Nanoparticle- and Nanoporous-Membrane-Mediated Delivery of Therapeutics

Novel Ti surface coated with PVA hydrogel and chitosan nanoparticles with antibacterial drug release: An experimental in vitro study

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to design a novel titanium surface coated with a PVA hydrogel matrix and chitosan-based nanoparticles and to investigate the antibiotic release and its ability to inhibit microbial activity.

METHODS

Two drug delivery systems were developed and mixed. Chitosan-based nanoparticles (NP) and a polyvinyl alcohol film (PVA). The size, ζ-potential, stability, adhesive properties, and encapsulation profile of NP, as well as the release kinetics of drug delivery systems and their antimicrobial ability of PVA and PVANP films, were studied on Ti surfaces. The systems were loaded with doxycycline, vancomycin, and doxepin hydrochloride.

RESULTS

Nanoparticles presented a ζ-potential greater than 30 mV for 45 days and the efficiency drug encapsulation was 26.88% ± 1.51% for doxycycline, 16.09% ± 10.24% for vancomycin and 17.57% ± 11.08% for doxepin. In addition, PVA films were loaded with 125 μg/mL of doxycycline, 125 μg/mL of vancomycin, and 100 μg/mL of doxepin. PVANP-doxycycline achieved the antibacterial effect at 4 h while PVA-doxycycline maintained its effect at 24 h.

Polysaccharides as a Hydrophilic Building Block of Amphiphilic Block Copolymers for the Conception of Nanocarriers

Polysaccharides are gaining increasing attention for their relevance in the production of sustainable materials. In the domain of biomaterials, polysaccharides play an important role as hydrophilic components in the design of amphiphilic block copolymers for the development of drug delivery systems, in particular nanocarriers due to their outstanding biocompatibility, biodegradability, and structural versatility. The presence of a reducing end in polysaccharide chains allows for the synthesis of polysaccharide-based block copolymers. Compared with polysaccharide-based graft copolymers, the structure of block copolymers can be more precisely controlled. In this review, the synthesis methods of polysaccharide-based amphiphilic block copolymers are discussed in detail, taking into consideration the structural characteristics of polysaccharides. Various synthetic approaches, including reductive amination, oxime ligation, and other chain-end modification reactions, are explored. This review also focuses on the advantages of polysaccharides as hydrophilic blocks in polymeric nanocarriers. The structure and unique properties of different polysaccharides such as cellulose, hyaluronic acid, chitosan, alginate, and dextran are described along with examples of their applications as hydrophilic segments in the synthesis of amphiphilic copolymers to construct nanocarriers for sustained drug delivery.

Nanomaterials for detection of biomolecules and delivering therapeutic agents in theragnosis: A review

Nanomaterials are emerging facts used to deliver therapeutic agents in living systems. Nanotechnology is used as a compliment by implementing different kinds of nanotechnological applications such as nano-porous structures, functionalized nanomaterials, quantum dots, carbon nanomaterials, and polymeric nanostructures. The applications are in the initial stage, which led to achieving several diagnoses and therapy in clinical practice. This review conveys the importance of nanomaterials in post-genomic employment, which includes the design of immunosensors, immune assays, and drug delivery. In this view, genomics is a molecular tool containing large databases that are useful in choosing an apt molecular inhibitor such as drug, ligand and antibody target in the drug delivery process. This study identifies the expression of genes and proteins in analysis and classification of diseases. Experimentally, the study analyses the design of a disease model. In particular, drug delivery is a boon area to treat cancer. The identified drugs enter different phase trails (Trails I, II, and III). The genomic information conveys more essential entities to the phase I trials and helps to move further for other trails such as trails-II and III. In such cases, the biomarkers play a crucial role by monitoring the unique pathological process. Genetic engineering with recombinant DNA techniques can be employed to develop genetically engineered disease models. Delivering drugs in a specific area is one of the challenging issues achieved using nanoparticles. Therefore, genomics is considered as a vast molecular tool to identify drugs in personalized medicine for cancer therapy.

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.

Polymeric Based Hydrogel Membranes for Biomedical Applications

The development of biomedical applications is a transdisciplinary field that in recent years has involved researchers from chemistry, pharmacy, medicine, biology, biophysics, and biomechanical engineering. The fabrication of biomedical devices requires the use of biocompatible materials that do not damage living tissues and have some biomechanical characteristics. The use of polymeric membranes, as materials meeting the above-mentioned requirements, has become increasingly popular in recent years, with outstanding results in tissue engineering, for regeneration and replenishment of tissues constituting internal organs, in wound healing dressings, and in the realization of systems for diagnosis and therapy, through the controlled release of active substances. The biomedical application of hydrogel membranes has had little uptake in the past due to the toxicity of cross-linking agents and to the existing limitations regarding gelation under physiological conditions, but now it is proving to be a very promising field This review presents the important technological innovations that the use of membrane hydrogels has promoted, enabling the resolution of recurrent clinical problems, such as post-transplant rejection crises, haemorrhagic crises due to the adhesion of proteins, bacteria, and platelets on biomedical devices in contact with blood, and poor compliance of patients undergoing long-term drug therapies.

Hydroxyapatite-based carriers for tumor targeting therapy

At present, targeted drug delivery is regarded as the most effective means of tumor treatment, overcoming the lack of conventional chemotherapeutics that are difficult to reach or enter into cancer cells. Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is the main component of biological hard tissue, which can be regarded as a suitable drug carrier due to its biocompatibility, nontoxicity, biodegradation, and absorbability. This review focuses on the cutting edge of HAP as a drug carrier in targeted drug delivery systems. HAP-based carriers can be obtained by doping, modification, and combination, which benefit to improve the loading efficiency of drugs and the response sensitivity of the microenvironment in the synthesis process. The drug adsorbed or in situ loaded on HAP-based carriers can achieve targeted drug delivery and precise treatment through the guidance of the in vivo microenvironment and the stimulation of the in vitro response. In addition, HAP-based drug carriers can improve the cellular uptake rate of drugs to achieve a higher treatment effect. These advantages revealed the promising potential of HAP-based carriers from the perspective of targeted drug delivery for tumor treatment.

Perspectives on Usage of Functional Nanomaterials in Antimicrobial Therapy for Antibiotic-Resistant Bacterial Infections

The clinical applications of nanotechnology are emerging as widely popular, particularly as a potential treatment approach for infectious diseases. Diseases associated with multiple drug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are a global concern of morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains has increased the urgency associated with researching and developing novel bactericidal medicines or unorthodox methods capable of combating antimicrobial resistance. Nanomaterial-based treatments are promising for treating severe bacterial infections because they bypass antibiotic resistance mechanisms. Nanomaterial-based approaches, especially those that do not rely on small-molecule antimicrobials, display potential since they can bypass drug-resistant bacteria systems. Nanoparticles (NPs) are small enough to pass through the cell membranes of pathogenic bacteria and interfere with essential molecular pathways. They can also target biofilms and eliminate infections that have proven difficult to treat. In this review, we described the antibacterial mechanisms of NPs against bacteria and the parameters involved in targeting established antibiotic resistance and biofilms. Finally, yet importantly, we talked about NPs and the various ways they can be utilized, including as delivery methods, intrinsic antimicrobials, or a mixture.

Intrathecal Pseudodelivery of Drugs in the Therapy of Neurodegenerative Diseases: Rationale, Basis and Potential Applications

Intrathecal pseudodelivery of drugs is a novel route to administer medications to treat neurodegenerative diseases based on the CSF-sink therapeutic strategy by means of implantable devices. While the development of this therapy is still in the preclinical stage, it offers promising advantages over traditional routes of drug delivery. In this paper, we describe the rationale of this system and provide a technical report on the mechanism of action, that relies on the use of nanoporous membranes enabling selective molecular permeability. On one side, the membranes do not permit the crossing of certain drugs; whereas, on the other side, they permit the crossing of target molecules present in the CSF. Target molecules, by binding drugs inside the system, are retained or cleaved and subsequently eliminated from the central nervous system. Finally, we provide a list of potential indications, the respective molecular targets, and the proposed therapeutic agents.

Preparation and Characterization of Chitosan/LDH Composite Membranes for Drug Delivery Application

In this study, composite membranes based on chitosan (CS), layered double hydroxide (LDH), and diclofenac were prepared via dispersing of LDH and diclofenac (DCF) in the chitosan matrix for gradual delivery of diclofenac sodium. The effect of using LDH in composites was compared to chitosan loaded with diclofenac membrane. LDH was added in order to develop a system with a long release of diclofenac sodium, which is used in inflammatory conditions as an anti-inflammatory drug. The prepared composite membranes were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscope Analysis (SEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and UV-Vis Spectroscopy. The results of the FTIR and XPS analyses confirmed the obtaining of the composite membrane and the efficient incorporation of diclofenac. It was observed that the addition of LDH can increase the thermal stability of the composite membrane and favors the gradual release of diclofenac, highlighted by UV-Vis spectra that showed a gradual release in the first 48 h. In conclusion, the composite membrane based on CS-LDH can be used in potential drug delivery application.

Polymeric Membranes for Biomedical Applications

Polymeric membranes are selective materials used in a wide range of applications that require separation processes, from water filtration and purification to industrial separations. Because of these materials' remarkable properties, namely, selectivity, membranes are also used in a wide range of biomedical applications that require separations. Considering the fact that most organs (apart from the heart and brain) have separation processes associated with the physiological function (kidneys, lungs, intestines, stomach, etc.), technological solutions have been developed to replace the function of these organs with the help of polymer membranes. This review presents the main biomedical applications of polymer membranes, such as hemodialysis (for chronic kidney disease), membrane-based artificial oxygenators (for artificial lung), artificial liver, artificial pancreas, and membranes for osseointegration and drug delivery systems based on membranes.

Advanced Nanotechnology Approaches as Emerging Tools in Cellular-Based Technologies

Stem cells are valuable tools in regenerative medicine because they can generate a wide variety of cell types and tissues that can be used to treat or replace damaged tissues and organs. However, challenges related to the application of stem cells in the scope of regenerative medicine have urged scientists to utilize nanomedicine as a prerequisite to circumvent some of these hurdles. Nanomedicine plays a crucial role in this process and manipulates surface biology, the fate of stem cells, and biomaterials. Many attempts have been made to modify cellular behavior and improve their regenerative ability using nano-based strategies. Notably, nanotechnology applications in regenerative medicine and cellular therapies are controversial because of ethical and legal considerations. Therefore, this review describes nanotechnology in cell-based applications and focuses on newly proposed nano-based approaches. Cutting-edge strategies to engineer biological tissues and the ethical, legal, and social considerations of nanotechnology in regenerative nanomedicine applications are also discussed.

Advancements in modification of membrane materials over membrane separation for biomedical applications-Review

A comprehensive overview of various modifications carried out on polymeric membranes for biomedical applications has been presented in this review paper. In particular, different methods of carrying out these modifications have been discussed. The uniqueness of the review lies in the sense that it discusses the surface modification techniques traversing the timeline from traditionally well-established technologies to emerging new techniques, thus giving an intuitive understanding of the evolution of surface modification techniques over time. A critical comparison of the advantages and pitfalls of commonly used traditional and emerging surface modification techniques have been discussed. The paper also highlights the tuning of specific properties of polymeric membranes that are critical for their increased applications in the biomedical industry specifically in drug delivery, along with current challenges faced and where the future potential of research in the field of surface modification of membranes.

Advanced nanomedicine approaches applied for treatment of skin carcinoma

Skin-cancer is the commonest malignancy affecting huge proportion of the population, reaching heights in terms of morbidity. The treatment strategies are presently focusing on surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, which eventually cause destruction to unaffected cells. To overcome this limitation, wide range of nanoscaled materials have been recognized as potential carriers for delivering selective response to cancerous cells and neoplasms. Nanotechnological approach has been tremendously exploited in several areas, owing to their functional nanometric dimensions. The alarming incidence of skin cancer engenders burdensome effects worldwide, which is further awakening innovational medicinal approaches, accompanying target specific drug delivery tools for coveted benefits to provide reduced toxicity and tackle proliferative episodes of skin cancer. The developed nanosystems for anti-cancer agents include liposomes, ethosomes, nanofibers, solid lipid nanoparticles and metallic nanoparticles, which exhibit pronounced outcomes for skin carcinoma. In this review, skin cancer with its sub-types is explained in nutshell, followed by compendium of specific nanotechnological tools presented, in addition to therapeutic applications of drug-loaded nano systems for skin cancer.

Porous polymeric membranes: fabrication techniques and biomedical applications

Porous polymeric membranes have shown great potential in biological and biomedical applications such as tissue engineering, bioseparation, and biosensing, due to their structural flexibility, versatile surface chemistry, and biocompatibility. This review outlines the advantages and limitations of the fabrication techniques commonly used to produce porous polymeric membranes, with especial focus on those featuring nano/submicron scale pores, which include track etching, nanoimprinting, block-copolymer self-assembly, and electrospinning. Recent advances in membrane technology have been key to facilitate precise control of pore size, shape, density and surface properties. The review provides a critical overview of the main biological and biomedical applications of these porous polymeric membranes, especially focusing on drug delivery, tissue engineering, biosensing, and bioseparation. The effect of the membrane material and pore morphology on the role of the membranes for each specific application as well as the specific fabrication challenges, and future prospects of these membranes are thoroughly discussed.

Innovations in drug delivery for chronic wound healing

Wound healing is a varied and complex process designed to promptly restore standard skin structure, function, and appearance. To achieve this goal, different immune and biological systems participate in coordination through four separate steps, including homeostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and regeneration. Each step involves the function of other cells, cytokines, and growth factors. However, chronic ulcers, which are classified into three types of ulcers, namely vascular ulcers, diabetic ulcers, and pressure ulcers, cannot heal through the mentioned natural stages. It causes mental and physical problems for these people and, as a result, imposes high economic and social costs on society. In this regard, using a system that can accelerate the healing process of such chronic wounds, as an urgent need in the community, should be considered. Therefore, in this study, the innovations of drug delivery systems for the healing of chronic wounds using hydrogels, nanomaterial, and membranes are discussed and reviewed.

Polymeric membranes for biomedical applications

The rapid development of nanotechnology paved the way for further expansion of polymer chemistry and the fabrication of advanced polymeric membranes. Such modifications allowed enhancing or adding some unique properties, including mechanical strength, excellent biocompatibility, easily controlled degradability, and biological activity. This chapter discusses various applications of polymeric membranes in three significant areas of biomedicine, including tissue engineering, drug delivery systems, and diagnostics. It is intended to highlight here possible ways of improvement the properties of polymeric membranes, by modifying with other polymers, functional groups, compounds, drugs, bioactive components, and nanomaterials.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles prepared by different methods for biomedical applications: Comparative study

In the current investigation, mesoporous silica nanoparticles were obtained by various techniques, namely sol-gel (S1), micro-emulsion (S2) and hydrothermal synthesis (S3). The effect of those methods on the final features of the obtained mesoporous silica nanoparticles was studied. The obtained nanoparticles were investigated by TEM, BET surface area, Zetasizer, XRD and FTIR. The preparation method effect was evaluated on the drug release behaviour using doxycycline hyclate as a model drug. In addition, the degree of their compatibility against Saos-2 cell line was also determined. The morphology and microstructure of silica nanoparticles were found to be dependent on the utilised method. Those techniques produced particles with particle sizes of 50, 30-20 and 15 nm and also surface areas of 111.04, 164 and 538.72 m2 /g, respectively, for S1, S2 and S3. However, different preparation methods showed no remarkable changes for the physical and chemical integrities. The drug release test showed faster release from S2 compared with S1 and S3, which make them more applicable in cases require large doses for short periods. However, the release behaviour of S3 was satisfied for treatments which require long period with relatively highest release rate. The preparation method influenced the cell viability as S1 and S2 showed acceptable cell cytotoxicity compared with S3.

Fabrication and Characterization of Ceftizoxime-Loaded Pectin Nanocarriers

Ceftizoxime (C13H12N5NaO5S2)is a parenteral, third-generationcephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections including ear, nose, and throat infections. In this work, pectin has been used as a nanocarrier for ceftizoxime due to its high biocompatibility and non-toxicity with tunable surface properties. Ceftizoxime-loaded pectin nanocarriers (CPN) were successfully synthesized by the solvent displacement method. Optimization of nanoformulation was done by response surface methodology using Design-Expert software. The optimized formulation examined various in-vitro characterizations such as particle size, morphology, and FTIR studies. TEM results revealed irregular shape nanoparticles within the range of 29-110 nm. The in-vitro drug release using the dialysis method was performed after 24h where nanoformulation showed sustained drug release. Drug-loaded nanoparticles revealed good antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus, Bacilluspolymyxa, Enterobacteraerogenes, andPseudomonasaeruginosa.

Antineoplastic drug-loaded polymer-modified magnetite nanoparticles: Comparative analysis of EPR-mediated drug delivery

This study aimed to design and evaluate enhanced permeation and retention (EPR)-mediated anticancer effect of polymer-modified and drug-loaded magnetite nanocomposites. The preformulated bare (10 nm), chitosan-superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO; 69 nm), heparin-SPIO (42 nm), and (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane-polyethylene glycol-SPIO (17 nm) nanocomposites were utilized to evaluate the EPR-mediated localized cancer targeting and retention of doxorubicin (DOX) and paclitaxel (PTX) in human ovarian cancer cell lines, A2780 and OVCAR-3 in vitro and in the tumor-baring Balb/c mice in vivo. Fluorescence microscopy showed that DOX- and PTX-loaded SPIO nanoparticles caused long-term accumulation and cytoplasmic retention in A2780 and OVCAR-3 cells, as compared to free drugs in vitro. In vivo antiproliferative effect of present formulations on immunodeficient female Balb/c mice showed a tremendous amount of ovarian tumor shrinkage within 6 weeks. The present nanocomposite systems of targeted drug delivery proved to be efficient drug carrier with sustained drug release and long-term retention with enhanced cytotoxic properties in vitro and in vivo.

Pharmaceutical Particulates and Membranes for the Delivery of Drugs and Bioactive Molecules

The delivery of drugs and bioactive molecules using pharmaceutical particulates and membranes are of great significance for various applications such as the treatment of secondary infections, cancer treatment, skin regeneration, orthopedic applications and others [...].

Nitric Oxide in Dental Pulp Tissue: From Molecular Understanding to Clinical Application in Regenerative Endodontic Procedures

Nitric oxide (NO), which is synthesized by the enzyme NO synthase (NOS), is a versatile endogenous molecule with multiple biological effects on many tissues and organs. In dental pulp tissue, NO has been found to play multifaceted roles in regulating physiological activities, inflammation processes, and tissue repair events, such as cell proliferation, neuronal degeneration, angiogenesis, and odontoblastic differentiation. However, there is a deficiency of detailed discussion on the NO-mediated interactions between inflammation and reparative/regenerative responses in wounded dental pulp tissue, which is a central determinant of ultimate clinical outcomes. Thus, the purpose of this review is to outline the current molecular understanding on the roles of Janus-faced molecule NO in dental pulp physiology, inflammation, and reparative activities. Based on this knowledge, advanced physicochemical techniques designed to manipulate the therapeutic potential of NOS and NO production in endodontic regeneration procedures are further discussed. Impact statement The interaction between inflammation and reparative/regenerative responses is very important for regenerative endodontic procedures, which are biologically based approaches intended to replace damaged tissues. Inside dental pulp tissue, endogenous nitric oxide (NO) is generated mainly by immunocompetent cells and dental pulp cells and mediates not only inflammatory/immune activities but also signaling cascades that regulate tissue repair and reconstruction, indicating its involvement in both tissue destruction and regeneration. Thus, it is feasible that NO acts as one of the indicators and modulators in dental pulp repair or regeneration under physiological and pathological conditions.

Awareness about nanotechnology and its applications in drug industry among pharmacy students

INTRODUCTION

Given the multiple nanotechnology-based pharmaceutical products that are available on the drug market, nanotechnology education has to be offered within pharmacy undergraduate curricula.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the level of nanotechnology awareness among pharmacy students using two questionnaires. The study targeted 500 students and the deans of the faculties of pharmacy in Jordan.

RESULTS

Results show that most of the students had poor knowledge about nanotechnology and that academic courses are the leading source of information. <10% of students attended experiments related to nanotechnology. About 50% of students did not have any knowledge about the safety of nanotechnology. All the deans stated that there is no specific practical or theoretical course to teach nanotechnology, but the concepts are taught within other courses.

CONCLUSIONS

Pharmacy students' knowledge about nanotechnology is poor, and courses within pharmacy curricula need to be dedicated to teaching nanotechnology and its applications.