Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Reshal Suri, Yub Raj Neupane, Nikita Mehra, Md Nematullah, Farah Khan, Ozair Alam, Ashif Iqubal, Gaurav Kumar Jain, Kanchan Kohli
Summary: Sirolimus-loaded PLGA nanoparticles and chitosan-decorated PLGA nanoparticles showed improved therapeutic effects in vitro and at the cellular level, as well as demonstrated safety in various analyses. SIR-CH-PLGA-NP exhibited higher anti-angiogenic potential compared to SIR-PLGA-NP, suggesting a new direction for further research on using CH-PLGA-NP as a SIR nanocarrier for AMD treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Heejun Park, Eun-Sol Ha, Jeong-Soo Kim, Min-Soo Kim
Summary: The study aimed to develop an improved sustained-release PLGA microsphere of exenatide using supercritical fluid extraction of emulsions (SFEE). The effect of various process parameters on the fabrication of exenatide-loaded PLGA microspheres was investigated using the Box-Behnken design. The results showed that the SFEE process improved the properties of PLGA microspheres, including smaller particle size, higher encapsulation efficiency, and lower burst release.
BIOENGINEERING & TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Aleksandra Gostynska, Joanna Czerniel, Joanna Kuzminska, Jakub Brzozowski, Aleksandra Majchrzak-Celinska, Violetta Krajka-Kuzniak, Maciej Stawny
Summary: In this study, honokiol-loaded nanoemulsion for glioblastoma therapy was developed, optimized, and characterized. The nanoemulsion showed good stability and satisfactory toxicity effect against glioblastoma cell lines.
Article
Polymer Science
Maria Herrero-Herrero, Jose Antonio Gomez-Tejedor, Ana Valles-Lluch
Summary: Tailored membranes with a fiber diameter of 1.8 μm were electrospun from PLGA and PCLGA solutions by adjusting electrospinning and polymer solution parameters. PCLGA, with its amorphous morphology, required the addition of a salt to increase conductivity for successful electrospinning, presenting notable difficulties due to its structure. Interestingly, PCLGA, with a higher glycolic acid molar fraction, could be successfully electrospun, a feat not previously reported.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Direk Nualsing, Nattadon Pannucharoenwong, Phadungsak Rattanadecho, Snunkhaem Echaroj, Chatchai Benjapiyaporn, Julaporn Benjapiyaporn
Summary: The study aims to investigate and optimize the synthesis process of aluminum oxide film for thermal energy storage fluid used in thermal solar applications. Experimental results indicate that temperature and concentration are significant parameters affecting the hardness of the aluminum oxide film.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yiye Lu, Geoffrey W. Coates
Summary: Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is widely used in various biomedical applications due to its biodegradability and biocompatibility. This study successfully developed a method to synthesize syndioenriched, alternating PLGA from racemic methyl-glycolide (rac-MeG), and confirmed the high degree of alternation of the comonomer sequence and moderate syndiotacticity within the polymer backbone stereoconfiguration through NMR investigations.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yiye Lu, Geoffrey W. Coates
Summary: Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer used in biomedical applications. This study presents a method for synthesizing syndioenriched, alternating PLGA from racemic methyl-glycolide with the use of an optimized racemic aluminum catalyst. The resulting material has a high degree of alternation in copolymer sequence and moderate syndiotacticity, and is amorphous, making it suitable for drug complexation.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Zhihui Yu, Haoran Guo, Chen Liu, Rui Wang, Lixin Zhang, Xiaoyu Zhang, Yisheng Chen
Summary: This study demonstrates that high-intensity ultrasound can accelerate the pickling process of reduced-sodium salted duck eggs and improve the overall quality of the eggs. High-intensity ultrasound treatment significantly improves the hardness, springiness, and chewiness of the egg whites, while reducing the particle size. Additionally, ultrasound treatment alters the protein structure and increases oil exudation. These findings suggest that high-intensity ultrasound is a promising tool for shortening the pickling period of salted duck eggs with improved quality.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qin Chang, Dong Jing, Xie Beibei, Wang Hongkun, Zhang Na, Zhao Chunhua, Qiao Congde, Liu Mingxia, Yang Xiaodeng, Li Tianduo
Summary: Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)(PLGA) with different molecular weights and LA/GA molar ratio was prepared and characterized in this study. The results demonstrated that PLGA(3.2) film with an LA/GA molar ratio of 52/48 is a promising curcumin carrier.
CHEMICAL RESEARCH IN CHINESE UNIVERSITIES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Musarrat Husain Warsi
Summary: The study optimized the preparation process of PLGA nanoparticles loaded with Ketomlac using response surface methodology, with results showing that the optimized formulation had small particle size, high ζ potential, and high encapsulation efficiency. It exhibited good performance in terms of release characteristics and corneal permeation, and also showed good safety for ocular application.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hassan Mohamed El-Said Azzazy, Sherif Ashraf Fahmy, Noha Khalil Mahdy, Meselhy Ragab Meselhy, Udo Bakowsky
Summary: This study developed a formulation with potential antibacterial wound healing properties by loading harmala alkaloid-rich fraction into poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles coated with chitosan. The optimized nanoparticles exhibited high antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, as well as biocompatibility with human skin fibroblasts. The designed nanoformulation showed synergistic antibacterial and wound healing properties for the management of infected wounds.
Article
Polymer Science
Hong Wang, Yanwei Zhang, Yaru Liu, Yi Ren, Jianhong Wang, Baolong Niu, Wenfeng Li
Summary: This paper focuses on the development of targeted drug delivery systems for cancer therapy. HA-SS-PLGA copolymer was used to form reduction-sensitive amphiphilic micelles, which actively targeted tumor cells and inhibited cancer cell proliferation. This research provides a promising drug carrier for cancer therapy.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Izabela Kondratowicz, Ibrahim Shalayel, Malgorzata Nadolska, Seiya Tsujimura, Yoshifumi Yamagata, Isao Shitanda, Abdelkader Zebda
Summary: Chitosan, a linear polysaccharide, is of great interest for biomedical applications. It is important to study the effect of additives on the properties of chitosan, and various material combinations can help enhance its performance.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Seung-No Hong, Minjae Kim, Jin-A Park, Minji Kang, Hyunkyung Cha, Sohyun Park, Joon Kon Kim, Jinyoung Pac, Yuju Seo, Sungwhan Kim, Minju Kim, Dae Woo Kim, Yan Lee
Summary: This study designed dexamethasone-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microparticles with bone-specific binding affinity for the treatment of sinus surgery-induced osteitis in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The microparticles released the encapsulated dexamethasone in a sustained manner on the exposed bone after the surgical wound in the nasal cavity. The results showed that the microparticles had higher binding affinity and inhibited the formation of undesirable new woven bone. Therefore, this localized corticoid delivery method has the potential to treat CRS-related osteitis with minimal side effects.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mariia R. Mollaeva, Nikita Yabbarov, Maria Sokol, Margarita Chirkina, Murad D. Mollaev, Artur Zabolotskii, Irina Seregina, Mikhail Bolshov, Alexander Kaplun, Elena Nikolskaya
Summary: Statistical analysis was used to optimize the preparation of metalloporphyrin-loaded nanoparticles, which exhibited good physicochemical properties and significant effectiveness in delivering the metalloporphyrins to cancer cells, showing potential antitumor activity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sunaina Indermun, Pradeep Kumar, Mershen Govender, Yahya E. E. Choonara
Summary: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are effective drug molecules for treating various cancers. Nanomedicinal interventions and approaches can enhance the efficacy of TKIs by providing carrying capacities and potentially targeting tumor-specific environments and cellular compartments. Different nanosystems have been developed for TKI delivery in cancer treatment, with each having their own preparation methods and physicochemical properties. This review discusses the applicability of nano-interventions for combination therapies, dose reduction, and improved treatment outcomes, highlighting the efficacy of developed nanosystems against different cancer cell lines and models.
CURRENT MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Sindy P. Ndlovu, Thierry Y. Fonkui, Pradeep Kumar, Yahya E. Choonara, Derek T. Ndinteh, Blessing A. Aderibigbe
Summary: A major challenge in treating burn wounds is bacteria invasion which prolongs the wound healing process. To address the issue of skin tears caused by removal of wound dressings, researchers designed dissolvable wound dressings that can be easily removed without causing tears, while also exhibiting desirable antibacterial activity and absorption capability.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mumuni Sumaila, Pradeep Kumar, Philemon Ubanako, Samson A. Adeyemi, Yahya E. Choonara
Summary: This research reports the design and characterization of rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH) loaded hybrid lipid-polysaccharide nanoparticles using the solvent injection method, and demonstrated the influence of conjugated mannosyl residue on macrophage targeting and intracellular drug delivery capacity.
CURRENT DRUG DELIVERY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Samson A. A. Adeyemi, Zardad Az-Zamakhshariy, Yahya E. E. Choonara
Summary: This study focused on a new approach to achieve site-specific stimuli-responsive delivery of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) loaded within thermo-sonic nano-organogel (TNO) variants for treating cervical cancer. The results showed that SLNs released 5-FU from TNO under external thermal and ultrasound stimuli, achieving rate-modulated drug release. This method has potential applications in the treatment of cervical cancer.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Hillary Mndlovu, Lisa C. du Toit, Pradeep Kumar, Yahya E. Choonara
Summary: This study developed scaffolds using polymers and peptides for wound healing and skin tissue regeneration. The scaffolds showed improved mechanical properties through crosslinking with tannic acid and transformed physicochemical and morphological features through the use of RGD. The superior performance of these scaffolds in promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration was demonstrated.
BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Simisola Ayodele, Pradeep Kumar, Armorel van Eyk, Yahya E. Choonara
Summary: Tuberculosis remains a major threat to global health, mainly due to drug resistance and immune compromise. Repurposing drugs as host-directed therapies can improve clinical outcomes by enhancing antimicrobial activity and reducing treatment duration, while minimizing the risk of drug resistance.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mduduzi N. Sithole, Pradeep Kumar, Lisa C. Du Toit, Kennedy H. Erlwanger, Philemon N. Ubanako, Yahya E. Choonara
Summary: This research utilized a 3D-printed biomaterial scaffold to enhance bone tissue regeneration. The scaffold exhibited essential biomineral trace elements and supported cell adhesion and proliferation. The protein-embedded scaffolds showed higher bone formation potential compared to the control group. It provides a potential platform for functional regeneration.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Divesha Essa, Pierre P. D. Kondiah, Pradeep Kumar, Yahya E. E. Choonara
Summary: In this study, quercetin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles were prepared and optimized. It was found that coating with chitosan increased the cellular uptake of the nanoparticles and folic acid targeting provided selective toxicity and enhanced uptake in LnCap prostate cancer cells. The targeted nano-system exhibited sustained, pH-dependent quercetin release, higher cytotoxicity, and cellular uptake in LnCap cells compared to non-targeted nano-system.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sibusiso Alven, Philemon Ubanako, Samson A. Adeyemi, Derek T. Ndinteh, Yahya E. Choonara, Blessing Atim Aderibigbe
Summary: This study reported the efficacy of carboxymethyl cellulose-based topical gels loaded with a combination of essential oils and silver nanoparticles as potential wound dressings for bacterial-infected wounds. The gels displayed promising antibacterial activity and excellent wound closure in vitro, indicating their potential clinical applications.
THERAPEUTIC DELIVERY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Pavan Walvekar, Pradeep Kumar, Yahya E. Choonara
Summary: Bolus vaccines are often administered multiple times due to inadequate activation of T and B lymphocytes. Recent research focuses on developing long-acting vaccine delivery systems that can enhance antigen presentation in lymph nodes and achieve robust immune responses. Various polymers and lipids have been explored to develop effective biomaterial-based vaccine strategies.
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mashudu T. Mphaphuli, Mduduzi N. Sithole, Pradeep Kumar, Pierre P. D. Kondiah, Mostafa Mabrouk, Yahya E. Choonara
Summary: This review examines the current use of nanotechnology as a drug delivery system for anti-TB drugs and explores the potential of integrating these nanoparticle systems into bioactive three-dimensional biomaterial scaffolds. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of bone TB and CNS-TB.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shazia Mansoor, Samson A. Adeyemi, Pierre P. D. Kondiah, Yahya E. Choonara
Summary: This study developed a thermoresponsive hydrogel by co-forming Pluronic F-127 and structurally robust chitosan via EDC/NHS coupling. The hydrogel demonstrated good injectability and controlled release of insulin, making it a promising alternative for closed-loop insulin delivery systems.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Abu Bakr Nana, Thashree Marimuthu, Daniel Wamwangi, Pierre P. D. Kondiah, Yahya E. Choonara
Summary: The purpose of this study was to synthesize and investigate the influence of geometrical structure, magnetism, and cytotoxic activity on core-shell platinum and iron-platinum composite nanowires for potential application in targeted chemotherapeutic approaches. The synthesized nanowires were assessed using various techniques and the Fe/Pt composite nanowires demonstrated enhanced cytotoxic activity and ferromagnetic behavior, providing a basis for future magnetically targeted chemotherapeutic applications.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Lindokuhle M. Ngema, Samson A. Adeyemi, Thashree Marimuthu, Philemon N. Ubanako, Wilfred Ngwa, Yahya E. Choonara
Summary: A design for targeted paclitaxel (PTX) delivery nanosystem using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) decorated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor peptide, HRH, was established. The formulated CLA-coated PTX-SPIONs@HRH showed significant tumor targetability and antiangiogenic activity. The nanosystem demonstrated high PTX loading efficiency, sustained release, and dose-dependent anti-proliferative activity in lung adenocarcinoma cells. In addition, it effectively reduced VEGF-A secretion and induced tumor regression in a lung tumor xenograft mouse model. The nanosystem also prolonged the circulation time and enhanced the half-life of PTX. The results suggest that CLA-coated PTX-SPIONs@HRH could be a potential effective treatment for non-small-cell lung carcinoma as a nanomedicine.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bwalya A. Witika, Yahya E. Choonara, Patrick H. Demana
Summary: The formulation of poorly soluble drugs is a major challenge in drug design, development, and delivery. Conventional formulation strategies often fail to address this issue, leading to the abandonment of potential drug candidates. Nanocrystals and co-crystals offer promising solutions, combining the advantages of crystal engineering and nanoscience. Nano co-crystals can improve drug bioavailability and reduce side effects, serving as carrier-free drug delivery systems. This article reviews the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of nano co-crystals, providing insights into their key aspects.