Enteric delivery of ketoprofen through functionally modified poly(acrylamide-grafted-xanthan)-based pH-sensitive hydrogel beads: Preparation,in vitroandin vivoevaluation

An update review on biopolymer Xanthan gum: Properties, modifications, nanoagrochemicals, and its versatile applications in sustainable agriculture

During the development of green agriculture and pesticide use, "reducing pesticides use and improving control efficiency" is imperative. To date, new pesticide formulations created by nanotechnology can be expected to overcome the difficulties that cannot be solved by the traditional pesticide processes and make pesticide formulations close to the needs of green agricultural production. As natural polysaccharides, Xanthan gum (XG) charactered by a repeated units and side chain of d-glucose, d-mannose, and d-glucuronic acid, and thereby having the unprecedented features in response to wide practice in various fields. This review introduces the properties of the natural polymer XG and its current status of application in agriculture, focusing on the pesticide adjuvant and preparation of novel pesticide and fertilizer delivery systems (such as core-shell and hydrogel), and combined with the applications in mulch film and soil engineering. Furthermore, the properties of Xantho-oligosaccharides suitable for agriculture were discussed. Finally, the potential of XG for the creation of nanopesticides and its future prospects are highlighted. Taken together, XG's excellent performance endows it with a wide range of applications in the agriculture field, and result in strong stimulating the sustainable development of agriculture and evolution of agricultural industry.

Performance of magnetic nanocomposite based on xanthan gum-grafted-poly(acrylamide) crosslinked by borax for the effective elimination of amoxicillin from aquatic environments

This study evaluated the effectiveness of using nanocomposite (NCs) of xanthan gum grafted polyacrylamide crosslinked Borax - iron oxide nanoparticle (XG-g-pAAm-CL-Borax-IONP) to remove the amoxicillin antibiotic (AMX) from an aquatic environment. To confirm the structural characteristics of the prepared XG-g-pAAm-CL-Borax-IONP NCs, unique characterization methods (XRD, FT-IR, FE-SEM, EDX, BET, TGA, Zeta, and VSM) were used. Adsorption experimental setups were performed with the influence of solution pH (4-9), the effect of adsorbent dose (0.003-0.02 g), the effect of contact time (5-45 min), and the effect of initial AMX concentration (50-400 mg/L) to achieve the most efficient adsorption conditions. Based on the Freundlich isotherm model, XG-g-pAAm-CL-Borax-IONP NCs provided the maximum AMX adsorption capacity of 1183.639 mg/g. This research on adsorption kinetics also established that the pseudo-second-order model (R2 = 0.991) is outstanding compatibility with the experimental results. AMX adsorption on the NCs may occur through intermolecular hydrogen bonding, diffusion, and trapping into the polymer network. Even after five cycles, these NCs still displayed the best performance. Based on these results, XG-g-pAAm-CL-Borax-IONP NCs may be a viable material for the purification of AMX from contaminated water.

Natural Gums in Drug-Loaded Micro- and Nanogels

Gums are polysaccharide compounds obtained from natural sources, such as plants, algae and bacteria. Because of their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, as well as their ability to swell and their sensitivity to degradation by the colon microbiome, they are regarded as interesting potential drug carriers. In order to obtain properties differing from the original compounds, blends with other polymers and chemical modifications are usually applied. Gums and gum-derived compounds can be applied in the form of macroscopic hydrogels or can be formulated into particulate systems that can deliver the drugs via different administration routes. In this review, we present and summarize the most recent studies regarding micro- and nanoparticles obtained with the use of gums extensively investigated in pharmaceutical technology, their derivatives and blends with other polymers. This review focuses on the most important aspects of micro- and nanoparticulate systems formulation and their application as drug carriers, as well as the challenges related to these formulations.

Enzymes Encapsulated within Alginate Hydrogels: Bioelectrocatalysis and Electrochemiluminescence Applications

A simple procedure to incorporate enzymes (horseradish peroxidase, HRP, and lactate oxidase, LOx) within alginate hydrogels is reported with electrochemiluminescence (ECL) used to detect the enzymatic reactions with the corresponding substrates. First, HRP and LOx were successfully immobilized into CaCO3 microspheres, followed by the electrostatic layer-by-layer deposition of a nanoshell onto the microspheres, and finally by their dispersion into alginate solution. The as-prepared dispersion was drop cast onto the glassy carbon electrodes and cross-linked by the external and internal gelation methods using Ca2+ cations. The enzymes encapsulated within the alginate hydrogels were characterized using cyclic voltammetry and kinetic studies performed using ECL. The results showed that the enzymatic activity was significantly maintained as a result of the immobilization, with values of the apparent Michaelis-Menten constants estimated as 7.71 ± 0.62 and 8.41 ± 0.43 μM, for HRP and LOx, respectively. The proposed biosensors showed good stability and repeatability with an estimated limit of detection of 5.38 ± 0.05 and 0.50 ± 0.03 μM for hydrogen peroxide and lactic acid, respectively. The as-prepared enzymes encapsulated within the alginate hydrogels showed good stability up to 28 days from their preparation. The sensitivity and selectivity of the enzymes encapsulated within the alginate hydrogels were tested in real matrices (HRP, hydrogen peroxide, in contact lens solution; LOx, lactic acid in artificial sweat) showing the sensitivity of the ECL detection methods for the detection of hydrogen peroxide and lactic acid in real samples.

Hydrogels as potential drug-delivery systems: network design and applications

Hydrogels are 3D crosslinked polymer matrices having a colossal tendency to imbibe water and exhibit swelling under physiological conditions without deformation in their hydrophilic network. Hydrogels being biodegradable and biocompatible, gained consideration due to some unique characteristics: responsiveness to external stimuli (pH, temperature) and swelling in aqueous solutions. Hydrogels offer a promising option for various pharmaceutical and biomedical applications, including tissue-specific drug delivery at a predetermined, controlled rate. This article presents a brief review of the recent and fundamental advances to design hydrogels, the swelling and deswelling mechanism, various crosslinking methods and their use as an intelligent carrier in the pharmaceutical field. Recent applications of hydrogels are also briefly discussed and exemplified.

Dynamic cross-linking of an alginate-acrylamide tough hydrogel system: time-resolved in situ mapping of gel self-assembly

Hydrogels are a popular class of biomaterial that are used in a number of commercial applications (e.g.; contact lenses, drug delivery, and prophylactics). Alginate-based tough hydrogel systems, interpenetrated with acrylamide, reportedly form both ionic and covalent cross-links, giving rise to their remarkable mechanical properties. In this work, we explore the nature, onset and extent of such hybrid bonding interactions between the complementary networks in a model double-network alginate-acrylamide system, using a host of characterisation techniques (e.g.; FTIR, Raman, UV-vis, and fluorescence spectroscopies), in a time-resolved manner. Further, due to the similarity of bonding effects across many such complementary, interpenetrating hydrogel networks, the broad bonding interactions and mechanisms observed during gelation in this model system, are thought to be commonly replicated across alginate-based and broader double-network hydrogels, where both physical and chemical bonding effects are present. Analytical techniques followed real-time bond formation, environmental changes and re-organisational processes that occurred. Experiments broadly identified two phases of reaction; phase I where covalent interaction and physical entanglements predominate, and; phase II where ionic cross-linking effects are dominant. Contrary to past reports, ionic cross-linking occurred more favourably via mannuronate blocks of the alginate chain, initially. Evolution of such bonding interactions was also correlated with the developing tensile and compressive properties. These structure-property findings provide mechanistic insights and future synthetic intervention routes to manipulate the chemo-physico-mechanical properties of dynamically-forming tough hydrogel structures according to need (i.e.; durability, biocompatibility, adhesion, etc.), allowing expansion to a broader range of more physically and/or environmentally demanding biomaterials applications.

Functionally Tailored Electro-Sensitive Poly(Acrylamide)-g-Pectin Copolymer Hydrogel for Transdermal Drug Delivery Application: Synthesis, Characterization, In-vitro and Ex-vivo Evaluation

Background and Objectives:

To develop electro-sensitive transdermal drug delivery systems (ETDDS) using polyacrylamide-grafted-pectin (PAAm-g-PCT) copolymer hydrogel for rivastigmine delivery.

Methods:

Free radical polymerization and alkaline hydrolysis technique was employed to synthesize PAAm-g-PCT copolymer hydrogel. The PAAm-g-PCT copolymeric hydrogel was used as a reservoir and cross-linked blend films of PCT and poly(vinyl alcohol) as rate-controlling membranes (RCMs) to prepare ETDDS.

Results:

The pH of the hydrogel reservoir was found to be in the range of 6.81 to 6.93 and drug content was 89.05 to 96.29%. The thickness of RCMs was in the range of 51 to 99 μ and RCMs showed permeability behavior against water vapors. There was a reduction in the water vapor transmission rate as the glutaraldehyde (GA) concentration was increased. The drug permeation rate from the ETDDS was enhanced under the influence of electric stimulus against the absence of an electric stimulus. The increase in flux by 1.5 fold was recorded with applied electric stimulus. The reduction in drug permeability observed when the concentration of GA was increased. Whereas, the permeability of the drug was augmented as an electric current was changed from 2 to 8 mA. The pulsatile drug release under “on– off” cycle of electric stimulus witnessed a faster drug release under ‘on’ condition and it was slow under ‘off’ condition. The alteration in skin composition after electrical stimulation was confirmed through histopathology studies.

Conclusion:

The PAAm-g-PCT copolymer hydrogel is a useful carrier for transdermal drug delivery activated by an electric signal to provide on-demand release of rivastigmine.

Alginate-based hydrogels as drug delivery vehicles in cancer treatment and their applications in wound dressing and 3D bioprinting

Hydrogels are a three-dimensional and crosslinked network of hydrophilic polymers. They can absorb a large amount of water or biological fluids, which leads to their swelling while maintaining their 3D structure without dissolving (Zhu and Marchant, Expert Rev Med Devices 8:607-626, 2011). Among the numerous polymers which have been utilized for the preparation of the hydrogels, polysaccharides have gained more attention in the area of pharmaceutics; Sodium alginate is a non-toxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable polysaccharide with several unique physicochemical properties for which has used as delivery vehicles for drugs (Kumar Giri et al., Curr Drug Deliv 9:539-555, 2012). Owing to their high-water content and resembling the natural soft tissue, hydrogels were studied a lot as a scaffold. The formation of hydrogels can occur by interactions of the anionic alginates with multivalent inorganic cations through a typical ionotropic gelation method. However, those applications require the control of some properties such as mechanical stiffness, swelling, degradation, cell attachment, and binding or release of bioactive molecules by using the chemical or physical modifications of the alginate hydrogel. In the current review, an overview of alginate hydrogels and their properties will be presented as well as the methods of producing alginate hydrogels. In the next section of the present review paper, the application of the alginate hydrogels will be defined as drug delivery vehicles for chemotherapeutic agents. The recent advances in the application of the alginate-based hydrogels will be describe later as a wound dressing and bioink in 3D bioprinting.

Electrically Triggered Transdermal Drug Delivery Utilizing Poly(Acrylamide)-graft-Guar Gum: Synthesis, Characterization and Formulation Development

Objective:

The study aimed to prepare electrically-triggered transdermal drug delivery systems (ETDS) using electrically responsive polyacrylamide-graft-gaur gum (PAAm-g-GaG) copolymer.

Methods:

The PAAm-g-GaG copolymer was synthesized by adopting free radical polymerization grafting method. This PAAm-g-GaG copolymer hydrogel acts as a drug reservoir and blend films of Guar Gum (GaG) and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) were included as Rate Controlling Membranes (RCM) in the system. The PAAm-g-GaG copolymer was characterized by FTIR, neutralization equivalent values, thermogravimetric analysis and elemental analysis.

Results:

On the basis of results obtained, it is implicit that the drug permeation decreased with an increase in the concentration of glutaraldehyde and RCM thickness; while drug permeation rate was increased with increasing applied electric current strength from 2 to 8 mA. A two fold increase in flux values was observed with the application of DC electric current. An increase in drug permeation was witnessed under on condition of electric stimulus and permeation was decreased when electric stimulus was "off". The skin histopathology study confirmed the changes in skin structure when electrical stimulus was applied.

Conclusion:

The electrically-sensitive PAAm-g-GaG copolymer is a useful biomaterial for transdermal drug delivery application.

Taste masking of ofloxacin and formation of interpenetrating polymer network beads for sustained release

The objective of this study was to carry out taste masking of ofloxacin (Ofl) by ion exchange resins (IERs) followed by sustained release of Ofl by forming interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) beads. Drug-resin complexes (DRCs) with three different ratios of Ofl to IERs (1:1, 1:2, 1:4) were prepared by batch method and investigated for in vivo and in vitro taste masking. DRC of methacrylic acid-divinyl benzene (MD) resin and Ofl prepared at a ratio of 1:4 was used to form IPN beads. IPN beads of MD 1:4 were prepared by following the ionic cross-linking method using sodium carboxymethyl xanthan gum (SCMXG) and SCMXG-sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (SCMXG-SCMC). IPN beads were characterized with FT-IR and further studied on sustained release of Ofl at different pH. In vivo taste masking carried out by human volunteers showed that MD 1:4 significantly reduced the bitterness of Ofl. Characterization studies such as FT-IR, DSC, P-XRD and taste masking showed that complex formation took place between drug and resin. In vitro study at gastric pH showed complete release of drug from MD 1:4 within 30 min whereas IPN beads took 5 h at gastric pH and 10 h at salivary pH for the complete release of drug. As the crosslinking increased the release kinetics changed into non-Fickian diffusion to zero-order release mechanism. MD 1:4 showed better performance for the taste masking of Ofl and IPNs beads prepared from it were found useful for the sustained release of Ofl at both the pH, indicating a versatile drug delivery system.

In vitro and in vivo assessment of novel pH-sensitive interpenetrating polymer networks of a graft copolymer for gastro-protective delivery of ketoprofen

Novel pH-sensitive IPN microbeads exhibited drug release in response to changing pH and reduced side effects of ketoprofenin vivo.

Release profile of insulin from pH-sensitive hydrogel and its hypoglycemic effect by oral administration

The purpose of this study was to investigate the release profile and in vivo hypoglycemic effect of insulin (INS)-loaded pH-sensitive hydrogel (INS-TPM950) administrated by oral route. TPM950 was fabricated via a free polymerization method and its inner morphology was observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). INS was encapsulated into TPM950 by an adsorption method, and the in vitro release profiles of INS from INS-TPM950 were revealed in pH 1.2 and 6.8. To investigate the hypoglycemic effect of INS-TPM950, Male Wistar rats were used in modeling of diabetes mellitus by multiple intraperitoneal injection of alloxan. The in vivo hypoglycemic effect of oral INS-TPM950 was studied, and the optimal dosage was also determined. SEM photograph showed that abundant 3D meshes were distributed in the inner of TPM950 hydrogel. INS release profile suggested that only 18.2 ± 11.3% INS was released in pH 1.2, but over 88.8 ± 4.9% was delivered into phosphate buffer solution in pH 6.8. After injection to the diabetic rats, the released INS solution from INS-TPM950 exhibited an obvious hypoglycemic effect. Oral administration of 50.0 I.U./kg of INS-TPM950 showed a slow but effective hypoglycemic effect, and the lowest blood glucose level was reached to 47.5 ± 5.5% of the original level. Therefore, this formulation had a potential application in diabetes treatment via oral ingestion.

Thermo-chemical modification to produce citric acid–yeast superabsorbent composites for ketoprofen delivery

The native yeast microbes were used to prepare a novel eco-friendly superabsorbent composite through thermo-chemical modification of yeast with citric acid in semi-dry conditions for ketoprofen delivery.

Rheological Characterization of Isabgol Husk, Gum Katira Hydrocolloids, and Their Blends

The rheological parameters of Isabgol husk, gum katira, and their blends were determined in different media such as distilled water, 0.1 N HCl, and phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). The blend properties of Isabgol husk and gum katira were measured for four different percentage compositions in order to understand their compatibility in dispersion form such as 00 : 100, 25 : 50, 50 : 50, 75 : 25, and 100 : 00 in the gel strength of 1 mass%. The miscibility of blends was determined by calculating Isabgol husk-gum katira interaction parameters by Krigbaum and Wall equation. Other rheological properties were analyzed by Bingham, Power, Casson, Casson chocolate, and IPC paste analysis. The study revealed that the power flow index "p" was less than "1" in all concentrations of Isabgol husk, gum katira, and their blends dispersions indicating the shear-thinning (pseudoplastic) behavior. All blends followed pseudoplastic behavior at thermal conditions as 298.15, 313.15, and 333.15°K and in dispersion media such as distilled water, 0.1 N HCl, and phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). Moreover, the study indicated the applicability of these blends in the development of drug delivery systems and in industries, for example, ice-cream, paste, nutraceutical, and so forth.

Adding chemical cross-links to a physical hydrogel

Synergistic hydrogels are often encountered in polysaccharide mixtures widely used in food and biopharma products. The xanthan and konjac glucomannan pair provides one of the most studied synergistic hydrogels. Recently we showed that the junction zones stabilizing the 3D structure of this gel are present as macromolecular complexes in solution formed by the partially depolymerised polysaccharidic chains. The non-covalent interactions stabilizing the structure of the polysaccharidic complex cause the melting of the ordered structure of the complex in the solution and of the hydrogels. Introduction of chemical cross-links in the 3D structure of the synergistic hydrogel removes this behaviour, adding new features to the swelling and to the viscoelastic properties of the cured hydrogel. The use of epichlorohydrin as low molecular weight cross-linker does not impact unfavourably on the viability of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts.

Electroresponsive Polyacrylamide-grafted-xanthan Hydrogels for Drug Delivery

An electroresponsive drug delivery system was developed using poly(acrylamide-grafted-xanthan gum) (PAAm-g-XG) hydrogel for transdermal delivery of ketoprofen. The electrically sensitive PAAm-g-XG copolymer was synthesized by free radical polymerization under nitrogen atmosphere followed by alkaline hydrolysis. When a swollen PAAm-g-XG hydrogel was placed in between a pair of electrodes, deswelling of the hydrogel was observed in the vicinity of electrodes carrying the electric stimulus. The membrane-controlled drug delivery systems were prepared using drug-loaded PAAm-g-XG hydrogel as the reservoir and crosslinked with poly(vinyl alcohol) to form films as rate controlling membranes (RCM). The in vitro drug permeation study from the formulations was performed through excised rat abdominal skin. Drug permeation across the skin was greatly enhanced in the presence of electric stimulus as compared to passive diffusion and was found to be dependent upon the applied electric current strength and crosslink density of RCM. A pulsated pattern of drug release was observed as the electric stimulus was switched `on' and `off.' The skin histopathology study demonstrated that, after the application of an electrical stimulus, there were changes in the structure of stratum corneum and cell structure. These PAAm-g-XG hydrogel could be useful as transdermal drug delivery systems actuated by an electric signal to provide on-demand release of drugs.