Multiresponsive macroporous semi-IPN composite hydrogels based on native or anionically modified potato starch

Structural, mechanical, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of double cross-linked chitosan cryogels as hosts for thymol

The practical applications of essential oils (EOs) are limited by their hydrophobicity, volatility and instability. To overcome these drawbacks, the incorporation of EOs into porous materials is recommended. Chitosan (CS)-based composite cryogels as hosts for thymol as a volatile model terpenoid were developed using a double cross-linking of CS with glutaraldehyde (GA) and monochlorotriazinyl-β-cyclodextrin (MCT-β-CD), either in one-pot synthesis or through sequential cross-linking, first with GA and then with MCT-β-CD, resulting in CSCAV composites. Cross-linking with GA occurred under cryogelation conditions, while cross-linking with MCT-β-CD took place by heating at 60-80 °C. The composite cryogels were characterized by FTIR, 13C NMR, SEM, EDX, swelling kinetics, and uniaxial compressive tests. The mechanical, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of composites were optimized by adjusting the concentrations of CS and GA, the initial CS to MCT-β-CD ratio, and the temperature regime. The novel CS-based biocomposites demonstrated sustained compression over 74 %, characteristic of porous materials obtained through cryogelation process. The antioxidant activity of the CSCAV composites revealed almost all composites exhibited over 85 % 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity. The thymol-loaded composites displayed strong antibacterial effectiveness (up to 100 %) towards both Gram-positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria, with greater inhibition activity observed against S. aureus.

A superporous and pH-sensitive hydrogel from Salvia hispanica (chia) seeds: stimuli responsiveness, on-off switching, and pharmaceutical applications

The use of plant seed-based hydrogels to design drug delivery systems (DDSs) has increased due to their swellable, pH-responsive, biocompatible, biodegradable, and non-toxic nature. Herein, the chia seeds hydrogel (CSH) was extracted through an aqueous extraction method to explore its pH and salt-responsive swelling behavior and sustained release potential. The CSH was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and solid-state cross-polarization magic angle spinning carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (solid/state CP-MAS 13C/NMR) spectra. Thermal analysis indicated that the CSH is a thermally stable material and decomposes in two steps. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of CSH witnessed the existence of microscopic channeling and a superporous nature with average pore sizes of 18 ± 11 μm (transverse cross-sections) and 23 ± 15 μm (longitudinal cross-sections). The CSH is a haemocompatible material. The CSH revealed pH and saline-responsive swelling in powder and compressed form (tablet) in the following order; distilled water (DW) > pH 7.4 > pH 6.8 > pH 1.2. Moreover, the swelling of CSH followed second-order kinetics. The swelling of CSH powder and tablets was decreased with increasing salt concentration. The pH, solvent, and saline responsive on/off switching (swelling/deswelling) results of the CSH and tablets disclosed its stimuli-responsive nature. The CSH prolonged the release of valsartan for 5 h at pH 7.4, whereas, negligible release (19.3%) was noted at pH 1.2. The valsartan release followed first-order kinetics and the non-Fickian diffusion. In conclusion, the CSH is a stimuli-responsive smart material with great potential to develop pH-sensitive and targeted DDSs.

Bioactive interpenetrating hybrids of poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate): Effect of polysaccharide types on structural peculiarities and multifunctionality

Crosslinked poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate) hybrids prepared in the same experimental condition by adding various polysaccharides of different chemical types; inulin, Na-alginate, starch and κ-Carrageenan were qualitatively compared. The results are presented to extract relevant physicochemical properties for qualitative comparison of structures within the same synthesis batch. Elastic properties and swelling degree of hybrids can be tightly regulated using different types of polysaccharides and by controlling effective cross-linking density. Addition of κ-Carrageenan to copolymer network increased elastic modulus by 6.2-fold in as-prepared state, but greatest increase in effective cross-link density through swelling was observed in alginate-doped gels. An overshooting effect was observed for alginate-doped hybrids; swelling first to a maximum, followed by a gradual deswelling until equilibrium was reached. Compressive elasticity of hybrids is mainly controlled by type of polysaccharides and cross-linking density but also depends on polymerization temperature. The obtained hybrid gels displayed excellent adsorption performance for methyl orange (MO). The highest adsorption capacity was reached with inulin-doped hybrids. The rate of adsorption was very fast and reached equilibrium with 98.9 % efficiency at about 90 min. This approach to modify the properties of hybrid gels with various types of polysaccharides may find wide use in biomaterials and water purification applications.

Starch-based materials for drug delivery in the gastrointestinal tract-A review

Starch is a natural copolymer with unique physicochemical characteristics. Historically, it has been physically, chemically, or enzymatically modified to obtain ad-hoc functional properties for its use in different applications. In this context, the use of starch-based materials in drug delivery systems (DDSs) has gained great attention mainly because it is cheap, biodegradable, biocompatible, and renewable. This paper reviews the state of the art in starch-based materials design for their use in drug-controlled release with internal stimulus responsiveness; i.e., pH, temperature, colonic microbiota, or enzymes; specifically, those orally administered for its release in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Physical-chemical principles in the design of these materials taking into account their response to a particular stimulus are discussed. The relationship between the type of DDSs structure, starch modification routes, and the corresponding drug release profiles are systematically analyzed. Furthermore, the challenges and prospects of starch-based materials for their use in stimulus-responsive DDSs are also debated.

Microbial Polysaccharide-Based Formulation with Silica Nanoparticles; A New Hydrogel Nanocomposite for 3D Printing

Natural polysaccharides are highly attractive biopolymers recommended for medical applications due to their low cytotoxicity and hydrophilicity. Polysaccharides and their derivatives are also suitable for additive manufacturing, a process in which various customized geometries of 3D structures/scaffolds can be achieved. Polysaccharide-based hydrogel materials are widely used in 3D hydrogel printing of tissue substitutes. In this context, our goal was to obtain printable hydrogel nanocomposites by adding silica nanoparticles to a microbial polysaccharide's polymer network. Several amounts of silica nanoparticles were added to the biopolymer, and their effects on the morpho-structural characteristics of the resulting nanocomposite hydrogel inks and subsequent 3D printed constructs were studied. FTIR, TGA, and microscopy analysis were used to investigate the resulting crosslinked structures. Assessment of the swelling characteristics and mechanical stability of the nanocomposite materials in a wet state was also conducted. The salecan-based hydrogels displayed excellent biocompatibility and could be employed for biomedical purposes, according to the results of the MTT, LDH, and Live/Dead tests. The innovative, crosslinked, nanocomposite materials are recommended for use in regenerative medicine.

Green nanobiopolymers for ecological applications: a step towards a sustainable environment

To minimize the usage of non-renewable resources and to maintain a sustainable environment, the exploitation of green nanobiopolymers should be enhanced. Biopolymers are generally developed from various microorganisms and plants in the specified condition. This review article discusses the current advances and trends of biopolymers, particularly in the arena of nanotechnology. In addition, discussion on various synthesis steps and structural characterization of green polymer materials like cellulose, chitin, and lignin is also encompassed. This article aims to coordinate the most recent outputs and possible future utilization of nanobiopolymers to the ecosystem with negligible effects by promoting the utilities of polymeric materials like polycaprolactones, starch, and nanocellulose. Additionally, strategic modification of cellulose into nanocellulose via rearrangement of the polymeric compound to serve various industrial and medical purposes has also been highlighted in the review. Specifically, the process of nanoencapsulation and its advancements in terms of nutritional aspects was also presented. The potential utility of green nanobiopolymers is one of the best cost-effective alternatives concerning circular economy and thereby helps to maintain sustainability.

A pH-sensitive, stimuli-responsive, superabsorbent, smart hydrogel from psyllium (Plantago ovata) for intelligent drug delivery

Herein, we report a polysaccharide-based hydrogel isolated from psyllium husk (a well-known dietary fiber) and evaluated for its swelling properties in deionized water (DW) at different physiological pH values, i.e., 1.2, 6.8 and 7.4. Swelling of psyllium hydrogel (PSH) in DW under the influence of temperature and at different concentrations of NaCl and KCl solutions was also examined. A pH-dependent swelling pattern of PSH was observed following the order DW > pH 7.4 > pH 6.8 > pH 1.2. Stimuli-responsive swelling and deswelling (on-off switching) behavior of PSH was observed in DW and ethanol, DW and normal saline, at pH 7.4 and pH 1.2 environments, respectively. Similar swelling behavior and on-off switching attribute of PSH-containing tablets indicated the unaltered nature of PSH even after compression. Scanning electron micrographs of swollen and then freeze-dried PSH via transverse and longitudinal cross-sections revealed hollow channels with an average pore size of 6 ± 2 μm. Furthermore, PSH concentration-dependent sustained release of theophylline from tablet formulation was witnessed for >15 h following the non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. Subacute toxicity studies revealed the non-toxic nature of PSH. Therefore, dietary fiber-based material, i.e., PSH could be a valuable pharmaceutical excipient for intelligent and targeted drug delivery.

Ion-imprinted sponge produced by ice template-assisted freeze drying of salecan and graphene oxide nanosheets for highly selective adsorption of mercury (II) ion

As a kind of potential heavy metal absorbent, polysaccharide-based materials are limited by the complicated preparation method and bad selectivity toward targeted ion. Here, a fantastic sponge was produced by combining salecan and graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets via ice template-assisted freeze drying and ion-imprinting technologies. The intense intermolecular interactions between salecan and GO gave the sponge high stability. The swelling, morphology, and mechanical stiffness of the material showed highly dependent on the salecan content. Additionally, the influence of salecan content, pH, initial ion concentration, and contact time on Hg²⁺ adsorption was extensively investigated. Adsorption kinetics and equilibrium isotherms perfectly fitted in the pseudo-second-order and Freundlich models, reflecting the multilayer chemical-adsorption mediated mechanism. Most strikingly, the ion-imprinted sponge exhibited strong selectivity toward Hg²⁺ and outstanding stability with recyclability over usage of five times. These investigations provide the guidance for the construction of promising polysaccharide-based adsorbents for the remediation of Hg²⁺-polluted water.

Preparation, characterization, and binding profile of imprinted semi-IPN cryogel composite for aluminum

Human body is greatly exposed to aluminum due to its high abundance in the environment. This nonessential metal is a threat to the patients of chronic renal disorders, as it is easily retained in their plasma and quickly accumulates in different tissues. Thus, there is great need to remove it from the aqueous environment. In this study, Al3+ imprinted semiinterpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN)-based cryogel composite was prepared and applied for the purification of environmental and drinking water samples from aluminum. Poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) discs were produced via cryogenic treatment and imprinted semi-IPN was introduced to the 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl acrylatemodified macroporous cryogel discs. The adsorption properties and selectivity of the aluminum (III) imprinted semi-IPN cryogel composite were studied in detail. The imprinted semi-IPN cryogel composite showed good selectivity towards aluminum (III) ions with the imprinting factor (IF) of 76.4 in the presence of competing copper (II), nickle (II), and iron (III) ions. The maximum adsorption capacity of 271 μmol g-1 was obtained for aluminum (III) at pH 7.0 within 10 min using imprinted semi-IPN cryogel composite. The good selectivity and reusability of aluminum (III)-imprinted semi-IPN cryogel composite makes this material an eligible candidate for the purification of drinking water from aluminum (III) leaving important minerals remained in the water.

A review on grafting of hydroxyethylcellulose for versatile applications

Hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) is a biocompatible, biodegradable, nontoxic, hydrophilic, non- ionic water soluble derivative of cellulose. It is broadly used in biomedical field, paint industry, as a soil amendment in agriculture, coal dewatering, cosmetics, absorbent pads, wastewater treatment and gel electrolyte membranes. Industrial uses of HEC can be extended by the its grafting with different polymers including poly acrylic acid, polyacrylamide, polylactic acid, polyethyleneglycol, polydimethyleamide, polycaprolactone, polylactic acid and dimethylamino ethylmethacrylate. This permits the formation of new biomaterials with improved properties and versatile applications. In this article, a comprehensive overview of graft copolymers of HEC with other polymers/compounds and their applications in drug delivery, stimuli sensitive hydrogels, super absorbents, personal hygiene products and coal dewatering is presented.

Polysaccharide-Based Superporous, Superabsorbent, and Stimuli Responsive Hydrogel from Sweet Basil: A Novel Material for Sustained Drug Release

This study is carried out on polysaccharide-based hydrogel extracted from the seeds of Ocimum basilicum L. for its evaluation as a superabsorbent and stimuli responsive biomaterial for sustained release drug delivery system. O. basilicum (Syn: Basil) seed hydrogel (BSH) expressed high swelling capacity at pH 6.8 and 7.4 and deionized water. Highly reversible on-off switching (swelling-deswelling) behavior of BSH was ascertained in deionized water and ethanol, pH 7.4 and 1.2, and deionized water and normal saline. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of BSH has revealed macroporous structure of BSH having average pore size of 1.92 ± 3.83 μm noted after swelling and lyophilization. BSH containing tablet formulations showed a sustained release pattern of diclofenac sodium (DS) which is dependent on the concentration of BSH. When comparing with commercially available formulation of DS, even better sustained release behavior of DS was observed in BSH-based formulation. Super case-II transport mechanism is followed by the DS release from BSH matrix tablet. Haemocompatibility studies of BSH were also performed and found it nonhaemolytic and nonthrombogenic.

Oral Administration of Salecan-Based Hydrogels for Controlled Insulin Delivery

We present an improved type of food gum (salecan) based hydrogels for oral delivery of insulin. Structural hydrogel formation was assessed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction. We found that the hydrogel modulus, morphology, and swelling properties can be controlled by varying the salecan dose during hydrogel formation. Insulin was introduced into the hydrogel using a swelling-diffusion approach and then further used a drug prototype. In vitro insulin release profiles demonstrated that the release of entrapped insulin was suppressed in acidic conditions but markedly increased at neutral pH. Cell viability and toxicity tests revealed that the salecan hydrogel constructs were biocompatible. Oral administration of insulin-loaded salecan hydrogels in diabetic rats resulted in a sustained decrease of fasting plasma glucose levels over 6 h postadministration. For nondiabetic animals, the relative pharmacological bioavailability of insulin was significantly larger (6.24%, p < 0.05) for insulin-loaded hydrogels compared to free insulin. These results encourage further development of salecan-based hydrogels as vehicles for controlled insulin delivery following oral administration.

Facile preparation and dual responsive behaviors of starch-based hydrogel containing azo and carboxylic groups

Starch-based hydrogel containing azo group (SHA) was prepared through radical cross-linking reaction among starch- and PVA-based macromonomers, acrylic acid (AA) and 4-acryloyoxyazobenzene (AHAB). AHAB was prepared through an acylation reaction between acryloyl chloride and 4-hydroxyazobenzene (p-HAB), which was obtained by the diazo coupling reaction between aniline and phenol. The structure of SHA was confirmed with Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, thermogravimetric analysis and UV-Visible spectroscopy. SHA displayed pH-sensitive swelling in buffer saline. SHA film also exhibited a reversible trans-cis-trans photoisomerization behavior when they were subjected to alternative UV and visible light irradiation or dark storage. The dual-responsive characteristic was easily to be tailored via varying the initial amount of AHAB or AA.

Design of Salecan-containing semi-IPN hydrogel for amoxicillin delivery

Salecan is a new linear extracellular β-glucan. The unique structure and beneficial properties of Salecan makes it an appealing material in biomedical applications. In this work, novel drug devices based on Salecan in a hydrogel matrix of poly(N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)acrylamide-co-acrylamide) (Salecan/PDA) were fabricated via free radical polymerization for controlled release of amoxicillin. It was demonstrated that amoxicillin was efficiently encapsulated into the developed hydrogels and released in a Salecan dose-dependent and pH-sensitive manner. Furthermore, cell toxicity and adhesion assays confirmed that these drug carriers were biocompatible. Altogether, this study opens a new avenue to fabricate hydrogel devices for controlled delivery of drug.

Redox/pH dual stimuli-responsive degradable Salecan-g-SS-poly(IA-co-HEMA) hydrogel for release of doxorubicin

Salecan is a novel water-soluble extracellular β-glucan and possesses excellent physicochemical and biological properties. Here, redox/pH dual stimuli-responsive hydrogel based on Salecan grafted with itaconic acid (IA) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) were prepared using disulfide-functionalized crosslinker N,N-bis(acryloyl)cystamine (BAC) for controlled drug delivery. The introduction of carboxylic groups endows the system with pH-sensitive character, swelling behavior of the hydrogel was conducted by changing the pH and Salecan content. It was demonstrated that DOX was efficiently loaded into the hydrogels and released in a controlled fashion via pH-control and swelling-shrinking mechanism. More importantly, DOX-loaded hydrogels showed dose dependent cytotoxicity toward A549 cell, and efficient cell killing was observed. Furthermore, a key point of this study was that the presence of disulfide linkage in system favored the degradation of hydrogels in the reductive environment. These results highlight the potential of Salecan-g-SS-poly(IA-co-HEMA) hydrogel as a novel system for the controlled release of anti-cancer drugs.

Smart Macroporous Salecan/Poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide) Semi-IPN Hydrogel for Anti-Inflammatory Drug Delivery

Poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide) is not only a thermosensitive polymer, but also a good hydrogen bond acceptor. Therefore, drugs with carboxyl groups can serve as hydrogen bond donors and form interactions with the tertiary amide groups in N,N-diethylacrylamide. Herein, we report a novel drug delivery system for anionic drugs composed of poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide) and salecan. Salecan was used to improve the hydrophilicity and accelerate the responsive rate of this system. As expected, salecan-enriched hydrogels exhibited higher swelling ratios and were more sensitive to temperature. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy images showed that the hydrogels are superporous structures, with pore-sizes that increase with salecan concentration. The swelling ratios decreased continuously with the increase of temperature in the range 25-37 °C. MTT assay for cell viability and cell adhesion studies confirm the cell compatibility of the system. Delivery tests using diclofenac sodium, an anti-inflammatory drug, indicate that the thermosensitive property of this system is favorable for anionic drug delivery. Interestingly, the release rates of diclofenac sodium from the hydrogels were temperature dependent, with higher temperatures contributing toward faster release rate.

Smart Macroporous IPN Hydrogels Responsive to pH, Temperature, and Ionic Strength: Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of Controlled Release of Drugs

Fast responsive macroporous interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels were fabricated in this work by a sequential strategy, as follows: the first network, consisting of poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEM) cross-linked with N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (BAAm), was prepared at -18 °C, the second network consisting of poly(acrylamide) (PAAm) cross-linked with BAAm, being also generated by cryogelation technique. Both single network cryogels (SNC) and IPN cryogels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and water uptake. The presence of weak polycation PDMAEM endows the SNCs and the IPNs cryogels with sensitivity at numerous external stimuli such as pH, temperature, ionic strength, electric field, among which the first three were investigated in this work. It was found that the initial concentration of monomers in both networks was the key factor in tailoring the properties of IPN cryogels such as swelling kinetics, equilibrium water content (EWC), phase transition temperature and the response at ionic strength. The pore size increased after the formation of the second network, the swelling kinetics in pure water being comparable with that of the SNC, phase transition temperature being situated in the range 35-36 °C for IPN cryogels. The water uptake at equilibrium (WUeq) abruptly increased at pH < 3.0 in the case of SNCs, whereas the response of IPN cryogels at the decrease of pH from 6.0 to 1.0 was strongly dependent on the gel structure, the values of WUeq being lower at a higher concentration of DMAEM in the first network, the monomer concentration in the second network being about 10 wt %. The pH response was very much diminished when the monomer concentration was high in both networks (15 wt % in the first network, and 21 wt % in the second network). The increase of the ionic strength from 0 up to 0.3 M NaCl led to the decrease of the WUeq, for all cryogels, the level of dehydration being higher and faster for the SNC than for the corresponding IPN cryogel. The release of diclofenac sodium (DS), as a model acidic drug, triggered by pH, temperature, and ionic strength from the IPN cryogels was evaluated. A pulsatile release of DS from the IPN cryogels was presented, with a slower release at 34 °C (below VPTT) and a faster release at 37 and 40 °C (above the VPTT).

Development of novel hydrogels based on Salecan and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-methacrylic acid) for controlled doxorubicin release

We designed a novel semi-interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel for the controlled delivery of doxorubicin.

Structure and properties of semi-interpenetrating network hydrogel based on starch

Starch-g-P(acrylic acid-co-acrylamide)/PVA semi-interpenetrating network (semi-IPN) hydrogels were prepared by aqueous solution polymerization method. Starch grafting copolymerization reaction, semi-IPN structure and crystal morphology were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The PVA in the form of partial crystallization distributing in the gel matrix uniformly were observed by Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The space network structure, finer microstructure and pore size in the interior of hydrogel were presented by biomicroscope. The results demonstrated that absorption ratio of water and salt generated different degree changes with the effect of PVA. In addition, the mechanical strength of hydrogel was improved.

One-step synthesis of interpenetrating network hydrogels: Environment sensitivities and drug delivery properties

A novel interpenetrating network hydrogel for drug controlled release, composed of modified poly(aspartic acid) (KPAsp) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCTS), was prepared in aqueous system. The surface morphology and composition of hydrogels were characterized by SEM and FTIR. The swelling properties of KPAsp, KPAsp/CMCTS semi-IPN and KPAsp/CMCTS IPN hydrogels were investigated and the swelling dynamics of the hydrogels was analyzed based on the Fickian equation. The pH, temperature and salt sensitivities of hydrogels were further studied, and the prepared hydrogels showed extremely sensitive properties to pH, temperature, the ionic salts kinds and concentration. The results of controlled drug release behaviors of the hydrogels revealed that the introduction of IPN observably improved the drug release properties of hydrogels, the release rate of drug from hydrogels can be controlled by the structure of the hydrogels and pH value of the external environment, a relative large amount of drug released was preferred under simulated intestinal fluid. These results illustrated high potential of the KPAsp/CMCTS IPN hydrogels for application as drug carriers.

Preparation and characterization of a novel pH-sensitive Salecan-g-poly(acrylic acid) hydrogel for controlled release of doxorubicin

Salecan is a novel water-soluble extracellular β-glucan produced by a salt-tolerant strain Agrobacterium sp. ZX09. Salecan is suitable for the fabrication of hydrogels for biomedical applications due to its excellent physicochemical and biological properties. In this paper, a series of pH-sensitive hydrogels were prepared in aqueous solution by the graft copolymerization of Salecan and acrylic acid (AA) using N,N'-methylene diacrylamide as a crosslinker for controlled drug delivery. The structure and thermal stability of the resulting hydrogels were characterized by FT-IR, XRD and TGA. By SEM analysis, freeze-dried hydrogels displayed an interconnected porous structure with tunable pore size in the range of 23.2-90.3 μm. The swelling behavior of the hydrogels was shown to be highly dependent on the environmental pH, salt type and concentration, as well as the contents of Salecan and BAAm. They are almost unswellable at pH 1.2 and swollen extensively at pH 6.86. Meanwhile, the increase in the content of hydrophilic Salecan could enhance the swelling ratio, whereas the presence of more BAAm reduced the swelling capacity but promoted the water retention to some extent. Rheological tests revealed that storage modulus G' was strongly influenced by the crosslink density of the obtained hydrogel network. Especially, doxorubicin (DOX) as a model anti-cancer drug was very efficiently loaded into the negatively charged hydrogels (up to 69.4 wt%) through electrostatic interactions. More importantly, the release of DOX from this intelligent system exhibited pH-responsive behavior and a sustained release pattern. For SPA2, the cumulative release profile showed a low level of drug release (about 12.3 wt% in 24 h) at pH 7.4, and was significantly accelerated at pH 4.0 (over 40 wt% in 6 h). Cytotoxicity experiments confirmed that all blank hydrogels were non-toxic to A549 cells, while DOX released from the drug-loaded hydrogels remained biologically active and had the capability to kill cancer cells. The preliminary results clearly suggested that the Salecan-g-PAA hydrogels may be promising carriers for controlled drug delivery.

Interpenetrating polymer network composite cryogels with tailored porous morphology and sorption properties

Cryogels, by their particular morphology and mechanical properties, proved to be invaluable materials in biomedicine and biotechnology as carriers for molecules and cells, chromatographic materials for cell separations and cell culture. Methods used in the characterization of porosity and sorption properties of cryogels are very needful tools, which assist the investigator in the decision on the performances of the gel. Herein, we describe the preparation of ionic interpenetrating polymer network composite cryogels and the characterization methods of their porous morphology, and then the methods used for testing their sorption properties for ionic dyes used as models for drugs.

Multiple cross-linked hydroxypropylcellulose–succinate–salicylate: prodrug design, characterization, stimuli responsive swelling–deswelling and sustained drug release

Multiple cross-linked hydroxypropylcellulose–succinate–salicylate.

Cryogels: morphological, structural and adsorption characterisation

Experimental results on polymer, protein, and composite cryogels and data treatment methods used for morphological, textural, structural, adsorption and diffusion characterisation of the materials are analysed and compared. Treatment of microscopic images with specific software gives quantitative structural information on both native cryogels and freeze-dried materials that is useful to analyse the drying effects on their structure. A combination of cryoporometry, relaxometry, thermoporometry, small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), equilibrium and kinetic adsorption of low and high-molecular weight compounds, diffusion breakthrough of macromolecules within macroporous cryogel membranes, studying interactions of cells with cryogels provides a consistent and comprehensive picture of textural, structural and adsorption properties of a variety of cryogels. This analysis allows us to establish certain regularities in the cryogel properties related to narrow (diameter 0.4<d<2 nm), middle (2<d<50 nm) and broad (50<d<100 nm) nanopores, micropores (100 nm<d<100 μm) and macropores (d>100 μm) with boundary sizes within modified life science pore classification. Particular attention is paid to water bound in cryogels in native superhydrated or freeze-dried states. At least, five states of water - free unbound, weakly bound (changes in the Gibbs free energy-ΔG<0.5-0.8 kJ/mol) and strongly bound (-ΔG>0.8 kJ/mol), and weakly associated (chemical shift of the proton resonance δ(H)=1-2 ppm) and strongly associated (δ(H)=3-6 ppm) waters can be distinguished in hydrated cryogels using (1)H NMR, DSC, TSDC, TG and other methods. Different software for image treatment or developed to analyse the data obtained with the adsorption, diffusion, SAXS, cryoporometry and thermoporometry methods and based on regularisation algorithms is analysed and used for the quantitative morphological, structural and adsorption characterisation of individual and composite cryogels, including polymers filled with solid nano- or microparticles.