Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tiantang Fan, Jingwen Qin, Xiao Meng, Jiafeng Li, Qing Liu, Guannan Wang
Summary: PLPG membranes with sc-PLA improved the crystallizing behavior of PLLA segments, increased thermal stability and degradation ability, and showed low cytotoxicity.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Seong Ik Jeon, Moo Song Kim, Hyung Jun Kim, Young Il Kim, Hwan Jun Jae, Cheol-Hee Ahn
Summary: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a treatment approach for hepatocellular carcinoma that involves obstructing the blood supply to the tumor and delivering anticancer agents locally. A study was conducted to create size-controlled polymeric microspheres with radiopacity and biodegradability, which showed promising embolic effects for treating the cancer. The new polymeric microspheres have potential as an effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma.
JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Airong Xu, Fen Wang, Luwei Zhang, Xingmin Xu, Zhihong Xiao, Rukuan Liu
Summary: A simple and feasible preparation approach was presented in this study to fabricate biodegradable and biocompatible composite films, addressing the issue of environmental pollution caused by polymer materials based on fossil resources being difficult to degrade. The composite films displayed good mechanical properties, re-usability, and thermal stability.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Nguyen Thi Thu Thao, Surha Lee, Gi Ru Shin, Youngji Kang, Sangdun Choi, Moon Suk Kim
Summary: Small intestine submucosa (SIS) was chosen as a drug carrier and electrospun into nanofiber sheets. Poly(epsilon-caprolactone-ran-l-lactide) (PCLA) copolymers were used to improve the electrospinning performance of SIS, resulting in adjustable S/P-NS with different porosities and tensile strengths. The electrospun S/P-NS successfully delivered dexamethasone (Dex) and silver sulfadiazine (AgS) for sustained release over three weeks, suppressing macrophage infiltration.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Monika Smiga-Matuszowicz, Jakub Wlodarczyk, Malgorzata Skorupa, Dominika Czerwinska-Glowka, Kaja Folta, Malgorzata Pastusiak, Malgorzata Adamiec-Organisciok, Magdalena Skonieczna, Roman Turczyn, Michal Sobota, Katarzyna Krukiewicz
Summary: This paper introduces a scaffold material made of PLGA/PISEB fibers and confirms its biocompatibility towards HUVEC. During a 12-week hydrolytic degradation process, the PLGA/PISEB fibers swell and disintegrate, resulting in the formation of highly developed structures resembling seaweeds. The change in the scaffold structure is expected to have a positive effect on blood vessel regeneration.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yihua Pei, Jianping Wang, Nisar Ul Khaliq, Fanfei Meng, Kaoutar A. Oucherif, Jie Xue, Sarena D. Horava, Amy L. Cox, Coralie A. Richard, Monica R. Swinney, Kinam Park, Yoon Yeo
Summary: Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) polymers are commonly used for drug delivery due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. This study focused on achieving sustained drug release from PLGA microparticles (MPs) for two weeks using meloxicam. By encapsulating meloxicam as a solid and incorporating magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2), the researchers were able to control the drug release kinetics of the MPs. The study demonstrated the feasibility of controlling drug release from PLGA MPs over weeks based on the physical state of the drug and the inclusion of Mg(OH)2 to neutralize the microenvironmental pH of the MPs.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
M. Margarida Cardoso, Ines N. Peca, Telma Lopes, Rui Gardner, A. Bicho
Summary: DWNPs were produced with PLGA and PLLA containing doxorubicin as a model drug. Optical and fluorescence microscopy were used to examine the inner morphology and drug distribution of the double-walled microparticles. The study showed that the double-walled nanoparticles exhibited sustained drug release and the PLLA layer acted as a rate control barrier.
Article
Cell Biology
Clemens Goegele, Silvana Mueller, Svetlana Belov, Andreas Pradel, Sven Wiltzsch, Armin Lenhart, Markus Hornfeck, Vera Kerling, Achim Ruebling, Hannes Kuehl, Kerstin Schaefer-Eckart, Bernd Minnich, Thomas Martin Weiger, Gundula Schulze-Tanzil
Summary: This study aimed to increase the stability of pure bioactive glass (BG) scaffolds through solvent phase polymer infiltration while maintaining cell adherence. The results showed successful chondrogenesis and increased biomechanical stability in the scaffolds, making them a promising option for cartilage tissue engineering.
Article
Polymer Science
Arisa Kongprayoon, Gareth Ross, Nanteetip Limpeanchob, Sararat Mahasaranon, Winita Punyodom, Paul D. Topham, Sukunya Ross
Summary: Bio-derived and biocompatible nanogels based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and silk sericin (SS) were synthesized and embedded within nanofibers for potential use in tissue regeneration. Higher crosslink densities resulted in smaller nanogel particles with reduced drug release accumulation.
Article
Polymer Science
Xiaohua Chang, Dengwen Hu, Liangren Chen, Yaping Wang, Yutian Zhu
Summary: Thermoresponsive block copolymer micelles have potential in biological applications, with studies showing that changes in hydrophobic/hydrophilic block ratio, micelle concentration and addition of salt can alter the cloud point. Increasing the amount of PLGA hydrophobic block significantly decreases the cloud point, while higher micelle concentration and salt addition also lower the cloud point.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sauradip Chaudhuri, Martha J. Fowler, Cassandra Baker, Sylwia A. Stopka, Michael S. Regan, Lindsey Sablatura, Colton W. Broughton, Brandon E. Knight, Sarah E. Stabenfeldt, Nathalie Y. R. Agar, Rachael W. Sirianni
Summary: This research introduces a novel nanocarrier platform for encapsulating HDACi, improving drug delivery efficiency, and providing insights into the structural requirements for effective drug loading and self-assembly of nanoparticles. The optimized CDN nanoparticles show promising results in slowing tumor growth and increasing exposure of tumors to drugs, indicating a step forward in HDACi therapy for better disease treatment.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Jidong Dai, Min Liang, Zhigang Zhang, Katrien Bernaerts, Tianzhu Zhang
Summary: By crosslinking nucleation to prepare crystalline 4arm-PLGA, the degradation rate of PLGA can be effectively controlled, promoting cell growth and potentially having ideal performance in tissue engineering.
Article
Polymer Science
Junwei Xu, Kun Li, Meili Liu, Xuenan Gu, Ping Li, Yubo Fan
Summary: In this study, uniformly sized microrods were fabricated via one-step electrospray using low viscosity, mainly low concentration, and low molecular weight poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) solutions. The microrods obtained had diameters of 0.5-2.0 μm and lengths of 4-20 μm when the concentration of the solution and molecular weight of the polymer were decreased. Moreover, the aspect ratio of the microrods decreased significantly with different experimental conditions.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Joshua Woo, Jeoung Soo Lee
Summary: The study showed that Lyo. PgP/pGFP polyplexes prepared with 5% sucrose as a lyoprotectant remained stable for up to 6 months and retained transfection efficiency for up to 4 months. This indicates that polyplexes based on Lyo. PgP retain bioactivity during extended storage, potentially facilitating transport to remote regions and less stable settings for gene therapy.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bong-Seop Lee
Summary: In a polymer-based drug delivery system, the polymer material entwines the drug and transports it to the desired target. Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) is a widely utilized controlled-release system for drugs with short half-lives, low stability, easy decomposition, and non-toxic side effects. Supercritical fluid (SCF) technology can be employed to prepare or micronize drug-loaded particles without the need for additional purification or cleaning procedures. The liquid-liquid phase transition behavior of PLGA in several supercritical fluids, including dimethyl ether (DME), CO2, chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC-22), and trifluoromethane (HFC-23), has been investigated. The phase behavior of PLGA is primarily controlled by the lactide-to-glycolide ratio in the copolymer backbone.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Z. Feketshane, S. A. Adeyemi, P. Ubanako, D. T. Ndinteh, S. S. Ray, Y. E. Choonara, B. A. Aderibigbe
Summary: This study developed dissolvable antibacterial wound dressing patches for the treatment of infected wounds in patients with highly sensitive skin. These patches exhibited good tensile strength, appropriate thickness, and good flexibility suitable for the skin. They also displayed good biodegradability and low moisture uptake to prevent microbial invasion and demonstrated sustained release of the drug to inhibit bacterial infection.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Ahmed Abdelgader, Mershen Govender, Pradeep Kumar, Yahya E. Choonara
Summary: Locally delivered estrogens, administered via tablets, capsules, rings, pessaries, and creams, are highly recommended for treating the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Among these, estradiol, either alone or in combination with progestins, effectively alleviates moderate to severe menopausal symptoms. This review compares different commercially available and non-commercial vaginal estradiol formulations in terms of absorption, efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Mershen Govender, Thankhoe A. Rants'o, Yahya E. Choonara
Summary: A micro-in-macro gastroretentive and gastrofloatable drug delivery system (MGDDS) loaded with ciprofloxacin was developed to overcome the limitations of narrow-absorption window (NAW) drug delivery. The system, consisting of microparticles loaded in a gastrofloatable macroparticle, successfully modified the release of ciprofloxacin and increased drug absorption. This study demonstrates the potential of the MGDDS in delivering other NAW drugs.
Article
Polymer Science
Thashree Marimuthu, Zainul Sidat, Pradeep Kumar, Yahya E. Choonara
Summary: This study compares the effectiveness of an ionic liquid (IL) agent, [HMIM]Cl, as a plasticizer in comparison to current industry standards. The results show that [HMIM]Cl is a more effective plasticizer than the tested standards, even at concentrations as low as 20-30% w/w. Additionally, the combination of [HMIM]Cl with a standard plasticizer demonstrates remarkable plasticizing capability and long-term stability.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kruti Naik, Lisa C. Du Toit, Naseer Ally, Yahya E. Choonara
Summary: The vitreous humour is a gel-like structure that forms the majority of the eye and has important functions. Current vitreous substitutes have limitations and there is ongoing research on natural, modified, and synthetic polymers as substitutes. This review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of current substitutes and focuses on polysaccharide and synthetic polymer-based substitutes, as well as presenting innovative approaches and future perspectives in this field.
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
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.
