Polyelectrolytic nature of chitosan: Influence on physicochemical properties and synthesis of nanoparticles

A water-soluble drug nanoparticle-loaded in situ gel for enhanced precorneal retention and its transduction mechanism of pharmacodynamic effects

Timolol maleate (TM), a hydrophilic small molecule, is widely used in the clinical management of glaucoma. However, the complex physiological barriers of the eyes result in suboptimal bioavailability for traditional ophthalmic formulations. To address these challenges, we have developed an innovative pharmaceutical formulation. The nanoparticles (NPs) were formulated by a multi-step optimization process involving a Plackett-Burman design (PBD), steepest ascent design (SAD), and Box-Behnken design (BBD) to obtain TM-HA/CS@ED NPs. It was then encapsulated in an in situ gel (ISG) system consisting of deacetylated gellan gum (DGG) and xanthan gum (XG) to yield the TM-HA/CS@ED NPs ISG. The formulation demonstrated favorable safety in a series of ocular irritation assays and was characterized as a pseudoplastic fluid by rheological analyses, enhancing spreadability on the ocular surface and prolonging the retention time. Moreover, the NPs exposed after ISG dissolution exhibited strong mucosal adhesion and hydrophobicity, facilitating the hydrophilic TM to penetrate the corneal barrier. In vitro and in vivo retention evaluations and tear elimination pharmacokinetic study confirmed that TM-HA/CS@ED NPs ISG showed superior precorneal retention ability, and favorable sustained drug concentrations, resulting in sustained and stable transcorneal permeation into the eyes and significant intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering efficacy with a duration of 12 h. These results provide valuable insights into the design of ophthalmic drug delivery systems for water-soluble drugs and therapeutic interventions for glaucoma.

Co-assembled biomimetic fibrils from collagen and chitosan for performance-enhancing hemostatic dressing

The development of safe and efficient hemostatic materials is medically important to prevent death due to trauma bleeding. Exploiting the synergistic effect between the D-periodic functional domain of collagen fibrils on platelet activation and cationic chitosan on erythrocyte aggregation is expected to develop performance-enhanced hemostatic materials. In this study, we prepared collagen fibrils and chitosan composite hemostatic materials by modulating the self-assembled bionic fibrillation of collagen with different degrees of deacetylation (DD, 50%, 70% and 85%) of chitosan. The findings indicated that chitosan promoted collagen self-assembly, with all the collagen fibrils demonstrating a typical D-periodical structure similar to that of the native collagen. Furthermore, the composite demonstrated enhanced structural integrity and procoagulant capacity along with good biocompatibility. Notably, the fibrillar composites with 70% DD of chitosan exhibited optimal mechanical properties, procoagulant activity, and adhesion of erythrocytes and platelets. Compared to pure collagen fibrils and the commercial hemostatic agent Celox™, the collagen/chitosan fibrillar composite treatment significantly accelerated hemostasis in the rat tail amputation model and liver injury model. This research offers new insights into the development of hemostatic materials and indicates that collagen-chitosan composites hold promising potential for clinical applications.

Genipin-enriched chitosan-Zein nanoparticles for improved curcumin encapsulation

Polysaccharide-protein nanocomplexes are considered one of the desired systems to encapsulate bioactive compounds. The study prepared chitosan (CS)/genipin (GP)/zein nanoparticles with chemical cross-linkage for encapsulating and releasing curcumin. Fourier transform infrared spectra demonstrated that cross-linkage between molecules was attributed to electrostatic interactions and the formation of amido bonds and hydrogen bonding. Transmission electron microscopy showed that all prepared nanoparticles showed a spherical morphology. Particularly, cinnamaldehyde screening -NH2 groups in CS significantly reduced the encapsulation efficiency of nanoparticles, demonstrating the significant role of the -NH2 group in CS-coated zein nanoparticles. Additionally, the encapsulation efficiency was largely increased to 82.3 % at the ratio of CS/GP/zein (w/w, 20:1:100), compared with 38.4 % using zein as a single encapsulation for curcumin. In vitro digestion, the addition of GP and CS decreased the release of curcumin from 84.8 % to 57.1 % after the initial digestion of 2 h. The GP/CS/zein particles retained 12 % of curcumin after 6- h of digestion, indicating the improvements in encapsulation efficiency and release properties.

Enhancment of zebrafish (Danio rerio) immune and antioxidant systems using medicinal plant extracts encapsulated in alginate-chitosan nanocapsules with slow sustained release

This study aimed to screen 10 medicinal plant extracts on zebrafish (Danio rerio), evaluating their impact on the complement system, immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels, lysozyme, and peroxidase activity, while also enhancing their efficacy through the gradual release using alginate-chitosan nanocapsules. The prepared methanolic extracts were combined with fish feed. The fish were divided into 12 groups, including 10 treatment groups, a positive and a negative control group. Results showed varying impacts of the extracts on the immune and antioxidant systems, with Cinnamon (Cinnamon cassia) and Hypericum (Hypericum perforatum) extracts demonstrating the most significant effects. Subsequently, Cinnamon and Hypericum extract were encapsulated in alginate-chitosan nanocapsules to assess their impact on zebrafish immune parameters, separately and synergistically. Gradual release of the extracts from the nanocapsules was observed, with slower release at pH 2 compared to pH 7. Overall, Cinnamon and Hypericum extracts exhibited substantial immune system enhancement, and their encapsulation in nanocapsules improved their effects on zebrafish immune parameters. These findings suggest using these encapsulated extracts to enhance immune responses in aquatic organisms.

Ionically assembled hemostatic powders with rapid self-gelation, strong acid resistance, and on-demand removability for upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is bleeding in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract with an acidic and dynamic environment that limits the application of conventional hemostatic materials. This study focuses on the development of N-[(2-hydroxy-3-trimethylammonium) propyl] chitosan chloride/phytic acid (HTCC/PA, HP) powders with fast hemostatic capability and strong acid resistance, for potential applications in managing UGIB. Upon contact with liquids within 5 seconds, HP powders rapidly transform into hydrogels, forming ionic networks through electrostatic interactions. The ionic crosslinking process facilitates the HP powders with high blood absorption (3.4 times of self-weight), sufficient tissue adhesion (5.2 and 6.1 kPa on porcine skin and stomach, respectively), and hemostasis (within 15 seconds for in vitro clotting). Interestingly, the PA imparts the HP powders with strong acid resistance (69.8% mass remaining after 10 days of incubation at pH 1) and on-demand removable sealing while HTCC contributes to fast hemostasis and good wet adhesion. Moreover, the HP powders show good biocompatibility and promote wound healing. Therefore, these characteristics highlight the promising clinical potential of HP powders for effectively managing UGIB.

Mussel-inspired chitosan and its applications in the biomedical field

Chitosan (CS) has physicochemical properties including solubility, crystallinity, swellability, viscosity, and cohesion, along with biological properties like biocompatibility, biodegradation, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antitumor effects. However, these characteristics of CS are greatly affected by its degree of deacetylation, molecular weight, pH and other factors, which limits the application of CS in biomedicine. The modification of CS with catechol-containing substances inspired by mussels can not only improve these properties of CS, but also endow it with self-healing property, providing an environmentally friendly and sustainable way to promote the application of CS in biomedicine. In this paper, the properties of CS and its limitation in the biomedical filed are introduced in detail. Then, the modification methods and properties of substances with catechol groups inspired by mussels on CS are reviewed. Finally, the applications of modified CS in the biomedical field of wound healing, drug delivery, anticancer therapy, biosensor and 3D printing are further discussed. This review can provide valuable information for the design and exploitation of mussel-inspired CS in the biomedical field.

Current strategic arsenal and advances in nose to brain nanotheranostics for therapeutic intervention of glioblastoma multiforme

The fight against Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is ongoing and the long-term outlook for GBM remains challenging due to low prognosis but every breakthrough brings us closer to improving patient outcomes. Significant hurdles in GBM are heterogeneity, fortified tumor location, and blood-brain barrier (BBB), hindering adequate drug concentrations within functioning brain regions, thus leading to low survival rates. The nasal passageway has become an appealing location to commence the course of cancer therapy. Utilization of the nose-to-brain (N2B) route for drug delivery takes a sidestep from the BBB to allow therapeutics to directly access the central nervous system (CNS) and enhance drug localization in the vicinity of the tumor. This comprehensive review provides insights into pertinent anatomy and cellular organization of the nasal cavity, present-day diagnostic tools, intracranial invasive therapies, and advancements in intranasal (IN) therapies in GBM models for better clinical outcomes. Also, this review highlights groundbreaking carriers and delivery techniques that could revolutionize GBM management such as biomimetics, image guiding-drug delivery, and photodynamic and photothermal therapies for GBM management.

Chitosan-based Mupirocin and Alkanna tinctoria extract nanoparticles for the management of burn wound: In vitro and in vivo characterization

Serious consequences including septicemia and amputations can result from complex wounds, which is a serious healthcare concern. In addition, there are currently only a few choices for management, which justifies the search for novel, highly effective wound-healing medications. This research work was aimed at fabricating chitosan-based Alkanna tinctoria and Mupirocin nanoparticles by ionic gelation technique for burn wound management. Preliminary studies were conducted, and the prepared nanoparticles were characterized by various techniques that involve, high-performance liquid chromatography for the detection of components in A. tinctoria root extract, ATR-FTIR, particle size, zeta potential, percent drug content (DC%), percent entrapment efficiency (EE%), scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for surface morphology. The optimized formulation CS-AT-MU-NPs3 shows a particle size of 340.8 ± 34.46 nm and positive zeta potential 27.3 ± 3.10 mV. In vitro drug release study was also performed, which demonstrated improved and controlled release of the drug from the nanoparticles. The CS-AT-MU-NPs3 exhibited a maximum release up to 92.61% (AT) and 88.35% (MU). Antibacterial and antifungal activities of the formulation were also accessed by utilizing the agar well diffusion technique. The combination of AT and MU in chitosan-based nanoparticles was significantly effective against bacterial and fungal strains like Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans as compared to other formulations. The skin irritation study was also conducted, which shows that the prepared formulation did not cause any observable changes to the skin in terms of inflammation, erythema, edema, or any other symptoms associated with skin irritation. All the chitosan-based nanoparticles showed almost 75% reduction in wound contraction, while the optimized formulation CS-AT-MU-NPs3 showed complete wound healing on the 15th day. Based on the results, it can be assumed that chitosan-based nanoparticles containing A. tinctoria and Mupirocin demonstrated good wound healing and could be used to effectively manage burn wounds of any description.

Green synthesis of chitosan-encapsulated CuO nanocomposites for efficient degradation of cephalosporin antibiotics in contaminated water

The synthesis and characterization of chitosan encapsulated copper oxide nanocomposites (CuNPs) using plant extracts for the photocatalytic degradation of second-generation antibiotics, cefixime and cefuroxime, were investigated. The study revealed that the presence of diverse chemical components in the plant extract significantly influenced the size of the CuNPs, with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showing spherical shapes and sizes ranging from 11-35 nm. The encapsulation process was confirmed by an increase in size for certain samples, indicating successful encapsulation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis further elucidated the chemical makeup, confirming the valency state of Cu2+ and the presence of Cu-O bonding, with no contaminants detected. Photocatalytic activity assessments demonstrated that the copper oxide nanocomposites exhibited significant degradation capabilities against both antibiotics under UV light irradiation, with encapsulated nanocomposites (EnCu30) showing up to 96.18% degradation of cefuroxime within 60 min. The study highlighted the influence of chitosan encapsulation on enhancing photocatalytic performance, attributed to its high adsorption capability. Recycling studies confirmed the sustainability of the Cu nanocomposites, maintaining over 89% degradation rate after five consecutive cycles. This research underscores the potential of green-synthesized CuNPs as efficient, stable photocatalysts for the degradation of harmful antibiotics, contributing to environmental sustainability and public health protection.

A scientometric analysis and recent advances of emerging chitosan-based biomaterials as potential catalyst for biodiesel production: A review

Chitosan is a widely available polymer with a reasonably high abundance, as well as a sustainable, biodegradable, and biocompatible material with different functional groups that are used in a wide range of operations. Chitosan is frequently employed in widespread applications such as environmental remediation, adsorption, catalysts, and drug formulation. The goal of this review is to discuss the potential applications of chitosan and its chemically modified solids as a catalyst in biodiesel production. The existing manuscripts are integrated based on the nature of materials used as chitosan and its modifications. A short overview of chitosan's structural characteristics, properties, and some ideal methods to be considered in catalysis activities are addressed. This article includes an analysis of a chitosan-based scientometric conducted between 1975 and 2023 using VOS viewer 1.6.19. To identify developments and technological advances in chitosan research, the significant scientometric features of yearly publication results, documents country network, co-authorship network, documents funding sponsor, documents institution network, and documents category in domain analysis were examined. This review covers a variety of organic transformations and their effects, including chitosan reactions against acids, bases, metals, metal oxides, organic compounds, lipases, and Knoevenagel condensation. The catalytic capabilities of chitosan and its modified structures for producing biodiesel through transesterification reactions are explored in depth.

Cytotoxicity Enhancement in Osteosarcoma with Multifunctional I-131 Radiotherapeutic Nanoparticles: In Vitro Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model and Release Kinetics Modeling

This novel radiolabeled chitosan nanoparticle, facilitated with curcumin, increased doxorubicin cytotoxicity and radiosensitivity to MG-63 osteosarcoma cells in a three-dimensional model. Delivery of the anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeted carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles, directly labeled with Na131I (ICED-N), achieved deep tumor penetration in a three-dimensional model. Of three kinetic models, the Higuchi model more closely matched the experimental curve and release profiles. The anti-EGFR targeting resulted in a 513-fold greater targeting efficacy to MG-63 (EGFR+) cells than the control fibroblast (EGFR-) cells. The curcumin-enhanced ICED-N (4 × 0.925 MBq) fractionated-dose regime achieved an 18.3-fold increase in cell cytotoxicity compared to the single-dose (1 × 3.70 MBq) doxorubicin-loaded nanoparticle, and a 13.6-fold increase in cell cytotoxicity compared to the single-dose Na131I nanoparticle. Moreover, the ICED-N fractionated dose increased cells in the G2/M phase 8.78-fold, indicating the cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase is associated with DNA fragmentation, and the intracellular damage is unable to be repaired. Overall, the results indicate that the fractionated dose was more efficacious than a single dose, and curcumin substantially increased doxorubicin cytotoxicity and amplified osteosarcoma cell radiosensitivity to Na131I.

An application of carbohydrate polymers-based surface-modified gold nanoparticles for improved target delivery to liver cancer therapy - A systemic review

Gold nanoparticles have been broadly investigated as cancer diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Gold nanoparticles are a favorable drug delivery vehicle with their unique subcellular size and good biocompatibility. Chitosan, agarose, fucoidan, porphyran, carrageenan, ulvan and alginate are all examples of biologically active macromolecules. Since they are biocompatible, biodegradable, and irritant-free, they find extensive application in biomedical and macromolecules. The versatility of these compounds is enhanced because they are amenable to modification by functional groups like sulfation, acetylation, and carboxylation. In an eco-friendly preparation process, the biocompatibility and targeting of GNPs can be improved by functionalizing them with polysaccharides. This article provides an update on using carbohydrate-based GNPs in liver cancer treatment, imaging, and drug administration. Selective surface modification of several carbohydrate types and further biological uses of GNPs are focused on.

Naturally and chemically acetylated polysaccharides: Structural characteristics, synthesis, activities, and applications in the delivery system: A review

Acetylated polysaccharides refer to polysaccharides containing acetyl groups on sugar units. In the past, the acetylation modification of wall polysaccharides has been a hot research topic for scientists. However, in recent years, many studies have reported that acetylation-modified plant, animal, and microbial polysaccharide show great potential in delivery systems. From the latest perspective, this review systematically presents the different sources of naturally acetylated polysaccharides, the regularity of their modification, the chemical preparation of acetylation modifications, the biological activities and functions of acetylated polysaccharides, and the application in the delivery system. In nature, acetylated polysaccharides are extensively distributed in plants, microorganism, and animals. The level of acetylation modification, the distribution of chains, and the locations of acetylation modification sites differ between species. An increasing number of acetylated polysaccharides were prepared in the aqueous medium, which is safe, environment friendly, and low-cost. In addition to being necessary for plant growth and development, acetylated polysaccharides have immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. The above-mentioned multiple sources, multifunctional and multi-active acetylated polysaccharides, make them an increasingly important part of delivery systems. We conclude by discussing the future directions for research and development and the potential uses for acetylated polysaccharides.

In Vitro Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Ultrasonicated Ethanolic Extract of Rosmarinus officinalis and its Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles Against Eimeria tenella Oocysts of Chickens

In this study, chitosan nanoparticles (CsNPs) were used as nanocarrier for ultrasonicated ethanolic extract of Rosmarinus officinalis (UEERO) as a new nanoformulation against Eimeria tenella. Herein, CsNPs have been synthesized by ionic gelation method at pH 3 (CsNPs3) and pH 5 (CsNPs5), followed by characterization of morphology, size, polydispersity index (PDI), surface charge, and loading efficiency of UEERO. An in vitro sporulation inhibition assay (10, 5, 2.5, 1.25, 0.62, 0.31, 0.15, 0.07, 0.04, 0.02, and 0.01 mg/ml normal saline solution) against E. tenella was conducted. Results showed that free CsNPs and UEERO-CsNPs3/5 were cubic- and spherical-shaped with positive charge and average size of ~ 150.8 nm (314.4 nm) and 151.7 nm (321.1 nm), respectively. The total loading efficiency using UV–vis spectrophotometer, was 80.05 at pH 5 and 64.39% at pH 3. The in vitro sporulation inhibition assay revealed that UEERO, CsNPs3/5, and UEERO-CsNPs3/5 showed a potential inhibitory effect on sporulation (%), distortion in wall (%), and sporocyst abnormality (%) in a dose-dependent manner. Accordingly, the concentration (10 mg/ml) showed the best efficacy after 24 h in UEERO, free CsNPs, and UEERO-CsNPs. Moreover, UEERO-CsNPs3 and UEERO-CsNPs5 had stopped the sporulation (%) after 72 h. Taken all together, UEERO-CsNPs3 and UEERO-CsNPs5 are best effective against E. tenella in a dose-dependent manner in terms of sporulation (%), distortion in wall (%), and sporocysts abnormality.

Synthesis and Evaluation of a Chitosan–Silica-Based Bone Substitute for Tissue Engineering

Bone defects have prompted the development of biomaterial-based bone substitutes for restoring the affected tissue completely. Although many biomaterials have been designed and evaluated, the combination of properties required in a biomaterial for bone tissue engineering still poses a challenge. In this study, a chitosan–silica-based biocomposite was synthetized, and its physicochemical characteristics and biocompatibility were characterized, with the aim of exploring the advantages and drawbacks of its use in bone tissue engineering. Dynamic light scattering measurements showed that the mean hydrodynamic size of solid silica particles (Sol-Si) was 482 ± 3 nm. Scanning electron microscopy of the biocomposite showed that Sol-Si were homogenously distributed within the chitosan (CS) matrix. The biocomposite swelled rapidly and was observed to have no cytotoxic effect on the [3T3] cell line within 24 h. Biocompatibility was also analyzed in vivo 14 days post-implant using a murine experimental model (Wistar rats). The biocomposite was implanted in the medullary compartment of both tibiae (n = 12). Histologically, no acute inflammatory infiltrate or multinucleated giant cells associated to the biocomposite were observed, indicating good biocompatibility. At the tissue–biocomposite interface, there was new formation of woven bone tissue in close contact with the biocomposite surface (osseointegration). The new bone formation may be attributed to the action of silica. Free silica particles originating from the biocomposite were observed at the tissue–biocomposite interface. According to our results, the biocomposite may act as a template for cellular interactions and extracellular matrix formation, providing a structural support for new bone tissue formation. The CS/Sol-Si biocomposite may act as a Si reservoir, promoting new bone formation. A scaffold with these properties is essential for cell differentiation and filling a bone defect.

Recent advancements in encapsulation of chitosan-based enzymes and their applications in food industry

Enzymes are readily inactivated in harsh micro-environment due to changes in pH, temperature, and ionic strength. Developing suitable and feasible techniques for stabilizing enzymes in food sector is critical for preventing them from degradation. This review provides an overview on chitosan (CS)-based enzymes encapsulation techniques, enzyme release mechanisms, and their applications in food industry. The challenges and future prospects of CS-based enzymes encapsulation were also discussed. CS-based encapsulation techniques including ionotropic gelation, emulsification, spray drying, layer-by-layer self-assembly, hydrogels, and films have been studied to improve the encapsulation efficacy (EE), heat, acid and base stability of enzymes for their applications in food, agricultural, and medical industries. The smart delivery design, new delivery system development, and in vivo releasing mechanisms of enzymes using CS-based encapsulation techniques have also been evaluated in laboratory level studies. The CS-based encapsulation techniques in commercial products should be further improved for broadening their application fields. In conclusion, CS-based encapsulation techniques may provide a promising approach to improve EE and bioavailability of enzymes applied in food industry.HighlightsEnzymes play a critical role in food industries but susceptible to inactivation.Chitosan-based materials could be used to maintain the enzyme activity.Releasing mechanisms of enzymes from encapsulators were outlined.Applications of encapsulated enzymes in food fields was discussed.

Abdalla M, Bechelany M. Review on Natural, Incidental, Bioinspired, and Engineered Nanomaterials: History, Definitions, Classifications, Synthesis, Properties, Market, Toxicities, Risks, and Regulations

Nanomaterials are becoming important materials in several fields and industries thanks to their very reduced size and shape-related features. Scientists think that nanoparticles and nanostructured materials originated during the Big Bang process from meteorites leading to the formation of the universe and Earth. Since 1990, the term nanotechnology became very popular due to advances in imaging technologies that paved the way to specific industrial applications. Currently, nanoparticles and nanostructured materials are synthesized on a large scale and are indispensable for many industries. This fact fosters and supports research in biochemistry, biophysics, and biochemical engineering applications. Recently, nanotechnology has been combined with other sciences to fabricate new forms of nanomaterials that could be used, for instance, for diagnostic tools, drug delivery systems, energy generation/storage, environmental remediation as well as agriculture and food processing. In contrast with traditional materials, specific features can be integrated into nanoparticles, nanostructures, and nanosystems by simply modifying their scale, shape, and composition. This article first summarizes the history of nanomaterials and nanotechnology. Followed by the progress that led to improved synthesis processes to produce different nanoparticles and nanostructures characterized by specific features. The content finally presents various origins and sources of nanomaterials, synthesis strategies, their toxicity, risks, regulations, and self-aggregation.

Ultrasonic Synthesis of Nanochitosan and Its Size Effects on Turbidity Removal and Dealkalization in Wastewater Treatment

A detailed study on the synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles under ultrasonication is reported in this paper. By using this simple technique, chitosan particles in nanometer range can be easily prepared without using any harmful and expensive chemicals. The results show that increasing the ultrasonic irradiation time and ultrasonic wave amplitude are the key factors for producing discrete chitosan nanoparticles with narrow particle size distribution. The resulting nanoparticles show superior turbidity removal efficiency (75.4%) and dealkalization (58.3%) in wastewater treatment than the bulk chitosan solid (35.4% and 11.1%, respectively), thus offering an eco-friendly and promising approach for treating wastewater via the coagulation/flocculation process.

Chitosan Enhances the Anti-Biofilm Activity of Biodentine against an Interkingdom Biofilm Model

Endodontic infection is a biofilm disease that is difficult to irradicate with current treatment protocols, and as such, persistent micro-organisms may lead to ongoing or recurrent disease. The potential for the use of enhanced filling materials to modify biofilm regrowth is a promising strategy. This current study aimed to evaluate the anti-biofilm efficacy of calcium silicate cements modified with chitosan. The development of mono-species and multi-species biofilms on ProRoot MTA, Biodentine and bovine dentine discs were explored using quantitative microbiology analysis. The effect on regrowth of biofilms was assessed following the addition of chitosan to each cement. In comparison to a dentine substrate, both materials did not show the ability to inhibit biofilm regrowth. Biodentine incorporated with chitosan displayed a dose-dependent reduction in multi-species biofilm regrowth, unlike MTA. Notably, interkingdom biofilms were shown to enhance bacterial tolerance in the presence of chitosan. This study demonstrates the potential to enhance the antimicrobial properties of Biodentine. The findings highlight the need for appropriate model systems when exploring antimicrobial properties of materials in vitro so that interspecies and interkingdom interactions that modify tolerance are not overlooked while still supporting the development of innovative materials.

A Systematic Review of Drug-Loaded Electrospun Nanofiber-Based Ophthalmic Inserts

Currently, ocular inserts and nanoparticles have received much attention due to the limited bioavailability of conventional eye preparations and the toxicity problems of systemic drug administration. The current systematic review aims to present recent studies on the use of electrospun nanofiber-based ocular inserts to improve the bioavailability of drugs used for different ophthalmic diseases. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Ovid Medline, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Reaxys, Google Scholar, and Google Patents/Espacenet taking "drug-loaded", "nanofibers", and "ophthalmic inserts" and their equivalent terms as keywords. The search was limited to original and peer-reviewed studies published in 2011-2021 in English language. Only 13 out of 795 articles and 15 out of 197 patents were included. All results revealed the success of nanofiber-based ocular inserts in targeting and improved bioavailability. Ocular inserts based on nanofibers can be used as safe, efficient carriers for the treatment of anterior and posterior eye diseases.