Biomimetic hydroxyapatite-chitosan nanoparticles deliver the erythromycin for improved antibacterial activity

Influence of pH in the synthesis of calcium phosphate based nanostructures with enhanced bioactivity and pro-angiogenic properties

In synthetic fabrication, the process parameters decide the growth nucleation, phase translation, and the evolution of morphological facets of nanostructured materials. This work demonstrates the formation of different crystallographic phases of calcium phosphate by the influence of pH from acidic to alkaline conditions and also investigated their bone regeneration, protein adsorption, and pro-angiogenic properties. Present results illustrate that the alteration of pH is the crucial factor for the synthesis of calcium phosphate (CP) phases. The structural analysis reveals the monetite (CaHPO₄ ) phase with a triclinic crystal system for pH 5, dual-phase of monetite combined with hydroxyapatite at the neutral pH 7, and pure phase of hydroxyapatite (Ca₁₀ [PO₄ ]₆ OH₂ ) with hexagonal structure at pH 10. Microscopic analysis portrays the cubic and rod-like morphologies by changing the pH values. FTIR and RAMAN spectroscopic analyses confirm the stretching, bending, and vibrational modes of dominant phosphate groups of different CP phases. Further, the biocompatibility of the prepared CP phases was examined by hemolysis assay, which showed less than 2% of lysis and enhanced cell viability. Moreover, the bioactivity study revealed rapid mineralization and a higher protein adsorption rate for the monetite CP phase (M-CP). Subsequently, the chick embryo angiogenesis assay elucidated 33% higher neovascularization for M-CP compared with the other two CP phases. The fabricated M-CP nanostructure constitutes a promising candidate for biomedical applications.

Erythromycin Formulations—A Journey to Advanced Drug Delivery

Erythromycin (ERY) is a macrolide compound with a broad antimicrobial spectrum which is currently being used to treat a large number of bacterial infections affecting the skin, respiratory tract, intestines, bones and other systems, proving great value from a clinical point of view. It became popular immediately after its discovery in 1952, due to its therapeutic effect against pathogens resistant to other drugs. Despite this major advantage, ERY exhibits several drawbacks, raising serious clinical challenges. Among them, the very low solubility in water and instability under acidic conditions cause a limited efficacy and bioavailability. Apart from this, higher doses promote drug resistance and undesirable effects. In order to overcome these disadvantages, during the past decades, a large variety of ERY formulations, including nanoparticles, have emerged. Despite the interest in ERY-(nano)formulations, a review on them is lacking. Therefore, this work was aimed at reviewing all efforts made to encapsulate ERY in formulations of various chemical compositions, sizes and morphologies. In addition, their preparation/synthesis, physico-chemical properties and performances were carefully analysed. Limitations of these studies, particularly the quantification of ERY, are discussed as well.