Nanostructured materials for applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering

A systematic review of liposomal nanofibrous scaffolds as a drug delivery system: a decade of progress in controlled release and therapeutic efficacy

Drug-loaded liposomes incorporated in nanofibrous scaffolds is a promising approach as a multi-unit nanoscale system, which combines the merits of both liposomes and nanofibers (NFs), eliminating the drawback of liposomes' poor stability on the one hand and offering a higher potential of controlled drug release and enhanced therapeutic efficacy on the other hand. The current systematic review, which underwent a rigorous search process in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Central (Cochrane) employing (Liposome AND nanofib* AND electrosp*) as search keywords, aims to present the recent studies on using this synergic system for different therapeutic applications. The search was restricted to original, peer-reviewed studies published in English between 2014 and 2024. Of the 309 identified records, only 29 studies met the inclusion criteria. According to the literature, three different methods were identified to fabricate those nanofibrous liposomal scaffolds. The results consistently demonstrated the superiority of this dual system for numerous therapeutic applications in improving the therapy efficacy, enhancing both liposomes and drug stability, and releasing the encapsulated drug in a proper sustained release without significant initial burst release. Merging drug-loaded liposomes with NFs as liposomal nanofibrous scaffolds are a safe and efficient approach to deliver drug molecules and other substances for various pharmaceutical applications, particularly for wound dressing, tissue engineering, cancer therapy, and drug administration via the buccal and sublingual routes. However, further research is warranted to explore the potential of this system in other therapeutic applications.

Curcumin-coated iron oxide nanoparticles for photodynamic therapy of breast cancer

Breast cancer is the deadliest cancer among women and its treatment using traditional methods leads the patient to experience adverse effects. However, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive therapy modality that works through a photosensitizing agent, which treating activated by a suitable light source, releases reactive oxygen species capable of treating cancer. Furthermore, recent research indicates that combining PDT and nanoparticles can enhance therapeutic effects. In this way, the synthesis of IONPs (iron oxide nanoparticles) was carried out, and their subsequent coating was done with curcumin (IONPs@curcumin) so that they could act as therapeutic agents against breast cancer. Curcumin solubility tests were carried out to achieve the best results, with ethanol as a solvent, in different concentrations of ethanolic curcumin solution, with the optimal outcome observed at a concentration of 1 mM. Subsequently, the stability analysis was conducted by adjusting the pH of the medium, revealing that at pH 10, the IONPs@curcumin exhibited the best stability and dispersion conditions. Then, cytotoxicity tests of IONPs@curcumin were carried out on the MDA-MB-468 triple-negative breast cancer cell line, under experimental conditions without irradiation and subjected to PDT. The results revealed a viability greater than 70%, as it did not exhibit cytotoxicity for cells in the dark. After 1 h of incubation, the PDT associated with IONPs@curcumin showed 32% of cell viability at a concentration of 30 mg/mL.

Unraveling the Applicability of LbL Coatings for Drug Delivery in Dental Implant-Related Infection Treatment

Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition caused by bacterial biofilms adhered on dental implant surfaces that cause progressive tissue destruction from the host's inflammatory response. The adverse effects of peri-implantitis progression can go beyond just losing the implant. This highlights the importance of implementing strategies to stabilize disease in the short term. Layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly is a promising avenue in the field of peri-implantitis management due to its applicability with a variety of substances, in addition to being an easy, versatile, and flexible process for multilayer formation to act directly in the affected site. In this Review, our objective is to offer comprehensive chemical and biological insights into the LbL system, clarifying its specific application as antimicrobial coatings, with concern for the physical site and purpose. Additionally, we delve deeper into the concepts of onset and progression of peri-implantitis, aiming to elucidate the precise indications for employing the LbL system as a coating for implant abutments in peri-implantitis treatment. Finally, we correlate the chemical composition of the LbL system with its functionality while also addressing the challenges posed by the uncontrolled environment of the oral cavity, which ultimately restricts its clinical applicability.

High-yield soluble production of recombinant β-keratin from Gallus gallus feathers using an experimental design approach

The search for new non-animal textile materials has increased yearly as environmental awareness and veganism continue to spread, driving the development of greener fabrics. Concurrently, β-keratin, a fibrous, resistant, and insoluble protein shows great potential for producing innovative biomaterials. However, β-keratin is naturally abundant in animal feathers. Therefore, the recombinant production of β-keratin from Gallus gallus feathers was proposed using a strategy of parallel expression in different vectors. Statistical tools of experimental design were employed to improve the production of soluble biosynthetic keratin. It was shown that β-keratins fused to His6MBP had better performance regarding soluble expression. In addition, the optimized regions for the values of induction temperature, induction time, and induction absorbance were obtained. As a result, a yield of 185.3 ± 1.4 mg/L of soluble His6MBP-Chr2.FK4 was achieved, representing the highest yield reported to date.

Innovative approaches in lung tissue engineering: the role of exosome-loaded bioscaffolds in regenerative medicine

Lung diseases account for over four million premature deaths every year, and experts predict that this number will increase in the future. The top cause of death globally is diseases which include conditions like lung cancer asthma and COPD. Treating severe acute lung injury is a complex task because lungs struggle to heal themselves in the presence of swelling inflammation and scarring caused by damage, to the lung tissues. Though achieving lung regeneration, in controlled environments is still an ambition; ongoing studies are concentrating on notable progress, in the field of lung tissue engineering and methods for repairing lung damage. This review delves into methods, for regenerating lungs with a focus on exosome carry bioscaffolds and mesenchymal stem cells among others. It talks about how these new techniques can help repair lung tissue and improve lung function in cases of damage. Also noted is the significance of ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP), for rejuvenating donor lungs and the healing properties of exosomes in supporting lung regeneration.

Comparison of Drug Delivery Systems with Different Types of Nanoparticles in Terms of Cellular Uptake and Responses in Human Endothelial Cells, Pericytes, and Astrocytes

Background/Objectives: The key components of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are endothelial cells, pericytes, astrocytes, and the capillary basement membrane. The BBB serves as the main barrier for drug delivery to the brain and is the most restrictive endothelial barrier in the body. Nearly all large therapeutic molecules and over 90% of small-molecule drugs cannot cross the BBB. To overcome this challenge, nanotechnology, particularly drug delivery systems such as nanoparticles (NPs), have gained significant attention. Methods: Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and albumin-based NPs (bovine/human), with or without transferrin (Tf) ligands (BSA, HSA, BSA-Tf, HSA-Tf), and nanolipid carriers (NLC) were synthesized. The interactions of these NPs with human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs), human brain vascular pericytes (hBVPs), and human astrocytes (hASTROs) were analyzed. Results: At doses of 15.62 µg/mL, 31.25 µg/mL, and 62.5 µg/mL, none of the NPs caused toxic effects on hBMECs, hBVPs, or hASTROs after 3 h of incubation. All NPs were internalized by the cells, but BSA-Tf and HSA-Tf showed significantly higher uptake in hBMECs in a dose-dependent manner. Ultrastructural analysis revealed notable differences between NP formulation and cell type. Conclusions: Our findings underscore the potential of ligand-targeted NPs to selectively interact with BBB endothelial cells. Ultrastructural analysis reveals distinct cellular processing pathways for various NP formulations across BBB-associated cell types, with autophagy emerging as a crucial mechanism for NP handling in pericytes and astrocytes. Changes in NP chemical properties upon biological exposure present significant challenges for nanomedicine design, emphasizing the need for further investigation into NP interactions at the cellular and subcellular levels.

Nanomaterials that Aid in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease, Resolving Blood-Brain Barrier Crossing Ability

As a form of dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD) suffers from no efficacious cure, yet AD treatment is still imperative, as it ameliorates the symptoms or prevents it from deteriorating or maintains the current status to the longest extent. The human brain is the most sensitive and complex organ in the body, which is protected by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This yet induces the difficulty in curing AD as the drugs or nanomaterials that are much inhibited from reaching the lesion site. Thus, BBB crossing capability of drug delivery system remains a significant challenge in the development of neurological therapeutics. Fortunately, nano-enabled delivery systems possess promising potential to achieve multifunctional diagnostics/therapeutics against various targets of AD owing to their intriguing advantages of nanocarriers, including easy multifunctionalization on surfaces, high surface-to-volume ratio with large payloads, and potential ability to cross the BBB, making them capable of conquering the limitations of conventional drug candidates. This review, which focuses on the BBB crossing ability of the multifunctional nanomaterials in AD diagnosis and treatment, will provide an insightful vision that is conducive to the development of AD-related nanomaterials.

Advances in implants and bone graft types for lumbar spinal fusion surgery

The increasing prevalence of spinal disorders worldwide necessitates advanced treatments, particularly interbody fusion for severe cases that are unresponsive to non-surgical interventions. This procedure, especially 360° lumbar interbody fusion, employs an interbody cage, pedicle screw-and-rod instrumentation, and autologous bone graft (ABG) to enhance spinal stability and promote fusion. Despite significant advancements, a persistent 10% incidence of non-union continues to result in compromised patient outcomes and escalated healthcare costs. Innovations in lumbar stabilisation seek to mimic the properties of natural bone, with evolving implant materials like titanium (Ti) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and their composites offering new prospects. Additionally, biomimetic cages featuring precisely engineered porosities and interconnectivity have gained traction, as they enhance osteogenic differentiation, support osteogenesis, and alleviate stress-shielding. However, the limitations of ABG, such as harvesting morbidities and limited fusion capacity, have spurred the exploration of sophisticated solutions involving advanced bone graft substitutes. Currently, demineralised bone matrix and ceramics are in clinical use, forming the basis for future investigations into novel bone graft substitutes. Bioglass, a promising newcomer, is under investigation despite its observed rapid absorption and the potential for foreign body reactions in preclinical studies. Its clinical applicability remains under scrutiny, with ongoing research addressing challenges related to burst release and appropriate dosing. Conversely, the well-documented favourable osteogenic potential of growth factors remains encouraging, with current efforts focused on modulating their release dynamics to minimise complications. In this evidence-based narrative review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of non-degradable spinal implants and bone graft substitutes, emphasising their applications in lumbar spinal fusion surgery. We highlight the necessity for continued research to improve clinical outcomes and enhance patient well-being.

Supramolecular interaction in the action of drug delivery systems

Complex diseases and diverse clinical needs necessitate drug delivery systems (DDSs), yet the current performance of DDSs is far from ideal. Supramolecular interactions play a pivotal role in various aspects of drug delivery, encompassing biocompatibility, drug loading, stability, crossing biological barriers, targeting, and controlled release. Nevertheless, despite having some understanding of the role of supramolecular interactions in drug delivery, their incorporation is frequently overlooked in the design and development of DDSs. This perspective provides a brief analysis of the involved supramolecular interactions in the action of drug delivery, with a primary emphasis on the DDSs employed in the clinic, mainly liposomes and polymers, and recognized phenomena in research, such as the protein corona. The supramolecular interactions implicated in various aspects of drug delivery systems, including biocompatibility, drug loading, stability, spatiotemporal distribution, and controlled release, were individually analyzed and discussed. This perspective aims to trigger a comprehensive and systematic consideration of supramolecular interactions in the further development of DDSs. Supramolecular interactions embody the true essence of the interplay between the majority of DDSs and biological systems.

Research Progress of Drug Delivery Systems Targeting the Kidneys

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than 10% of the global population, and its incidence is increasing, partially due to an increase in the prevalence of disease risk factors. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an independent risk factor for CKD and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The pathogenic mechanisms of CKD provide several potential targets for its treatment. However, due to off-target effects, conventional drugs for CKD typically require high doses to achieve adequate therapeutic effects, leading to long-term organ toxicity. Therefore, ideal treatments that completely cure the different types of kidney disease are rarely available. Several approaches for the drug targeting of the kidneys have been explored in drug delivery system research. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems have multiple merits, including good biocompatibility, suitable degradability, the ability to target lesion sites, and fewer non-specific systemic effects. In this review, the development, potential, and limitations of low-molecular-weight protein-lysozymes, polymer nanomaterials, and lipid-based nanocarriers as drug delivery platforms for treating AKI and CKD are summarized.

Recent advances of nanoparticles on bone tissue engineering and bone cells

With the development of biotechnology, biomaterials have been rapidly developed and shown great potential in bone regeneration therapy and bone tissue engineering. Nanoparticles have attracted the attention of researches and have applied in various fields especially in the biomedical field as the special physicochemical properties. Nanoparticles were found to regulate bone remodeling depending on their size, shape, composition, and charge. Therefore, in-depth research was necessary to provide the basic support to select the most suitable nanoparticles for bone relate diseases treatment. This article reviews the current development of nanoparticles in bone tissue engineering, focusing on drug delivery, gene delivery, and cell labeling. In addition, the research progress on the interaction of nanoparticles with bone cells, focusing on osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, and the underlying mechanism were also reviewed. Finally, the current challenges and future research directions are discussed. Thus, detailed study of nanoparticles may reveal new therapeutic strategies to improve the effectiveness of bone regeneration therapy or other bone diseases.

Improvement of the Antioxidant and Antitumor Activities of Benzimidazole-Chitosan Quaternary Ammonium Salt on Drug Delivery Nanogels

The present study focused on the design and preparation of acid-responsive benzimidazole-chitosan quaternary ammonium salt (BIMIXHAC) nanogels for a controlled, slow-release of Doxorubicin HCl (DOX.HCl). The BIMIXHAC was crosslinked with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) using the ion crosslinking method. The method resulted in nanogels with low polydispersity index, small particle size, and positive zeta potential values, indicating the good stability of the nanogels. Compared to hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan-Doxorubicin HCl-sodium tripolyphosphate (HACC-D-TPP) nanogel, the benzimidazole-chitosan quaternary ammonium salt-Doxorubicin HCl-sodium tripolyphosphate (BIMIXHAC-D-TPP) nanogel show higher drug encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity (BIMIXHAC-D-TPP 93.17 ± 0.27% and 31.17 ± 0.09%), with acid-responsive release profiles and accelerated release in vitro. The hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan-sodium tripolyphosphate (HACC-TPP), and benzimidazole-chitosan quaternary ammonium salt-sodium tripolyphosphate (BIMIXHAC-TPP) nanogels demonstrated favorable antioxidant capability. The assay of cell viability, measured by the MTT assay, revealed that nanogels led to a significant reduction in the cell viability of two cancer cells: the human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line (A549) and the human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). Furthermore, the BIMIXHAC-D-TPP nanogel was 2.96 times less toxic than DOX.HCl to the mouse fibroblast cell line (L929). It was indicated that the BIMIXHAC-based nanogel with enhanced antioxidant and antitumor activities and acidic-responsive release could serve as a potential nanocarrier.

Non-Invasive Delivery of Insulin for Breaching Hindrances against Diabetes

Insulin is recognized as a crucial weapon in managing diabetes. Subcutaneous (s.c.) injections are the traditional approach for insulin administration, which usually have many limitations. Numerous alternative (non-invasive) slants through different routes have been explored by the researchers for making needle-free delivery of insulin for attaining its augmented absorption as well as bioavailability. The current review delineating numerous pros and cons of several novel approaches of non-invasive insulin delivery by overcoming many of their hurdles. Primary information on the topic was gathered by searching scholarly articles from PubMed added with extraction of data from auxiliary manuscripts. Many approaches (discussed in the article) are meant for the delivery of a safe, effective, stable, and patient friendly administration of insulin via buccal, oral, inhalational, transdermal, intranasal, ocular, vaginal and rectal routes. Few of them have proven their clinical efficacy for maintaining the glycemic levels, whereas others are under the investigational pipe line. The developed products are comprising of many advanced micro/nano composite technologies and few of them might be entering into the market in near future, thereby garnishing the hopes of millions of diabetics who are under the network of s.c. insulin injections.

Kartogenin delivery systems for biomedical therapeutics and regenerative medicine

Kartogenin, a small and heterocyclic molecule, has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent for incorporation into biomaterials, owing to its unique physicochemical and biological properties. It holds potential for the regeneration of cartilage-related tissues in various common conditions and injuries. Achieving sustained release of kartogenin through appropriate formulation and efficient delivery systems is crucial for modulating cell behavior and tissue function. This review provides an overview of cutting-edge kartogenin-functionalized biomaterials, with a primarily focus on their design, structure, functions, and applications in regenerative medicine. Initially, we discuss the physicochemical properties and biological functions of kartogenin, summarizing the underlying molecular mechanisms. Subsequently, we delve into recent advancements in nanoscale and macroscopic materials for the carriage and delivery of kartogenin. Lastly, we address the opportunities and challenges presented by current biomaterial developments and explore the prospects for their application in tissue regeneration. We aim to enhance the generation of insightful ideas for the development of kartogenin delivery materials in the field of biomedical therapeutics and regenerative medicine by providing a comprehensive understanding of common preparation methods.

Novel bone cement based on calcium phosphate composited CNT curcumin with improved strength and antitumor properties

In this study, carboxylated carbon nanotube (CNT)-loaded curcumin (CUR) was blended into calcium phosphate cement (CPC) owing to the poor mechanical properties and single function of CPC as a bone-filling material, and CNT-CUR-CPC with improved strength and antitumor properties was obtained. The failure strength, hydrophilicity, in vitro bioactivity, bacteriostatic activity, antitumor activity, and cell safety of CNT-CUR-CPC were evaluated. The experimental results indicated that the failure strength of CNT-CUR-CPC increased from 25.05 to 45.05 MPa (p < 0.001) and its contact angle decreased from 20.37° to 15.27° (p < 0.001) after the CNT-CUR complex was added into CPC at the rate of 5 wt% and blended. Following soaking in simulated body fluid (m-SBF), the main components of CNT-CUR-CPC were hydroxyapatite (HA) and carbonate hydroxyapatite (HCA). The incorporation of CNT-CUR was beneficial for the deposition of PO43- and CO32-, and it promoted the crystallization of HA and HCA. For CNT-CUR-CPC, the inhibition zone diameter on Staphylococcus aureus was 10.2 ± 1.02 mm (p < 0.001) and it exhibited moderate sensitivity, whereas the inhibition zone diameter on Escherichia coli was 8.3 ± 0.23 mm (p < 0.001) and it exhibited low sensitivity. When compared with the CPC, the cell proliferation rate (RGR %) of the CNT-CUR-CPC decreased by 7.73% (p > 0.05) at 24 h, 17.89% (p < 0.05) at 48 h, and 24.43% (p < 0.001) at 72 h when MG63 cells were cultured on it. In particular, after the MG63 cells were cultured with the CNT-CUR-CPC for 48 h, the number of newly proliferating MG63 cells was significantly reduced, and their growth and adhesion on the surface of the CNT-CUR-CPC were inhibited when compared with the CPC. When 3T3-E1 cells were exposed to the m-SBF immersion solution of CNT-CUR-CPC, the cell proliferation rate (RGR %) was ≥80% (p > 0.05) and the cytotoxicity grade was 0-1. The 3T3-E1 cells were cultured with the m-SBF soaking solution of CNT-CUR-CPC for 24 h, and no significant changes in cell morphology or cytotoxicity were observed. After the 3T3-E1 cells were cultured on CNT-CUR-CPC for 48 h, they could stick to and grow on its surface without adverse reactions. CNT-CUR-CPC had a hemolysis rate of 4.3% (p > 0.05) and did not result in hemolysis and hemagglutination. The obtained CNT-CUR-CPC scaffold material exhibited effective antibacterial activity and cell safety, and could achieve a certain antitumor effect, which has a wide application potential in bone tissue engineering.

Exploring the Potential of Nanoporous Materials for Advancing Ophthalmic Treatments

The landscape of ophthalmology is undergoing significant transformations, driven by technological advancements and innovations in materials science. One of the advancements in this evolution is the application of nanoporous materials, endowed with unique physicochemical properties ideal for a variety of ophthalmological applications. Characterized by their high surface area, tunable porosity, and functional versatility, these materials have the potential to improve drug delivery systems and ocular devices. This review, anchored by a comprehensive literature focusing on studies published within the last five years, examines the applications of nanoporous materials in ocular drug delivery systems (DDS), contact lenses, and intraocular lenses. By consolidating the most current research, this review aims to serve as a resource for clinicians, researchers, and material scientists engaged in the rapidly evolving field of ophthalmology.

Natural and Synthetic Polymeric Biomaterials for Application in Wound Management

Biomaterials are at the forefront of the future, finding a variety of applications in the biomedical field, especially in wound healing, thanks to their biocompatible and biodegradable properties. Wounds spontaneously try to heal through a series of interconnected processes involving several initiators and mediators such as cytokines, macrophages, and fibroblasts. The combination of biopolymers with wound healing properties may provide opportunities to synthesize matrices that stimulate and trigger target cell responses crucial to the healing process. This review outlines the optimal management and care required for wound treatment with a special focus on biopolymers, drug-delivery systems, and nanotechnologies used for enhanced wound healing applications. Researchers have utilized a range of techniques to produce wound dressings, leading to products with different characteristics. Each method comes with its unique strengths and limitations, which are important to consider. The future trajectory in wound dressing advancement should prioritize economical and eco-friendly methodologies, along with improving the efficacy of constituent materials. The aim of this work is to give researchers the possibility to evaluate the proper materials for wound dressing preparation and to better understand the optimal synthesis conditions as well as the most effective bioactive molecules to load.

Nano Drug Delivery Strategies for an Oral Bioenhanced Quercetin Formulation

Quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, has been credited with a wide spectrum of therapeutic properties. However, the oral use of quercetin is limited due to its poor water solubility, low bioavailability, rapid metabolism, and rapid plasma clearance. Quercetin has been studied extensively when used with various nanodelivery systems for enhancing quercetin bioavailability. To enhance its oral bioavailability and efficacy, various quercetin-loaded nanosystems such as nanosuspensions, polymer nanoparticles, metal nanoparticles, emulsions, liposomes or phytosomes, micelles, solid lipid nanoparticles, and other lipid-based nanoparticles have been investigated in in-vitro cells, in-vivo animal models, and humans. Among the aforementioned nanosystems, quercetin phytosomes are attracting more interest and are available on the market. The present review covers insights into the possibilities of harnessing quercetin for several therapeutic applications and a special focus on anticancer applications and the clinical benefits of nanoquercetin formulations.

Nanostructured Materials for Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering Applications

Nanotechnology and nanostructured materials for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications are relatively new field that is constantly advancing and expanding. The materials used are at the nanoscale level. Recently, great discoveries and applications have been made (Agents for use in chemotherapy, biological agents and immunotherapy agents) in the treatment of diseases in various areas. Tissue engineering is based on the regeneration and repair of damaged organs and tissues by developing biological substitutes that restore, maintain or improve the function of tissues and organs. Cells isolated from patients are used to seed 3D nanoparticles that can be synthetic or natural biomaterials. For the development of new tissue in tissue engineering, it is necessary to meet the conditions for connecting cells. This paper will present the ways of connecting cells and creating new tissues. Some recent discoveries and advances in the field of nanomedicine and the application of nanotechnology in drug delivery will be presented. Furthermore, the improvement of the effectiveness of new and old drugs based on the application of nanotechnology will be shown.

Biopolymer-Based Nanogel Approach in Drug Delivery: Basic Concept and Current Developments

Due to their increased surface area, extent of swelling and active substance-loading capacity and flexibility, nanogels made from natural and synthetic polymers have gained significant interest in scientific and industrial areas. In particular, the customized design and implementation of nontoxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable micro/nano carriers makes their usage very feasible for a range of biomedical applications, including drug delivery, tissue engineering, and bioimaging. The design and application methodologies of nanogels are outlined in this review. Additionally, the most recent advancements in nanogel biomedical applications are discussed, with particular emphasis on applications for the delivery of drugs and biomolecules.

A Novel Silver-based Metal-Organic Framework Incorporated into Nanofibrous Chitosan Coatings for Bone Tissue Implants

In this work, new multilayer nanocomposite coatings comprised of chitosan (CS) nanofibers functionalized using an innovative silver base metal-organic framework (SOF) were developed. The SOFs were produced via a facile process using green and environmental-friendly materials. The CS-SOF nanocomposites were coated on hierarchical oxide (HO) layer fabricated on titanium surfaces by an innovative two-step etching process. X-ray diffraction revealed fruitful production of the SOF NPs and their stable crystalline structure within the nanocomposite coatings. Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy approved uniform SOFs distribution in the CS-SOF nanocomposites. Atomic force microscopy indicated more than 700% increased nanoscale roughness for treated surfaces compared to the bare sample. In vitro MTT assay revealed proper cell viabilities on the samples, however, high SOFs concentration led to less biocompatibility. All coatings indicated positive cell proliferation rates up to 45% after 72 h. Antibacterial studies showed significant inhibition zones against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria with 100-200% effective antibacterial activities. Electron microscopy showed excellent cell attachments on the CS-SOF nanocomposites with expanded morphologies and long filopodia. The prepared coatings exhibited high apatite formation capability and bone bioactivity.

Thermodynamic 2D Silicene for Sequential and Multistage Bone Regeneration

Bone healing is a multistage process involving the recruitment of cells, revascularization, and osteogenic differentiation, all of which are modulated in the temporal sequence to maximize cascade bone regeneration. However, insufficient osteoblast cells, poor blood supply, and limited bone induction at the site of critical‐sized bone defect broadly impede bone repair. 2D SiO2‐silicene@2,2′‐,azobis(2‐[2‐imidazolin‐2‐yl] propane) (SNSs@AIPH) with inherent thermodynamic property and osteoinductive activity is therefore designed and engineered for sequentially efficient bone repair. By means of controllable NIR‐II irradiation, the integrated SNSs@AIPH stimulates the generation of appropriate intracellular reactive oxygen species, which accelerates early bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) proliferation and angiogenesis remarkably. Importantly, as silicon‐based 2D nanoparticles, the engineered SNSs@AIPH with high biocompatibility features distinct bioactivity to significantly promote BMSCs osteogenesis differentiation by activating TGFβ and BMP pathways. In a rat cranial defect model, SNSs@AIPH‐NIR‐II leads to a comparable increase of BMSCs proliferation and local vascularization at an early stage, followed by significant osteogenic differentiation, synergically resulting in a highly effective bone repair. Collectively, the fascinating characteristics and exceptional bone repair efficiency of NIR‐II‐mediated SNSs@AIPH allow it to be a promising bionic‐oriented strategy for bone regeneration, broadening a new perspective in the application of cell‐instructive biomaterials in bone tissue engineering.

Thermodynamic 2D Silicene for Sequential and Multistage Bone Regeneration

Bone healing is a multistage process involving the recruitment of cells, revascularization, and osteogenic differentiation, all of which are modulated in the temporal sequence to maximize cascade bone regeneration. However, insufficient osteoblast cells, poor blood supply, and limited bone induction at the site of critical-sized bone defect broadly impede bone repair. 2D SiO2 -silicene@2,2'-,azobis(2-[2-imidazolin-2-yl] propane) (SNSs@AIPH) with inherent thermodynamic property and osteoinductive activity is therefore designed and engineered for sequentially efficient bone repair. By means of controllable NIR-II irradiation, the integrated SNSs@AIPH stimulates the generation of appropriate intracellular reactive oxygen species, which accelerates early bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) proliferation and angiogenesis remarkably. Importantly, as silicon-based 2D nanoparticles, the engineered SNSs@AIPH with high biocompatibility features distinct bioactivity to significantly promote BMSCs osteogenesis differentiation by activating TGFβ and BMP pathways. In a rat cranial defect model, SNSs@AIPH-NIR-II leads to a comparable increase of BMSCs proliferation and local vascularization at an early stage, followed by significant osteogenic differentiation, synergically resulting in a highly effective bone repair. Collectively, the fascinating characteristics and exceptional bone repair efficiency of NIR-II-mediated SNSs@AIPH allow it to be a promising bionic-oriented strategy for bone regeneration, broadening a new perspective in the application of cell-instructive biomaterials in bone tissue engineering.

Hydrogel Drug Delivery Systems for Bone Regeneration

With the in-depth understanding of bone regeneration mechanisms and the development of bone tissue engineering, a variety of scaffold carrier materials with desirable physicochemical properties and biological functions have recently emerged in the field of bone regeneration. Hydrogels are being increasingly used in the field of bone regeneration and tissue engineering because of their biocompatibility, unique swelling properties, and relative ease of fabrication. Hydrogel drug delivery systems comprise cells, cytokines, an extracellular matrix, and small molecule nucleotides, which have different properties depending on their chemical or physical cross-linking. Additionally, hydrogels can be designed for different types of drug delivery for specific applications. In this paper, we summarize recent research in the field of bone regeneration using hydrogels as delivery carriers, detail the application of hydrogels in bone defect diseases and their mechanisms, and discuss future research directions of hydrogel drug delivery systems in bone tissue engineering.

Cellulose/pectin-based materials incorporating Laponite-indole derivative hybrid for oral administration and controlled delivery of the neuroprotective drug

Bionanocomposite materials based on clays have been designed for oral administration and controlled release of a neuroprotective drug derivative of 5-methylindole, which had featured an innovative pharmacological mechanism for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. This drug was adsorbed in the commercially available Laponite® XLG (Lap). X-ray diffractograms confirmed its intercalation in the interlayer region of the clay. The loaded drug was 62.3 meq/100 g Lap, close to the cation exchange capacity of Lap. Per se toxicity studies and neuroprotective experiments versus the neurotoxin okadaic acid, a potent and selective inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), confirmed that the clay-intercalated drug did not exert toxicity in cell cultures and provided neuroprotection. Release tests of the hybrid material performed in media mimicking the gastrointestinal tract indicated a drug release in acid medium close to 25 %. The hybrid was encapsulated in a micro/nanocellulose matrix and processed as microbeads, with pectin coating for additional protection, to minimize release under acidic conditions. Alternatively, low density materials based on a microcellulose/pectin matrix were evaluated as orodispersible foams showing fast disintegration times, sufficient mechanical resistance for handling, and release profiles in simulated media that confirmed a controlled release of the encapsulated neuroprotective drug.

Folic acid-decorated alginate nanoparticles loaded hydrogel for the oral delivery of diferourylmethane in colorectal cancer

The disease-related suffering in colorectal cancer remains prevalent despite advancements in the field of drug delivery. Chemotherapy-related side effects and non-specificity remain a challenge in drug delivery. The great majority of hydrophobic drugs cannot be successfully delivered to the colon orally mainly due to poor solubility, low bioavailability, pH differences, and food interactions. Polymeric nanoparticles are potential drug delivery candidates but there are numerous limitations to their usefulness in colon cancer. The nanoparticles are removed from the body rapidly by p-glycoprotein efflux, inactivation, or breakdown by enzymes limiting their efficiency. Furthermore, there is a lack of selectivity in targeting cancer cells; nanoparticles may also target healthy cells, resulting in toxicity and adverse effects. The study aimed to use nanoparticles for specific targeting of the colorectal tumor cells via the oral route of administration without adverse effects. Folic acid (FA), a cancer-targeting ligand possessing a high affinity for folate receptors overexpressed in colorectal cancers was conjugated to sodium alginate- nanoparticles by NH₂-linkage. The folic-acid conjugated nanoparticles (FNPs) were delivered to the colon by a pH-sensitive hydrogel synthesized by the free radical polymerization method to provide sustained drug release. The developed system referred to as the "Hydrogel-Nano (HN) drug delivery system," was specifically capable of delivering diferourylmethane to the colon. The HN system was characterized by DLS, FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC, and SEM. The FNPs size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential were measured. The folic acid-conjugation to nanoparticles' surface was studied by UV-visible spectroscopy using Beer-Lambert's law. In-vitro studies, including sol-gel, porosity, drug loading, entrapment efficiency, etc., revealed promising results. The swelling and release studies showed pH-dependent release of the drug in colonic pH 7.4. Cellular uptake and cytotoxicity studies performed on FR-overexpressed Hela cell lines and FR-negative A-549 cell lines showed facilitated uptake of nanoparticles by folate receptors. A threefold increase in C_max and prolongation of the mean residence time (MRT) to 14.52 +/- 0.217 h indicated sustained drug release by the HN system. The findings of the study can provide a sufficient ground that the synergistic approach of the HN system can deliver hydrophobic drugs to colorectal cancer cells via the oral route, but further in-vivo animal cancer model studies are required.

Carbon nanotubes as a nitric oxide nano-reservoir improved the controlled release profile in 3D printed biodegradable vascular grafts

Small diameter vascular grafts (SDVGs) are associated with a high failure rate due to poor endothelialization. The incorporation of a nitric oxide (NO) releasing system improves biocompatibility by using the NO effect to promote endothelial cell (EC) migration and proliferation while preventing bacterial infection. To circumvent the instability of NO donors and to prolong NO releasing, S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D-penicillamine (SNAP) as a NO donor was loaded in multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Successful loading was confirmed with a maximum SNAP amount of ~ 5% (w/w) by TEM, CHNS analysis and FTIR spectra. SDVGs were 3D printed from polycaprolactone (PCL) and coated with a 1:1 ratio of polyethylene glycol and PCL dopped with different concentrations of SNAP-loaded matrix and combinations of MWCNTs-OH. Coating with 10% (w/w) SNAP-matrix-10% (w/w) SNAP-MWCNT-OH showed a diminished burst release and 18 days of NO release in the range of 0.5-4 × 10^-10 mol cm^-2 min^-1 similar to the NO release from healthy endothelium. NO-releasing SDVGs were cytocompatible, significantly enhanced EC proliferation and migration and diminished bacterial viability. The newly developed SNAP-loaded MWCNT-OH has a great potential to develop NO releasing biomaterials with a prolonged, controlled NO release promoting in-situ endothelialization and tissue integration in vivo, even as an approach towards personalized medicine.

Nanoconstructs for theranostic application in cancer: Challenges and strategies to enhance the delivery

Nanoconstructs are made up of nanoparticles and ligands, which can deliver the loaded cargo at the desired site of action. Various nanoparticulate platforms have been utilized for the preparation of nanoconstructs, which may serve both diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes. Nanoconstructs are mostly used to overcome the limitations of cancer therapies, such as toxicity, nonspecific distribution of the drug, and uncontrolled release rate. The strategies employed during the design of nanoconstructs help improve the efficiency and specificity of loaded theranostic agents and make them a successful approach for cancer therapy. Nanoconstructs are designed with a sole purpose of targeting the requisite site, overcoming the barriers which hinders its right placement for desired benefit. Therefore, instead of classifying modes for delivery of nanoconstructs as actively or passively targeted systems, they are suitably classified as autonomous and nonautonomous types. At large, nanoconstructs offer numerous benefits, however they suffer from multiple challenges, too. Hence, to overcome such challenges computational modelling methods and artificial intelligence/machine learning processes are being explored. The current review provides an overview on attributes and applications offered by nanoconstructs as theranostic agent in cancer.

Methacrylate Cationic Nanoparticles Activity against Different Gram-Positive Bacteria

Nanotechnology is a developing field that has boomed in recent years due to the multiple qualities of nanoparticles (NPs), one of which is their antimicrobial capacity. We propose that NPs anchored with 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) have antibacterial properties and could constitute an alternative tool in this field. To this end, the antimicrobial effects of three quaternised NPs anchored with DMAEMA were studied. These NPs were later copolymerized using different methylmethacrylate (MMA) concentrations to evaluate their role in the antibacterial activity shown by NPs. Clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, S. lugdunensis and Enterococcus faecalis were used to assess antibacterial activity. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined at the different concentrations of NPs to appraise antibacterial activity. The cytotoxic effects of the NPs anchored with DMAEMA were determined in NIH3T3 mouse fibroblast cultures by MTT assays. All the employed NPs were effective against the studied bacterial strains, although increasing concentrations of the MMA added during the synthesis process diminished these effects without altering toxicity in cell cultures. To conclude, more studies with other copolymers are necessary to improve the antibacterial effects of NPs anchored with DMAEMA.

Nanocarrier design–function relationship: The prodigious role of properties in regulating biocompatibility for drug delivery applications

The concept of drug delivery systems as a magic bullet for the delivery of bioactive compounds has emerged as a promising approach in the treatment of different diseases with significant advantages over the limitations of traditional methods. While nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems are the main advocates of drug uptake because they offer several advantages including reduced non-specific biodistribution, improved accumulation, and enhanced therapeutic efficiency; their safety and biocompatibility within cellular/tissue systems are therefore important for achieving the desired effect. The underlying power of "design-interplay chemistry" in modulating the properties and biocompatibility at the nanoscale level will direct the interaction with their immediate surrounding. Apart from improving the existing nanoparticle physicochemical properties, the balancing of the hosts' blood components interaction holds the prospect of conferring newer functions altogether. So far, this concept has been remarkable in achieving many fascinating feats in addressing many challenges in nanomedicine such as immune responses, inflammation, biospecific targeting and treatment, and so on. This review, therefore, provides a diverse account of the recent advances in the fabrication of biocompatible nano-drug delivery platforms for chemotherapeutic applications, as well as combination therapy, theragnostic, and other diseases that are of interest to scientists in the pharmaceutical industries. Thus, careful consideration of the "property of choice" would be an ideal way to realize specific functions from a set of delivery platforms. Looking ahead, there is an enormous prospect for nanoparticle properties in regulating biocompatibility.

Recent advances in mixing-induced nanoprecipitation: from creating complex nanostructures to emerging applications beyond biomedicine

Mixing-induced nanoprecipitation (MINP) is an efficient, controllable, scalable, versatile, and cost-effective technique for the preparation of nanoparticles. In addition to the formulation of drugs, MINP has attracted tremendous interest in other fields. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the preparation of nanoparticles with complex nanostructures via MINP and their emerging applications beyond biomedicine. First, the mechanisms of nanoprecipitation and four mixing approaches for MINP are briefly discussed. Next, three strategies for the preparation of nanoparticles with complex nanostructures including sequential nanoprecipitation, controlling phase separation, and incorporating inorganic nanoparticles, are summarized. Then, emerging applications including the engineering of catalytic nanomaterials, environmentally friendly photovoltaic inks, colloidal surfactants for the preparation of Pickering emulsions, and green templates for the synthesis of nanomaterials, are reviewed. Furthermore, we discuss the structure-function relationships to gain more insight into design principles for the development of functional nanoparticles via MINP. Finally, the remaining issues and future applications are discussed. This review will stimulate the development of nanoparticles with complex nanostructures and their broader applications beyond biomedicine.

Nanotechnology for Targeted Drug Delivery to Treat Osteoporosis

Bone diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Paget's disease, and osteoporosis cause mortality and mobility limits. Nanomedicine and nano delivery systems have been utilised to deliver active drug moiety to the precisely targeted site in a controlled manner, and it serves as a means of diagnostic tools. The utilisation of nanomedicine is expanding vigorously for assured targeting and efficient drug delivery. Nanotechnology offers various advantages, such as site-specific targeting, precise drug release kinetics, and improved bone mineral density. Recent medications available for osteoporosis are not viable due to the adverse effects associated with them and low patient compliance. There is an urgent need to develop biocompatible and appropriate drug delivery nanocarriers such as nanoparticles, liposomes, hydrogels, dendrimers, micelles, mesoporous particles, etc. These carriers enhance drug delivery and therapeutic effectiveness in bone tissues. The use of nanotechnology is also associated with toxicity. This article presents the review of various reports on nanocarrier systems and biologics for the treatment of osteoporosis. It aims to provide researchers with a clue for inventing a new drug delivery system with site-specific targeting for the treatment of osteoporosis.

New Strategies in the Treatment of Diseases Caused by Acanthamoeba Based on Nanoparticles: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Acanthamoeba is one of the opportunistic parasites with a global prevalence. Currently, due to the side effects and the emergence of drug resistance to this parasite, much research has been performed on the use of nano-drugs to treat Acanthamoeba-caused diseases. Therefore, this systematic review study aims to evaluate new strategies for treating diseases caused by Acanthamoeba based on nanoparticles (NPs).

METHODS

We designed a systematic review based on the articles published in English between 2000 and 2022. Our search strategy was based on syntax and specific tags for each database, including ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Ovid, and Cochrane. From the articles, those that had inclusion criteria were selected, and their data were extracted and analyzed.

RESULTS

In this study, 26 studies were selected. Metallic nanoparticles were mostly used against the Acanthamoeba species (80.7%). 19.2% of the studies used polymeric nanoparticles, and 3.8% used emulsion nanoparticles. Most studies (96.1%) were performed in vitro, and only one study (3.8%) was carried out in vivo. Silver NPs were the most used metallic nanoparticles in the studies. The best effect of the anti-Acanthamoeba compound was observed for green synthesized nanoparticles based on stabilization by plant gums, loaded with citrus fruits flavonoids hesperidin (HDN) and naringin (NRG) with a 100% growth inhibition at a concentration of 50 μg/mL.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that chlorhexidine and other plant metabolites loaded with silver and gold nanoparticles increase the anti-Acanthambae activity of these nanoparticles. However, green synthesized nanoparticles based on stabilization by plant gums, loaded with citrus fruits flavonoids hesperidin (HDN) and naringin (NRG), showed the best anti-Acanthambae effect. Nevertheless, further studies should be performed to determine their safety for human use.

Design, Fabrication, and Application of Mini-Scaffolds for Cell Components in Tissue Engineering

The concept of "lockyballs" or interlockable mini-scaffolds fabricated by two-photon polymerization from biodegradable polymers for the encagement of tissue spheroids and their delivery into the desired location in the human body has been recently introduced. In order to improve control of delivery, positioning, and assembly of mini-scaffolds with tissue spheroids inside, they must be functionalized. This review describes the design, fabrication, and functionalization of mini-scaffolds as well as perspectives on their application in tissue engineering for precisely controlled cell and mini-tissue delivery and patterning. The development of functionalized mini-scaffolds advances the original concept of "lockyballs" and opens exciting new prospectives for mini-scaffolds' applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine and their eventual clinical translation.

Nanoscale Delivery Systems of Lutein: An Updated Review from a Pharmaceutical Perspective

Carotenoids are natural lipid-soluble pigments that produce yellow to red colors in plants as well as providing bright coloration in vegetables and fruits. Lutein belongs to the xanthophyll subgroup of the carotenoid family, which plays an essential role in photosynthesis and photoprotection in nature. In the human body, lutein, together with its isomer zeaxanthin and its metabolite meso-zeaxanthin, accumulates in the macula of the eye retina, which is responsible for central, high-resolution, and color vision. As a bioactive phytochemical, lutein has essential physiological functions, providing photoprotection against damaging blue light, along with the neutralization of oxidants and the preservation of the structural and functional integrity of cellular membranes. As a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, lutein unfortunately has a low bioavailability because of its lipophilicity and a low stability as a result of its conjugated double bonds. In order to enhance lutein stability and bioavailability and achieve its controlled delivery to a target, nanoscale delivery systems, which have great potential for the delivery of bioactive compounds, are starting to be employed. The current review highlights the advantages and innovations associated with incorporating lutein within promising nanoscale delivery systems, such as liposomes, nanoemulsions, polymer nanoparticles, and polymer–lipid hybrid nanoparticles, as well as their unique physiochemical properties.

Nanotechnology Advances in the Detection and Treatment of Cancer: An Overview

Over the last few years, progress has been made across the nanomedicine landscape, in particular, the invention of contemporary nanostructures for cancer diagnosis and overcoming complexities in the clinical treatment of cancerous tissues. Thanks to their small diameter and large surface-to-volume proportions, nanomaterials have special physicochemical properties that empower them to bind, absorb and transport high-efficiency substances, such as small molecular drugs, DNA, proteins, RNAs, and probes. They also have excellent durability, high carrier potential, the ability to integrate both hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds, and compatibility with various transport routes, making them especially appealing over a wide range of oncology fields. This is also due to their configurable scale, structure, and surface properties. This review paper discusses how nanostructures can function as therapeutic vectors to enhance the therapeutic value of molecules; how nanomaterials can be used as medicinal products in gene therapy, photodynamics, and thermal treatment; and finally, the application of nanomaterials in the form of molecular imaging agents to diagnose and map tumor growth.

Nanogels as Novel Nanocarrier Systems for Efficient Delivery of CNS Therapeutics

Nanogels have come out as a great potential drug delivery platform due to its prominently high colloidal stability, high drug loading, core-shell structure, good permeation property and can be responsive to environmental stimuli. Such nanoscopic drug carriers have more excellent abilities over conventional nanomaterials for permeating to brain parenchyma in vitro and in vivo. Nanogel-based system can be nanoengineered to bypass physiological barriers via non-invasive treatment, rendering it a most suitable platform for the management of neurological conditions such as neurodegenerative disorders, brain tumors, epilepsy and ischemic stroke, etc. Therapeutics of central nervous system (CNS) diseases have shown marked limited site-specific delivery of CNS by the poor access of various drugs into the brain, due to the presences of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB). Hence, the availability of therapeutics delivery strategies is considered as one of the most major challenges facing the treatment of CNS diseases. The primary objective of this review is to elaborate the newer advances of nanogel for CNS drugs delivery, discuss the early preclinical success in the field of nanogel technology and highlight different insights on its potential neurotoxicity.

Microfluidic Invasion Chemotaxis Platform for 3D Neurovascular Co-Culture

Advances in microfabrication and biomaterials have enabled the development of microfluidic chips for studying tissue and organ models. While these platforms have been developed primarily for modeling human diseases, they are also used to uncover cellular and molecular mechanisms through in vitro studies, especially in the neurovascular system, where physiological mechanisms and three-dimensional (3D) architecture are difficult to reconstruct via conventional assays. An extracellular matrix (ECM) model with a stable structure possessing the ability to mimic the natural extracellular environment of the cell efficiently is useful for tissue engineering applications. Conventionally used techniques for this purpose, for example, Matrigels, have drawbacks of owning complex fabrication procedures, in some cases not efficient enough in terms of functionality and expenses. Here, we proposed a fabrication protocol for a GelMA hydrogel, which has shown structural stability and the ability to imitate the natural environment of the cell accurately, inside a microfluidic chip utilizing co-culturing of two human cell lines. The chemical composition of the synthesized GelMA was identified by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR), its surface morphology was observed by field emission electron microscopy (FESEM), and the structural properties were analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The swelling behavior of the hydrogel in the microfluidic chip was imaged, and its porosity was examined for 72 h by tracking cell localization using immunofluorescence. GelMA exhibited the desired biomechanical properties, and the viability of cells in both platforms was more than 80% for seven days. Furthermore, GelMA was a viable platform for 3D cell culture studies and was structurally stable over long periods, even when prepared by photopolymerization in a microfluidic platform. This work demonstrated a viable strategy to conduct co-culturing experiments as well as modeling invasion and migration events. This microfluidic assay may have application in drug delivery and dosage optimization studies.

Chitosan-modified nanocarriers as carriers for anticancer drug delivery: Promises and hurdles

With the advent of drug delivery, various polymeric materials are being explored to fabricate numerous nanocarriers. Each polymer is associated with a few characteristics attributes which further facilitate its usage in drug delivery. One such polymer is chitosan (CS), which is extensively employed to deliver a variety of drugs to various targets, especially to cancer cells. The desired properties like biological origin, bio-adhesive, biocompatibility, the scope of chemical modification, biodegradability and controlled drug release make it a highly rough after polymer in pharmaceutical nanotechnology. The present review attempts to compile various chemical modifications on CS and showcase the outcomes of the derived nanocarriers, especially in cancer chemotherapy and drug delivery.

The effect of LDHs nanoparticles on the cellular behavior of stem cell-laden 3D-bioprinted scaffold

Three-dimensional (3D)-bioprinting as an emerging approach for tissue engineering possesses the promise to create highly mimicked organs or tissues by using computer-aided design. For biomedical applications in tissue engineering in our previous work, we developed an optimized nanocomposite bioink based on methylacrylated gelatin (GelMA), methylacrylated chitosan (ChitMA), and double-layered hydroxide (LDHs) nanoparticles by using 3D-bioprinting technology. Herein, we used the previous formulation to fabricate human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMMSCs)-laden nanocomposite bioinks. The effect of LDHs nanoparticles on the cellular behaviors of the encapsulated-hBMMSCs in the scaffolds was evaluated for the first time. Live/Dead, PrestoBlue, and DAPI/Actin analysis were carried out to assess the cell viability, proliferation rate, and cellular morphology of encapsulated hBMMSCs within the scaffolds. In addition, osteogenic differentiation studies were performed culturing the scaffolds for up to 21 days. Results show that LDHs nanoparticles in the GelMA/ChitMA scaffold formulation increased the viability of hBMMSCs, did not cause any adverse effect on the proliferation rate, cell morphology of the hBMMSCs, and increased the Runx2 protein expression of the encapsulated-hBMMSCs in the scaffolds. This study progresses the LDHs containing nanocomposite bioink for cell printing applications in tissue engineering.

Characterization of the Shells in Layer-By-Layer Nanofunctionalized Particles: A Computational Study

Drug delivery carriers are considered an encouraging approach for the localized treatment of disease with minimum effect on the surrounding tissue. Particularly, layer-by-layer releasing particles have gained increasing interest for their ability to develop multifunctional systems able to control the release of one or more therapeutical drugs and biomolecules. Although experimental methods can offer the opportunity to establish cause and effect relationships, the data collection can be excessively expensive or/and time-consuming. For a better understanding of the impact of different design conditions on the drug-kinetics and release profile, properly designed mathematical models can be greatly beneficial. In this work, we develop a continuum-scale mathematical model to evaluate the transport and release of a drug from a microparticle based on an inner core covered by a polymeric shell. The present mathematical model includes the dissolution and diffusion of the drug and accounts for a mechanism that takes into consideration the drug biomolecules entrapped into the polymeric shell. We test a sensitivity analysis to evaluate the influence of changing the model conditions on the total system behavior. To prove the effectiveness of this proposed model, we consider the specific application of antibacterial treatment and calibrate the model against the data of the release profile for an antibiotic drug, metronidazole. The results of the numerical simulation show that ∼85% of the drug is released in 230 h, and its release is characterized by two regimes where the drug dissolves, diffuses, and travels the external shell layer at a shorter time, while the drug is released from the shell to the surrounding medium at a longer time. Within the sensitivity analysis, the outer layer diffusivity is more significant than the value of diffusivity in the core, and the increase of the dissolution parameters causes an initial burst release of the drug. Finally, changing the shape of the particle to an ellipse produces an increased percentage of drugs released with an unchanged release time.

Drug Carriers: A Review on the Most Used Mathematical Models for Drug Release

Carriers are protective transporters of drugs to target cells, facilitating therapy under each points of view, such as fast healing, reducing infective phenomena, and curing illnesses while avoiding side effects. Over the last 60 years, several scientists have studied drug carrier properties, trying to adapt them to the release environment. Drug/Carrier interaction phenomena have been deeply studied, and the release kinetics have been modeled according to the occurring phenomena involved in the system. It is not easy to define models’ advantages and disadvantages, since each of them may fit in a specific situation, considering material interactions, diffusion and erosion phenomena, and, no less important, the behavior of receiving medium. This work represents a critical review on main mathematical models concerning their dependency on physical, chemical, empirical, or semi-empirical variables. A quantitative representation of release profiles has been shown for the most representative models. A final critical comment on the applicability of these models has been presented at the end. A mathematical approach to this topic may help students and researchers approach the wide panorama of models that exist in literature and have been optimized over time. This models list could be of practical inspiration for the development of researchers’ own new models or for the application of proper modifications, with the introduction of new variable dependency.

Gelatin-based Colloidal vs. Monolithic Gels to Regulate Macrophage-mediated Inflammatory Response

Unlike conventional monolithic hydrogels with covalent crosslinkage that are typically elastic, colloidal gels assembled by reversibly assembled particles as building blocks have shown fascinating viscoelastic properties. They follow a gel-sol transition upon yielding and recover to the initial state upon the release of the shear force (so-called shear-thinning and self-healing behavior); this makes them an ideal candidate as injectable and moldable biomaterials for tissue regeneration. The immune response provoked by the implantation of the colloidal gels with special viscoelastic and structural features is critical for the successful integration of the implants with the host tissues, which, however, remains little explored. Since macrophages are known as the primary immune cells in determining the inflammatory response against the implants, we herein investigated in vitro macrophage polarization and in vivo inflammatory response induced by gelatin-based colloidal gels as compared to monolithic gels. Specifically, self-healing colloidal gels composed of pure gelatin nanoparticles, or methacrylate gelatin (GelMA) nanoparticles to allow secondary covalent crosslinkage were compared with GelMA bulk hydrogels. We demonstrated that hydrogel's elasticity plays a more dominant role rather than the structural feature in determining in vitro macrophage polarization evidenced by the stiffer gels inducing pro-inflammation M2 macrophage phenotype as compared to soft gels. However, subcutaneous implantation revealed a significantly alleviated immune response characterized by less fibrous capsule formation for the colloidal gels as compared to bulk gels of similar matrix elasticity. We speculated this can be related to the improved permeability of the colloidal gels for cell penetration, thereby leading to less fibrosis. In general, this study provided in-depth insight into the biophysical regulator of hydrogel materials on macrophage behavior and related inflammatory response, which can further direct future implant design and predict biomaterial-host interactions for immunotherapy and regenerative medicine.