Review
Oncology
Andy Guzman Rodriguez, Marquiza Sablon Carrazana, Chrislayne Rodriguez Tanty, Martijn J. A. Malessy, Gaston Fuentes, Luis J. Cruz
Summary: Cancer has been a lethal disease with high incidence and invasive treatments. Nanotechnology provides a promising alternative for cancer treatment by using nanocarriers to transport anticancer drugs. This study aims to explore different nanocarriers and new routes to reduce the incidence of cancer to very low levels in humans.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Irina Negut, Bogdan Bita
Summary: Concurrent developments in anticancer nanotechnological treatments have been observed as the burden of cancer increases every year. The advancement in the field of material science and nanomedicine has led to improved drug delivery systems with proven efficacy and fewer side effects. Various intelligent nanomedicines are being created using lipids, polymers, and inorganic and peptide-based nanomedicines. Thorough knowledge of these nanomedicines is crucial for developing very promising drug delivery systems. Polymeric micelles are simple to make and have high solubilization characteristics, making them a promising alternative in nanosystems for cancer treatment.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Siriporn Okonogi, Pimpak Phumat, Sakornrat Khongkhunthian, Kullapop Suttiat, Pisaisit Chaijareenont
Summary: This study developed a potential natural denture-soaking solution using edible Piper betle extract to combat candidiasis in denture wearers. Loading the extract into polymeric micelles significantly increased its activity, with a minimum fungicidal concentration of 1.5 mg/mL against C. albicans.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Amit Kahana, Svetlana Maslov, Doron Lancet
Summary: Life may not solely rely on biopolymers like RNA and proteins, as lipid assemblies could play a crucial role in the origin of life. Further investigation is needed to determine if lipid assemblies have protein-like capacities for specific interactions. Experimental evidence suggests that lipid aggregates have dynamic surface configurations capable of specific molecular recognition.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Isabelle S. Kurnik, Natalia A. D'Angelo, Priscila G. Mazzola, Marlus Chorilli, Daniel T. Kamei, Jorge F. B. Pereira, Antonio A. Vicente, Andre M. Lopes
Summary: This study developed stable amphiphilic copolymer-based polymeric micelles with temperature-responsive properties using Pluronic (R) L35 and various ionic liquids. The partitioning and drug delivery capabilities of the micelles were investigated, with more hydrophobic ILs proving to be most effective. Different IL compositions affected the encapsulation efficiency, drug loading capacity, and release rate of the micelles, while Pluronic (R) L35 exhibited temperature responsiveness at 37.0 degrees C. In vitro cytotoxicity assays revealed different potency levels between formulations, demonstrating potential applications in drug delivery systems, encapsulation, and bioseparations.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Sanjay Ch, Sri Ganga Padaga, Balaram Ghosh, Sanhita Roy, Swati Biswas
Summary: A mucoadhesive self-assembling polymeric system carrying moxifloxacin was developed for bacterial keratitis treatment. Moxifloxacin-encapsulated mixed micelles (M@CF68/127(5/10)Ms) were prepared using chitosan-PLGA conjugate and poloxamers. The system demonstrated high corneal penetration, mucoadhesiveness, and antibacterial efficacy, with M@CF127(10)Ms showing superior therapeutic effects in P. aeruginosa and S. aureus-infected BK mouse model.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Pankaj Singla, Gloria Parokie, Saweta Garg, Sarbjeet Kaur, Inderpreet Kaur, Robert D. Crapnell, Craig E. Banks, Uwe Rinner, Corinne Wills, Marloes Peeters
Summary: Pluronic micelles show potential for hydrophobic drug delivery, with Pluronic P84 micelles being able to encapsulate naringenin and baicalein effectively. The solvent evaporation method (S.Ev.M) enhances drug encapsulation compared to the direct dissolution method (D.D.M.) and is a more convenient and efficient preparation method for drug-loaded Pluronic formulations.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Kamran Hidayat Ullah, Faisal Raza, Syed Mohsin Munawar, Muhammad Sohail, Hajra Zafar, Mazhar Iqbal Zafar, Tofeeq Ur-Rehman
Summary: The study successfully enhanced the gel strength and drug loading of P407 gel by modifying the formulation, utilizing thioglycolic acid as a nail penetration enhancer. The developed P407 gel demonstrated promising potential for transungual delivery of hydrophobic antifungal agents with sufficient gel strength and drug loading.
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
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Seong-Hyeon An, Eunmi Ban, In-Young Chung, You-Hee Cho, Aeri Kim
Summary: The study evaluated the use of poloxamers as solubilizers and gelling agents in developing a topical antimicrobial formulation of propolis. Poloxamers, especially P188, showed potential in enhancing propolis solubility and release rate, resulting in antimicrobial activity against both S. aureus and C. albicans.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhengmin Tang, Liang Gao, Jiaping Lin, Chunhua Cai, Yuan Yao, Gerald Guerin, Xiaohui Tian, Shaoliang Lin
Summary: This study reports the controlled growth of elongated micelles with a liquid crystalline core onto a hydrophobic substrate via synergistic interactions between the substrate and dispersed aggregates in solution. Seed formation is a transient phenomenon induced by the adsorption and rearrangement of core-swollen aggregates.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jong Dae Jang, Moongi Bae, Changwoo Do, Soo-Hyung Choi, Joona Bang, Young Soo Han, Tae-Hwan Kim
Summary: This study demonstrates the formation of a highly ordered superlattice of gold nanoparticles in a 2D confined geometry using hydrophobic interactions in a polymer vesicle layer. The use of block copolymers as templates allows for control over the degree of freedom of the gold nanoparticles, resulting in a centered rectangular structure formation.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhuoya Wan, Ruohui Zheng, Pearl Moharil, Yuzhe Liu, Jing Chen, Runzi Sun, Xu Song, Qiang Ao
Summary: Nanomedicine-based delivery strategies play a crucial role in improving cancer immunotherapies by enhancing anti-tumor immune response or reducing systemic adverse effects. The versatility of working with biocompatible polymers helps polymeric nanoparticles stand out as a key carrier to improve bioavailability and achieve specific delivery at the site of action.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Anand Gupta, Antonio P. Costa, Xiaoming Xu, Diane J. Burgess
Summary: A continuous polymeric micelle processing platform was developed to eliminate batch-to-batch variation in critical quality attributes. By controlling polymer molecular weight and concentration, precise particle size and low polydispersity were achieved. The optimized conditions produced paclitaxel polymeric micelles equivalent to commercial Genexol PM, with similar quality attributes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yixin Jiang, Junghan Lee, Jin-Myung Seo, Enkhzaya Davaa, Kyung-Ju Shin, Su-Geun Yang
Summary: This study investigated the potential effect of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIO) on the physical and biological properties of theranostic polymeric micelles. The results showed that SPIO formed hydrophobic geometric cavity in the micelle core, significantly affecting the integrity of the micelles and the drug loading capacity. In addition, SPIO enhanced drug absorption and prolonged the drug's half-life.
BIOMATERIALS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fernando Yanez-Gomez, Alfredo Ramos-Miguel, Jesus A. Garcia-Sevilla, Jorge Manzanares, Teresa Femenia
Summary: The study explored the role of the opioidergic system in anxiety-related behaviors. PDYN knockout mice had lower levels of certain MAPKs and FADD in the cortex and thalamus compared to normal mice. Exposure to stress stimuli activated certain signaling pathways, but this activation was reduced in PDYN-deficient mice. These findings suggest that neuroplasticity in cortical-thalamic regions is altered in PDYN-KO mice, and the PDYN gene is required for certain pathway activations under stress conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
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
Behavioral Sciences
Elena Hernandez-Hernandez, Sandra Ledesma-Corvi, Fernando Yanez-Gomez, Celia Garau, Laura Galvez-Melero, Andrea Bagan, Carmen Escolano, M. Julia Garcia-Fuster
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated the potential effects of two I2 drugs, CR4056 and B06, on male and female rats exposed to early-life stress. They found that CR4056 showed antidepressant-like effects in both male and female rats, but its efficacy in females was dependent on prior early-life stress exposure. In contrast, B06 had no antidepressant-like effects in either male or female rats. The study also identified some molecular differences underlying the therapeutic response of CR4056 between sexes.
PHARMACOLOGY BIOCHEMISTRY AND BEHAVIOR
(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)
