Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kwadwo Mfoafo, Young Kwon, Yadollah Omidi, Hossein Omidian
Summary: Poloxamers, also known as Pluronic(R), are amphiphilic polymers with thermo-responsive properties. They have been widely used in the pharmaceutical field for prolonging drug release, improving solubility, enhancing stability, and improving bioavailability. Their unique thermogelling property has also led to biomedical applications.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Joan Puig-Rigall, Maria J. Blanco-Prieto, Carlos Aydillo, Aurel Radulescu, Dolores Molero-Vilchez, Cecile A. Dreiss, Gustavo Gonzalez-Gaitano
Summary: Mixed micelles formed by polymeric surfactants exhibit synergistic effects and can enhance drug solubility. The interaction between TPGS and Tetronic leads to the formation of micellar structures that can trap the drug. The drug is selectively accumulated in the hydrophobic core of the micelles, improving its solubility.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Tarek A. Ahmed, Ehab M. M. Ali, Abdelsattar M. Omar, Alshaimaa M. Almehmady, Khalid M. El-Say
Summary: This study explored an innovative approach to enhance the anticancer activity of Ezetimibe through the development of drug nano-formulations. The prepared nano-micelle formulations showed small size, close to zero zeta potential, and high entrapment efficiency. Molecular docking and cell experiments demonstrated that the TPGS-based nano-micelle formulation exhibited the highest cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 and T47D cancer cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nitumani Tripathi, Debes Ray, Vinod K. Aswal, Ketan Kuperkar, Pratap Bahadur
Summary: This study investigates the nanoscale self-assembly behavior of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide-based block copolymers in aqueous solution, as well as the influence of sodium salts on the self-assembly process. The results show that at low temperatures, the copolymers exist as molecularly dissolved units, and at higher concentrations or in the presence of salt or elevated temperatures, the micellar structures exhibit a higher degree of organization.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hemil S. Patel, Sofiya J. Shaikh, Debes Ray, Vinod K. Aswal, Foram Vaidya, Chandramani Pathak, Rakesh K. Sharma
Summary: This study aimed to develop mixed micellar systems using two biocompatible amphiphilic PEO-PPO-PEO triblock copolymers to enhance the water solubility and oral bioavailability of Quercetin (QCN). The mixed P123/F88 micelles showed low critical micelle concentrations (CMCs) and stable micelle structure even when diluted, indicating their potential in enhancing drug delivery efficiency. The incorporation of QCN in mixed P123/F88 micelles increased solubility, antioxidant activity, and inhibition of tumor cell growth, showing promise for improving QCN oral bioavailability and therapeutic effects.
APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Marwa M. Abu-Serie, Fernanda Andrade, Patricia Camara-Sanchez, Joaquin Seras-Franzoso, Diana Rafael, Zamira Diaz-Riascos, Petra Gener, Ibane Abasolo, Simo Schwartz
Summary: The citral-loaded micelles (CLM) improved the stability and growth inhibitory effects of citral, fully blocking the stemness traits of breast cancer stem cells (CSCs). Additionally, in combination with paclitaxel, CLM sensitized breast cancer cells to chemotherapy, suggesting a potential strategy for treating advanced breast cancer.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jinsong Tao, Zhengjie Wei, Yaxin Cheng, Meng Xu, Qiuxia Li, Simon Ming-Yuen Lee, Wei Ge, Kathy Qian Luo, Xueqing Wang, Ying Zheng
Summary: A transparent zebrafish model offers advantages for preclinical screening and evaluation. In this study, an apoptosis-sensing xenograft zebrafish tumor model was established to evaluate the anti-cancer effects of redox-responsive cross-linked Pluronic polymeric micelles. The model provides a visual, rapid, effective, and noninvasive assessment of anti-cancer effects at the cellular level.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Joanna M. White, Ally Garza, James J. Griebler, Frank S. Bates, Michelle A. Calabrese
Summary: Commercially available and nontoxic poloxamer 407 (P407), a triblock polymer, undergoes a solution-to-gel transition with increasing temperature and is a potential candidate for injectable therapeutics. Addition of highly soluble reverse poloxamers (RPs) dramatically affects the gelation temperature, modulus, and morphology of P407-based hydrogels. This tunability allows for the design of thermoresponsive materials with specific properties.
Article
Polymer Science
E. Paul Raj, Prakash Karunanithi, M. Rajarajan, Sasmita Dash
Summary: The interaction between antiprotozoan drug Ornidazole and single and mixed micellar surfactant systems was studied using FTIR, UV-Visible spectrophotometry, Cloud point, SEM and Cyclic Voltametric measurements. The results showed shorter and stronger bonding between the drug and the mixed micelle compared to the single micellar systems. Active interaction between the drug and all three micellar systems was observed through cyclic voltametric study. The UV absorption spectrum revealed higher absorbance with the mixed micellar system, indicating better solubilization of the drug.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wasiporn Arakkunakorn, Watchara Pholthien, Warayuth Sajomsang, Abdul Basit, Sasikarn Sripetthong, Sirinporn Nalinbenjapun, Chitchamai Ovatlarnporn
Summary: This study developed a simple, convenient, precise, and accurate HPLC method for the quantitative determination of DMC and Res in polymeric nano-micelles with anticancer potential. The method is not complicated and has a high recovery rate in the sample preparation process. It can be used to determine a mixture of DMC and Res in pharmaceutical formulations in a single injection.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Maria Serramito, Ana F. Pereira-da-Mota, Carlos Carpena-Torres, Fernando Huete-Toral, Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo, Gonzalo Carracedo
Summary: The study aimed to synthesize melatonin-eluting contact lenses and evaluate the ocular kinetics of the released melatonin and its effect on tear volume and intraocular pressure.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Maria Vivero-Lopez, Ana F. Pereira-da-Mota, Gonzalo Carracedo, Fernando Huete-Toral, Ana Parga, Ana Otero, Angel Concheiro, Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo
Summary: This study developed advanced contact lenses with antibacterial phosphorylcholine and antioxidant prebiotic resveratrol as integral components. These lenses can protect eye microbiota, prevent eye diseases, and release drugs.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Alfonso Bayon-Fernandez, Alejandro Mendez-Ardoy, Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo, Juan R. Granja, Javier Montenegro
Summary: This article introduces the design principles of a new family of self-assembling cyclic octapeptides that can be used as scaffolds for the development of self-healing hydrogels. By inserting different aromatic aldehyde pendants to modulate the hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance and fine-tune the properties of the resulting gel, self-healable hydrogels with viscoelastic properties can be formed.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Ana F. F. Pereira-da-Mota, Maria Vivero-Lopez, Piyush Garg, Chau-Minh Phan, Angel Concheiro, Lyndon Jones, Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the release profiles of two drug-loaded contact lenses (CLs) in a 3D in vitro eye blink model and compare them with in vivo profiles. The results showed that the release of both drugs was more sustained and lower in the 3D eye model compared to in vitro release in vials. The findings suggest that the current 3D printed eye blink model could be a useful tool to measure the release of ophthalmic drugs from medicated CLs, but further optimization is needed.
DRUG DELIVERY AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo, Maria Vivero-Lopez, Angel Concheiro
Summary: This study demonstrates the spontaneous formation of anisotropic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) inside preformed contact lenses (CLs) without the need for additional reductant agents. The formation of AuNPs was achieved through a precise tuning of the monomeric composition, saline concentration, and the use of steam heat sterilization. The potential applications of incorporating AuNPs in CLs in the ocular field for prophylaxis, therapy, and diagnosis are highlighted. The developed CLs also exhibit photoresponsiveness and efficient filtering of highly penetrant light.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Carmela Tommasino, Giulia Auriemma, Carla Sardo, Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo, Emilia Garofalo, Silvana Morello, Giovanni Falcone, Rita P. Aquino
Summary: In this study, a PCL/INU-PLA hybrid biomaterial was prepared, which showed improved surface properties, swelling ability, and in vitro biodegradation rate compared to PCL alone. The 3D printed scaffolds exhibited dimensional and structural parameters close to the digital model and showed favorable results in biocompatibility and osteogenic activity tests.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Kathleen Abigail Montoya-Villegas, Mirian Angelene Gonzalez-Ayon, Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo, Angel Licea-Claverie, Emilio Bucio, Alejandro Ramirez-Jimenez
Summary: Thermo-responsive, hydrophilic, hemo- and biocompatible poly(DEGMA-co-OEGMA) was grafted onto silicone rubber using the gamma-radiation pre-irradiation method. The size of the grafted chains was controlled using a RAFT agent. The grafted materials showed enhanced hydrophilicity and excellent hemo- and cytocompatibility, indicating potential applications in the biomedical field.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Axel Kattar, Ana Quelle-Regaldie, Laura Sanchez, Angel Concheiro, Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo
Summary: The aim of this study was to develop cationic niosomes for the ocular delivery of epalrestat, a drug used in the treatment of diabetic eye damage. The niosomes were characterized and found to have a size of 80 nm, a charge ranging from -23 to +40 mV, and a spherical shape. The encapsulation efficiency of the niosomes was 99.76% and they showed a sustained release of the drug over 20 days. The niosomes were non-irritating, non-toxic, and showed higher permeation in the sclera compared to the unencapsulated drug.
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Mariana Zarur, Alejandro Seijo-Rabina, Alvaro Goyanes, Angel Concheiro, Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo
Summary: This review focuses on the recent advances in pH-responsive polymer-based scaffolds that have been demonstrated in vivo to be suitable for wound and bone healing. pH plays a critical role in the tissue regeneration process, and small changes can significantly impact the healing process. Various strategies, including changes in ionization of natural polymers, ionizable monomers and clays, reversible cross-linkers, coatings, and production of CO2 gas, have been tested to prepare pH-responsive scaffolds. These techniques have shown promise in achieving biocompatible and environment-friendly scaffolds that can be translated to clinical applications.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Federica Ragucci, Francesca Sireci, Francesco Cavallieri, Jessica Rossi, Giuseppe Biagini, Giovanni Tosi, Chiara Lucchi, Rodolfo Molina-Pena, Natalia Helen Ferreira, Mariana Zarur, Alba Ferreiros, William Bourgeois, Francois Berger, Miguel Abal, Audrey Rousseau, Frank Boury, Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo, Emmanuel Garcion, Anna Pisanello, Giacomo Pavesi, Corrado Iaccarino, Luca Ghirotto, Maria Chiara Bassi, Franco Valzania
Summary: Nanotechnology shows promise in cancer treatment, particularly in the field of neuro-oncology. It is important to explore clinicians' intentions and perspectives on using this new technology in clinical practice.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo, Mariana Zarur, Alejandro Seijo-Rabina, Barbara Blanco-Fernandez, Isabel Rodriguez-Moldes, Angel Concheiro
Summary: The imbalance between life expectancy and quality of life is increasing due to the raising prevalence of chronic diseases. Scaffolds that can mimic natural physical stimuli and deliver dynamic physical stimuli, such as electrical signals, have shown potential for more efficient tissue regeneration.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Paola Carou-Senra, Lucia Rodriguez-Pombo, Atheer Awad, Abdul W. Basit, Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo, Alvaro Goyanes
Summary: Inkjet printing (IJP) enables precise material deposition for personalized medicine and drug delivery. This review explores the formulation and components of pharma-inks, various substrate materials, and potential improvements through hardware, software, and artificial intelligence integration. Further exploration and optimization are needed to fully harness the healthcare capabilities of IJP.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xueliang Xiu, Shichao Ma, Zhiyong Li, Zhipeng Li, Xuemei Li, Yangtao Ruan, Dezhao Li, Jianwei Wang, Fengsen Ma
Summary: Liposomes are promising delivery vehicles for drugs and vaccines. The use of microfluidic chips for liposome preparation is an effective method. However, traditional liposome preparation technologies hinder their industrial production and clinical application. This study presents a novel three-dimensional integrated microfluidic device for continuous liposome preparation and purification, which shows potential for industrial production of nano-pharmaceutical applications.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2024)