Smart polymers for the controlled delivery of drugs - a concise overview

Smart Radiation Therapy Biomaterials

Radiation therapy (RT) is a crucial component of cancer care, used in the treatment of over 50% of cancer patients. Patients undergoing image guided RT or brachytherapy routinely have inert RT biomaterials implanted into their tumors. The single function of these RT biomaterials is to ensure geometric accuracy during treatment. Recent studies have proposed that the inert biomaterials could be upgraded to "smart" RT biomaterials, designed to do more than 1 function. Such smart biomaterials include next-generation fiducial markers, brachytherapy spacers, and balloon applicators, designed to respond to stimuli and perform additional desirable functions like controlled delivery of therapy-enhancing payloads directly into the tumor subvolume while minimizing normal tissue toxicities. More broadly, smart RT biomaterials may include functionalized nanoparticles that can be activated to boost RT efficacy. This work reviews the rationale for smart RT biomaterials, the state of the art in this emerging cross-disciplinary research area, challenges and opportunities for further research and development, and a purview of potential clinical applications. Applications covered include using smart RT biomaterials for boosting cancer therapy with minimal side effects, combining RT with immunotherapy or chemotherapy, reducing treatment time or health care costs, and other incipient applications.

Online Spectroscopic Monitoring of Drug Release Kinetics from Nanostructured Dual-Stimuli-Responsive Conducting Polymer

PURPOSE

The potential of electrochemical/temperature dual stimuli-responsive conducting polymer to be used as general drug delivery systems. It allows on-demand release of incorporated drug is kinetically investigated in real time.

METHODS

Online spectroscopic monitoring was used to investigate the electrochemically/thermally controlled release behavior of a model drug (naproxen) from drug-doped polypyrrole (DDPPy) film. Avrami's equation has been used to study the kinetics and further analyzing has been carried out using the Arrhenius and the Eyring equations. Furthermore, drug release behavior, with two other electrochemical techniques was investigated.

RESULTS

It was observed both temperature and electrical stimuli increase the rate of release while electrical potential has a greater effect as revealed in the values of release rate constant (from 0.0068 to 0.018 min^-1 at 37°C). It was also shown that a linear relationship exists between the applied electrical potentials and release activation parameters.

CONCLUSION

The electronic properties of the conducting polymer has an important role in release kinetics, there might be a single mechanism with the same limiting step. In addition, it was demonstrated the rate of drug release from DDPPy dramatically depends on the amounts as well as modes of applying potential which provides enhanced control of drug-release kinetics which can be accelerated or even sustained.

A Review of Thermo- and Ultrasound-Responsive Polymeric Systems for Delivery of Chemotherapeutic Agents

There has been an exponential increase in research into the development of thermal- and ultrasound-activated delivery systems for cancer therapy. The majority of researchers employ polymer technology that responds to environmental stimuli some of which are physiologically induced such as temperature, pH, as well as electrical impulses, which are considered as internal stimuli. External stimuli include ultrasound, light, laser, and magnetic induction. Biodegradable polymers may possess thermoresponsive and/or ultrasound-responsive properties that can complement cancer therapy through sonoporation and hyperthermia by means of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU). Thermoresponsive and other stimuli-responsive polymers employed in drug delivery systems can be activated via ultrasound stimulation. Polyethylene oxide/polypropylene oxide co-block or triblock polymers and polymethacrylates are thermal- and pH-responsive polymer groups, respectively but both have proven to have successful activity and contribution in chemotherapy when exposed to ultrasound stimulation. This review focused on collating thermal- and ultrasound-responsive delivery systems, and combined thermo-ultrasonic responsive systems; and elaborating on the advantages, as well as shortcomings, of these systems in cancer chemotherapy. The mechanisms of these systems are explicated through their physical alteration when exposed to the corresponding stimuli. The properties they possess and the modifications that enhance the mechanism of chemotherapeutic drug delivery from systems are discussed, and the concept of pseudo-ultrasound responsive systems is introduced.

Magnetic resonance imaging of osteosarcoma using a bis(alendronate)-based bone-targeted contrast agent

Magnetic resonance (MR) is currently used for diagnosis of osteosarcoma but not well even though contrast agents are administered. Here, we report a novel bone-targeted MR imaging contrast agent, Gd₂-diethylenetriaminepentaacetate-bis(alendronate) (Gd₂-DTPA-BA) for the diagnosis of osteosarcoma. It is the conjugate of a bone cell-seeking molecule (i.e., alendronate) and an MR imaging contrast agent (i.e., Gd-DTPA). Its physicochemical parameters were measured, including pK_a, complex constant, and T₁ relaxivity. Its bone cell-seeking ability was evaluated by measuring its adsorption on hydroxyapatite. Hemolysis was investigated. MR imaging and biodistribution of Gd₂-DTPA-BA and Gd-DTPA were studied on healthy and osteosarcoma-bearing nude mice. Gd₂-DTPA-BA showed high adsorption on hydroxyapatite, the high MR relaxivity (r₁) of 7.613mM^-1s^-1 (2.6 folds of Gd-DTPA), and no hemolysis. The MR contrast effect of Gd₂-DTPA-BA was much higher than that of Gd-DTPA after intravenous injection to the mice. More importantly, the MR imaging of osteosarcoma was significantly improved by Gd₂-DTPA-BA. The signal intensity of Gd₂-DTPA-BA reached 120.3% at 50min, equal to three folds of Gd-DTPA. The bone targeting index (bone/blood) of Gd₂-DTPA-BA in the osteosarcoma-bearing mice was very high to 130 at 180min. Furthermore, the contrast enhancement could also be found in the lung due to metastasis of osteosarcoma. Gd₂-DTPA-BA plays a promising role in the diagnoses of osteosacomas, including the primary bone tumors and metastases.

Actuating Fibers: Design and Applications

Actuators are devices capable of moving or controlling objects and systems by applying mechanical force on them. Among all kinds of actuators with different shapes, fibrous ones deserve particular attention. In spite of their apparent simplicity, actuating fibers allow for very complex actuation behavior. This review discusses different approaches for the design of actuating fibers, and their advantages and disadvantages. We also discuss the prospects for the design of fibers with advanced architectures and complex actuation behavior.

A review of polymers as multifunctional excipients in drug dosage form technology

In the article, groups of multifunctional polymers used in drug dosage form technology were classified and evaluated. These compounds, in addition to their basic function as excipients, may have additional properties, e.g. stimuli sensitivity, enzyme inhibition, intestinal epithelium penetration enhancement, efflux pump inhibition, taste-masking, pharmacological activity and the ability to interact with enzymes responsible for drug metabolism. While classifying specific groups of multifunctional polymers, special emphasis was placed on the advantages of using them when designing new drug. Such advantages include, i.a., increasing substance bioavailability, improving substance stability during formulation and the possibility of obtaining forms of controlled or localized release to a specific site in the organism.

Development and characterization of repellent formulations based on nanostructured hydrogels

Diseases caused by insects could lead to epidemic scenarios in urban areas and insect repellents are a shield against a wide range of insects, but they need to be safe without compromising efficacy. Ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate (EB) is a synthetic mosquito repellent, which could be used in products for adults and children due to its low-allergenic potential. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize EB and Poloxamer 407 nanoemulsions regarding their droplets mean size, pH, rheological properties, cytotoxicity and in vitro permeation profile. The developed formulations (F1 with 12.5% of EB and F2 with 25% of EB) were compared with a commercial formulation containing 12.5% of EB. Droplets mean size was determined by DLS, and for both nanoemulsions they were around 200 nm; however, the commercial formulation presented a droplets mean size of 10 nm, which could contribute to its high permeation. F1 and F2 presented a gel-like behavior, however F2 presented lower viscosity due to the presence of more EB between the polymer chains preventing them to interact with each other. Also, F2 was less retained by the epidermis when compared to F1 probably due to its lower viscosity. For the cytotoxicity assay only F2, which presented the highest concentration of EB was tested, and it was not toxic to the cells. This result could be also extended to F1 which presented half the EB concentration. The present study demonstrated that EB and Poloxamer 407 nanoemulsions are promising as new insect-repellent formulations.

"A novel highly stable and injectable hydrogel based on a conformationally restricted ultrashort peptide"

Nanostructures including hydrogels based on peptides containing non protein amino acids are being considered as platform for drug delivery because of their inherent biocompatibility and additional proteolytic stability. Here we describe instantaneous self-assembly of a conformationally restricted dipeptide, LeuΔPhe, containing an α,β-dehydrophenylalanine residue into a highly stable and mechanically strong hydrogel, under mild physiological aqueous conditions. The gel successfully entrapped several hydrophobic and hydrophilic drug molecules and released them in a controlled manner. LeuΔPhe was highly biocompatible and easily injectable. Administration of an antineoplastic drug entrapped in the gel in tumor bearing mice significantly controlled growth of tumors. These characteristics make LeuΔPhe an attractive candidate for further development as a delivery platform for various biomedical applications.

Polyacrylic acid attenuates ethylene glycol induced hyperoxaluric damage and prevents crystal aggregation in vitro and in vivo

The study explores calcium oxalate crystal inhibiting characteristic of polyacrylic acid (pAA), an anionic polymer in in vitro and in vivo. Animals were divided into 5 groups where group 1 served as control, group 2 were made hyperoxaluric by supplementing with Ethylene glycol (EG) 0.75% (v/v) for 30 days. Group 3, 4 & 5 were also given with EG and treated simultaneously with 2.5, 5 & 10 mg of pAA/kg of body weight, respectively. Urine, serum and tissue analyses along with histological studies were performed at the end of the 30 days study. In vitro crystallization was significantly inhibited by pAA and further it was supported by particle size analyses, XRD and FT-IR studies. Toxicological analyses showed that pAA was safe to use in animals at concentrations below 100 mg/kg BW. In vivo anti-urolithic study showed significant improvement in urinary lithogenic factors (calcium, oxalate, phosphate, citrate & magnesium) and renal function parameters (creatinine, urea and protein). Tissue analyses on anti-oxidant enzyme activity and lipid peroxides showed maintenance of tissue antioxidant status in the pAA supplemented rats and histological studies demonstrated the nephroprotection offered by pAA and were concurrent to the biochemical analyses. Supplementation of pAA not only reduces the crystal aggregation but also regulates the expression and localization of crystal inhibiting proteins and gene expression of inflammatory cytokines in experimental animals. In summary, pAA is a potent anti-urolithic agent in rats and we can propose that 10 mg/kg body weight is the effective dosage of pAA and this concentration can be used for further studies.

Versatile Nanosystem-Based Cancer Theranostics: Design Inspiration and Predetermined Routing

The relevance of personalized medicine, aimed at a more individualized drug therapy, has inspired research into nano-based concerted diagnosis and therapeutics (theranostics). As the intention is to "kill two birds with one stone", scientists have already described the emerging concept as a treasured tailor for the future of cancer therapy, wherein the main idea is to design "smart" nanosystems to concurrently discharge both therapeutic and diagnostic roles. These nanosystems are expected to offer a relatively clearer view of the ingenious cellular trafficking pathway, in-situ diagnosis, and therapeutic efficacy. We herein present a detailed review of versatile nanosystems, with prominent examples of recently developed intelligent delivery strategies which have gained attention in the field of theranostics. These nanotheranostics include various mechanisms programmed in novel platforms to enable predetermined delivery of cargo to specific sites, as well as techniques to overcome the notable challenges involved in the efficacy of theranostics.

Recent Progress in Light-Triggered Nanotheranostics for Cancer Treatment

Treatments of high specificity are desirable for cancer therapy. Light-triggered nanotheranostics (LTN) mediated cancer therapy could be one such treatment, as they make it possible to visualize and treat the tumor specifically in a light-controlled manner with a single injection. Because of their great potential in cancer therapy, many novel and powerful LTNs have been developed, and are mainly prepared from photosensitizers (PSs) ranging from small organic dyes such as porphyrin- and cyanine-based dyes, semiconducting polymers, to inorganic nanomaterials such as gold nanoparticles, transition metal chalcogenides, carbon nanotubes and graphene. Using LTNs and localized irradiation in combination, complete tumor ablation could be achieved in tumor-bearing animal models without causing significant toxicity. Given their great advances and promising future, we herein review LTNs that have been tested in vivo with a highlight on progress that has been made in the past a couple of years. The current challenges faced by these LTNs are also briefly discussed.

QbD-Enabled Development of Novel Stimuli-Responsive Gastroretentive Systems of Acyclovir for Improved Patient Compliance and Biopharmaceutical Performance

The current studies entail systematic quality by design (QbD)-based development of stimuli-responsive gastroretentive drug delivery systems (GRDDS) of acyclovir using polysaccharide blends for attaining controlled drug release profile and improved patient compliance. The patient-centric quality target product profile was defined and critical quality attributes (CQAs) earmarked. Risk assessment studies, carried out through Ishikawa fish bone diagram and failure mode, effect, and criticality analysis, helped in identifying the plausible risks or failure modes affecting the quality attributes of the drug product. A face-centered cubic design was employed for systematic development and optimization of the concentration of sodium alginate (X 1) and gellan (X 2) as the critical material attributes (CMAs) in the stimuli-responsive formulations, which were evaluated for CQAs viz. viscosity, gel strength, onset of floatation, and drug release characteristics. Mathematical modeling was carried out for generation of design space, and optimum formulation was embarked upon, exhibiting formulation characteristics marked by excellent floatation and bioadhesion characteristics along with promising drug release control up to 24 h. Drug-excipient compatibility studies through FTIR and DSC revealed absence of any interaction(s) among the formulation excipients. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies in Wistar rats corroborated extension in the drug absorption profile from the optimized stimuli-responsive GR formulations vis-à-vis the marketed suspension (ZOVIRAX®). Establishment of in vitro/in vivo correlation (IVIVC) revealed a high degree of correlation between the in vitro and in vivo data. In a nutshell, the present investigations report the successful development of stimuli-responsive GRDDS of acyclovir, which can be applicable as a platform approach for other drugs too.

Synthetic Biomaterials from Metabolically Derived Synthons

The utility of metabolic synthons as the building blocks for new biomaterials is based on the early application and success of hydroxy acid based polyesters as degradable sutures and controlled drug delivery matrices. The sheer number of potential monomers derived from the metabolome (e.g., lactic acid, dihydroxyacetone, glycerol, fumarate) gives rise to almost limitless biomaterial structural possibilities, functionality, and performance characteristics, as well as opportunities for the synthesis of new polymers. This review describes recent advances in new chemistries, as well as the inventive use of traditional chemistries, toward the design and synthesis of new polymers. Specific polymeric biomaterials can be prepared for use in varied medical applications (e.g., drug delivery, tissue engineering, wound repair, etc.) through judicious selection of the monomer and backbone linkage.

A review on carrier systems for bone morphogenetic protein-2

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) has unique bone regeneration property. The powerful osteoinductive nature makes it considered as second line of therapy in nonunion bone defect. A large number of carriers and delivery systems made up of different materials have been investigated for controlled and sustained release of BMP-2. The delivery systems are in the form of hydrogel, microsphere, nanoparticles, and fibers. The carriers used for the delivery are made up of metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Implantation of these protein-loaded carrier leads to cell adhesion, degradation which eventually releases the drug/protein at site specific. But, problems like ectopic growth, lesser protein delivery, inactivation of the protein are reported in the available carrier systems. Therefore, it is need of an hour to modify the available carrier systems as well as explore other biomaterials with desired properties. In this review, all the reported carrier systems made of metals, ceramics, polymers, composites are evaluated in terms of their processing conditions, loading capacity and release pattern of BMP-2. Along with these biomaterials, the attempts of protein modification by adding some functional group to BMP-2 or extracting functional peptides from the protein to achieve the desired effect, is also evaluated. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 904-925, 2017.

Aptamer-modified polymer nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery

The purpose of this study was to develop a model system for targeted drug delivery. This system should enable targeted drug release at a certain tissue in the body. In conventional drug delivery systems, drugs are often delivered unspecifically resulting in unwarranted adverse effects. To circumvent this problem, there is an increasing demand for the development of intelligent drug delivery systems allowing a tissue-specific mode of delivery. Within this study, nanoparticles consisting of two biocompatible polymers are used. Because of their small size, nanoparticles are well-suited for effective drug delivery. The small size affects their movement through cell and tissue barriers. Their cellular uptake is easier when compared to larger drug delivery systems. Paclitaxel was encapsulated into the nanoparticles as a model drug, and to achieve specific targeting an aptamer directed against lung cancer cells was coupled to the nanoparticles surface. Nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and nanotracking analysis (NTA). Also their surface charge was characterized from ζ-potential measurements. Their preparation was optimized and subsequently specificity of drug-loaded and aptamer-functionalized nanoparticles was investigated using lung cancer cells.

Facile Fabrication of Polymerizable Ionic Liquid Based-Gel Beads via Thiol-ene Chemistry

Multipurpose gel beads prepared from natural or synthetic polymers have received significant attention in various applications such as drug delivery, coatings, and electrolytes because of their versatility and unique performance as micro- and nanocontainers.1 However, comparatively little work has been done on poly(ionic liquid)-based materials despite their unique ionic characteristics. Thus, in this contribution we report the facile preparation of polymerizable ionic liquid-based gel beads using thiol-ene click chemistry. This novel system incorporates pentaerythritol tetra (3-mercaptopropionate) (PETKMP) and 1,4-di(vinylimidazolium) butane bisbromide in a thiol-ene-based photopolymerization to fabricate the gel beads. Their chemical structure, thermal and mechanical properties have been investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The gel beads possess low Tg and their ionic functionalities attribute self-healing properties and their ability to uptake small molecules or organic compounds offers their potential use as pH sensing material and macrocontainers.

Various Magnetic Properties of Magnetite Nanoparticles Synthesized from Iron-Sands by Coprecipitation Method at Room Temperature

Natural sand-based magnetite nanoparticles have been succesfully synthesized by coprecipitation method at room temperature. Magnetite nanoparticles were investigated by X-ray Diffractometer (XRD) and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). The morphology of magnetite nanoparticles has been evaluated by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Qualitative analysis of XRD data reveals that the structure of magnetite nanoparticles have the same phase of ICSD No. 82237. On the other hand, quantitative analysis shows that the crystallite size of magnetite nanoparticles have ranges between 8.89 nm to 12.49 nm. The average diameter of magnetite nanoparticles increase with the increase the stirring rate of reaction when the stirring rate is lower than 1000 rpm, while the crystallite size of magnetite particles decrease with the increase the stirring rate when the stirring rate is higher than 1000 rpm. The stirring rate of reaction influence the the magnetic properties of magnetite nanoparticles. The results of the best magnetic respon are revealed for the stirring rate of 1000 rpm with the larger the crystallite size of magnetite nanoparticles due to its stronger saturation magnetization.

Towards being genuinely smart: ‘isothermally-responsive’ polymers as versatile, programmable scaffolds for biologically-adaptable materials

Thermo-responsive polymers are of broad interest in a range of biomedical and biotechnological fields. This review summaries the use of ‘isothermal’ transitions where thermo-responsive polymers are re-programmed to respond to other stimuli, but with the same outputs, with the aim of making them ‘smarter’.

Doubly responsive polymersomes towards monosaccharides and temperature under physiologically relevant conditions

A new class of doubly-responsive block copolymers could be utilized as new delivery vehicles for cargo molecules such as insulin.

Thermoresponsive copolymers with pendant d-galactosyl 1,2,3-triazole groups: synthesis, characterization and thermal behavior

A series of glycopolymers containing d-galactosyl 1,2,3-triazole groups were synthesized which exhibited thermosensitivity properties.

Unusual thermogelling behaviour of poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PDMAEMA)-based polymers polymerized in bulk

The bulk synthesis of (PDMAEMA)-based polymers and their unusual thermoreversible gelation in aqueous solutions are described.