Interpenetrating polymer network of locust bean gum-poly (vinyl alcohol) for controlled release drug delivery

Development of pH-Sensitive hydrogel for advanced wound Healing: Graft copolymerization of locust bean gum with acrylamide and acrylic acid

Wounds pose a formidable challenge in healthcare, necessitating the exploration of innovative tissue-healing solutions. Traditional wound dressings exhibit drawbacks, causing tissue damage and impeding natural healing. Using a Microwave (MW)-)-assisted technique, we envisaged a novel hydrogel (Hg) scaffold to address these challenges. This hydrogel scaffold was created by synthesizing a pH-responsive crosslinked material, specifically locust bean gum-grafted-poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) [LBG-g-poly(AAm-co-AAc)], to enable sustained release of c-phycocyanin (C-Pc). Synthesized LBG-g-poly(AAm-co-AAc) was fine-tuned by adjusting various synthetic parameters, including the concentration of monomers, duration of reaction, and MW irradiation intensity, to maximize the yield of crosslinked LBG grafted product and enhance encapsulation efficiency of C-Pc. Following its synthesis, LBG-g-poly(AAm-co-AAc) was thoroughly characterized using advanced techniques, like XRD, TGA, FTIR, NMR, and SEM, to analyze its structural and chemical properties. Moreover, the study examined the in-vitro C-Pc release profile from LBG-g-poly(AAm-co-AAc) based hydrogel (HgCPcLBG). Findings revealed that the maximum release of C-Pc (64.12 ± 2.69 %) was achieved at pH 7.4 over 48 h. Additionally, HgCPcLBG exhibited enhanced antioxidant performance and compatibility with blood. In vivo studies confirmed accelerated wound closure, and ELISA findings revealed reduced inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) within treated skin tissue, suggesting a positive impact on injury repair. A low-cost and eco-friendly approach for creating LBG-g-poly(AAm-co-AAc) and HgCPcLBG has been developed. This method achieved sustained release of C-Pc, which could be a significant step forward in wound care technology.

State-of-the-art progress on locust bean gum polysaccharide for sustainable food packaging and drug delivery applications: A review with prospectives

Locust bean gum (LBG), a polysaccharide-based natural polymer, is being widely researched as an appropriate additive for various products, including food, gluten-free formulations, medicines, paper, textiles, oil well drilling, cosmetics, and medical uses. Drug delivery vehicles, packaging, batteries, and catalytic supports are all popular applications for biopolymer-based materials. This review discusses sustainable food packaging and drug delivery applications for LBG. Given the benefits of LBG polysaccharide as a source of dietary fiber, it is also being investigated as a potential treatment for many health disorders, including colorectal cancer, diabetes, and gastrointestinal difficulties. The flexibility of LBG polysaccharide allows it to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, a crucial characteristic of biomaterials, and the film-forming properties of LBG are critical for food packaging applications. The extraction process of LBG plays an important role in properties such as viscosity and gel-forming properties. Moreover, there are multiple factors such as temperature, pressure, pH, etc. The LBG-based functional composite film is effective in improving the shelf life as well as monitoring the freshness of fruits, meat and other processed food. The LBG-based hydrogel is excellent carrier of drugs and can be used for slow and sustainable release of active components present in drugs. Thus, the primary goal of this review was to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the literature with a focus on the composition, properties, processing, food packaging, and medicine delivery applications of LBG polysaccharides. Thus, we investigated the chemical composition, extraction, and characteristics of LBG polysaccharides that underlie their applications in the food packaging and medicine delivery fields.

Degradable Polymeric Bio(nano)materials and Their Biomedical Applications: A Comprehensive Overview and Recent Updates

Degradable polymers (both biomacromolecules and several synthetic polymers) for biomedical applications have been promising very much in the recent past due to their low cost, biocompatibility, flexibility, and minimal side effects. Here, we present an overview with updated information on natural and synthetic degradable polymers where a brief account on different polysaccharides, proteins, and synthetic polymers viz. polyesters/polyamino acids/polyanhydrides/polyphosphazenes/polyurethanes relevant to biomedical applications has been provided. The various approaches for the transformation of these polymers by physical/chemical means viz. cross-linking, as polyblends, nanocomposites/hybrid composites, interpenetrating complexes, interpolymer/polyion complexes, functionalization, polymer conjugates, and block and graft copolymers, are described. The degradation mechanism, drug loading profiles, and toxicological aspects of polymeric nanoparticles formed are also defined. Biomedical applications of these degradable polymer-based biomaterials in and as wound dressing/healing, biosensors, drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine, etc., are highlighted. In addition, the use of such nano systems to solve current drug delivery problems is briefly reviewed.

Green hematite depression for reverse selective flotation separation from quartz by locust bean gum

Reverse cationic flotation is currently the main processing technique for upgrading fine hematite from silicates. Flotation is known as an efficient method of mineral enrichment that deals with possibly hazardous chemicals. Thus, using eco-friendly flotation reagents for such a process is an emerging need for sustainable development and green transition. As an innovative approach, this investigation explored the potential of locust bean gum (LBG) as a biodegradable depressant for the selective separation of fine hematite from quartz through reverse cationic flotation. Various flotation conditions (micro and batch flotation) were conducted, and the mechanisms of LBG adsorption have been examined by different analyses (contact angle measurement, surface adsorption, zeta potential measurements, and FT-IR analysis). The micro flotation outcome indicated that the LBG could selectively depress hematite particles with negligible effect on quartz floatability. Flotation of mixed minerals (hematite and quartz mixture in various ratios) indicated that LGB could enhance separation efficiency (hematite recovery > 88%). Outcomes of the surface wettability indicated that even in the presence of the collector (dodecylamine), LBG decreased the hematite work of adhesion and had a slight effect on quartz. The LBG adsorbed selectively by hydrogen bonding on the surface of hematite based on various surface analyses.

Al3+/Ca2+ cross-linked hydrogel matrix tablet of etherified tara gum for sustained delivery of tramadol hydrochloride in gastrointestinal milieu

Tara gum (TG) was derivatized to carboxymethyl TG (CMTG) and then cross-linked with Al³⁺/Ca²⁺ ions to prepare Al/Ca cross-linked CMTG matrices for sustained delivery of Tramadol Hydrochloride (TH), a highly water-soluble drug. The effect of Al³⁺/Ca²⁺ ions concentration on swelling, erosion, and drug release behavior from Al/Ca-CMTG matrices was investigated. Al-CMTG matrices had greater cross-linking density, produced a more rigid and denser hydrogel layer than Ca-CMTG matrices. The rate of swelling, erosion, and in vitro drug release from Al-CMTG matrices was slower than from Ca-CMTG matrices. The most important finding of our study indicated that at the same concentration of cross-linking ions, the release of TH from Al-CMTG matrices was slower compared to Ca-CMTG matrices. The optimized formulation containing 9 % w/w AlCl₃ in CMTG matrices released TH in a sustained manner up to 12 h in the gastrointestinal milieu. Moreover, it was observed that the prepared optimized formulation exhibited a more sustained release of TH compared to the marketed product.

Interfacial Surface Properties of Compression Moulded Hydrolysed Polyvinyl Acetate (PVAc) Using Different Release Materials

Understanding the effect surface production has on polymer properties is important in the design of advanced materials. The aim of this study was to determine how the moulding process affected the rate of hydrolysis and the topography, chemistry and physicochemistry of PVAc moulded, hydrolysed surfaces. Three different mould surface materials were used to produce compression moulded PVAc sheets which were treated with aqueous NaOH at a range of concentrations. The Textile moulded sheet demonstrated the best hydrolysis results. The topography of the moulded sheets was transferred to the surfaces and the Kapton release sheet was visually smooth at lower magnification and demonstrated some pitting at higher magnification. The Teflon surface had features transferred from the coated stainless steel at lower magnifications and linear features at higher magnifications and the textile surface had a wrinkled appearance and irregularly spaced peaks. The release sheet used to mould the PVAc surfaces, affected the physicochemical parameters. The Kapton moulded surface demonstrated the most polar attributes and the Teflon surface the most dispersive. It was clear that the selection of the mould material had an influence on surface properties and hydrolysis of moulded PVAc. Such information is important for engineering design in industrial processes.

Preparation and fertilizer retention/anti-leakage performances of superabsorbent composite based on hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose

To reduce the preparation cost of superabsorbent composites (SACs) and improve the water and fertilizer retention properties of soil, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose grafted with acrylic acid, polyaspartic acid and palygorskite (HPMC-g-P(AA-co-PASP)/ATP) was synthesized by aqueous solution polymerization and used to reduce of preventing water leakage in soil. The structure, surface morphology and thermal stability of the optimized SACs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis. Under optimum synthesis conditions, the maximum equilibrium absorption of SACs was 1785 g·g^-1, 254 g·g^-1, 138 g·g^-1 in deionized water, tap water and NaCl solution (0.9 wt%) respectively. Application of the SACs to soils increased their water holding and water retention capacities. In addition, the reduced leaching of added urea and low water permeability of the treated soils indicated that the SACs has the potential for applications in future sustainable agriculture.

Colloidal and vesicular delivery system for herbal bioactive constituents

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of the present review is to explore and examine the effectiveness of currently developed novel techniques to resolve the issues which are associated with the herbal constituents/extract.

METHODS

A systematic thorough search and collection of reviewed information from Science direct, PubMed and Google Scholar databases based on various sets of key phrases have been performed. All the findings from these data have been studied and briefed based on their relevant and irrelevant information.

RESULT

Herbal drugs are gaining more popularity in the modern world due to their applications in curing various ailments with minimum toxic effects, side effect or adverse effect. However, various challenges exist with herbal extracts/plant actives such as poor solubility (water/lipid), poor permeation, lack of targeting specificity, instability in highly acidic pH, and liver metabolism, etc. Nowadays with the expansion in the technology, novel drug delivery system provides avenues and newer opportunity towards the delivery of herbal drugs with improved physical chemical properties, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic. Developing nano-strategies like Polymeric nanoparticles, Liposomes, Niosomes, Microspheres, Phytosomes, Nanoemulsion and Self Nano Emulsifying Drug Delivery System, etc. imparts benefits for delivery of phyto formulation and herbal bioactives. Nano formulation of phytoconstituents/ herbal extract could lead to enhancement of aqueous solubility, dissolution, bioavailability, stability, reduce toxicity, permeation, sustained delivery, protection from enzymatic degradation, etc. CONCLUSION: Based on the above findings, the conclusion can be drawn that the nano sized novel drug delivery systems of herbal and herbal bioactives have a potential future for upgrading the pharmacological action and defeating or overcoming the issues related with these constituents. The aims of the present review was to summarize and critically analyze the recent development of nano sized strategies for promising phytochemicals delivery systems along with their therapeutic applications supported by experimental evidence and discussing the opportunities for further aspects.

Highly conductive locust bean gum bio-electrolyte for superior long-life quasi-solid-state zinc-ion batteries

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are promising wearable electronic power sources. However, solid-state electrolytes with high ionic conductivities and long-term stabilities are still challenging to fabricate for high-performance ZIBs. Herein, locust bean gum (LBG) was used as a natural bio-polymer to prepare a free-standing quasi-solid-state ZnSO4/MnSO4 electrolyte. The as-obtained LBG electrolyte showed high ionic conductivity reaching 33.57 mS cm-1 at room temperature. This value is so far the highest among the reported quasi-solid-state electrolytes. Besides, the as-obtained LBG electrolyte displayed excellent long-term stability toward a Zn anode. The application of the optimized LBG electrolyte in Zn-MnO2 batteries achieved a high specific capacity reaching up to 339.4 mA h g-1 at 0.15 A g-1, a superior rate performance of 143.3 mA h g-1 at 6 A g-1, an excellent capacity retention of 100% over 3300 cycles and 93% over 4000 cycles combined with a wide working temperature range (0-40 °C) and good mechanical flexibility (capacity retention of 80.74% after 1000 bending cycles at a bending angle of 90°). In sum, the proposed ZIBs-based LBG electrolyte with high electrochemical performance looks promising for the future development of bio-compatible and environmentally friendly solid-state energy storage devices.

Laccase-Based Biosensor Encapsulated in a Galactomannan-Chitosan Composite for the Evaluation of Phenolic Compounds

Galactomannan, a neutral polysaccharide, was extracted from carob seeds and characterized. It was used for the first time for the fabrication of a laccase-based biosensor by the encapsulation of laccase in a chitosan+galactomannan composite. The fabricated biosensor was characterized by FTIR, scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The pyrocatechol detection was obtained by cyclic voltammetry measurements, through the detection of o-quinone at -0.447 V. The laccase activity was well preserved in the chitosan+galactomannan composite and the sensitivity of detection of pyrocatechol in the 10^-16 M-10^-4 M range was very high. The voltammetric response of the biosensor was stable for more than two weeks. To estimate the antioxidant capacity of olive oil samples, it was shown that the obtained laccase-based biosensor is a valuable alternative to the colorimetric Folin-Ciocalteu method.

Microparticles, Microspheres, and Microcapsules for Advanced Drug Delivery

Microparticles, microspheres, and microcapsules are widely used constituents of multiparticulate drug delivery systems, offering both therapeutic and technological advantages. Microparticles are generally in the 1–1000 µm size range, serve as multiunit drug delivery systems with well-defined physiological and pharmacokinetic benefits in order to improve the effectiveness, tolerability, and patient compliance. This paper reviews their evolution, significance, and formulation factors (excipients and procedures), as well as their most important practical applications (inhaled insulin, liposomal preparations). The article presents the most important structures of microparticles (microspheres, microcapsules, coated pellets, etc.), interpreted with microscopic images too. The most significant production processes (spray drying, extrusion, coacervation, freeze-drying, microfluidics), the drug release mechanisms, and the commonly used excipients, the characterization, and the novel drug delivery systems (microbubbles, microsponges), as well as the preparations used in therapy are discussed in detail.

Na-Montmorillonite-Dispersed Sustainable Polymer Nanocomposite Hydrogel Films for Anticancer Drug Delivery

Nanocomposite hydrogels have found a wide scope in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and smart drug delivery applications. The present study reports the formulations of biocompatible nanocomposite hydrogel films using carboxymethyl cellulose-hydroxyethyl cellulose-acrylonitrile-linseed oil polyol (CHAP) plain hydrogel and Na-montmorillonite (NaMMT) dispersed CHAP nanocomposite hydrogel films (NaCHAP) using solution blending technique. The structural, morphological, and mechanical properties of resultant nanocomposite hydrogel films were further investigated to analyze the effects of polyol and NaMMT on the characteristic properties. The synergistic effect of polyol and nanofillers on the mechanical strength and sustained drug-release behavior of the resultant hydrogel films was studied, which revealed that the increased cross-link density of hydrogels enhanced the elastic modulus (up to 99%) and improved the drug retention time (up to 72 h at both pHs 7.4 and 4.0). The release rate of cisplatin in nanocomposite hydrogel films was found to be higher in CHAP-1 (83 and 69%) and CHAP-3 (79 and 64%) than NaCHAP-3 (77 and 57%) and NaCHAP-4 (73 and 54%) at both pHs 4.0 and 7.4, respectively. These data confirmed that the release rate of cisplatin in nanocomposite hydrogel films was pH-responsive and increased with decrease of pH. All nanocomposite hydrogel films have exhibited excellent pH sensitivity under buffer solution of various pHs (1.0, 4.0, 7.4, and 9.0). The in vitro biocompatibility and cytotoxicity tests of these films were also conducted using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay of human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) and human breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines up to 48 h, which shows their biocompatible nature. However, cisplatin-loaded nanocomposite hydrogel films effectively inhibited the growth of human breast MCF-7 cancer cells. These studies suggested that the proposed nanocomposite hydrogel films have shown promising application in therapeutics, especially for anticancer-targeted drug delivery.

Therapeutically Effective Controlled Release Formulation of Pirfenidone from Nontoxic Biocompatible Carboxymethyl Pullulan-Poly(vinyl alcohol) Interpenetrating Polymer Networks

The present study was conducted to develop therapeutically effective controlled release formulation of pirfenidone (PFD) and explore the possibility to reduce the total administered dose and dosing regimen. For this purpose, pH-sensitive biomaterial was prepared by inducing carboxymethyl group on pullulan by Williamson ether synthesis reaction, and further, interpenetrating polymeric network microspheres were prepared by glutaraldehyde-assisted water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion cross-linking method, which showed higher swelling ratio in acidic and basic pH. The formation of microspheres was confirmed by different spectral characterization techniques, and thermal kinetic study indicated the formation of thermally stable microspheres. Cell viability and biocompatibility studies on hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell showed the polymeric matrix to be biocompatible. In vitro dissolution of optimized formulation (F5) showed releases of 54.09 and 76.37% in 0.1 N HCl after 2 h and phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) up to 8 h, respectively. In vivo performances of prepared microsphere and marketed product of PFD were compared in rabbit. T max (time taken to reach peak plasma concentration) was found to be achieved at 0.83 h, compared to 0.5 h for Pirfenex with no significant difference complementing the immediate action, while area under curve was significantly greater for optimized formulation (9768 ± 1300 ng h/mL) compared to Pirfenex (4311 ± 110 ng h/mL), complementing the sustained action. In vivo pharmacokinetic study suggested that the prepared microsphere could be a potential candidate for therapeutically effective controlled delivery of PFD used in dyspnea and cough management due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Manufacture and Characterization of Mucoadhesive Buccal Films Based on Pectin and Gellan Gum Containing Triamcinolone Acetonide

The treatment of canker sores can be quite compromised by the short period of the drug in the place of action. In this context, there is a need to develop drug dosage forms that allow more contact with the oral mucosa providing prolonged drug release. Therefore, the aim of this work was to obtain and characterize buccal films based on pectin and gellan gum in order to evaluate the potential use of these natural polymers in the production of pharmaceutical dosage forms for controlled release of TA in the oral mucosa. Using a 23 full factorial design, eight formulations were prepared by solvent casting method. The raw materials and films were characterized using techniques such as FTIR, DSC, and TG. In addition, thickness, mechanical properties, mucoadhesive strength, swelling, drug content, and dissolution profile of the films were evaluated. The results of FTIR, DSC, and TG showed that new chemical species are not formed in the production of films, and that these dosage forms have an adequate thermal behavior. All formulation showed a high degree of swelling, good mechanical resistance and elasticity, and a good mucoadhesive strength as well as able to act as a controlled release system.

Study of locust bean gum reinforced cyst-chitosan and oxidized dextran based semi-IPN cryogel dressing for hemostatic application

Severe blood loss due to traumatic injuries remains one of the leading causes of death in emergency settings. Chitosan continues to be the candidate material for hemostatic applications due to its inherent hemostatic properties. However, available chitosan-based dressings have been reported to have an acidic odor at the wound site due to the incorporation of acid based solvents for their fabrication and deformation under compression owing to low mechanical strength limiting its usability. In the present study semi-IPN cryogel was fabricated via Schiff's base cross-linking between the polyaldehyde groups of oxidized dextran and thiolated chitosan in presence of locust bean gum (LBG) known for its hydrophilicity. Polymerization at -12 °C yielded macroporous semi-IPN cryogels with an average pore size of 124.57 ± 20.31 μm and 85.46% porosity. The hydrophobicity index of LBG reinforced semi-IPN cryogel was reduced 2.42 times whereas the swelling ratio was increased by 156.08% compare to control cryogel. The increased hydrophilicity and swelling ratio inflated the compressive modulus from 28.1 kPa to 33.85 for LBG reinforced semi-IPN cryogel. The structural stability and constant degradation medium pH were also recorded over a period of 12 weeks. The cryogels demonstrated lower adsorption affinity towards BSA. The cytotoxicity assays (direct, indirect) with 3T3-L1 fibroblast cells confirmed the cytocompatibility of the cryogels. The hemolysis assay showed <5% hemolysis confirming blood compatibility of the fabricated cryogel, while whole blood clotting and platelet adhesion assays confirmed the hemostatic potential of semi-IPN cryogel.

Functional Components of Carob Fruit: Linking the Chemical and Biological Space

The contribution of natural products to the drug-discovery pipeline has been remarkable since they have served as a rich source for drug development and discovery. Natural products have adapted, during the course of evolution, optimum chemical scaffolds against a wide variety of diseases, including cancer and diabetes. Advances in high-throughput screening assays, assisted by the continuous development on the instrumentation's capabilities and omics, have resulted in charting a large chemical and biological space of drug-like compounds, originating from natural sources. Herein, we attempt to integrate the information on the chemical composition and the associated biological impact of carob fruit in regards to human health. The beneficial and health-promoting effects of carob along with the clinical trials and the drug formulations derived from carob's natural components are presented in this review.

Properties and Applications of Polyvinyl Alcohol, Halloysite Nanotubes and Their Nanocomposites

The aim of this review was to analyze/investigate the synthesis, properties, and applications of polyvinyl alcohol-halloysite nanotubes (PVA-HNT), and their nanocomposites. Different polymers with versatile properties are attractive because of their introduction and potential uses in many fields. Synthetic polymers, such as PVA, natural polymers like alginate, starch, chitosan, or any material with these components have prominent status as important and degradable materials with biocompatibility properties. These materials have been developed in the 1980s and are remarkable because of their recyclability and consideration of the natural continuation of their physical and chemical properties. The fabrication of PVA-HNT nanocomposites can be a potential way to address some of PVA's limitations. Such nanocomposites have excellent mechanical properties and thermal stability. PVA-HNT nanocomposites have been reported earlier, but without proper HNT individualization and PVA modifications. The properties of PVA-HNT for medicinal and biomedical use are attracting an increasing amount of attention for medical applications, such as wound dressings, drug delivery, targeted-tissue transportation systems, and soft biomaterial implants. The demand for alternative polymeric medical devices has also increased substantially around the world. This paper reviews individualized HNT addition along with crosslinking of PVA for various biomedical applications that have been previously reported in literature, thereby showing the attainability, modification of characteristics, and goals underlying the blending process with PVA.

In Vivo Capture of Circulating Tumor Cells Based on Transfusion with a Vein Indwelling Needle

Detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) could be used as a "liquid biopsy" for tracking the spread of cancer. In vitro detection methods based on blood sampling and in vitro CTC capture often suffer from the small sampling volume and sampling error. Here, the in vivo capture of CTCs based on transfusion with a surface-modified vein indwelling needle is proposed. When the needle was applied to transfusion in the vein, the simultaneous capture of CTCs was performed. To investigate the actual capture efficiency of the in vivo capture method, labeled MCF-7 cells were directly injected into the veins of rabbits, wild type mice, and nude mice and could be successfully captured. Two of 5 MCF-7 cells injected into the veins of nude mice were successfully captured. To investigate the CTC capture of mouse tumor model and compare with the in vitro method, mice were subcutaneous inoculated with metastatic 4T1 cells. Seven and 21 days after inoculation, CTCs were captured for the first time using in vivo and in vitro methods, respectively. This predicted that the in vivo method could be more suitable for use of early diagnosis of cancer than the in vitro method. As CTC capture can be performed at the same time as transfusion and does not cause further bodily harm, it would be easily accepted by patients. This efficient, simple, and less damaging method involving the use of a vein indwelling needle could be popularized easily in the clinic.