiotic effective against gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms, for the treatment of ocular infections. These nanofibers were fabricated using the electrospinning technique, employing biodegradable polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polycaprolactone (PCL) and Eudragit® (EUD). The nanofibrous inserts exhibited adequate mechanical strength for ocular use with an average diameter < 250 nm. In the initial 12-h period, a burst drug release was observed, followed by a controlled release for 120 h. Cell viability test confirmed the non-toxicity and safety of the nanofibers. The in vivo study demonstrated that the inserts sustain a drug concentration exceeding the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus for 4 and 5 days, respectively. The AUC0–120 for CAZ-PVA-PCL was reported 11,882.81 ± 80.5 μg·h/mL and for CAZ-PVA-EUD was 9649.39 ± 86.84 μg·h/mL. The nanofibrous inserts' extended drug release maintains effective antimicrobial concentrations, avoids the fluctuations of eye drops, and, by being preservative-free, eliminates cytotoxicity.

Engineering a 3D network hydrogel composite membrane with Chitosan/Pluronic F127/bioactive glass for the topical administration of therapeutic agents

The primary aim of designing a topical drug delivery system is to address localized ailments by administering therapeutic agents directly to superficial areas of the body such as skin and open wounds. This study presents the engineering of a three-dimensional (3D) network hydrogel composite membrane comprising chitosan (CS), Pluronic F127 (Pl), and bioactive glass (BG) for the topical administration. In the presence of CS and Pl, glutaraldehyde forms imine bonds (Schiff base linkages) by reacting its aldehyde groups with the amino groups of the polymer chains. The hydrogel structural and chemical properties were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), revealed its unique composition and molecular structure. Field Emission Scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was employed to image and investigate the morphology of the hydrogel, confirming its interconnected sheet like morphology with small beads structure. The hydrogels demonstrated excellent water retention ability as 32.93 %, further controlled degradation kinetics rate was systematically evaluated up to 14 days, and optimal swelling behavior makes it suitable for prolonged drug delivery applications. Moreover, hemocompatibility and cyto-compatibility assays yielded less than 1.1 % and above 60 %, confirming the hydrogel safety for blood contact and cell viability. Tube inversion tests confirmed its mechanical integrity, while antibacterial assays revealed its efficacy against pathogenic microorganisms. Co-culture studies demonstrated the capability of developed hydrogel to support cell growth and proliferation. In vitro drug release studies clearly reveal that the hydrogel provides a sustainable delivery system for piperacillin-tazobactam, demonstrating superior characteristics indicative of non-Fickian or anomalous diffusion. Furthermore, the membrane exhibited promising hemostatic properties, suggesting its potential for wound healing applications. Overall, this comprehensive strategy highlights the versatility of the engineered 3D network hydrogel composite membrane as a promising platform for delivering therapeutic agents locally in various biomedical applications.

Investigating a novel therapeutic composition for dry eye syndrome management: In vitro and in vivo studies

Dry eye syndrome (DES) presents a significant challenge in ophthalmic care, necessitating innovative approaches for effective management. This research article introduces a multifaceted strategy to address DES through the development of ocular inserts utilizing advanced technologies such as hot-melt extrusion (HME) and the CaliCut post-extrusion system. The formulation includes key ingredients targeting different layers of the tear film and associated inflammation, including hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), polyethylene glycol (PEG), castor oil, and dexamethasone. The study incorporates a Design of Experiments (DoE) approach, integrating HME and the precise stretching and cutting technique of CaliCut for manufacturing consistency and dimensional control of the inserts. The developed insert(s) have been systematically characterized for their physicochemical properties, release profile, and in vivo efficacy. In silico molecular docking studies have also been conducted to assess the binding affinities of formulation components with ocular mucin, elucidating their binding affinities. Preliminary results demonstrate promising potential for the developed insert in managing DES, offering preservative-free treatment, sustained drug delivery, and improved patient compliance. This study highlights the integration of advanced technologies and formulation strategies in ocular drug delivery for effective DES management.

SLNs and NLCs for Skin Applications: Enhancing the Bioavailability of Natural Bioactives.

Natural bioactives are mixtures of compounds extracted from plants with physicochemical properties that are usually not favorable for penetrating the skin's complex barrier. Nanoparticles have important advantages both in dermatology and cosmetology: improved solubility and stability of encapsulated phytocompounds, controlled and sustained skin delivery, and enhanced skin permeation, leading to an improved bioavailability. This review focuses on two generations of lipid-based nanoparticles: solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). An extensive overview on the recent studies on SLNs and NLCs entrapping essential oils, oils, herbal extracts, and phytocompounds for topical applications is presented, emphasizing their composition, physicochemical characterization, efficacy, and methodologies used to evaluate them. This review also summarizes topical systems containing natural bioactives incorporated into SLNs and NLCs, commercially available products and registered patents in the field. SLNs and NLCs turn out to be effective nanocarriers for skin applications, offering significantly improved encapsulation efficiency, stability, and bioactives delivery. However, their full potential is underexplored. Future applications should study the encapsulation potential of new natural bioactives and show more specialized solutions that address specific requirements; an improved product performance and a pleasant sensory profile could lead to increased customer compliance with the product use.

3D-printed chitosan-pectin-sodium alginate scaffolds for post-surgical peritoneal wound dressing and sustained delivery of oxaliplatin

3D-printed chitosan-pectin-sodium alginate scaffolds for post-surgical peritoneal wound dressing and sustained delivery of oxaliplatin

Injectable Glucose-Releasing Microgels Enhance the Survival and Therapeutic Potential of Transplanted MSCs Under Ischemic Conditions.

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapies show potential to treat ischemic diseases owing to their versatile functions. However, sustaining MSC viability and therapeutic efficacy in ischemic tissues postengraftment remains a significant challenge. This is because, although MSCs are metabolically flexible, they fail to adapt to hypoxic conditions in the absence of glucose, leading to cell death. To overcome these issues, it is aimed to establish an injectable glucose delivery system using starch and amyloglucosidase embedded in alginate microgels. Here, starch/amyloglucosidase (S/A) microgels are engineered to continuously release glucose for seven days via enzymatic hydrolysis, thereby supporting MSC functions under ischemic conditions. In vitro tests under oxygen/glucose-deprived conditions revealed that the S/A microgels not only maintained the viability and intracellular energy but also enhanced the pro-angiogenic and immunomodulatory functions of MSCs. In vivo data further confirmed the pro-survival and pro-angiogenic effects of S/A microgels on MSCs following subcutaneous engraftment in mice. Overall, the developed S/A microgel significantly enhanced the survival and therapeutic potential of MSCs via sustained glucose delivery, highlighting its potential use in advancing MSC-based therapies for ischemic conditions.

Designing a sustainable delivery network with parcel locker systems as collection and transfer points

Collection and delivery points, both attended and fully automated, have emerged as a popular solution in last-mile delivery. They offer not only operational advantages for the delivery company but also present a pathway to mitigating the negative environmental impact of parcel delivery operations. In this study, we explore a new approach, where parcel locker systems have a dual role: as collection points for customers and as transfer points for the delivery company. We introduce a variant of the Location-Routing Problem, optimizing the strategic location and capacity size of parcel locker systems as well as the delivery routes from those points. We develop an efficient branch-and-price algorithm and apply it to a real-life case study that focuses on the design of a delivery network with parcel lockers in a residential neighborhood in the city of Groningen, the Netherlands. Our case study findings underscore that the dual role of parcel locker systems considerably reduces the travel distance of delivery vehicles, is well-suited to deal with potential future increase in demand for parcel collection, and reduces the likelihood of customers traveling to parcel locker by car.

Release Kinetic of Sustained Release Matrix Tablet of Linezolid Containing Polymer Blend.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection mainly affecting the lungs. TB is a major health problem worldwide and the occurrence of extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) offers considerable hurdles to effective treatment and disease management. The growth of treatment-resistant Mycobacterium TB strains has prompted the investigation of alternate therapeutic techniques, including the application of sustained drug delivery. Sustained-release drugs reduce the need for frequent dosing can extend the effects of linezolid by 8 to 12 hours, thus improving the patient’s adherence to the treatment. The objective of this study is to formulate oral sustained-release linezolid tablets employing blends of polymers like hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC)- K100M, ethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, and chitosan to provide sustained drug release. Linezolid was made into a sustained-release tablet by employing the direct compression method using different drug-polymer ratios. Formulated tablets were compared with marketed formulations to assess the similarity factor. The formulation was assessed for drug-excipient interaction, solubility, flow properties, etc. The diameter, friability, thickness, hardness, weight variation, in-vitro drug release, and drug release kinetics of compressed tablets were examined. Drug release research proved that all polymers were able to sustain drug release. Formulation (F5) with HPMC (100mg) and ethyl cellulose (100mg) resulted in 49.89% drug release after 8 hours, making it the optimal formulation. According to the kinetic model of the drug release, the Higuchi model was selected, which indicates the diffusion of the drug from an insoluble matrix. The optimized formulation showed a similarity factor of 52% with the marketed formulation, suggesting similarity in drug release between these two formulations.

Nanoemulgels: A new approach for the treatment of skin-related disorders

Skin-related disorders like psoriasis, dermatitis, acne, and wounds affect a major sector of the global population. Conventional treatment modalities exhibit limitations encompassing systemic adverse effects, suboptimal skin permeability, and variable drug release kinetics. Nanoemulsion-based hydrogels, also known as nanoemulgels, have emerged as a promising approach for topical and transdermal drug delivery, particularly in treating skin disorders. These have the advantages of nanoemulsions and hydrogels, offering enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Further, nanoemulgels can facilitate controlled and sustained drug delivery, reducing the frequency of application and improving patient compliance. These nanoemulgels hold significant prospects in topical and transdermal applications, particularly in delivering therapeutic cargo in diseases such as mycoses, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. This review will outline the functions of nanoemulgels, the building blocks of nanoemulgels, their formulation techniques, evaluation parameters, and their pharmacological applications. Further, an overview of the current state of research in the field of nanoemulgels, future directions, and challenges associated with nanoemulgels was also provided.

Design, Development and Characterization of Gastroretentive Floating Tablet of Levofloxacin using Natural Polymer Peanut Husk.

In the present study, levofloxacin gastroretentive floating tablet (GRFT) was formulated using peanut husk powder as a natural release modifier for providing sustained drug delivery at the stomach to effectively treat infections. Preformulation studies such as UV analysis and drug excipients study using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) were performed. Peanut husk powder was prepared by crushing and grinding the dried peanut husk. The GRFT formulations (GRFT1- GRFT9) were formulated using the direct compression method with varied concentrations having peanut husk powder, HPMCK4M and carbapol 934, along with other ingredients. Formulations were characterized based on the pre-compressional parameter and post-compressional parameters. The results for GRFT5 were found to be best among all batches as it showed sustained %drug release of 89.52 ± 0.3% upto 12 hours and it revealed enhanced therapeutic performance of the drug. However, in-vivo study needs to be performed for a better comparison of data with in-vitro results.

Development and Analysis of Colon-Specific, pH-Responsive Polymer Delivery of Irinotecan Hydrochloride Tablets for Colon Cancer Treatment.

For the formulation of enteric-coated tablets containing irinotecan hydrochloride, this thesis focuses on HPMC and ethylcellulose, both of which are pH- and oxidation-resistant polymers. The integrated polymer-drug tablet mixture was coated with 15% of eudragit S100 and L100, which is a methacrylic acid copolymers, that’s soluble at pH 7. Both the physical characteristics with the invitro release kinetics pattern of the enteric-coated tablets were characterized. In the invitro release study, different pH environments were used, comparable to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT): 0.1 N HCl solution for two hours, pH 6.8 phosphate buffer for three hours, and pH 7.4 phosphate buffer for six hours. Using this device, you can simulate the pH level of the mouth, the digestive tract, and the urinary tract. As a result of consistent release studies, formulation F7 released 88.2% of the drug after 12 hours. Models such as Higuchi, Korsmeyer-Peppas, and zero-order reactions were used to analyze the GIT. This directed the development of a sustained delivery pattern that may be perfect for colonic IRT administration in the eventual treatment of colon cancer. Among the nine formulations, F7 formulated with EC and HPMC extended best sustained release pattern of drug, hence it is suitable for treating colon cancer.

Bismuth-infused perivascular wrap facilitates delivery of mesenchymal stem cells and attenuation of neointimal hyperplasia in rat arteriovenous fistulas

BackgroundMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as novel therapies for supporting arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation, and bioresorbable polymeric scaffolds have enabled sustained MSC delivery into maturing AVFs. However, the radiolucency of biopolymeric wraps prevents in vivo monitoring of their integrity and location, hindering long-term preclinical investigations. MethodsWe infused bismuth nanoparticles (BiNPs) into polycaprolactone (PCL) to fabricate an electrospun perivascular wrap capable of MSC delivery and conducive to longitudinal monitoring using conventional imaging. We tested the wraps' effects on the attenuation of markers of neointimal hyperplasia (i.e., endothelial dysfunction, hypoxia, and inflammation), the leading cause of AVF failure, in rats with induced chronic kidney disease (n = 3 per time point) for the following groups: control (no wrap), PCL wrap, PCL with MSCs, PCL-Bi (BiNP-infused wrap), and PCL-Bi with MSCs. ResultsPhysicochemical characterization and in vitro biocompatibility tests revealed that BiNP infusion did not alter the wrap's non-cytotoxicity toward vascular cells, hemocompatibility, and capacity for MSC loading but facilitated long-term monitoring via micro-computed tomography. After 8 weeks, all treatment groups demonstrated significant improvement in wall-to-lumen ratio on ultrasonography (P < 0.001), neointima-to-lumen ratio on histomorphometry (P < 0.001), and attenuation of neointimal hypoxia on immunohistochemistry (P < 0.05). Compared to non-MSC wraps, MSC-loaded wraps not only attenuated endothelial dysfunction and neointimal inflammation but also reduced hypoxia and inflammation across all vascular layers. ConclusionThese results demonstrate that MSC delivery through a radiopaque polymeric wrap could enhance AVF patency outcomes through the inhibition of multiple pathways inducing AVF failure.

Preparation and Evaluation of Itraconazole Nanoparticle Lipid Carrier Gel for Dermatophytosis

Fungal infection is one of the common dermatological diseases. Drug delivery systems for topical use have shown significant advantages in targeting the drug to the action site in the body and also reduces the systemic side effects. Itraconazole was chosen as a model drug with low aqueous solubility. In the present study an attempt was made to prepare itraconazole loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC). Different formulations were prepared by hot homogenization technique using solid lipid and liquid lipid (Compritol 888 &amp; Caprol PGE 860) and surfactants (Poloxamer 188, tween 80). All the Formulations were characterized for drug content, entrapment efficiency, particle size, poly dispersity index, zeta potential &amp;in vitro drug release and FTIR was done to study any interaction between excipients. The best formulation shows better drug release and entrapment efficiency 83.2%. the best formulation F3 showed better in-vitro drug release 55.46% at the end of 8th hour. The F3 was made into gel using Carbopol as a gelling agent. SEM study revealed that the NLC gel shows the particle size was found to be 500 nm in size smooth surfaces. NLC gel shows Drug release of NLC gel followed non- Fickian diffusion. NLC gel were stable at 40 ± 2ֹ°C and 75 ± 5% RH. Thus, the prepared NLC gel proved to be a potential candidate as a topical nanoparticulate sustained drug delivery system for itraconazole (BCS class II drug). keywords: Itraconazole, Nanoparticle Lipid Carrier, Lipids.

Optimizing the Fabrication of Shape-Defined Microparticles for Sustained Drug Delivery: The “Less Is More” Paradigm

Optimizing the Fabrication of Shape-Defined Microparticles for Sustained Drug Delivery: The “Less Is More” Paradigm

Ascorbyl palmitate nanofiber-reinforced hydrogels for drug delivery in soft tissues

Nanofiber-based hydrogel delivery systems have recently shown great potential in biomedical applications, specifically due to their high surface-to-volume ratio of ultra-fine nanofibers and their ability to carry low solubility drugs. Herein, we introduce a visible light-triggered in situ-gelling drug vehicle (GAP Gel) composed of ascorbyl palmitate (AP) nanofibers and gelatin methacryloyl polymer. AP nanofibers form self-assembled structures through intermolecular interactions with a hydrophobic drug-loading core. We demonstrate that the hydrophilic periphery of AP nanofibers allows them to interact with other hydrophilic molecules via hydrogen bonds. The presence of AP nanofibers significantly enhances the viscoelasticity of GAP Gel in a concentration-dependent manner. Further, GAP Gel shows in vitro biocompatibility and sustained drug delivery efficacy when loaded with a hydrophobic antibiotic. Likewise, GAP Gel shows excellent in vivo biocompatibility when implanted in immunocompetent mice in various forms. Lastly, GAP Gels maintain cell viability when cultured in a 3D-environment over 7 days, establishing it as a promising and versatile hydrogel platform for the delivery of biotherapeutics.