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Bedaquiline is a drug used for the treatment of multidrug-resistant TB in adults and children that is currently only commercially available in tablet form. The present study was aimed at preparing nanoemulsion (NE) of BDQ using natural vegetable oils to deliver BDQ. The optimisation of surfactant mixtures was undertaken using Design of Experiments (DoE), specifically an optimal mixture design. The NEs were optimised while monitoring droplet size (DS), zeta potential (ZP), polydispersity index (PDI) and drug content (DC). The optimised NEs were further characterised using transmission electron microscopy, electrical conductivity, viscosity, pH and in vitro release studies. The optimised NE showed values of 191.6 nm ± 2.38 nm, 0.1176 ± 1.69, -25.9 mV ± 3.00 mV and 3.14 ± 0.82 mg/ml for DS, PDI, ZP and DC respectively. Furthermore, the TEM studies demonstrated the spherical shape of the optimised globules. The nanoemulsion was characterised by measuring its electrical conductivity, viscosity and pH which were determined as 53.1 µS/cm, 327 ± 3.05 cP and 5.63 ± 1.78, respectively. In conclusion, these NEs have great potential for improving solubility, drug delivery, and administration of BDQ. However, further studies are required to maximise the drug content and to demonstrate to what extent these NE have effect against MDR-TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Electrospun nanofiber scaffolds have been widely used in tissue engineering because they can mimic extracellular matrix-like structures and offer advantages including high porosity, large specific surface area, and customizable structure. In this study, we prepared scaffolds composed of aligned and random electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers capable of delivering basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in a sustained manner for repairing damaged tendons. Results: Aligned and random PCL fiber scaffolds containing bFGF-loaded bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles (BSA-bFGF NPs, diameter 146 ± 32 nm) were fabricated, respectively. To validate the viability of bFGF-loaded aligned PCL nanofiber scaffold (aPCL + bFGF group) in tendon tissue engineering, we assessed the in vitro differentiation of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) towards a tenogenic lineage and the in vivo regeneration of tendons using a rat Achilles tendon defect model. The encapsulated bFGF could be delivered in a sustained manner in vitro. The aPCL + bFGF scaffold promoted the in vitro differentiation of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) towards a tenogenic lineage. In the repair of a rat Achilles tendon defect model, the aPCL + bFGF group showed a better repair effect. The scaffold offers a promising substrate for the regeneration of tendon tissue. Conclusions: The aligned and random PCL fiber scaffolds containing bFGF nanoparticles were successfully prepared, and their physical and chemical properties were characterized. The aPCL + bFGF scaffold could promote the expression of the related genes and proteins of tendon-forming, facilitating tendon differentiation. In the rat Achilles tendon defect experiments, the aPCL + bFGF exhibited excellent tendon regeneration effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycerol-(9,10-trioxolane) trioleate (OTOA) is a promising material that combines good plasticizing properties for PLA with profound antimicrobial activity, which makes it suitable for application in state-of-the-art biomedical and packaging materials with added functionality. On the other hand, application of OTOA in PLA-based antibacterial materials is hindered by a lack of knowledge on kinetics of the OTOA release. In this work, the release of glycero-(9,10-trioxolane) trioleate (OTOA) from PLA films with 50% OTOA content was studied during incubation in normal saline solution, and for the first time, the kinetics of OTOA release from PLA film was evaluated. Morphological, thermal, structural and mechanical properties of the PLA + 50% OTOA films were studied during incubation in normal saline and corresponding OTOA release using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and mechanical tests. It was confirmed by DSC and XRD that incubation in the saline solution and corresponding OTOA release from PLA film does not lead to significant changes in the structure of the polymer matrix. Thus, the formation of more disturbed α' crystalline phase of PLA due to partial hydrolysis of amorphous zones and/or most unstable crystallites in the PLA/OTOA semi-crystalline structure was observed. The degree of crystallinity of PLA + OTOA film was also slightly increased at the prolonged stages of OTOA release. PLA + 50% OTOA film retained its strength properties after incubation in normal saline, with a slight increase in the elastic modulus and tensile strength, accompanied by a significant decrease in relative elongation at break. The obtained results showed that PLA + 50% OTOA film could be characterized by sustained OTOA release with the amount of released OTOA exceeding 50% of the initial content in the PLA film. The OTOA release profile was close to zero-order kinetics, which is beneficial in order to provide stable drug release pattern. Developed PLA + 50% OTOA films showed a strong and stable antibacterial effect against Raoultella terrigena and Escherichia coli, bacterial strains with multidrug resistance behavior. The resulting PLA + OTOA films could be used in a variety of biomedical and packaging applications, including wound dressings and antibacterial food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intramolecular bonds in small organic molecules, macromolecules, and organic-inorganic hybrids are broken or formed by ultrasound-activated mechanical force that can be applied with spatial and temporal precision for contactless external control of mechanochemical reactions. Ultrasound featuring non-invasiveness, high tissue penetration, and spatiotemporal controllability has shown great potential in controlling the activation of mechanochemical reactions such as chemical bond scission, natural enzyme activation, and catalytic radical generation for targeted drug or gene therapy. Here, we comprehensively summarize the latest research and future trends in ultrasound-activated mechanochemical reactions for smart biomedical applications. First, the mechanism of ultrasound-activated mechanochemical reactions will be outlined. Then, the types of mechanochemical reactions will be carefully discussed. After that, the representative biomedical applications have been summarized from a unique perspective. Finally, we systematically emphasize the current challenges and future outlooks to guide the rational design of ultrasound-activated drug release over conventional drug-loaded therapies. We believe that this review will substantially facilitate the progression and widespread utilization of ultrasound-activated mechanochemical reactions in biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Achieving a balance between stable drug loading/delivery and on-demand drug activation/release at the target sites remains a significant challenge for nanomedicines. Carrier-free prodrug nanoassemblies, which rely on the design of prodrug molecules, offer a promising strategy to optimize both drug delivery efficiency and controlled drug release profiles. Methods: A library of doxorubicin (DOX) prodrugs was created by linking DOX to fatty alcohols of varying chain lengths via a tumor-responsive disulfide bond. In vitro studies assessed the stability and drug release kinetics of the nanoassemblies. In vivo studies evaluated their drug delivery efficiency, tumor accumulation, and antitumor activity in mouse models. Results: In vitro results demonstrated that longer fatty alcohol chains improved the stability of the nanoassemblies but slowed down the disassembly and drug release process. DSSC16 NAs (hexadecanol-modified DOX prodrug) significantly prolonged blood circulation time and enhanced tumor accumulation, with AUC values 14.2-fold higher than DiR Sol. In 4T1 tumor-bearing mouse models, DSSC16 NAs exhibited notably stronger antitumor activity, resulting in a final mean tumor volume of 144.39 ± 36.77 mm3, significantly smaller than that of all other groups (p < 0.05 by ANOVA at a 95% confidence interval). Conclusions: These findings underscore the critical role of prodrug molecule design in the development of effective prodrug nanoassemblies. The balance between stability and drug release is pivotal for optimizing drug delivery and maximizing therapeutic efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to control the release of methotrexate (MTX) from a cellulose-based molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) film containing melanin using near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation. Methacrylic acid (MAA) as a functional monomer for the recognition of MTX was grafted to carboxymethyl cellulose through free radical polymerisation. Templating molecule MTX was then attached via hydrogen bonding to MAA. Melanin was then added to the MIP film. The MIP film selectively recognised MTX over folic acid (with a similar structure to MTX). After 808 nm NIR laser irradiation at 0.7 W/cm2 for 10 min, the surface temperature of the MIP film rose above 60°C and the MTX release and permeation rates increased rapidly. After release of the MTX from the MIP film, more uniformly sized pores were observed than seen in the non-molecularly imprinted film. These results indicate that the MIP film is suitable for transdermal drug delivery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By functionalizing reduced graphene oxide with polydopamine, the production of a two-dimensional hydrophilicplatform with hydrophobic areas, suitable for the stabilization and slow and controlled release of hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, was realized. The functionalized graphene was first enriched with different organic drug molecules, either hydrophilic, such as doxorubicin, or hydrophobic, such as curcumin or quercetin, and then incorporated into a xerogel of chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol. The graphene substrate stabilizes the xerogel in water and effectively controls the release of doxorubicin for more than three weeks. The release of curcumin and quercetin in the aqueous environment was equally successful but at different rates. The drug-loaded xerogels also worked effectively after their incorporation into a hemostatic cotton gauze. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The local application of broad-spectrum antibiotics via polymeric drug delivery systems is a promising alternative to their systemic administration in wound healing, prevention and treatment of infections associated with surgical implants. However, low and poorly controlled loading efficiency and 100% burst release are common problems for the materials with weak physical interaction between antibiotics and polymeric matrices. Here, we report a new multifunctional carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) cryogel, which efficiently prevents bacterial adhesion to the surface, kills bacteria in the solution via controlled release of ciprofloxacin (CIP), and promotes fibroblast proliferation. The suggested approach is based on CIP loading to Zn2+-chelated CMC cryogel via the ligand exchange reaction. We have shown that, due to the strong binding of Zn2+ to CMC, the antibacterial effect and toxicity to fibroblasts of CMC-Zn-CIP cryogels were mainly determined by the content of loaded CIP, which can be precisely controlled via Zn2+ content in cryogel. CMC cryogels containing 20 mgZn/g can be loaded with CIP amounts sufficient to completely suppress the growth of hospital strain Klebsiella oxytoca with MIC of 0.125 µg/mL, while maintaining a fibroblast viability at the level of 85–90%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, it is examined how nanocellulose has been used in drug release so far. In the thinning, information is given briefly on controlled drug release and its importance, nanomaterials in controlled release, structure, and production of nanocellulose. Then, examples of the use of nanocellulose in drug release are given. The disadvantage of still having a slightly high production cost has been identified. However, it is understood that it is a very suitable material for drug release due to its abundance in nature, easy availability, and biocompatibility. Therefore, at the end of the study, it is recommended that nanocellulose of different sizes would be very useful for producing nanocellulose in different sizes and its applications in drug release and nanocellulose with other functional groups for drug release. In this respect, it is predicted that studies on nanocellulose as a natural product in terms of drug release will accelerate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Template residues during the preparation of hydroxyapatite (HA) microspheres with hollow structures limit their biological applications to some extent. In this study, the nanosheet-assembled porous-wall hollow HA microspheres were successfully synthesized by a template-free hydrothermal method. SEM and TEM observations revealed that the prepared hollow HA microspheres were about 3–7 μm in diameter and were composed of an interior cavity and a porous shell assembled by nanosheets (consisting of radial nanorods arranged side-by-side). A possible mechanism for the formation of the hollow HA microspheres was proposed based on the time-gradient experiments. Furthermore, the hollow HA microspheres exhibited excellent vancomycin loading capacity (101.3 mg/g) and pH-responsive release properties. This study provides new inspiration for the design and various applications of hollow materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogels have emerged as promising biomaterials due to their excellent performance; however, their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and absorbability still require improvement to support a broader range of medical applications. This paper presents a new biofunctionalized hydrogel based on in situ crosslinking between maleimide-terminated four-arm-poly(ethylene glycol) (4–arm–PEG–Mal) and poly(ε-lysine) (ε–PL). The PEG/ε–PL hydrogels, named LG–n, were rapidly formed via amine/maleimide reaction by mixing 4–arm–PEG–Mal and ε–PL under physiological conditions. The corresponding dry gels (DLG–n) were obtained through a freeze-drying technique. 1H NMR, FT–IR, and SEM were utilized to confirm the structures of 4–arm–PEG–Mal and LG–n (or DLG–n), and the effects of solid content on the physicochemical properties of the hydrogels were investigated. Although high solid content could increase the swelling ratio, all LG–n samples exhibited a low equilibrium swelling ratio of less than 30%. LG–7, which contained moderate solid content, exhibited optimal compression properties characterized by a compressive fracture strength of 45.2 kPa and a deformation of 69.5%. Compression cycle tests revealed that LG–n demonstrated good anti-fatigue performance. In vitro degradation studies confirmed the biodegradability of LG–n, with the degradation rate primarily governing the drug (ceftibuten) release efficiency, leading to a sustained release duration of four weeks. Cytotoxicity tests, cell survival morphology observation, live/dead assays, and hemolysis tests indicated that LG–n exhibited excellent cytocompatibility and low hemolysis rates (<5%). Furthermore, the broad-spectrum antibacterial activity of LG–n was verified by an inhibition zone method. In conclusion, the developed LG–n hydrogels hold promising applications in the medical field, particularly as drug sustained-release carriers and wound dressings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometriosis is a prevalent gynecological condition characterized by chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and infertility, affecting ≈176 million women of reproductive age worldwide. Current treatments, including pharmacological and surgical interventions, are often associated with significant side effects and high recurrence rates. Consequently, there is an urgent need for innovative and safer therapeutic approaches. In this study, an injectable magnetic hydrogel nanosystem is developed designed for the dual‐purpose magnetothermal and anti‐inflammatory treatment of endometriosis. This hydrogel incorporates Fe3O4 nanoparticles alongside an anti‐inflammatory peptide. Upon magnetic activation, the Fe3O4 nanoparticles induce a localized hyperthermic response, raising the temperature of endometriotic lesions to 63.3 °C, effectively destroying endometriotic cells. Concurrently, the thermally responsive hydrogel facilitates the controlled release of the anti‐inflammatory peptide, thus modulating the inflammatory milieu. The biocompatibility and complete in vivo degradability of the hydrogel further enhance its therapeutic potential. The in vivo studies demonstrated that this injectable magnetic hydrogel system achieved a 90% reduction in the volume of endometriotic lesions and significantly decreased inflammatory markers, offering a promising non‐invasive treatment modality for endometriosis. By integrating precise lesion ablation with the modulation of the inflammatory microenvironment, this system represents a novel approach to the clinical management of endometriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The type of algorithm employed to predict drug release from liposomes plays an important role in affecting the accuracy. In recent years, Machine Learning (ML) has shown potential for modeling complex drug delivery systems and predicting drug release dynamics with a greater degree of precision. In this regard, Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) are two ML algorithms that have been extensively applied in various biomedical and drug delivery contexts. Yet, direct comparisons of their predictive accuracy in modeling ultrasound-triggered drug release from liposomes remain limited. Existing studies predominantly focus on drug release under static conditions or with limited external stimuli rather than the dynamic, nonlinear responses observed under ultrasound exposure. Objective: This study presents a comparative analysis of RF and SVM for predicting calcein release from ultrasound-triggered, targeted liposomes under varied low-frequency ultrasound (LFUS) power densities (6.2, 9, and 10 mW/cm2). Methods: Liposomes loaded with calcein and targeted with seven different moieties (cRGD, estrone, folate, Herceptin, hyaluronic acid, lactobionic acid, and transferrin) were synthesized using the thin-film hydration method. The liposomes were characterized using Dynamic Light Scattering and Bicinchoninic Acid assays. Extensive data collection and preprocessing were performed. RF and SVM models were trained and evaluated using mean absolute error (MAE), mean squared error (MSE), coefficient of determination (R²), and the a20 index as performance metrics. Results: RF consistently outperformed SVM, achieving R2 scores above 0.96 across all power densities, particularly excelling at higher power densities and indicating a strong correlation with the actual data. Conclusion: RF outperforms SVM in drug release prediction, though both show strengths and apply based on specific prediction needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) has garnered significant attention for its potential therapeutic benefits across a wide spectrum of health conditions. Despite its remarkable antioxidant properties, ALA is hindered by challenges such as low bioavailability, short half-life, and unpleasant odor. To overcome these limitations and enhance ALA's therapeutic efficacy, various nanoparticulate drug delivery systems have been explored. This comprehensive review evaluates the application of different nanoparticulate carriers, including lipid-based nanoparticles (solid lipid nanoparticles, niosomes, liposomes, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), and micelles), nanoemulsions, polymeric nanoparticles (nanocapsules, PEGylated nanoparticles, and polycaprolactone nanoparticles), films, nanofibers, and gold nanoparticles, for ALA delivery. Each nanoparticulate system offers unique advantages, such as improved stability, sustained release, enhanced bioavailability, and targeted delivery. For example, ALA-loaded SLNs demonstrated benefits for skin care products and skin rejuvenation. ALA encapsulated in niosomes showed potential for treating cerebral ischemia, a condition largely linked to stroke. ALA-loaded cationic nanoemulsions showed promise for ophthalmic applications, reducing vascular injuries, and corneal disorders. Coating liposomes with chitosan further enhanced stability and performance, promoting drug absorption through the skin. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the advancements in nanoparticulate delivery systems for ALA, highlighting their potential to overcome the limitations of ALA administration and significantly enhance its therapeutic effectiveness. These innovative approaches hold promise for the development of improved ALA-based treatments across a broad spectrum of health conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid)-based microspheres of two types, with and without macropores, were prepared; their morphology and particle size were evaluated. These microspheres were entrapped as disperse fillers into the bulk of macroporous cryogels based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). It was found that the rigidity of the resultant composite cryogels increased markedly as compared to that of unfilled cryogels of the same PVA concentration. The resulting composites were further tested for their potential to act as drug carriers. With that, simvastatin was included into the filler particles directly in the course of their preparation, followed by entrapment of such drug-loaded microspheres into the PVA cryogel. In turn, ibuprofen sodium salt was introduced into the preliminary prepared cryogels filled with the drug-free microspheres. The experimental study of drug release kinetics showed that due to the non-covalent interactions of both simvastatin and ibuprofen sodium salt with the particles of discrete phase, prolongation of the release processes was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study developed hydrogels containing different ratios of TA using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) polymers crosslinked with tannic acid (TA) for the treatment of burn wounds. Various tests, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), swelling, moisture retention, contact angle, tensile strength, the scratch test, antibacterial activity and the in vitro drug-release test, were applied to characterize the developed hydrogels. Additionally, the hydrogels were examined for cytotoxic properties and cell viability with the WST-1 test. TA improved both the self-healing properties of the hydrogels and showed antibacterial activity, while the added gentamicin (GEN) further increased the antibacterial activities of the hydrogels. The hydrogels exhibited good hydrophilic properties and high swelling capacity, moisture retention, and excellent antibacterial activity, especially to S. aureus. In addition, the swelling and drug-release kinetics of hydrogels were investigated, and while swelling of hydrogels obeyed the pseudo-second-order modeling, the drug release occurred in a diffusion-controlled manner according to the Higuchi and Korsmeyer–Peppas models. These results show that PVA/PEI-based hydrogels have promising potential for wound dressings with increased mechanical strength, swelling, moisture retention, self-healing, and antibacterial properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Designing and manufacturing controlled drug release systems can be highly beneficial in improving drug treatment methods. The aim of this study is to synthesize SBA-16 nanosilica and evaluate its use as a drug carrier for carbamazepine. Additionally, this research aims to assess the effects of pH, contact time, temperature, initial drug concentration, and adsorbent amount on the performance efficiency of the drug carrier. Materials and Methods: In this study, carbamazepine (obtained from the Food and Drug Organization of Iran), double-distilled water, 1-butanol, hydrochloric acid, pluronic copolymer F127, tetraethyl orthosilicate, and sodium hydroxide were used. All chemicals were sourced from Sigma-Aldrich and Merck. A dialysis bag manufactured by Sigma-Aldrich (14000 MWCO, 99.99% retention) was used for drug release experiments. The equipment used in this research includes a digital scale (EJ 303), pH meter (ST 2100), oven (Memmert), magnetic stirrer (HOTPLATE STIRRER 81), electric furnace (Shimaz), FT-IR device (Magna-IR Spectrometer 550 Nicolet), X-ray diffraction device (STADIP), scanning electron microscope (MIRA3-LMU), UV-Vis spectrophotometer (DB20-UV), and BET analyzer (NanoSORD92). SBA-16 was synthesized using the sol-gel method. XRD, FTIR, SEM, and EDX analyses were employed to identify and characterize the synthesized adsorbent. The effects of pH, adsorbent amount (nanocarrier), drug concentration, temperature, and contact time were evaluated using the response surface method (RSM) with the central composite design (CCD) in the Design of Experiments software (DOE) to determine optimal conditions and maximum drug loading capacity. Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin adsorption isotherms were used for adsorption studies, and thermodynamic and kinetic studies were also conducted. The dialysis method was applied for drug release experiments, providing physical separation and allowing easy sampling at different time intervals. Results: In this study, SBA-16 nanosilica was successfully synthesized, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the SBA-16 surface demonstrated that it had a spherical and homogeneous morphology with particle sizes ranging from 2 to 50 nm. Additionally, the XRD spectrum showed that SBA-16 had a regular structure. Experiment design was used to investigate the effects of key parameters. After conducting the tests, the results were input into the software to generate the best model for evaluating and describing the data. Of the four models (linear, interaction, quadratic, and cubic), the software proposed the quadratic model as the most consistent with the responses. According to the software output, the nanocarrier was able to adsorb 99.87% of carbamazepine under optimal conditions (pH=2, initial drug concentration=20 ppm, drug carrier amount=0.05 g, temperature = 30°C, and contact time=12 minutes). The adsorption data fit the Langmuir isotherm most closely (R²=0.9996). Thermodynamic studies revealed that the adsorption process is spontaneous, exothermic, and physical, following first-order kinetics. The drug release data corresponded with the theoretical kinetic model presented by Zeng et al. (2012) for drug release from mesoporous silica nanoparticles, which assumes an initial burst release in the early hours followed by a slow and steady release. Conclusion: The nanocarrier introduced in this research is a water-insoluble, non-toxic, and highly effective adsorbent for loading the drug carbamazepine. The results demonstrated that, under optimal conditions, the drug loading efficiency reached 99.87%. Additionally, the study showed controlled drug release. The adsorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm with a regression coefficient of 0.9991, while drug release followed the first-order kinetic model with a regression coefficient of 0.9996. Thermodynamic results indicated that the drug loading process is exothermic and spontaneous

Abstract The purpose of the current work was to develop and characterize ethosomes of vitamin D3 gel that could more effectively work against psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. Due to vitamin D3 role in proliferation and maturation of keratinocytes, it has become an important local therapeutic option in the treatment of psoriasis. In this research we have initiated worked on ethosomes gels containing vitamin D3 to treat psoriasis. Soya lecithin 1–8% (w/v), propylene glycol and ethanol were used to create the formulations, which were then tested for vesicle size, shape, surface morphology, entrapment effectiveness, and in vitro drug permeation. The drug encapsulation efficiency of ethosomes was 96.25% ± 0.3. The particle sizes of the optimized ethosomes was 148 and 657 nm, and the PDI value was 0.770 ± 0.12 along with negative charge − 14 ± 3. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) along with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) studies confirmed the absence of interactions between vitamin D3 and other ingredients. It was determined that the total amount of medication that penetrated the membrane was 95.34% ± 3. Percentage lysis was very negligible for all strengths which were found less than 15%. Based on our research, ethosomes appear to be safe for use. The vitamin D3 ethosomal gel order, description, pH, and viscosity were all within the specified ranges, according to the findings of a 6-month investigation into the stability profile of the completed system. In this research, we successfully prepared ethosomes loaded with vitamin D3 and then converted it into gel for patients’ easy applications.

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

Polypropylene (PP) rapidly gains scientific attention as fatigue-resistant and lightweight tissue repair and implant material, while emerging laser-sintering based methods for PP processing further allow unlimited versatility of PP specimens and often reduced numbers of process steps, substituting traditional manufacturing approaches. Generally, PP is considered biocompatible for a variety of medical applications while showing superior long-term stability, however, thermoplastic processing of polypropylene may induce the formation of cytotoxic degradation products, necessitating its cytotoxicological assessment. In the present study, PP specimens have been fabricated using warm, quasi-isothermal and complementary cold, non-isothermal powder bed fusion (PBF), allowing processing PP at ambient powder bed temperature of 25 °C for minimizing thermal exposure and the formation of decomposition products. The surface of manufactured specimens has been modified with hybrid coatings consisting of mesoporous inorganic microcrystals of vaterite laden with model biomacromolecules, i.e., fluorescently labelled dextran, demonstrating the stable coating and attachment of dextran-loaded vaterite crystals independent of the applied PBF processing regime. Vaterite coating is degradable and enables the opportunity to endow the surface of PP with sustained release functionalities. Both coated and uncoated specimens demonstrated excellent biocompatibility independent of the applied processing regime, as evaluated in an ex ovo shell-less hen's egg model.

الملخص: أهداف البحث: داساتينيب هو مثبط تيروزين كيناز من الجيل الثاني. إنه يعمل كدواء جزيء صغير متعدد الأهداف من خلال استهداف كينازات التيروزين المختلفة التي تشارك في نمو الخلايا الورمية. وقد وجدت التحقيقات الأخيرة أنه يمنع تكاثر الخلايا السرطانية، والهجرة، ويحفز موت الخلايا المبرمج في مجموعة متنوعة من الأورام الصلبة. ومع ذلك، فهو ضعيف الذوبان في الماء تحت ظروف الرقم الهيدروجيني المختلفة، بالإضافة إلى نصف عمره القصير. لذلك، فإن تطوير نظام توصيل الدواء المحتوي على داساتينيب، ذاتي الاستحلاب يمكن أن يساعد في التغلب على هذه المشكلات في علاج الخلايا السرطانية. طريقة البحث: تم تطوير تركيبات مختلفة لنظام توصيل الدواء ذاتي الاستحلاب ومحملة بداساتينيب باستخدام آيزوبروبيل ميريستات (مرحلة الزيت)، ولابرافيل (الخافض للتوتر السطحي)، والبولي إيثيلين جلايكول (الخافض للتوتر السطحي المشترك). تم تقييم الخواص الفيزيائية والكيميائية للتركيبات من حيث حجم القطرات، وكفاءة التغليف، وإطلاق الدواء في المختبر. تم أيضا تقييم السمية الخلوية للتركيبات على ثلاثة خطوط من الخلايا السرطانية، وسرطان القولون والمستقيم البشري وسرطان الثدي الغدي البشري، بالإضافة إلى خلايا الليفية الرئوية الجنينية البشرية الطبيعية من أجل الانتقائية. النتائج: داساتينيب-تركيبة نظام توصيل الدواء ذاتي الاستحلاب، تتميز بحجم جسيم جيد، وكفاءة تغليف، وإطلاق دواء في المختبر. في فهمنا، أظهرت هذه الدراسة أن فعالية داساتينيب المضادة للسرطان - نظام الاستحلاب الذاتي، ونظام توصيل الدواء كان لها تأثيرات أفضل على السمية الخلوية على خطوط الخلايا السرطانية الثلاثة، وسرطان الثدي الغدي البشري، وسرطان القولون والمستقيم البشري، مقارنة مع داساتينيب النقي. الاستنتاجات: من المحتمل أن تكون تركيبات نظام توصيل الدواء داساتينيب-الاستحلاب الذاتي، فعالة كطريقة مستدامة لتوصيل الدواء لعلاج السرطان. Abstract: Background/Aim: Dasatinib (DS), a second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor, functions as a multi-target small-molecule drug via targeting various tyrosine kinases involved in neoplastic cell growth. DS inhibits cancer cell replication and migration, and induces tumor cell apoptosis in a variety of solid tumors. However, it is poorly soluble in water under some pH values. Therefore, the development of a DS-containing, self-emulsifying, drug delivery system (SeDDs) could help overcome these problems in treating cancer cells. Methods: Various SeDD formulations loaded with DS were developed with isopropyl myristate (oil phase), Labrafil (surfactant), and polyethylene glycol (co-surfactant). The physicochemical properties of the formulations were assessed according to droplet size, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro drug release. The cytotoxicity of the formulations on the cancer cell lines HT29 and SW420 (human colorectal carcinoma), and MCF7 (human breast adenocarcinoma), in addition to MRC5 normal human fetal lung fibroblasts, was evaluated to assess selectivity. Results: The DS-SeDD formulation showed favorable particle size, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro drug release. The anti-cancer potency of DS-SeDDs had greater cytotoxicity effects than pure DA on the three cancer cell lines, MCF7, HT29, and SW420l. Conclusion: The developed DS-SeDD formulations may potentially be an effective sustained drug delivery method for cancer therapy.

In this study, ZnO quantum dots (ZnO@QDs) were synthesized and functionalized with 2nd generation poly amido amine (2GPD) using 3-amino-propyl tri-methoxy silane as the initiator core, facilitated by tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) to enhance stability against oleate coating. Concurrently, a mesoporous substrate with a unique morphology was developed as a drug reservoir for doxorubicin loading. ZnO quantum dots displayed photoluminescence radiation, with dimensions ranging from 5 to 7 nm and exhibiting spherical morphology. The cubic structure of the synthesized mesoporous nanocatalysts was also confirmed. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis indicated a multidimensional porous structure of the nanocarriers, while zeta potential analysis showed a stable system (approximately −9.6 mV). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and energy dispersive spectroscopy corroborated these findings. Drug release studies demonstrated sustained release under acidic conditions (pH 5.5), with an efficiency of approximately 94 %. These results highlight the potential applications of this nanosystem for controlled drug delivery, underscoring its practical implications in the field of nanotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the understanding of the role of the immune system in tumor progression and metastasis is paving the way for the development of antitumoral strategies based on the delivery of immunotherapeutic agents. The engineering of stimuli‐responsive nanocarriers able to release their payload in a controlled manner being able to boost potent and sustained immune responses against tumors has provided a powerful tool to eradicate tumors with extreme precision. Paramount advantages to trigger the immune system against tumors are the high selectivity and memory effect of immune response, which allows not only to eradicate primary and metastatic malignancies but also to avoid their relapse. In this review, the recent advances carried out in the development of smart nanocarriers for immunotherapy are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of hybrid hydrogels of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were synthesized using gelatin as a crosslinker and investigated for controlled delivery of the first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, Cefazedone sodium (CFD). A commercially available 4-arm-PEG–OH was first modified to obtain four-arm-PEG–succinimidyl glutarate (4-arm-PEG–SG), which formed the gelatin–PEG composite hydrogels (SnNm) through crosslinking with gelatin. To regulate the drug delivery, SnNm hydrogels with various solid contents and crosslinking degrees were prepared. The effect of solid contents and crosslinking degrees on the thermal, mechanical, swelling, degradation, and drug release properties of the hydrogels were intensively investigated. The results revealed that increasing the crosslinking degree and solid content of SnNm could not only enhance the thermal stability, swelling ratio (SR), and compression resistance capacity of SnNm but also prolong the degradation and drug release times. The release kinetics of the SnNm hydrogels were found to follow the first-order model, suggesting that the transport rate of CFD within the matrix of hydrogels is proportional to the concentration of the drug where it is located. Specifically, S1N1-III showed 90% mass loss after 60 h of degradation and a sustained release duration of 72 h. The cytotoxicity assay using the MTT method revealed that cell viability rates of S1N1 were higher than 95%, indicating excellent cytocompatibility. This study offers new insights and methodologies for the development of hydrogels as biomedical composite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the current work was to develop and characterize ethosomes of vitamin D3 gel that could more effectively work against psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. Due to vitamin D3 role in proliferation and maturation of keratinocytes, it has become an important local therapeutic option in the treatment of psoriasis. In this research we have initiated worked on ethosomes gels containing vitamin D3 to treat psoriasis. Soya lecithin 1–8% (w/v), propylene glycol and ethanol were used to create the formulations, which were then tested for vesicle size, shape, surface morphology, entrapment effectiveness, and in vitro drug permeation. The drug encapsulation efficiency of ethosomes was 96.25% ± 0.3. The particle sizes of the optimized ethosomes was 148 and 657 nm, and the PDI value was 0.770 ± 0.12 along with negative charge − 14 ± 3. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) along with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) studies confirmed the absence of interactions between vitamin D3 and other ingredients. It was determined that the total amount of medication that penetrated the membrane was 95.34% ± 3. Percentage lysis was very negligible for all strengths which were found less than 15%. Based on our research, ethosomes appear to be safe for use. The vitamin D3 ethosomal gel order, description, pH, and viscosity were all within the specified ranges, according to the findings of a 6-month investigation into the stability profile of the completed system. In this research, we successfully prepared ethosomes loaded with vitamin D3 and then converted it into gel for patients' easy applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work combines experimental and computational modeling studies for the preparation of a composite of metformin and an organoclay, examining the advantages of a Tunisian clay used for drug delivery applications. The clay mineral studied is a montmorillonite-like smectite (Sm-Na), and the organoclay derivative (HDTMA-Sm) was used as a drug carrier for metformin hydrochloride (MET). In order to assess the MET loading into the clays, these materials were characterized by means of cation exchange capacity assessment, specific surface area measurement, and with the techniques of X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy. Computational molecular modeling studies showed the surface adsorption process, identifying the clay–drug interactions through hydrogen bonds, and assessing electrostatic interactions for the hybrid MET/Sm-Na and hydrophobic interactions and cation exchange for the hybrid MET/HDTMA-Sm. The results show that the clays (Sm-Na and HDTMA-Sm) are capable of adsorbing MET, reaching a maximum load of 12.42 and 21.97 %, respectively. The adsorption isotherms were fitted by the Freundlich model, indicating heterogeneous adsorption of the studied adsorbate–adsorbent system, and they followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. The calculations of ΔGº indicate the spontaneous and reversible nature of the adsorption. The calculation of ΔH° indicates physical adsorption for the purified clay (Sm-Na) and chemical adsorption for the modified clay (HDTMA-Sm). The release of intercalated MET was studied in media simulating gastric and intestinal fluids, revealing that the purified clay (Sm-Na) and the modified organoclay (HDTMA-Sm) can be used as carriers in controlled drug delivery in future clinical applications. The molecular modeling studies confirmed the experimental phenomena, showing that the main adsorption mechanism is the cation exchange process between proton and MET cations into the interlayer space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current transdermal drug delivery technologies, like patches and ointments, effectively deliver low molecular weight drugs through the skin. However, delivering larger, hydrophilic drugs and macromolecules remains a challenge. In the present study, we developed novel transdermal nanoneedle patches containing levofloxacin-loaded modified chitosan nanoparticles. Chitosan was chemically modified with transcutol in three ratios (1/1, 1/2, 1/3, w/w), and the optimum ratio was used for nanoparticle fabrication via the ionic gelation method. The successful modification was confirmed using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, while DLS results revealed that only the 1/3 ratio afforded suitably sized particles of 220 nm. After drug encapsulation, the particle size increased to 435 nm, and the final formulations were examined via XRD and an in vitro dissolution test, which suggested that the nanoparticles reach 60% release in a monophasic pattern at 380 h. We then prepared transdermal patches with pyramidal geometry nanoneedles using different poly(lactic acid)/poly(ethylene adipate) (PLA/PEAd) polymer blends of varying ratios, which were characterized in terms of morphology and mechanical compressive strength. The 90/10 blend exhibited the best mechanical properties and was selected for further testing. Ex vivo permeation studies proved that the nanoneedle patches containing drug-loaded nanoparticles achieved the highest levofloxacin permeation (88.1%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Therapeutic options for addressing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) include the administration of an enema to reduce intestinal inflammation and alleviate associated symptoms. However, uncontrollable retention of enemas in the intestinal tract has posed a long-term challenge for improving their therapeutic efficacy and safety. Herein we have developed a protease-labile hydrogel system as an on-demand enema vehicle with tunable degradation and drug release rates in response to varying matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression. The system, composed of three tailored hydrogel networks, is crosslinked by poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) with 2-, 4- and 8-arms through dynamic hydrazone bonds to confer injectability and generate varying network connectivity. The retention time of the hydrogels can be tuned from 12 to 36 h in the intestine due to their different degradation behaviors induced by MMP-9. The drug-releasing rate of the hydrogels can be controlled from 0.0003 mg/h to 0.278 mg/h. In addition, injection of such hydrogels in vivo resulted in significant differences in therapeutic effects including MMP-9 consumption, colon tissue repair, reduced collagen deposition, and decreased macrophage cells, for treating a mouse model of acute colitis. Among them, GP-8/5-ASA exhibits the best performance. This study validates the effectiveness of the tailored design of hydrogel architecture in response to pathological microenvironment cues, representing a promising strategy for on-demand therapy of IBD. The uncontrollable retention of enemas at the delivery site poses a long-term challenge for improving therapeutic efficacy in IBD patients. MMP-9 is highly expressed in IBD and correlates with disease severity. Therefore, an MMP-9-responsive GP hydrogel system was developed as an enema by linking multi-armed PEG and gelatin through hydrazone bonds. This forms a dynamic hydrogel characterized by in situ gelation, injectability, enhanced bio-adhesion, biocompatibility, controlled retention time, and regulated drug release. GP hydrogels encapsulating 5-ASA significantly improved the intestinal phenotype of acute IBD and demonstrated notable therapeutic differences with increasing PEG arms. This method represents a promising on-demand IBD therapy strategy and provides insights into treating diseases of varying severities using endogenous stimulus-responsive drug delivery systems. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Designing and manufacturing controlled drug release systems can be highly beneficial in improving drug treatment methods. The aim of this study is to synthesize SBA-16 nanosilica and evaluate its use as a drug carrier for carbamazepine. Additionally, this research aims to assess the effects of pH, contact time, temperature, initial drug concentration, and adsorbent amount on the performance efficiency of the drug carrier. Materials and Methods: In this study, carbamazepine (obtained from the Food and Drug Organization of Iran), double-distilled water, 1-butanol, hydrochloric acid, pluronic copolymer F127, tetraethyl orthosilicate, and sodium hydroxide were used. All chemicals were sourced from Sigma-Aldrich and Merck. A dialysis bag manufactured by Sigma-Aldrich (14000 MWCO, 99.99% retention) was used for drug release experiments. The equipment used in this research includes a digital scale (EJ 303), pH meter (ST 2100), oven (Memmert), magnetic stirrer (HOTPLATE STIRRER 81), electric furnace (Shimaz), FT-IR device (Magna-IR Spectrometer 550 Nicolet), X-ray diffraction device (STADIP), scanning electron microscope (MIRA3-LMU), UV-Vis spectrophotometer (DB20-UV), and BET analyzer (NanoSORD92). SBA-16 was synthesized using the sol-gel method. XRD, FTIR, SEM, and EDX analyses were employed to identify and characterize the synthesized adsorbent. The effects of pH, adsorbent amount (nanocarrier), drug concentration, temperature, and contact time were evaluated using the response surface method (RSM) with the central composite design (CCD) in the Design of Experiments software (DOE) to determine optimal conditions and maximum drug loading capacity. Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin adsorption isotherms were used for adsorption studies, and thermodynamic and kinetic studies were also conducted. The dialysis method was applied for drug release experiments, providing physical separation and allowing easy sampling at different time intervals Results: In this study, SBA-16 nanosilica was successfully synthesized, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the SBA-16 surface demonstrated that it had a spherical and homogeneous morphology with particle sizes ranging from 2 to 50 nm. Additionally, the XRD spectrum showed that SBA-16 had a regular structure. Experiment design was used to investigate the effects of key parameters. After conducting the tests, the results were input into the software to generate the best model for evaluating and describing the data. Of the four models (linear, interaction, quadratic, and cubic), the software proposed the quadratic model as the most consistent with the responses. According to the software output, the nanocarrier was able to adsorb 99.87% of carbamazepine under optimal conditions (pH=2, initial drug concentration=20 ppm, drug carrier amount=0.05 g, temperature = 30°C, and contact time=12 minutes). The adsorption data fit the Langmuir isotherm most closely (R²=0.9996). Thermodynamic studies revealed that the adsorption process is spontaneous, exothermic, and physical, following first-order kinetics. The drug release data corresponded with the theoretical kinetic model presented by Zeng et al. (2012) for drug release from mesoporous silica nanoparticles, which assumes an initial burst release in the early hours followed by a slow and steady release. Conclusion: The nanocarrier introduced in this research is a water-insoluble, non-toxic, and highly effective adsorbent for loading the drug carbamazepine. The results demonstrated that, under optimal conditions, the drug loading efficiency reached 99.87%. Additionally, the study showed controlled drug release. The adsorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm with a regression coefficient of 0.9991, while drug release followed the first-order kinetic model with a regression coefficient of 0.9996. Thermodynamic results indicated that the drug loading process is exothermic and spontaneous [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disease's severity, mortality rates, and common failures to achieve clinical improvement during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic exposed the emergency need for new antiviral therapeutics with higher efficacy and fewer adverse effects. This study explores the potential to encapsulate multi-component plant extracts in liposomes as optimized delivery systems and to verify if they exert inhibitory effects against human seasonal betacoronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43) in vitro. The selection of Sambucus nigra, Potentilla reptans, Allium sativum, Aesculus hippocastanum, and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. plant extracts was based on their established pharmacological and antiviral properties. The physicochemical characterization of extract-loaded liposomes was conducted by DLS and electrokinetics. Encapsulated amounts of the extract were evaluated based on the total flavonoid content (TFC) and total polyphenol content (TPC) by colorimetric methods. The BALB 3T3 neutral red uptake (NRU) phototoxicity/cytotoxicity assay was used to estimate compounds' safety. Photo irritation factors (PIFs) of the liposomes containing extracts were <2 which assigned them as non-phototoxic substances. The antiviral capacities of liposomes containing medicinal plant extracts against HCoV-OC43 were measured by the cytopathic effect inhibition test in susceptible HCT-8 cells. The antiviral activity increased by several times compared to "naked" extracts' activity reported previously. A. hippocastanum extract showed 16 times higher inhibitory properties reaching a selectivity index (SI) of 58.96. Virucidal and virus-adsorption effects were investigated using the endpoint dilution method and ∆lgs comparison with infected and untreated controls. The results confirmed that nanoparticles do not directly affect the viral surface or cell membrane, but only serve as carriers of the active substances and the observed protection is due solely to the intracellular action of the extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samples of bacterial cellulose with different contents of carboxyl groups have been obtained. The exchange capacity and degree of swelling of these samples were determined. A procedure was developed for the quantitative spectrophotometric determination of CeO2 nanoparticles. The immobilization of CeO2 nanoparticles on oxidized bacterial cellulose was studied. A semi-empirical kinetic model describing the release of nanoparticles from the matrix was formulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrospinning process is an effective technique for creating micro- and nanofibers from synthetic and natural polymers, with significant potential for biomedical applications and drug delivery systems due to their high drug-loading capacity, large surface area, and tunable release times. Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) stands out for its excellent thermo-mechanical properties, biodegradability, and bioabsorbability. Electrospun PLLA nanofibrous structures have been extensively investigated as wound dressings, sutures, drug delivery carriers, and tissue engineering scaffolds. This study aims to create and characterize electrospun PLLA membranes loaded with spironolactone (SP), mimicking active compounds of Ganoderma lucidum (GL), to develop a biodegradable patch for topical wound-healing applications. GL, a medicinal mushroom, enhances dermal wound healing with its bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides and ganoderic acids. Focusing on GL extracts—obtained through green extraction methods—and innovative drug delivery, we created new fibers for wound-healing potential applications. To integrate complex mixtures of bioactive compounds into the fibers, we developed a prototype using a single pure substance representing the extract mixture. This painstaking work presents the results of the fabricating, wetting, moisture properties, material resilience, and full characterization of the product, providing a robust rationale for the fabrication of fibers imbued with more complex extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gelatin-based hydrogels, despite their excellent biocompatibility, face limitations in their utility for targeted drug release due to low mechanical strength. Thus, this research is directed towards the fabrication of pH-responsive hydrogels based on gelatin, polyacrylamide (PAM) and carboxymethyl tamarind kernel gum (CMTKG), followed by their loading with ampicillin sodium drug. The hydrogel has been optimized by varying crosslinker, and initiator amounts to observe their effect on swelling. The swelling is increased with an increase ininitiator, reaching a maximum of 1371% at pH 7.4 and 1218% at pH 1.2. The hydrogels are analyzed through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), and Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) techniques. Various parameters such as drug loading, porosity, and gel fraction are evaluated. The in vitro drug release is evaluated in both pH 1.2 and 7.4 buffer, with higher drug release (63.3%) observed under alkaline pH. The kinetic modeling data validates the Korsmeyer-Peppas model (R² = 0.9871) to be the suitable model for the explanation of the drug release mechanism, suggesting the Fickian diffusion (n<0.5, pH 1.2) and non-Fickian diffusion (n>0.5, pH 7.4). Therefore, the Gelatin/PAM/CMTKG hydrogel shows potential for targeted release of ampicillin sodium in response to varying pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this in vitro study was to develop calcium sulfate (CS)-based disks infused with an antimicrobial drug, which can be used as a post-surgical treatment modality for osteomyelitis. CS powder was embedded with 10% antibiotic, amoxicillin (AMX) or moxifloxacin (MFX), to form composite disks 11 mm in diameter that were tested for their degradation and antibiotic release profiles. For the disk degradation study portion, the single drug-loaded disks were placed in individual meshes, subsequently submerged in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and incubated at 37 °C. The disks were weighed once every seven days and analyzed via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. During the antibiotic release analysis, composite disks were placed in PBS solution, which was changed every 3 days, and analyzed for antibiotic activity and efficacy. The antibacterial effects of these sustained-release composites were tested by agar diffusion assay using Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) UA 159 as an indicator strain. The degradation data showed significant increases in the degradation of all disks with the addition of antibiotics. Following PBS incubation, there were significant increases in the amount of phosphate and decreases in the amount of sulfate. The agar diffusion assay demonstrated that the released concentrations of the respective antibiotics from the disks were significantly higher than the minimum inhibitory concentration exhibited against S. mutans over a 2–3-week period. In conclusion, CS-antibiotic composite disks can potentially serve as a resorbable, osteoconductive, and antibacterial therapy in the treatment of bone defects and osteomyelitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silybin is a natural flavonolignan with potential anticancer, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties. In the present study, various loadings of silybin (1, 3, and 5 wt%) were encapsulated in poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) fibers by electrospinning, in order to produce new pharmaceutical composites with improved bioactive and drug delivery properties. The morphological characteristics of the composite fibrous structures were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the encapsulation efficiency and the release rate of silybin were quantified using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The analysis of the membranes' thermal behavior by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed the existence of interaction between PCL and silybin. An investigation of the cytocompatibility of the composite membranes revealed that normal cells displayed an unimpeded proliferation in the respective silybin concentrations; however, tumor cell growth demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition. Furthermore, an effective antioxidant activity against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in HEK-293 cells was observed for the prepared electrospun fibrous mats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In recent years, the development of drug-eluting embolization beads that can be imaged has become a hot research topic in regard to meeting clinical needs. In our previous study, we successfully developed nano-assembled microspheres (NAMs) for multimodal imaging purposes. NAMs can not only be visualized under CT/MR/Raman imaging but can also load clinically required doses of doxorubicin. It is important to systematically compare the pharmacokinetics of NAMs with those of commercially available DC Beads and CalliSpheres to evaluate the clinical application potential of NAMs. Methods: In our study, we compared NAMs with two types of drug-eluting beads (DEBs) in terms of irinotecan, drug-loading capacity, release profiles, microsphere diameter variation, and morphological characteristics. Results: Our results indicate that NAMs had an irinotecan loading capacity similar to those of DC Beads and CalliSpheres but exhibited better sustained release in vitro. Conclusion: NAMs have great potential for application in transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for the treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A strategy for the preparation of a hybrid chitosan/silica nanohydrogel is reported, which combines the gelation of chitosan in a nanoemulsion system with a sol–gel process to produce silica. Chitosan is used as a biopolymer matrix, while silica acts as a structuring additive. Hydrogel nanocapsules are obtained through the ionic interaction of the cationic groups of chitosan with the anionic groups of sodium triphosphate (STP), which is used as a physical cross‐linker. Two alternative preparation methods are compared in this work: in the first one, STP is added to the continuous phase of an inverse emulsion of chitosan; in the second one, the fusion of droplets of two emulsions containing separate chitosan and STP takes place. The size of the obtained nanocapsules ranges from 50 to 200 nm. The efficiency of the formed hydrogel for entrapping a hydrophilic model substance (erioglaucine disodium salt) is investigated for the two systems by studying the release in a neutral aqueous medium. The results indicate that the hydrophilic cargo is efficiently encapsulated by both preparation methods, although the droplet‐fusion method yields more stable suspensions. As a general observation, the release behavior of erioglaucine is systematically retarded when silica is present in the systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]