Ionotropically cross-linked pH-sensitive IPN hydrogel matrices as potential carriers for intestine-specific oral delivery of protein drugs

pH-Responsive Cellulose/Silk/Fe3O4 Hydrogel Microbeads Designed for Biomedical Applications

In this study, cellulose/Fe3O4 hydrogel microbeads were prepared through the sol-gel transition of a solvent-in-oil emulsion using various cellulose-dissolving solvents and soybean oil without surfactants. Particularly, 40% tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAH) and 40% tetrabutylphosphonium hydroxide (TBPH) dissolved cellulose at room temperature and effectively dispersed Fe3O4, forming cellulose/Fe3O4 microbeads with an average diameter of ~15 µm. Additionally, these solvents co-dissolved cellulose and silk, allowing for the manufacture of cellulose/silk/Fe3O4 hydrogel microbeads with altered surface characteristics. Owing to the negatively charged surface characteristics, the adsorption capacity of the cellulose/silk/Fe3O4 microbeads for the cationic dye crystal violet was >10 times higher than that of the cellulose/Fe3O4 microbeads. When prepared with TBAH, the initial adsorption rate of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on the cellulose/silk/Fe3O4 microbeads was 18.1 times higher than that on the cellulose/Fe3O4 microbeads. When preparing TBPH, the equilibrium adsorption capacity of the cellulose/silk/Fe3O4 microbeads for BSA (1.6 g/g) was 8.5 times higher than that of the cellulose/Fe3O4 microbeads. The pH-dependent BSA release from the cellulose/silk/Fe3O4 microbeads prepared with TBPH revealed 6.1-fold slower initial desorption rates and 5.2-fold lower desorption amounts at pH 2.2 than those at pH 7.4. Cytotoxicity tests on the cellulose and cellulose/silk composites regenerated with TBAH and TBPH yielded nontoxic results. Therefore, cellulose/silk/Fe3O4 microbeads are considered suitable pH-responsive supports for orally administered protein pharmaceuticals.

The therapeutic importance of acid-base balance

Baking soda and vinegar have been used as home remedies for generations and today we are only a mouse-click away from claims that baking soda, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar are miracles cures for everything from cancer to COVID-19. Despite these specious claims, the therapeutic value of controlling acid-base balance is indisputable and is the basis of Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments for constipation, epilepsy, metabolic acidosis, and peptic ulcers. In this narrative review, we present evidence in support of the current and potential therapeutic value of countering local and systemic acid-base imbalances, several of which do in fact involve the administration of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). Furthermore, we discuss the side effects of pharmaceuticals on acid-base balance as well as the influence of acid-base status on the pharmacokinetic properties of drugs. Our review considers all major organ systems as well as information relevant to several clinical specialties such as anesthesiology, infectious disease, oncology, dentistry, and surgery.

Stable cellulase immobilized on graphene oxide@CMC-g-poly(AMPS-co-AAm) hydrogel for enhanced enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass

This study indicated tailoring efficient polymer-enzyme bioconjugates with superb stability and activity for practical utilization of cellulase enzyme in hydrolyzing lignocellulosic biomass. To this goal, a dual crosslinking (DC) strategy was presented to synthesize novel 3D networks of carboxymethyl cellulose grafted copolymers of 2-acrylamido-2methyl propane sulfonate and acrylamide (CMC-g-poly(AMPS-co-AAm)) hydrogels. Graphene oxide (GO) nano-sheets were utilized as nano-filler and physical cross-linker making H-bondings between polymeric chains to prepare GO@CMC-g-poly(AMPS-co-AAm) networks. The GO content effects on the performance of as-synthesized architectures in conjugation to a model enzyme (PersiCel1) were examined. PersiCel1 immobilization on the GO reinforced hydrogels resulted in noticeable retaining near 60 % of its maximum activity at 90 °C, along with the remarkable enhancement of its specific activity and storage stability. Compared with the free PersiCel1, the immobilized enzyme on the GO containing hydrogels showed 154.8 % increase in conversion of alkalin-treated sugar beet pulp, while the PersiCel1/neat-Hydrogel indicated an increment of 66.7 %, under the same conditions.

pH-sensitive microemulsion-based gels for removal of colonic ammonia: a novel preventative oral preparation for hepatic encephalopathy in rats

Microemulsions with limited stability in mimetic gastrointestinal environments have previously demonstrated potential for the effective removal of ammonia from artificial colonic fluid. Specialized pH‑sensitive microemulsion‑based gels for the removal of colonic ammonia (MBG‑RCA), however, possess relative stability in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of normal rats, indicating potential use in in vivo applications. An investigation of the effects of oral MBG‑RCA was conducted in order to evaluate the reduction of intestinal ammonia and the prevention of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in rat models. Eighty rats were allocated into eight 4‑day treatment groups: The HE model (intraperitoneal injection of thioacetamide) group; the high‑, medium‑ and low‑dose MBG‑RCA therapeutic groups (15, 10 and 5 ml/kg MBG‑RCA, respectively); and the normal, blank, lactulose and acetic acid control groups, each of which received daily treatment administration. Oral MBG‑RCA effects were identified using behavioral monitoring observed by an infrared night vision supervisory control system, electroencephalograms, blood ammonia levels, intestinal ammonia levels, liver functionality and pathological observation. High‑ and medium‑dose oral administrations of MBG‑RCA significantly decreased the blood and intestinal ammonia levels (P<0.05), improved liver functionality and reduced the clinical manifestations of HE in rats. MBG‑RCA demonstrated high clearance of rat colonic ammonia while maintaining sufficient stability in the GI tract, indicating the potential for the development of new clinically relevant oral preparations for the prevention of HE. Additionally, such preparations are advantageous in that ammonia is eliminated without the production of potentially harmful metabolic byproducts.

Formulation of bioadhesive hexylaminolevulinate pellets intended for photodynamic therapy in the treatment of cervical cancer

Photodynamic therapy has a great potential in the treatment of cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to develop bioadhesive pellets containing hexylaminolevulinate (HAL), a precursor of the photoactive substance PpIX, with a fast release for vaginal drug delivery. Pellets were produced by extrusion/spheronization, and Carbopol(®) 934 was used to obtain bioadhesive properties. A 2(2)-factorial design with center point investigating the HAL content (1 and 10%, w/w) and Carbopol(®) 934 content (1 and 8%, w/w) was set up. The most suitable formulations were mechanically stable and showed bioadhesive properties toward vaginal tissue. The drug load was released within 20 min in phosphate buffer pH 4 and 6.8 in the in vitro dissolution test. The stability of HAL in the pellet formulations varied, but the most stable formulation showed 96-97% HAL remaining in the formulation after 6-7 weeks of storage at accelerated temperature conditions (40 °C). The investigated formulations seem promising for vaginal delivery of HAL.