Cell penetrating peptides-functionalized Licochalcone-A-loaded PLGA nanoparticles for ocular inflammatory diseases: evaluation of in vitro anti-proliferative effects, stabilization by freeze-drying and characterization of an in-situ forming gel

Exploration of formation and in vitro release mechanism of supramolecular self-assembled Licochalcone A eutectogel for food application

Licochalcone A (LCA) is extracted from licorice plants and used as a food additive. Citric acid (CA) and alanine (Ala) are food additives with good regulatory functions. This study aims to investigate the formation and in vitro release mechanism of the LCA eutectogel using supramolecular self-assembly technology. The mechanism of self-assembly indicates that the resulting eutectogel has strong intermolecular interactions. The formation mechanism of LCA eutectogel suggests that LCA is dispersed in nano form in the DES solution before self-assembly and dispersed in molecular form in the eutectogel after self-assembly. Mesoscopic MD simulation studies indicate that the interaction energy between LCA Ala-CA(5:5) eutectogel and the solvent interface is relatively low, suggesting it may have a better drug release rate, consistent with the in vitro release results. In conclusion, the study successfully prepares LCA eutectogel and provides theoretical guidance for the development and application of novel eutectogel for food application.

In-situ gel: A smart carrier for drug delivery

In-situ gel technology is a promising drug delivery strategy that undergoes a 'sol to gel' transition upon administration, providing controlled and prolonged drug release. These gels are composed of cross-linked 3D networks of polymers, with hydrogels being a specific type of absorbing water while retaining their shape. Gelation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as temperature, pH, ions, and light. They offer several advantages like improved patient compliance, extended drug residence time, localized drug delivery, etc, but also have some disadvantages like drug degradation and limited mechanical strength. In-situ gel falls into three categories: temperature-sensitive, ion-sensitive, and pH-sensitive, but multi-responsive gels that respond to multiple stimuli have better drug release characteristics. The mechanism of in-situ gel formation involves physical and chemical mechanisms. There are various applications of in-situ gel, like ocular drug delivery, nose-to-brain delivery, etc. In this review, we have discussed the types, and mechanisms of in-situ gel & use of in-situ gel in the treatment of different diseases through various routes like buccal, vaginal, ocular, nasal, etc., along with its use in targeted drug delivery.