Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shujun Cui, Jifu Mao, Mahmoud Rouabhia, Said Elkoun, Ze Zhang
Summary: Polymerization (PPy) is a widely studied conductive biomaterial, but its rigidity limits its practical applications. By reinforcing a soft PPy membrane with electrospun PU and PLLA fibers, this study has successfully enhanced its flexibility and tensile strength while maintaining electrical conductivity and cytocompatibility. The membrane shows promise for various biomedical applications.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lais Ribovski, Naomi M. Hamelmann, Jos M. J. Paulusse
Summary: Safe and reliable entry into the brain is crucial for successful treatment of central nervous system disorders, but remains challenging. Nano-sized systems as drug carriers show significant improvements in therapy delivery. Careful design of NP properties is essential for successful brain delivery, affecting the ability to overcome multiple barriers.
Review
Polymer Science
Elena Ruxandra Radu, Stefan Ioan Voicu, Vijay Kumar Thakur
Summary: Polymeric membranes are selective materials used in a wide range of applications that require separation processes. Due to their remarkable properties, they are also used in biomedical applications to replace the function of organs associated with physiological separations. This review examines various biomedical applications of polymer membranes, including hemodialysis, artificial lung, artificial liver, artificial pancreas, and drug delivery systems.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Viraj P. Nirwan, Tomasz Kowalczyk, Julia Bar, Matej Buzgo, Eva Filova, Amir Fahmi
Summary: Electrospun hybrid nanofibers with immobilized functional agents in a polymeric matrix possess unique collective properties, making them suitable for various applications. This review summarizes recent research on the fabrication, characterization, and optimization of hybrid nanofibers containing different functional agents, such as inorganic nanoparticles, perovskites, drugs, growth factors, and smart inorganic polymers. Biocompatible and biodegradable polymers, such as chitosan, cellulose, and polycaprolactone, are promising matrices for immobilizing these functional agents. Modified electrospinning techniques, like coelectrospinning and template spinning, are required for assimilating polymeric matrices with functional agents. The review also highlights the advances, challenges, and prospects of hybrid nanofibers for tissue engineering and biomedical applications.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Huu Van Le, Didier Le Cerf
Summary: Hyaluronic acid-based colloidal polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs), due to their high biocompatibility and simple preparation process, have a wide range of applications in the biomedical field. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the preparation process and various biomedical applications of colloidal PECs from hyaluronic acid complexed with polycations.
Article
Polymer Science
Mohammad R. Thalji, Amal Amin Ibrahim, Gomaa A. M. Ali
Summary: Dendritic polymers, including dendrimers and hyperbranched polymers, have gained popularity for their unique qualities and wide range of applications, becoming a promising material for biomedical and energy fields. Through overcoming basic and technological challenges, dendritic polymers have made significant progress in various applications such as drug delivery, gene delivery, catalysis, and energy storage.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Navid Rabiee, Monireh Atarod, Maryam Tavakolizadeh, Shadi Asgari, Mohsen Rezaei, Omid Akhavan, Ali Pourjavadi, Maryam Jouyandeh, Eder C. Lima, Amin Hamed Mashhadzadeh, Ali Ehsani, Sepideh Ahmadi, Mohammad Reza Saeb
Summary: This article reviews the synthesis and biomedical application of green MOFs. By analyzing their components, the article classifies MOFs based on their toxicity level and biological behavior and explores the applications of bio-MOFs and nano-MOFs in medicine. The chemistry of green MOFs used as pro-drugs and their potential and effects in bioimaging, drug delivery, and multi-modal therapeutics are systematically reviewed and discussed. The concluding remarks highlight the challenging aspects of future developments of bio-MOFs and nano-MOFs.
MICROPOROUS AND MESOPOROUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Carla Serri, Iriczalli Cruz-Maya, Irene Bonadies, Giovanna Rassu, Paolo Giunchedi, Elisabetta Gavini, Vincenzo Guarino
Summary: Significant advances in nanotechnologies have enabled the design of innovative devices suitable for biomedical applications, through increasing knowledge and refining of technical practices in green chemistry and bioengineering. New bio-sustainable methodologies are developing to fabricate drug delivery systems that combine properties of materials and bioactive molecules efficiently, meeting the demands of the health market. This work provides an overview of recent developments in bio-fabrication methods for designing green platforms, emphasizing their impact on biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yun Liu, Guangze Yang, Yue Hui, Supun Ranaweera, Chun-Xia Zhao
Summary: Nanoparticles (NPs) have gained significant interest in drug delivery, and microfluidics shows promise in their precise control and manufacturing. The successful use of microfluidic NPs in mRNA vaccines represents a major milestone and demonstrates the feasibility of industrial-scale production. This article provides a critical review of recent progress in microfluidic NPs for drug delivery, including the synthesis of organic and inorganic NPs, and their various applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xikuang Yao, Chao Qi, Changrui Sun, Fengwei Huo, Xiqun Jiang
Summary: Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) has been widely used in conjugation with diagnostic and therapeutic agents or surface decoration on nanoplatforms, known as PEGylation, to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic effects. However, studies have shown that PEG abuse can lead to severe side effects and compromise therapeutic efficacy. This review presents alternatives to PEG, including poly(N-vi-nylpyrrolidone), polyacrylamides, polybetaines, poly(2-oxazoline)s, polyesters, and polysarcosine, with their synthesis, characterization, and biomedical applications in agent conjugates, nanocarriers, hydrogels, and antifouling surface coating. The potential of these PEG alternatives in constructing efficient nanoplatforms for precise nanomedicine is highlighted.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sagrario Yadira Gutierrez de la Rosa, Ramiro Muniz Diaz, Paola Trinidad Villalobos Gutierrez, Rita Patakfalvi, Oscar Gutierrez Coronado
Summary: Functionalized platinum nanoparticles have attracted considerable research interest as therapeutic agents due to their properties and applications. By functionalizing the nanoparticle surfaces, selectivity can be increased and the side effects of conventional drugs can be reduced. With the development of nanotechnology in the biomedical field, functionalized platinum nanoparticles have been utilized for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cancer and infections. This review discusses the physical, chemical, and biological methods of obtaining platinum nanoparticles and explores the advantages and disadvantages of their synthesis. Furthermore, it explores the applications in the biomedical field that can be achieved by functionalizing the nanoparticle surfaces with different bioactive molecules, including antibodies, biodegradable polymers, and biomolecules.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Mojhdeh Baghbanbashi, Ashok Kakkar
Summary: Self-assembly of amphiphilic macromolecules provides a beneficial platform for addressing significant issues in various fields. These soft nanoparticles have been extensively used for delivering lipophilic therapeutics and play essential roles in understanding cell membrane behavior and designing smart nanoformulations. The properties of these assemblies can be tailored by modulating synthetic methodologies to match desired needs.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rafaela Garcia-Alvarez, Maria Vallet-Regi
Summary: Bio-hybrid systems, which combine bacteria and cells with nanomaterials, have shown potential as alternative nanocarriers for biomedical applications. The potential and limitations of these systems are evaluated, and several examples are presented to demonstrate their performance.
EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG DELIVERY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nathalie Hock, Giuseppe Francesco Racaniello, Sam Aspinall, Nunzio Denora, Vitaliy V. Khutoryanskiy, Andreas Bernkop-Schnuerch
Summary: This review discusses the interface between thiol chemistry and nanoparticles, highlighting the various functionalities gained by thiolation. These include enhanced bio- and mucoadhesive properties, improved cellular uptake, and permeation enhancement. Various applications such as drug delivery, targeted therapy, and diagnostics can benefit from thiolated nanoparticles.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Qiu-Yi Duan, Ya-Xuan Zhu, Hao-Ran Jia, Shi-Hao Wang, Fu-Gen Wu
Summary: This review introduces the history, preparation methods, properties, and applications of nanogels. It first discusses the classification and differences of nanogels from macro-sized hydrogels and other nanoparticles. Then, it focuses on the synthetic methods, properties, and applications of nanogels in drug delivery, imaging, detection, and regenerative medicine. It also raises the current problems and challenges in the field of nanogels, aiming to inspire researchers to develop more functional nanogels and promote their practical applications in various fields.
PROGRESS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Parisa Eslami, Martin Albino, Francesca Scavone, Federica Chiellini, Andrea Morelli, Giovanni Baldi, Laura Cappiello, Saer Doumett, Giada Lorenzi, Costanza Ravagli, Andrea Caneschi, Anna Laurenzana, Claudio Sangregorio
Summary: In this study, drug-loaded smart magnetic nanocarriers were successfully created using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles encapsulated in a dual pH- and temperature-responsive copolymer. These nanocarriers exhibited reversible hydration/dehydration transition at acidic conditions and/or temperatures above physiological body temperature, which could be triggered by magnetic hyperthermia. The effectiveness of the system was demonstrated by high encapsulation efficiency of the drug at neutral pH and the release of the drug under hyperthermia conditions. This study suggests that this multi-stimuli-sensitive nanoplatform has great potential for remote-controlled drug release combined with magnetic hyperthermia for cancer treatment.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Angela Fabiano, Chiara Migone, Luca Cerri, Anna Maria Piras, Andrea Mezzetta, Giuseppantonio Maisetta, Semih Esin, Giovanna Batoni, Rossella Di Stefano, Ylenia Zambito
Summary: The study introduced olive leaves extract into microparticles for wound treatment, with blends of hyaluronic acid and chitosan in different proportions showing accelerated wound healing and good release effects.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Brunella Grassiri, Patrick Knoll, Angela Fabiano, Anna Maria Piras, Ylenia Zambito, Andreas Bernkop-Schnuerch
Summary: The goal of this study was to design and evaluate a thiolated cyclodextrin for ocular drug delivery, which provides high drug solubilizing and mucoadhesive properties. The results showed that thiolated cyclodextrin significantly enhanced the precorneal residence time and bioavailability of dexamethasone eye drops, making it suitable for ocular formulations of poorly soluble drugs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessio Massironi, Albina Ribeiro Franco, Pedro Sousa Babo, Dario Puppi, Federica Chiellini, Rui L. Reis, Manuela Estima Gomes
Summary: Recurrent microbial infections are a major cause of surgical failure and morbidity. Wound healing strategies based on hydrogels, which provide a barrier against pathogen microbial colonization and a favorable environment for tissue repair, have been proposed. However, most hydrogel materials have bacteriostatic rather than antimicrobial properties and lack specific action against pathogens. In this study, highly stable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were developed as potential antimicrobial agents for hyaluronic acid hydrogels. Two stabilizing agents obtained from natural and renewable sources, cellulose nanocrystals and ulvan polysaccharide, were used to ensure the stability of the silver colloid. The developed AgNPs showed high stability and strong antimicrobial activity when loaded into photocrosslinked methacrylated hyaluronic acid hydrogels.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Angela Fabiano, Marinella De Leo, Luca Cerri, Anna Maria Piras, Alessandra Braca, Ylenia Zambito
Summary: This study successfully prepared self-assembling saffron extract nanoparticles with the assistance of chitosan, which protected crocin from degradation in simulated tear fluid and increased the residence time in the eyes.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Brunella Grassiri, Andrea Cesari, Federica Balzano, Chiara Migone, Gergely Kali, Andreas Bernkop-Schnurch, Gloria Uccello-Barretta, Ylenia Zambito, Anna Maria Piras
Summary: This study successfully synthesized a freely soluble thiolated 2-methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (M beta CD-SH) through a green microwave-assisted process, and characterized its inclusion complex properties with dexamethasone (Dex) and mucoadhesive characteristics. The results showed that the cyclodextrin was able to host the drug and increase the complex viscosity of mucin.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chiara Migone, Noemi Scacciati, Brunella Grassiri, Marinella De Leo, Alessandra Braca, Dario Puppi, Ylenia Zambito, Anna Maria Piras
Summary: Jellyfishes are considered as a potential resource in the food, pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. In this study, jellyfish skin polysaccharides (JSP) with glycosaminoglycan (GAG) features were extracted and evaluated for their potential as wound healing promoters and antioxidants. The results showed that the JSPs were effective in promoting scratch repair and protecting cells from oxidative stress. These GAG-like polysaccharides have potential applications in biomedical skin treatments and as pharmaceutical excipients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emily Cioni, Chiara Migone, Roberta Ascrizzi, Beatrice Muscatello, Marinella De Leo, Anna Maria Piras, Ylenia Zambito, Guido Flamini, Luisa Pistelli
Summary: Comparative chemical analyses of peel and pulp extracts from different varieties of Citrus australasica showed variations in composition and antioxidant activity. Collette peel and Pink Ice pulp were rich in flavonoids, while Collette and Red peel exhibited the highest activity in protecting against oxidative damage.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Brunella Grassiri, Andrea Mezzetta, Giuseppantionio Maisetta, Chiara Migone, Angela Fabiano, Semih Esin, Lorenzo Guazzelli, Ylenia Zambito, Giovanna Batoni, Anna Maria Piras
Summary: The study evaluated the use of ionic liquids (ILs) as functional excipients for solubilizing and stabilizing diacerein (DIA) in eye drop formulations and prolonging its ocular residence time. Two ILs based on natural zwitterionic compounds were investigated: L-carnitine C6 alkyl ester bromide (Carn6) and betaine C6 alkyl ester bromide (Bet6). The ILs demonstrated solubilizing, stabilizing, mucoadhesive, and antimicrobial properties, with potential for future use in ophthalmic applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ylenia Zambito, Anna Maria Piras, Angela Fabiano
Summary: In this study, a conjugate based on a quaternary ammonium chitosan derivative and methyl-beta CD was prepared to encapsulate bergamot essential oil (BEO). The conjugate was able to stabilize the volatile compounds of BEO and convert it into a solid dosage form. The obtained conjugate showed good solubility and high extract association efficiency of polyphenols and limonene. The stability studies demonstrated that the conjugate was effective in protecting polyphenols and limonene from degradation under UV stress. The transformation of the liquid oil into a solid dosage form eliminated the unpleasant taste and improved the bioavailability.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lucia Vizzoni, Chiara Migone, Brunella Grassiri, Ylenia Zambito, Baldassare Ferro, Paolo Roncucci, Filippo Mori, Alfonso Salvatore, Ester Ascione, Roberto Crea, Semih Esin, Giovanna Batoni, Anna Maria Piras
Summary: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe complication of lung injuries, often caused by various infections. ARDS is associated with high mortality and lacks effective treatment. In this study, the efficacy of mesh nebulisation of plasminogen (PLG) for off-label administration as an ARDS treatment was investigated. Results showed that aerosolised PLG demonstrated optimal deposition, maintained enzymatic activity, and had immunomodulating effects.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pratigyan Dash, Sasmita Samal, Gyanendra Prasad Panda, Anna Maria Piras, Mamoni Dash
Summary: This study reports the preparation and evaluation of a nanoformulation that can reduce the side effects of Zol drug. The nanoformulation shows cytotoxic effects on bone cancer cells and protective effects on normal bone cells. The results suggest that Zol nanoformulation can serve as a good platform for a sustained release system with minimal side effects on normal bone cells.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gianni Pecorini, Simona Braccini, Gianluca Parrini, Federica Chiellini, Dario Puppi
Summary: Polyhydroxyalkanoates are biopolyesters that can be used as unique scaffolding polymer candidates for tissue engineering due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, environmental sustainability, processing versatility, and mechanical properties. This study explored the fabrication of tissue engineering scaffolds using a solution-extrusion additive manufacturing technique, called Computer-Aided Wet-Spinning (CAWS), by blending poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA). The results showed that the blend composition influenced the morphological, physicochemical, and biological properties of the scaffolds, with increasing PLGA content leading to larger pore size, enhanced wettability, and improved thermal stability. In vitro experiments demonstrated the suitability of the scaffolds for cell colonization and differentiation towards an osteoblastic phenotype, particularly with scaffolds richer in PLGA.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Silvia Schoch, Simona Braccini, Lorenzo Biancalana, Alessandro Pratesi, Tiziana Funaioli, Stefano Zacchini, Guido Pampaloni, Federica Chiellini, Fabio Marchetti
Summary: In this study, a series of cationic triiron complexes resulting from the conjugation of ferrocenyl skeleton with a diiron bis-cyclopentadienyl core were synthesized and their cytotoxicity on cancer cell lines and non-tumoral cells was evaluated. The results showed that most of the cationic complexes exhibited low toxicity in cancer cells and non-tumoral cells.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Simona Braccini, Chiara Tacchini, Federica Chiellini, Dario Puppi
Summary: This article provides an overview of the latest research on in vitro tumor models, with a focus on three-dimensional OC cell culture using hydrogel-based scaffolds. These models can better replicate the tumor microenvironment observed in vivo, making them valuable tools for cancer research and drug screening.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
