Designing Natural Polymer-Based Capsules and Spheres for Biomedical Applications—A Review

Natural polymers, such as polysaccharides and polypeptides, are potential candidates to serve as carriers of biomedical cargo. Natural polymer-based carriers, having a core–shell structural configuration, offer ample scope for introducing multifunctional capabilities and enable the simultaneous encapsulation of cargo materials of different physical and chemical properties for their targeted delivery and sustained and stimuli-responsive release. On the other hand, carriers with a porous matrix structure offer larger surface area and lower density, in order to serve as potential platforms for cell culture and tissue regeneration. This review explores the designing of micro- and nano-metric core–shell capsules and porous spheres, based on various functions. Synthesis approaches, mechanisms of formation, general- and function-specific characteristics, challenges, and future perspectives are discussed. Recent advances in protein-based carriers with a porous matrix structure and different core–shell configurations are also presented in detail.

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Pharmaceutical Aspects of Nanocarriers for Smart Anticancer Therapy

Pharmaceutics ◽

10.3390/pharmaceutics13111875 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (11) ◽

pp. 1875

Author(s):

Seung Rim Hwang ◽

Kushal Chakraborty ◽

Jeong Man An ◽

Jagannath Mondal ◽

Hong Yeol Yoon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Targeted Delivery ◽

Human Cancer ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Controlled Drug Release ◽

Anticancer Therapy ◽

Electrospinning Process ◽

Surface Shape ◽

Stimuli Responsive ◽

Tumor Microenvironments ◽

Drug Molecules

Drug delivery to tumor sites using nanotechnology has been demonstrated to overcome the drawbacks of conventional anticancer drugs. Altering the surface shape and geometry of nanocomposites alters their chemical properties, which can confer multiple attributes to nanocarriers for the treatment of cancer and their use as imaging agents for cancer diagnosis. However, heterogeneity and blood flow in human cancer limit the distribution of nanoparticles at the site of tumor tisues. For targeted delivery and controlled release of drug molecules in harsh tumor microenvironments, smart nanocarriers combined with various stimuli-responsive materials have been developed. In this review, we describe nanomaterials for smart anticancer therapy as well as their pharmaceutical aspects including pharmaceutical process, formulation, controlled drug release, drug targetability, and pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic profiles of smart nanocarriers. Inorganic or organic-inorganic hybrid nanoplatforms and the electrospinning process have also been briefly described here.

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Design of core–shell magnetic mesoporous silica hybrids for pH and UV light stimuli-responsive cargo release

RSC Advances ◽

10.1039/c5ra28143a ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 6 (35) ◽

pp. 29106-29115 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Madhappan Santha Moorthy ◽

Hak-Bong Kim ◽

Jae-Ho Bae ◽

Sun-Hee Kim ◽

Chang-Sik Ha

Keyword(s):

Targeted Delivery ◽

Uv Light ◽

Drug Carrier ◽

Core Shell ◽

Stimuli Responsive ◽

Carrier System ◽

Light Stimuli ◽

Silica Hybrids ◽

Drug Carrier System ◽

Magnetic Mesoporous Silica

The drug carrier system proposed here efficiently works under UV light and pH triggers for controlled release of model cargoes. The nanocarrier can be used in the targeted delivery of cargoes by the ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’ command by the UV light trigger.

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Chitosan-Coating Effect on the Characteristics of Liposomes: A Focus on Bioactive Compounds and Essential Oils: A Review

Processes ◽

10.3390/pr9030445 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 445

Author(s):

Carine Sebaaly ◽

Adriana Trifan ◽

Elwira Sieniawska ◽

Hélène Greige-Gerges

Keyword(s):

Essential Oils ◽

Targeted Delivery ◽

Water Solubility ◽

Sodium Hyaluronate ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Natural Polymers ◽

Combined System ◽

Sustained Drug Release ◽

Food Industries ◽

Potential Applications

In recent years, liposomes have gained increasing attention for their potential applications as drug delivery systems in the pharmaceutic, cosmetic and food industries. However, they have a tendency to aggregate and are sensitive to degradation caused by several factors, which may limit their effectiveness. A promising approach to improve liposomal stability is to modify liposomal surfaces by forming polymeric layers. Among natural polymers, chitosan has received great interest due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. This review discussed the characteristics of this combined system, called chitosomes, in comparison to those of conventional liposomes. The coating of liposomes with chitosan or its derivatives improved liposome stability, provided sustained drug release and increased drug penetration across mucus layers. The mechanisms behind these results are highlighted in this paper. Alternative assembly of polyelectrolytes using alginate, sodium hyaluronate, or pectin with chitosan could further improve the liposomal characteristics. Chitosomal encapsulation could also ensure targeted delivery and boost the antimicrobial efficacy of essential oils (EOs). Moreover, chitosomes could be an efficient tool to overcome the major drawbacks related to the chemical properties of EOs (low water solubility, sensitivity to oxygen, light, heat, and humidity) and their poor bioavailability. Overall, chitosomes could be considered as a promising strategy to enlarge the use of liposomes.

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Recent Advances of Taxol-Loaded Biocompatible Nanocarriers Embedded in Natural Polymer-Based Hydrogels

Gels ◽

10.3390/gels7020033 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 33

Author(s):

Silvia Voci ◽

Agnese Gagliardi ◽

Roberto Molinaro ◽

Massimo Fresta ◽

Donato Cosco

Keyword(s):

Potential Role ◽

Tumor Therapy ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Natural Polymer ◽

Natural Polymers ◽

Recent Advances ◽

Physico Chemical ◽

Polar Media ◽

Anti Cancer ◽

Cancer Activity

The discovery of paclitaxel (PTX) has been a milestone in anti-cancer therapy and has promoted the development and marketing of various formulations that have revolutionized the therapeutic approach towards several malignancies. Despite its peculiar anti-cancer activity, the physico-chemical properties of PTX compromise the administration of the compound in polar media. Because of this, since the development of the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved formulation (Taxol®), consistent efforts have been made to obtain suitable delivery systems able to preserve/increase PTX efficacy and to overcome the side effects correlated to the presence of some excipients. The exploitation of natural polymers as potential materials for drug delivery purposes has favored the modulation of the bioavailability and the pharmacokinetic profiles of the drug, and in this regard, several formulations have been developed that allow the controlled release of the active compound. In this mini-review, the recent advances concerning the design and applications of natural polymer-based hydrogels containing PTX-loaded biocompatible nanocarriers are discussed. The technological features of these formulations as well as the therapeutic outcome achieved following their administration will be described, demonstrating their potential role as innovative systems to be used in anti-tumor therapy.

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pH Dependent Release Potential of Natural Polymers in Sustained Release of Ornidazole From Colon Targeted Delivery System)

International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology ◽

10.25258/ijddt.9.2.4 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (02) ◽

Author(s):

Sharma Pankaj ◽

Tailang Mukul

Keyword(s):

Drug Release ◽

Delivery System ◽

Targeted Delivery ◽

Guar Gum ◽

Acidic Environment ◽

Natural Polymers ◽

Weight Variation ◽

Curve Determination ◽

Preformulation Studies

The aim of present work was to prepare colon specific delivery system of Ornidazole using different ratio of shellac, zein and guar gum. From study of various literature it revealed that shellac, zein and guar gum released drug from dosage form at the pH of 6.9, 11.5, 7-9 respectively. The main problem associated with colon targeted drug delivery system is degradation of drug in the acidic environment of stomach to circumvent the present problem different combinations of shellac, zein and guar gum were employed in the formulation of colon targeted tablet. Several preformulation parameters were determined such as melting point, FTIR spectroscopy, preparation of calibration curve, determination of λmax and partition coefficient. After the preformulation studies, next steps were preparation of core tablets, evaluation of core of tablets and coating of tablets. The data obtained from preformulation study seven formulations were developed and evaluated for various parameters. Based on evaluated parameter such as weight variation, friability, dissolution study, invitro drug release etc. the F7 formulation show better results colon targeted tablets. Drug content in F7 formulation was 95% and drug release after 6 hrs was 96%. Formulation containing combination of shellac, zein and guar gum released least amount of drug in the acidic environment of stomach and released most of the drug in colon. It is evide

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The Smart Dual-Stimuli Responsive Nanoparticles for Controlled AntiTumor Drug Release and Cancer Therapy

Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry ◽

10.2174/1871520620666200924110418 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 ◽

Author(s):

Feng Wu ◽

Fei Qiu ◽

Siew Anthony Wai-Keong ◽

Yong Diao

Keyword(s):

Drug Delivery ◽

Cancer Therapy ◽

Drug Release ◽

Targeted Delivery ◽

Relevant Information ◽

Therapeutic Effects ◽

Stimuli Responsive ◽

Control Effect ◽

Chemotherapy Drugs ◽

Excellent Control

Background: In recent years, the emergence of stimuli-responsive nanoparticles makes drug delivery more efficient. As an intelligent and effective targeted delivery platform, it can reduce the side effects generated during drug transportation while enhancing the treatment efficacy. The stimuli-responsive nanoparticles can respond to different stimuli at corresponding times and locations to deliver and release their drugs and associated therapeutic effects. Objective: This review aims to inform researchers on the latest advances in the application of dual-stimuli responsive nanoparticles in precise drug delivery, with special attention to their design, drug release properties, and therapeutic effects. Syntheses of nanoparticles with simultaneous or sequential responses to two or more stimuli (pH-redox, pH-light, redoxlight, temperature-magnetic, pH-redox-temperature, redox-enzyme-light, etc.) and the applications of such responsivity properties for drugs control and release have become a hot topic of recent research. Methods: A database of relevant information for the production of this review was sourced, screened and analyzed from Pubmed, Web of Science, SciFinder by searching for the following keywords: “dual-stimuli responsive”, “controlled release”, “cancer therapy”, “synergistic treatment”. Results: Notably, the nanoparticles with dual-stimuli responsive function have an excellent control effect on drug delivery and release, playing a crucial part in the treatment of tumors. They can improve the encapsulation and delivery efficiency of hydrophobic chemotherapy drugs, combine chemo-photothermal therapies, apply imaging function in the diagnosis of tumors and even conduct multi-drugs delivery to overcome multi-drugs resistance (MDR). Conclusion: With the development of smart dual-stimuli responsive nanoparticles, cancer treatment methods will become more diverse and effective. All the stimuli-responsive nanoparticles functionalities exhibited their characteristics individually within the single nanosystem.

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Stimuli responsive dynamic transformations in supramolecular gels

Chemical Society Reviews ◽

10.1039/d0cs01166e ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Santanu Panja ◽

Dave J. Adams

Keyword(s):

Chemical Properties ◽

Physical And Chemical Properties ◽

Stimuli Responsive ◽

Dynamic Changes ◽

Supramolecular Gels ◽

Self Assembled ◽

Physical And Chemical ◽

And Chemical Properties

Stimuli responsive dynamic changes in the networks of self-assembled gels result in an alteration of physical and chemical properties of the gel with time.

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Morphological and Biochemical Features Affecting the Antithrombotic Properties of the Aorta in Adult Rabbits and Rabbit Pups

Thrombosis and Haemostasis ◽

10.1055/s-0037-1615116 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 79 (05) ◽

pp. 1034-1040 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

E. Nitschmann ◽

L. Berry ◽

S. Bridge ◽

M. W. C. Hatton ◽

M. Richardson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Electron Microscopy ◽

Gel Electrophoresis ◽

Arterial Wall ◽

Structure And Function ◽

Wall Structure ◽

Matrix Structure ◽

Antithrombotic Activity ◽

Antithrombin Activity ◽

And Function ◽

Biochemical Features

SummaryWe hypothesised that there are important physiologic differences in arterial wall structure and function with respect to antithrombotic activity in the very young (pre-puberty) compared to adults. Electron microscopy, gel electrophoresis, and activity assays were used to examine differences in aorta structure and function comparing prepubertal rabbits (pups) to adult rabbits. Differences in endothelial function, extracellular matrix structure, proteoglycan (PG) distribution and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content and function were shown. In both intima and media, total PG, chondroitin sulfate (CS) PG and heparan sulfate (HS) PG content were significantly increased in pups compared to adult rabbits. These findings corresponded to increased concentrations by mass analyses of CS GAG and DS GAG in aortas from pups. There was also a significant increase in antithrombin activity in pups due to HS GAG. In conclusion, differences in both structure and antithrombin activity of aortas from pups compared to adult rabbits suggest that young arteries may have greater antithrombotic potential that is, at least in part, related to increased HS GAG.

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Metal-Organic Framework-Based Stimuli-Responsive Polymers

Journal of Composites Science ◽

10.3390/jcs5040101 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 101

Author(s):

Menglian Wei ◽

Yu Wan ◽

Xueji Zhang

Keyword(s):

Metal Organic Framework ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Stimuli Responsive ◽

Guest Molecules ◽

Stimuli Responsive Polymers ◽

Responsive Polymers ◽

Reversible Phase Transition ◽

Metal Organic ◽

External Stimuli ◽

Organic Framework

Metal-organic framework (MOF) based stimuli-responsive polymers (coordination polymers) exhibit reversible phase-transition behavior and demonstrate attractive properties that are capable of altering physical and/or chemical properties upon exposure to external stimuli, including pH, temperature, ions, etc., in a dynamic fashion. Thus, their conformational change can be imitated by the adsorption/desorption of target analytes (guest molecules), temperature or pressure changes, and electromagnetic field manipulation. MOF-based stimuli responsive polymers have received great attention due to their advanced optical properties and variety of applications. Herein, we summarized some recent progress on MOF-based stimuli-responsive polymers (SRPs) classified by physical and chemical responsiveness, including temperature, pressure, electricity, pH, metal ions, gases, alcohol and multi-targets.

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