Preparation of highly porous β-chitin structure through nonsolvent–solvent exchange-induced phase separation and supercritical CO2 drying

Biopolymer-Polysiloxane Double Network Aerogels

A new series of transparent aerogels of biopolymer-polysiloxane double networks is reported. Biopolymer aerogels have attracted much attention from green and sustainable aspects but suffered from strong hydrophilicity and difficulty to make homogeneous structures in nanoscale; these drawbacks are overcome by compositing with a polysiloxane network. Alginate-polymethylsilsesquioxane aerogel has high optical transparency, water repellency, comparable superinsulation property and improved bending flexibility compared to pure polymethylsilsesquioxane aerogel. The nanoscale homogeneity is realized by separating the crosslinking steps for two networks in a sequential protocol: condensation of siloxane bonds and metal-crosslinking of biopolymer. The crosslinking order, biopolymer-first or siloxane-first, and universality/limitation of biopolymer-crosslinker pairs are discussed to construct fundamental chemistry of double network systems for their further application potentials.

Technologies and Formulation Design of Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogels for Drug Delivery

Polysaccharide-based hydrogel particles (PbHPs) are very promising carriers aiming to control and target the release of drugs with different physico-chemical properties. Such delivery systems can offer benefits through the proper encapsulation of many drugs (non-steroidal and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, etc) ensuring their proper release and targeting. This review discusses the different phases involved in the production of PbHPs in pharmaceutical technology, such as droplet formation (SOL phase), sol-gel transition of the droplets (GEL phase) and drying, as well as the different methods available for droplet production with a special focus on prilling technique. In addition, an overview of the various droplet gelation methods with particular emphasis on ionic cross-linking of several polysaccharides enabling the formation of particles with inner highly porous network or nanofibrillar structure is given. Moreover, a detailed survey of the different inner texture, in xerogels, cryogels or aerogels, each with specific arrangement and properties, which can be obtained with different drying methods, is presented. Various case studies are reported to highlight the most appropriate application of such systems in pharmaceutical field. We also describe the challenges to be faced for the breakthrough towards clinic studies and, finally, the market, focusing on the useful approach of safety-by-design (SbD).

Recent Progress of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide in Producing Natural Nanomaterials

Natural medicines are widely utilized in human healthcare. Their beneficial effects have been attributed to the existence of natural active ingredients (NAI) with a positive impact on disease treatment and prevention. Public awareness about the side effects of synthetic chemical compounds increased the need for NAI as well. Clinical applications of NAI are limited by their instability and poor water solubility, while micronization is a major strategy to overcome these drawbacks. Supercritical carbon dioxide (sc-CO2) based nano techniques have drawn great attention in nanomedicinal area for many years, due to their unique characters such as fast mass transfer, near zero surface tension, effective solvents elimination, non-toxic, non-flammable, low cost and environmentally benign. In terms of functions of sc-CO2, many modified sc-CO2 based techniques are developed to produce NAI nanoparticles with high solubility, biological availability and stability. 5 types of promising methods, including gas-assisted melting atomization, CO2-assisted nebulization with a bubble dryer, supercritical fluidassisted atomization with a hydrodynamic cavitation mixer, supercritical CO2-based coating method and solution-enhanced dispersion by sc-CO2 process, are summarized in this article followed by a highlight of their fundamental synthesis principles and important medicinal applications.

Evaluation of wound healing potential of β-chitin hydrogel/nano zinc oxide composite bandage

PURPOSE

β-chitin hydrogel/nZnO composite bandage was fabricated and evaluated in detail as an alternative to existing bandages.

METHODS

β-chitin hydrogel was synthesized by dissolving β-chitin powder in Methanol/CaCl(2) solvent, followed by the addition of distilled water. ZnO nanoparticles were added to the β-chitin hydrogel and stirred for homogenized distribution. The resultant slurry was frozen at 0°C for 12 h. The frozen samples were lyophilized for 24 h to obtain porous composite bandages.

RESULTS

The bandages showed controlled swelling and degradation. The composite bandages showed blood clotting ability as well as platelet activation, which was higher when compared to the control. The antibacterial activity of the bandages were proven against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E.coli). Cytocompatibility of the composite bandages were assessed using human dermal fibroblast cells (HDF) and these cells on the composite bandages were viable similar to the Kaltostat control bandages and bare β-chitin hydrogel based bandages. The viability was reduced to 50-60% in bandages with higher concentration of zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnO) and showed 80-90% viability with lower concentration of nZnO. In vivo evaluation in Sprague Dawley rats (S.D. rats) showed faster healing and higher collagen deposition ability of composite bandages when compared to the control.

CONCLUSIONS

The prepared bandages can be used on various types of infected wounds with large volume of exudates.