Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zichen Liu, Irene Lepori, Mahendra D. Chordia, Brianna E. Dalesandro, Taijie Guo, Jiajia Dong, M. Sloan Siegrist, Marcos M. Pires
Summary: A novel assay combining metabolic tagging, click chemistry, and fluorescent labeling was developed to measure the permeation of small molecules in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The assay proved to be robust and compatible with high-throughput analysis, providing insights into drug uptake in mycobacteria.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ahlam Zaid Alkilani, Rania Hamed, Hajer Abdo, Lubna Swellmeen, Haneen A. Basheer, Walaa Wahdan, Amani D. Abu Kwiak
Summary: This study investigates the use of niosomes, a type of nanocarrier, to enhance the transdermal permeability of azithromycin, a BCS class III drug. The results show that niosomal gel can significantly improve the drug release rate compared to conventional gel formulations. These findings suggest that niosomal gel could be a promising alternative route of administration for azithromycin.
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Guihua Fang, Xuewen Yang, Sumeng Chen, Qiuxiang Wang, Aiwen Zhang, Bo Tang
Summary: This review summarizes the application of CD-based host-guest supramolecular hydrogels in local drug delivery. It covers the formation of supramolecular hydrogels with different types of CD, the physicochemical characteristics of these hydrogels, and their application in various administration routes. The review also discusses the challenges and future directions for the clinical translation of CD-based host-guest supramolecular hydrogels.
COORDINATION CHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Carolina Amorim, Sergio R. S. Veloso, Elisabete M. S. Castanheira, Loic Hilliou, Renato B. Pereira, David M. Pereira, Jose A. Martins, Peter J. Jervis, Paula M. T. Ferreira
Summary: In this study, four symmetrical bolaamphiphiles based on dehydrodipeptides were prepared and their self-assembly properties were investigated. The results showed the bolaamphiphiles can form self-standing hydrogels and provide sustained release. These hydrogelators are non-toxic to cells and have an elastic modulus similar to native tissues.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Deepak Kulkarni, Fouad Damiri, Satish Rojekar, Mehrukh Zehravi, Sarker Ramproshad, Dipali Dhoke, Shubham Musale, Ashiya A. Mulani, Pranav Modak, Roshani Paradhi, Jyotsna Vitore, Md Habibur Rahman, Mohammed Berrada, Prabhanjan S. Giram, Simona Cavalu
Summary: Microneedle (MNs) technology is a recent advancement in biomedical science that has gained popularity worldwide due to its multifaceted and broad-spectrum applications in drug delivery. The limitations of conventional drug delivery, such as poor absorption and bioavailability, can be overcome by MN-based drug delivery. Nanotechnology has played a significant role in the fabrication techniques and design of microneedles.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kalvatala Sudhakar, Vijay Mishra, Sanjay Jain, Narayana Charyulu Rompicherla, Neelesh Malviya, Murtaza M. Tambuwala
Summary: This study prepared vesicular carriers such as ethosomes and transethosomes by the thin-film hydration method and evaluated their performance in non-invasive transdermal drug delivery. The results showed that these carriers exhibited smaller size, improved deformity, changed skin phase for better penetration, and sustained release of drugs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Wanessa S. C. Quintao, Amandda E. Silva-Carvalho, Leandro A. Hilgert, Tais Gratieri, Marcilio Cunha-Filho, Felipe Saldanha-Araujo, Guilherme M. Gelfuso
Summary: This study aims to develop a chitosan-based film for the transdermal delivery of naringenin, a bioflavonoid with anti-inflammatory activity, for long-term treatment of inflammatory conditions. The study found that naringenin has anti-inflammatory effects and can inhibit T-cell proliferation. A chitosan film was successfully developed, which can continuously release naringenin across the skin over 72 hours.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joanna Skopinska-Wisniewska, Silvia De la Flor, Justyna Kozlowska
Summary: Supramolecular hydrogels are water-swelled materials held together by reversible, non-covalent interactions, offering unique properties and potential applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jie Yang, Dihua Dai, Lianjun Ma, Ying-Wei Yang
Summary: By utilizing water-soluble macrocyclic hosts like CLT6 and CBpP6, this study successfully loaded the chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin, and achieved drug release through competitive binding, leading to enhanced cytotoxicity in cancer cells while reducing toxicity in normal cells, offering a new approach to reduce side effects of anticancer drugs.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sonia N. Pedro, Maria S. M. Mendes, Bruno M. Neves, Isabel Filipa Almeida, Paulo Costa, Ines Correia-Sa, Carla Vilela, Mara G. Freire, Armando J. D. Silvestre, Carmen S. R. Freire
Summary: This study found that aqueous solutions of bio-based deep eutectic solvents (DES) can significantly improve the solubility of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen. These solutions showed no toxicity to cells and preserved the anti-inflammatory action of the drug. Incorporation into alginate-based hydrogels resulted in materials with a regular structure and high flexibility, and demonstrated sustained release of the drug.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
J. D. Alonso, L. M. B. Ferreira, M. H. Oyafuso, D. L. Cassimiro, H. Barud, C. A. Ribeiro
Summary: Surfactants are amphiphilic substances that lower the surface tension between liquids. In this study, a supramolecular green synthesis route was proposed to overcome the drawbacks of traditional surfactants. The synthesized supramolecular amphiphiles showed distinct self-assembly behaviors in water, forming micellar aggregates or liquid-crystalline structures.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ruslan Kashapov, Yuliya Razuvayeva, Albina Ziganshina, Anastasiia Sapunova, Anna Lyubina, Syumbelya Amerhanova, Natalia Kulik, Alexandra Voloshina, Irek Nizameev, Vadim Salnikov, Lucia Zakharova
Summary: The study found that the self-assembly of synthesized macrocycles is mainly driven by hydrophobic interactions of their hydrophobic chains and π-π stacking interactions between aromatic rings. Long-chain viologen macrocycles not only have low hemotoxicity and selective cytotoxic activity, but also can bind therapeutic molecules, making them promising drug nanocontainers.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Riannon Smith, Nicole Brogden, Jennifer Fiegel
Summary: This study developed a sprayable antimicrobial formulation for severe burns and chronic wounds, which contains poloxamers and ciprofloxacin hydrochloride. The formulation showed good sprayability, gelation properties, drug release profile, ex vivo permeation, and inhibition against common bacterial pathogens. This research demonstrates the potential of the formulation as a suitable topical dressing to deliver antimicrobials directly to wounds.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Qiuhui Qian, Dali Wang, Leilei Shi, Zhihao Zhang, Jiwen Qian, Jian Shen, Chunyang Yu, Xinyuan Zhu
Summary: Local drug delivery systems, particularly hydrogels, have shown great potential in preventing postoperative tumor recurrence. However, their clinical translation has been hindered by the need for chemical modification or additional carrier molecules. A newly developed pure molecular anticancer drug hydrogel has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing tumor recurrence rates and could serve as a powerful tool in preventing postoperative local tumor recurrence.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoxue Hou, Yu-Xuan Chang, Yu-Xin Yue, Ze-Han Wang, Fei Ding, Zhi-Hao Li, Hua-Bin Li, Yicheng Xu, Xianglei Kong, Fan Huang, Dong-Sheng Guo, Jianfeng Liu
Summary: This study reports an innovative supramolecular radiotherapy strategy that utilizes the complexation of a hypoxia-responsive macrocycle with a small-molecule radiosensitizer to achieve efficient tumor destruction. The strategy exhibits high tumor accumulation and efficient cellular internalization, and achieves a high sensitizer enhancement ratio value.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rory C. McNulty, Keir Penston, Sharad S. Amin, Sandro Stal, Jie Yie Lee, Mario Samperi, Lluisa Perez-Garcia, Jamie M. Cameron, Lee R. Johnson, David B. Amabilino, Graham N. Newton
Summary: The mixing of [V10O28](6-) decavanadate anions with a dicationic gemini surfactant leads to the self-assembly of nanostructured arrays of decavanadate clusters. Calcination of the material results in different crystalline structures and morphologies of V2O5, which significantly affect the cathode performance as lithium-ion intercalation electrodes. Larger crystallites and long-range microstructure deliver higher capacity retention, while smaller crystallite size and higher surface area allow faster lithium insertion and superior rate performance.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Joshua Humphreys, Ferdinando Malagreca, Paul A. A. Hume, E. Stephen Davies, Stephen P. P. Argent, Tracey D. D. Bradshaw, David B. B. Amabilino
Summary: The study reports the synthesis, spectroelectrochemical, and structural characteristics of highly electron-accepting diketopyrrrolopyrrole (DPP) molecules with adjoining pyridinium rings, as well as their low toxicity assessment. The compounds exhibit reversible electrochemistry and a significant increase in molar extinction coefficient upon electrochemical reduction in one subfamily.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shaun M. Smith, Thais F. Abelha, David Limon, Mario Samperi, Bunty Sharma, Kristjan Plaetzer, Fabienne Dumoulin, David B. Amabilino, Lluisa Perez-Garcia
Summary: Investigating the ROS-generating abilities of photosensitizers is crucial for the study of photodynamic therapy in clinical settings. The water-soluble photosensitizer ZnPcTS can generate ROS as singlet oxygen under specific irradiation. Incorporating ZnPcTS into a hydrogel material greatly enhances its SO generation rate.
JOURNAL OF PORPHYRINS AND PHTHALOCYANINES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Helen-Lissette Alvarado, David Limon, Ana-Cristina Calpena-Campmany, Mireia Mallandrich, Laura Rodriguez-Cid, Nuria Aliaga-Alcalde, Arantzazu Gonzalez-Campo, Lluisa Perez-Garcia
Summary: This study evaluated the preventive effects of curcumin and its derivatives on the irritant effects of topically applied xylol and their permeation ability through human skin. An HPLC method was validated for simultaneous determination of the curcuminoids in the samples from the ex vivo permeation studies and drug extraction from the skin. The results show that these three curcuminoids are suitable for anti-inflammatory formulations for dermal applications, and they can be properly quantified using HPLC-UV.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Paola Bustos-Salgado, Berenice Andrade-Carrera, Valeri Dominguez-Villegas, Veronique Noe, Mireia Mallandrich, Helena Colom, Ana Calpena-Campmany, Maria Luisa Garduno-Ramirez
Summary: This study evaluated the anticancer potential of the natural flavanone compound extracted from Eysenhardtia platycarpa and its derivatives through in silico analysis and cytotoxicity assays. The results showed that these compounds inhibited the growth of tumor cells, with 1b exhibiting the most significant effect. Moreover, the study demonstrated the ability of PLGA nanoparticles to penetrate the skin and prolong the duration of action. Overall, flavanones could be a promising option for future anticancer topical adjuvant treatment.
Article
Polymer Science
Noelia Perez-Gonzalez, Maria J. Rodriguez-Lagunas, Ana C. Calpena-Campmany, Nuria Bozal-de Febrer, Lyda Halbaut-Bellowa, Mireia Mallandrich, Beatriz Clares-Naveros
Summary: Fungal keratitis is a global cause of corneal blindness. Current treatment involves the use of antibiotics, with Natamycin being commonly used; however, alternative therapies are necessary due to the difficulty in treating fungal keratitis. In situ gelling formulations, which combine the advantages of eye drops and ointments, show promise as an alternative. This study aimed to develop and characterize three formulations containing 0.5% CSP: CSP-O1, CSP-O2, and CSP-O3. The results suggest that these formulations could be potential candidates for the treatment of fungal keratitis.
Article
Polymer Science
Cristina Silva, Gladys Ramos-Yacasi, Mireia Mallandrich, Helena Colom-Codina, Joaquim Suner-Carbo, Noelia Perez-Gonzalez, Ana Cristina Calpena, Francisco Fernandez-Campos
Summary: Sialolithiasis primarily affects the oral salivary glands due to obstruction from small stones, hindering saliva secretion. To ensure patient comfort, treatment and pain control are crucial in managing this condition. A ketorolac calcium cross-linked alginate hydrogel was developed and applied in the buccal cavity, showing desirable physicochemical properties and high drug concentrations to alleviate pain. The formulation was found suitable for oral application based on ex vivo drug release studies.
Article
Polymer Science
Noelia Perez-Gonzalez, Lupe Carolina Espinoza, Maria Rincon, Lilian Sosa, Mireia Mallandrich, Joaquim Suner-Carbo, Nuria Bozal-de Febrer, Ana Cristina Calpena, Beatriz Clares-Naveros
Summary: Caspofungin gel, incorporating Azone, showed higher release and retention of the drug in the skin compared to a promoter-free Caspofungin gel. Both formulations exhibited good tolerability and inhibited the growth of certain Candida species. Dermal treatment with Caspofungin could be a promising therapy for cutaneous candidiasis in refractory or intolerant patients.
Article
Polymer Science
Negar Ahmadi, Maria Rincon, Marcelle Silva-Abreu, Lilian Sosa, Jessica Pesantez-Narvaez, Ana Cristina Calpena, Maria J. Rodriguez-Lagunas, Mireia Mallandrich
Summary: In this study, Pranoprofen (PRA)-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) were dispersed into blank gels to improve the drug's retention and anti-inflammatory effect for dermal administration. The gels showed sustained release up to 24 hours and demonstrated efficacy in an inflammatory animal model study. The results indicate that these gel formulations could serve as an interesting and effective topical treatment for local skin inflammation caused by abrasion.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jordan C. Potts, Akhil Jain, David B. Amabilino, Frankie J. Rawson, Lluisa Perez-Garcia
Summary: Multifunctional gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have vast potential in various fields including sensing, imaging, delivery, and medicine. However, accurately quantifying surface conjugated molecules on multifunctional AuNPs has been challenging. In this study, a new method based on UV-visible absorption spectrum analysis was developed to calculate the precise concentration and number of specific molecules bound to each AuNP. This method provides valuable information for applications in drug delivery and biosensors.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Marcelle Silva-Abreu, Lilian Sosa, Lupe Carolina Espinoza, Maria-Jose Fabrega, Maria J. Rodriguez-Lagunas, Mireia Mallandrich, Ana Cristina Calpena, Maria Luisa Garduno-Ramirez, Maria Rincon
Summary: Apremilast (APM) is a novel drug for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. This study aims to develop APM gels as a new pharmaceutical formulation for topical psoriasis treatment. The APM gel formulations showed good physicochemical characteristics and sustained release. The gels treated the psoriasis mouse model and reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jordan C. Potts, Akhil Jain, David B. Amabilino, Frankie J. Rawson, Lluisa Perez-Garcia
Summary: This study presents a new method based on UV-visible absorption spectrum to accurately calculate the concentration and number of molecules bound to multifunctional AuNPs. The method is able to reveal the precise binding situation of Cyt C and Zn Porph molecules with each multifunctional AuNP, providing valuable information for applications in drug delivery and biosensors.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Bunty Sharma, Akhil Jain, Frankie J. Rawson, Ganga Ram Chaudhary, Lluisa Perez-Garcia, Gurpreet Kaur
Summary: In order to address the challenges in photodynamic therapy (PDT), researchers have developed a metallocatanionic vesicles (MCVs) nanosystem loaded with Rose Bengal (RB) to enhance the phototoxicity of cancer cells. The RB-loaded CuCPC I:AOT and FeCPC I:AOT vesicles showed increased singlet oxygen generation and exhibited significant cytotoxicity against U-251 cells. These findings demonstrate the potential of dual-charge and biocompatible metallocatanionic vesicles as a promising delivery system for photodynamic therapy.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Michael Clarke, Abigail Bellamy-Carter, Ferdinando Malagreca, Jack Hart, Stephen P. Argent, James N. O'Shea, David B. Amabilino, Alex Saywell
Summary: The incorporation of organic semiconducting materials within solid-state electronic devices is important for highly efficient photovoltaics, transistors, and light emitting diodes. This study focuses on the formation of a polymer based on a diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) monomer unit, which is synthesized on a surface and possesses aryl-halide groups for covalent coupling. The self-assembly of both the monomer material and the domains of polymeric material are investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
MOLECULAR SYSTEMS DESIGN & ENGINEERING
(2023)