Development of docetaxel-loaded PEG–PLA nanoparticles using surfactant-free method for controlled release studies

Biodegradable Conducting Polymer-Based Composites for Biomedical Applications-A Review

In recent years, researchers have increasingly directed their focus toward the biomedical field, driven by the goal of engineering polymer systems that possess a unique combination of both electrical conductivity and biodegradability. This convergence of properties holds significant promise, as it addresses a fundamental requirement for biomedical applications: compatibility with biological environments. These polymer systems are viewed as auspicious biomaterials, precisely because they meet this critical criterion. Beyond their biodegradability, these materials offer a range of advantageous characteristics. Their exceptional processability enables facile fabrication into various forms, and their chemical stability ensures reliability in diverse physiological conditions. Moreover, their low production costs make them economically viable options for large-scale applications. Notably, their intrinsic electrical conductivity further distinguishes them, opening up possibilities for applications that demand such functionality. As the focus of this review, a survey into the use of biodegradable conducting polymers in tissue engineering, biomedical implants, and antibacterial applications is conducted.

Nanomedicines Bearing an Alkylating Cytostatic Drug from the Group of 1,3,5-Triazine Derivatives: Development and Characterization

Cancer is still one of the major diseases worldwide. The discovery of new drugs and the improvement of existing ones is one of the areas of priority in the fight against cancer. Dioxadet ([5-[[4,6-bis(aziridin-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]amino]-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxan-5-yl]methanol) represents one of the promising 1,3,5-triazine derivatives and has cytostatic activity towards ovarian cancer. In this study, we first report the development of dioxadet-bearing nanomedicines based on block-copolymers of poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether (mPEG) and poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and then conduct an investigation into their characteristics and properties. The preparation of narrow-sized nanoparticles with a hydrodynamic diameter of 100−120 nm was optimized using a nanoprecipitation approach. Thoughtful optimization of the preparation of nanomedicines was carried out through adjustments to the polymer’s molecular weight, the pH of the aqueous medium used for nanoprecipitation, the initial drug amount in respect to the polymer, and polymer concentration in the organic phase. Under optimized conditions, spherical-shaped nanomedicines with a hydrodynamic diameter of up to 230 nm (PDI < 0.2) containing up to 592 ± 22 μg of dioxadet per mg of polymer nanoparticles were prepared. Study of the drug’s release in a model medium revealed the release up to 64% and 46% of the drug after 8 days for mPEG-b-PLA and mPEG-b-PCL, respectively. Deep analysis of the release mechanisms was carried out with the use of a number of mathematical models. The developed nanoparticles were non-toxic towards both normal (CHO-K1) and cancer (A2780 and SK-OV-3) ovarian cells. A cell cycle study revealed lesser toxicity of nanomedicines towards normal cells and increased toxicity towards cancer cells. The IC50 values determined for dioxadet nanoformulations were in the range of 0.47−4.98 μg/mL for cancer cells, which is close to the free drug’s efficacy (2.60−4.14 μg/mL). The highest cytotoxic effect was found for dioxadet loaded to mPEG-b-PCL nanoparticles.

Recent Advances in Biodegradable Polymers and Their Biological Applications: A Brief Review

The rising significance of the field of biopolymers has driven the rapid progress of this distinctive class of polymeric materials in the past decades. Biodegradable polymers have acquired much attention because they play an essential role in humans' lives due to their specific tunable electrical conductivity and biodegradability characteristics, making them fascinating in many applications. Herein, we debated the recent progress in developing biodegradable polymers and their applications. Initially, we introduce the basics of conducting and biodegradable polymers, trailed by debates about the effective strategies currently used to develop biopolymers. Special importance will focus on the uses of biodegradable polymers in drug delivery and tissue engineering, as well as wound healing, demonstrating the recent findings, and uses of several biodegradable polymers in modern biological uses. In this review, we have provided comprehensive viewpoints on the latest progress of the challenges and future prospects involving biodegradable polymers' advancement and commercial applications.

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.