Electrospun core/shell nanofibers as designed devices for efficient Artemisinin delivery

Electrospun multi-chamber core-shell nanofibers and their controlled release behaviors: A review

Core-shell structure is a concentric circle structure found in nature. The rapid development of electrospinning technology provides more approaches for the production of core-shell nanofibers. The nanoscale effects and expansive specific surface area of core-shell nanofibers can facilitate the dissolution of drugs. By employing ingenious structural designs and judicious polymer selection, specialized nanofiber drug delivery systems can be prepared to achieve controlled drug release. The synergistic combination of core-shell structure and materials exhibits a strong strategy for enhancing the drug utilization efficiency and customizing the release profile of drugs. Consequently, multi-chamber core-shell nanofibers hold great promise for highly efficient disease treatment. However, little attention concentration is focused on the effect of multi-chamber core-shell nanofibers on controlled release of drugs. In this review, we introduced different fabrication techniques for multi-chamber core-shell nanostructures, including advanced electrospinning technologies and surface functionalization. Subsequently, we reviewed the different controlled drug release behaviors of multi-chamber core-shell nanofibers and their potential needs for disease treatment. The comprehensive elucidation of controlled release behaviors based on electrospun multi-chamber core-shell nanostructures could inspire the exploration of novel controlled delivery systems. Furthermore, once these fibers with customizable drug release profiles move toward industrial mass production, they will potentially promote the development of pharmacy and the treatment of various diseases. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies.

Progress in Treatment and Diagnostics of Infectious Disease with Polymers

In this era of advanced technology and innovation, infectious diseases still cause significant morbidity and mortality, which need to be addressed. Despite overwhelming success in the development of vaccines, transmittable diseases such as tuberculosis and AIDS remain unprotected, and the treatment is challenging due to frequent mutations of the pathogens. Formulations of new or existing drugs with polymeric materials have been explored as a promising new approach. Variations in shape, size, surface charge, internal morphology, and functionalization position polymer particles as a revolutionary material in healthcare. Here, an overview is provided of major diseases along with statistics on infection and death rates, focusing on polymer-based treatments and modes of action. Key issues are discussed in this review pertaining to current challenges and future perspectives.

Preparation and in vitro evaluation of cell adhesion and long-term proliferation of stem cells cultured on silibinin co-embedded PLGA/Collagen electrospun composite nanofibers

The present research aims to evaluate the efficacy of Silibinin-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Sil@MSNs) immobilized into polylactic-co-glycolic acid/Collagen (PLGA/Col) nanofibers on the in vitro proliferation of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) and cellular senescence. Here, the fabricated electrospun PLGA/Col composite scaffolds were coated with Sil@MSNs and their physicochemical properties were examined by FTIR, FE-SEM, and TGA. The growth, viability and proliferation of ASCs were investigated using various biological assays including PicoGreen, MTT, and RT-PCR after 21 days. The proliferation and adhesion of ASCs were supported by the biological and mechanical characteristics of the Sil@MSNs PLGA/Col composite scaffolds, according to FE- SEM. PicoGreen and cytotoxicity analysis showed an increase in the rate of proliferation and metabolic activity of hADSCs after 14 and 21 days, confirming the initial and controlled release of Sil from nanofibers. Gene expression analysis further confirmed the increased expression of stemness markers as well as hTERT and telomerase in ASCs seeded on Sil@MSNs PLGA/Col nanofibers compared to the control group. Ultimately, the findings of the present study introduced Sil@MSNs PLGA/Col composite scaffolds as an efficient platform for long-term proliferation of ASCs in tissue engineering.

Quorum Sensing in Gram-Negative Bacteria: Strategies to Overcome Antibiotic Resistance in Ocular Infections

Truly miraculous medications and antibiotics have helped save untold millions of lives. Antibiotic resistance, however, is a significant issue related to health that jeopardizes the effectiveness of antibiotics and could harm everyone's health. Bacteria, not humans or animals, become antibiotic-resistant. Bacteria use quorum-sensing communication routes to manage an assortment of physiological exercises. Quorum sensing is significant for appropriate biofilm development. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria establish a biofilm on a surface, shielding them from the effects of infection-fighting drugs. Acylated homoserine lactones are used as autoinducers by gram-negative microscopic organisms to impart. However, antibiotic resistance among ocular pathogens is increasing worldwide. Bacteria are a significant contributor to ocular infections around the world. Gram-negative microscopic organisms are dangerous to ophthalmic tissues. This review highlights the use of elective drug targets and treatments, for example, combinational treatment, to vanquish antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Also, it briefly portrays anti-biotic resistance brought about by gram-negative bacteria and approaches to overcome resistance with the help of quorum sensing inhibitors and nanotechnology as a promising medication conveyance approach to give insurance of anti-microbials and improve pathways for the administration of inhibitors of quorum sensing with a blend of anti-microbials to explicit target destinations and penetration through biofilms for treatment of ocular infections. It centres on the methodologies to sidestep the confinements of ocular anti-biotic delivery with new visual innovation.

Natural Polymeric Nanobiocomposites for Anti-Cancer Drug Delivery Therapeutics: A Recent Update

Cancer is one of the most common lethal diseases and the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Effective cancer treatment is a global problem, and subsequent advancements in nanomedicine are useful as substitute management for anti-cancer agents. Nanotechnology, which is gaining popularity, enables fast-expanding delivery methods in science for curing diseases in a site-specific approach, utilizing natural bioactive substances because several studies have established that natural plant-based bioactive compounds can improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Bioactive, in combination with nanotechnology, is an exceptionally alluring and recent development in the fight against cancer. Along with their nutritional advantages, natural bioactive chemicals may be used as chemotherapeutic medications to manage cancer. Alginate, starch, xanthan gum, pectin, guar gum, hyaluronic acid, gelatin, albumin, collagen, cellulose, chitosan, and other biopolymers have been employed successfully in the delivery of medicinal products to particular sites. Due to their biodegradability, natural polymeric nanobiocomposites have garnered much interest in developing novel anti-cancer drug delivery methods. There are several techniques to create biopolymer-based nanoparticle systems. However, these systems must be created in an affordable and environmentally sustainable way to be more readily available, selective, and less hazardous to increase treatment effectiveness. Thus, an extensive comprehension of the various facets and recent developments in natural polymeric nanobiocomposites utilized to deliver anti-cancer drugs is imperative. The present article provides an overview of the latest research and developments in natural polymeric nanobiocomposites, particularly emphasizing their applications in the controlled and targeted delivery of anti-cancer drugs.

Osteogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells on dihydroartemisinin electrospun nanofibers

Background

Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) are promising candidate in stem cell therapies, and maintaining their stemness potential is vital to achieve effective treatment. Natural-based scaffolds have been recently attracted increasing attention in nanomedicine and drug delivery. In this study, Dihydroartemisinin (DHART)-loaded polycaprolactone collagen nanofibers (PCL/Col NFs) were constructed as effective biocompatible scaffolds through adjusting the proportions of hydrophobic/ hydrophilic polymers for enhanced osteoblastic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs).

Results

The designed NFs were characterized through FTIR, XRD, TGA, FE-SEM, and tensile testing. DHART-loaded PCL/Col electrospun NFs provide an ideal solution, with the potential of sustained drug release as well as inhibition of drug re-crystallization. Interestingly, inhibiting DHART re-crystallization can improve its bioavailability and provide a more effective therapeutic efficacy. Besides, the data set found through FE-SEM, MTT, PicoGreen, qPCR, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assays revealed the improved adhesion and proliferation rate of hADSCs cultured on PCL/Col/DHART (5%) NFs after 14 and 21 days of incubation.

Conclusions

These findings confirmed the potential of the designed NF scaffolds for sustained/controlled release of DHART therapeutic molecules toward bone tissue regeneration and engineering.

Graphical Abstract

Elaborated survey in the scope of nanocarriers engineering for boosting chemotherapy cytotoxicity: A meta-analysis study

Cancer is the prime cause of mortality throughout the world. Although the conventional chemotherapeutic agents damage the cancerous cells, they exert prominent injury to the normal cells owing to their lack of specificity. With advances in science, many research studies have been established to boost the cytotoxic effect of the chemotherapeutic agents via innovating novel nano-formulations having different variables. In the current meta-analysis study, combined data from different research articles were gathered for the evidence-based proof of the superiority of drug loaded nanocarriers over their corresponding conventional solutions in boosting the cytotoxic effect of chemotherapy in terms of IC50 values. The meta-analysis was subdivided into three subgroups; nanoparticles versus nanofibers, surface functionalized nanocarriers versus naked ones, and protein versus non-protein-based platforms. The different subgroups interestingly showed distinct scoring outcome data paving the road for cytotoxicity enhancement of the anti-cancer drugs in an evidence-based manner.

Polymeric Nanoparticle Based Diagnosis and Nanomedicine for Treatment and Development of Vaccines for Cerebral Malaria: A Review on Recent Advancement

Cerebral malaria occurs due to Plasmodium falciparum infection, which causes 228 million infections and 450,000 deaths worldwide every year. African people are mostly affected with nearly 91% cases, of which 86% are pregnant women and infants. India and Brazil are the other two countries severely suffering from malaria endemicity. Commonly used drugs have severe side effects, and unfortunately no suitable vaccine is available in the market today. In this line, this review is focused on polymeric nanomaterials and nanocapsules that can be used for the development of effective diagnostic strategies, nanomedicines, and vaccines in the management of cerebral malaria. Further, this review will help scientists and medical professionals by updating the status on the development stages of polymeric nanoparticle based diagnostics, nanomedicines, and vaccines and strategies to eradicate cerebral malaria. In addition to this, the predominant focus of this review is antimalarial agents based on polymer nanomedicines that are currently in the preclinical and clinical trial stages, and potential developments are suggested as well. This review further will have an important social and commercial impact worldwide for the development of polymeric nanomedicines and strategies for the treatment of cerebral malaria.

Electrospun Nanofibers of Polycaprolactone/Collagen as a Sustained-Release Drug Delivery System for Artemisinin

The application of artemisinin (ART) in the treatment of malaria has been restricted to a certain degree due to its inherent limitations, such as short half-life, poor solubility, limited bioavailability, and re-crystallization. Electrospun nanofibers loaded with ART provide an excellent solution to these limitations and yield sustained drug release as well as inhibition of drug re-crystallization. In this study, ART-loaded polycaprolactone (PCL)/collagen (Col) nanofibers with different proportions of polymers were prepared. ART-loaded PCL/Col nanofibers were characterized, and further ART anti-crystallization and release behaviors were studied. SEM was used to observe the morphology of PCL/Col nanofibers. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to characterize the physical state of ART in ART-loaded PCL/Col nanofibers. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), water contact angle measurement, weight loss, degree of swelling, and drug release experiments can verify the differences in performance of ART-loaded PCL/Col nanofibers due to different polymer ratios. The release curve was analyzed by kinetics, showing sustained release for up to 48 h, and followed the Fickian release mechanism, which was shown by the diffusion index value obtained from the Korsmeyer-Peppas equation.

Encapsulation of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Active Ingredients Using Electrospinning Processes

Electrospinning is an inexpensive and powerful method that employs a polymer solution and strong electric field to produce nanofibers. These can be applied in diverse biological and medical applications. Due to their large surface area, controllable surface functionalization and properties, and typically high biocompatibility electrospun nanofibers are recognized as promising materials for the manufacturing of drug delivery systems. Electrospinning offers the potential to formulate poorly soluble drugs as amorphous solid dispersions to improve solubility, bioavailability and targeting of drug release. It is also a successful strategy for the encapsulation of nutraceuticals. This review aims to briefly discuss the concept of electrospinning and recent progress in manufacturing electrospun drug delivery systems. It will further consider in detail the encapsulation of nutraceuticals, particularly probiotics.

New Strategies for Safe Cancer Therapy Using Electrospun Nanofibers: A Short Review

Electrospun nanofibers regarding their special features, including high drug loading capacity, high surface to volume area, flexibility, and ease of production and operation, are of great interest for being used in tissue engineering, and drug delivery approaches. In this context, several studies have been done for the production of biodegradable and biocompatible scaffolds containing different anticancer agents for fighting with solid tumors. Surprisingly, these scaffolds are able to deliver different combinations of drugs and agents, such as nanoparticles and release them in a time dependent manner. Here in this review, we summarize the principles of electrospinning and their uses in entrapment of drugs and anti-proliferative agents suitable for cancer therapy. The latest studies performed on treating cancer using electrospinning are mentioned and their advantages and disadvantages over conventional treatment methods are discussed.

Recent advances in the combination delivery of drug for leukemia and other cancers

Introduction: Combination therapy has been explored for its potential to reduce or eliminate multidrug resistance in treating different types of cancer including leukemia. Nutraceutical, small molecular drugs, and small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) are some of the effective drugs. In order to avoid off-site targeting, reduce the dosage required, and increase the half-life of the drug in the circulation system, drug delivery vehicles, such as nanoparticles and microfibers have been explored.Areas covered: This review summarizes various therapies utilized in treating leukemia based on their effectiveness in inducing protein inhibition and/or apoptosis. In particular, treatment effectiveness using combination therapy using various devices is addressed. Recently explored drug delivery methods are reviewed, providing examples and their applications in cancer treatment. The drug listing, delivery systems classifications, along with the general modeling approach in this review, provide, to a full extent, a basis for cancer drug delivery future studies.Expert opinion: The reviewer's opinion tackles the potential of using a multi-delivery system to deliver multiple drugs, providing better control upon drug release and targeting. Both local and systemic delivery are considered and explored for their potential targets. Researchers are advised to pre-consider all aspects associated with their desired delivery method.

Polymers and Polymer Nanocomposites for Cancer Therapy

Synthetic polymers, biopolymers, and their nanocomposites are being studied, and some of them are already used in different medical areas. Among the synthetic ones that can be mentioned are polyolefins, fluorinated polymers, polyesters, silicones, and others. Biopolymers such as polysaccharides (chitosan, hyaluronic acid, starch, cellulose, alginates) and proteins (silk, fibroin) have also become widely used and investigated for applications in medicine. Besides synthetic polymers and biopolymers, their nanocomposites, which are hybrids formed by a macromolecular matrix and a nanofiller (mineral or organic), have attracted great attention in the last decades in medicine and in other fields due to their outstanding properties. This review covers studies done recently using the polymers, biopolymers, nanocomposites, polymer micelles, nanomicelles, polymer hydrogels, nanogels, polymersomes, and liposomes used in medicine as drugs or drug carriers for cancer therapy and underlines their responses to internal and external stimuli able to make them more active and efficient. They are able to replace conventional cancer drug carriers, with better results.

Electrospun Nanofibers for Drug Delivery and Biosensing

Early diagnosis and efficient treatment are of paramount importance to fighting cancers. Monitoring the foreign body response of a patient to treatment therapies also plays an important role in improving the care that cancer patients receive by their medical practitioners. As such, there is extensive research being conducted into ultrasensitive point-of-care detection systems and "smart" personalized anticancer drug delivery systems. Electrospun nanofibers have emerged as promising materials for the construction of nanoscale biosensors and therapeutic platforms because of their large surface areas, controllable surface conformation, good surface modification, complex pore structure, and high biocompatibility. Electrospun nanofibers are produced by electrospinning, which is a very powerful and economically viable method of synthesizing versatile and scalable assemblies from a wide array of raw materials. This review describes the theory of electrospinning, achievements, and problems currently faced in producing effective biosensors/drug delivery systems, in particular, for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Finally, insights into future prospects are discussed.

Electrospun fibers and their application in drug controlled release, biological dressings, tissue repair, and enzyme immobilization

Electrospinning is a method of preparing microfibers or nanofibers by using an electrostatic force to stretch the electrospinning fluid. Electrospinning has gained considerable attention in many fields due to its ability to produce continuous fibers from a variety of polymers and composites in a simple way. Electrospun nanofibers have many merits such as diverse chemical composition, easily adjustable structure, adjustable diameter, high surface area, high porosity, and good pore connectivity, which give them broad application prospects in the biomedical field. This review systematically introduced the factors influencing electrospinning, the types of electrospun fibers, the types of electrospinning, and the detailed applications of electrospun fibers in controlled drug release, biological dressings, tissue repair and enzyme immobilization fields. The latest progress of using electrospun fibers in these fields was summarized, and the main challenges to be solved in electrospinning technology were put forward.

Preparation of polyacrylamide/polylactic acid co-assembled core/shell nanofibers as designed beads for dapsone in vitro efficient delivery

The main aim of this study is to synthesize and prepare polyacrylamide (PAM)/polylactic acid (PLA) co-assembled core/shell nanofibers in order to investigate an effective dapsone-loaded capability and dapsone-release in the aqueous medium. Dapsone (4,4-diamino-diphenyl sulfone) has high permeability and low solubility in water. In vitro release testing indicates that maximum incorporation of the dapsone nanoemulsions into core/shell nanofibrous structures were 77.71 after 400 min. Products were characterized with X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis, Contact Angle Measurement (CAM) and nitrogen adsorption [i.e. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) Surface Area Analysis] techniques. The porosimetric measurements of the nanofibers structures showed that high porosity diameter, adsorption cross-section area, pore volumes and dead volume were obtained as 0.162 nm², 0.1005 cm³g^-1 and 15.693 cm³, respectively. TGA curve of the core/shell nanofibrous structures shows thermal stability between 240 °C and 260 °C.

Gallic acid loaded PEO-core/zein-shell nanofibers for chemopreventive action on gallbladder cancer cells

Coaxial electrospinning was used to develop gallic acid (GA) loaded poly(ethylene oxide)/zein nanofibers in order to improve its chemopreventive action on human gallbladder cancer cells. Using a Plackett-Burman design, the effects of poly(ethylene oxide) and zein concentration and applied voltage on the diameter and morphology index of nanofibers were investigated. Coaxial nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). GA loading efficiency as high as 77% was obtained under optimal process conditions. The coaxial nanofibers controlled GA release in acid and neutral pH medium. Cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production on gallbladder cancer cell lines GB-d1 and NOZ in the presence of GA-nanofibers were assessed. GA-nanofibers triggered an increase in the cellular cytotoxicity compared with free GA on GB-d1 and NOZ cells. Statistically significant differences were found in ROS levels of GA-nanofibers compared with free GA on NOZ cells. Differently, ROS production on GB-d1 cell line was similar. Based on these results, the coaxial nanofibers obtained in this study under optimized operational conditions offer an alternative for the development of a GA release system with improved chemopreventive action on gallbladder cancer cells.