Gels | Special Issue : Gels in Medicine and Pharmacological Therapies

Research

21 pages, 25328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Para-Methoxybenzylidene Acetal-Protected D-Glucosamine Derivatives as pH-Responsive Gelators and Their Applications for Drug Delivery

by Jonathan Bietsch, Logan Baker, Anna Duffney, Alice Mao, Mary Foutz, Cheandri Ackermann and Guijun Wang

Gels 2023, 9(6), 445; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9060445 - 27 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1919

Abstract

Carbohydrate-based low molecular weight gelators (LMWGs) are compounds with the capability to self-assemble into complex molecular networks within a solvent, leading to solvent immobilization. This process of gel formation depends on noncovalent interactions, including Van der Waals, hydrogen bonding, and π–π stacking. Due [...] Read more.

Carbohydrate-based low molecular weight gelators (LMWGs) are compounds with the capability to self-assemble into complex molecular networks within a solvent, leading to solvent immobilization. This process of gel formation depends on noncovalent interactions, including Van der Waals, hydrogen bonding, and π–π stacking. Due to their potential applications in environmental remediation, drug delivery, and tissue engineering, these molecules have emerged as an important area of research. In particular, various 4,6-O-benzylidene acetal-protected D-glucosamine derivatives have shown promising gelation abilities. In this study, a series of C-2-carbamate derivatives containing a para-methoxy benzylidene acetal functional group were synthesized and characterized. These compounds exhibited good gelation properties in several organic solvents and aqueous mixtures. Upon removal of the acetal functional group under acidic conditions, a number of deprotected free sugar derivatives were also synthesized. Analysis of these free sugar derivatives revealed two compounds were hydrogelators while their precursors did not form hydrogels. For those protected carbamates that are hydrogelators, removal of the 4,6-protection will result in a more water-soluble compound that produces a transition from gel to solution. Given the ability of these compounds to form gels from solution or solution from gels in situ in response to acidic environments, these compounds may have practical applications as stimuli-responsive gelators in an aqueous medium. In turn, one hydrogelator was studied for the encapsulation and release of naproxen and chloroquine. The hydrogel exhibited sustained drug release over a period of several days, with the release of chloroquine being faster at lower pH due to the acid lability of the gelator molecule. The synthesis, characterization, gelation properties, and studies on drug diffusion are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gels in Medicine and Pharmacological Therapies)

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17 pages, 1929 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Cosmetic Treatment and Gel Laser Therapy on the Improvement of Comedogenic Skin Type

by Jana Pavlačková, Hana Pecháčková, Pavlína Egner, Pavel Mokrejš, Robert Gál and Magda Janalíková

Gels 2023, 9(5), 370; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9050370 - 1 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2209

Abstract

Comedogenic skin care receives little attention compared to the care or treatment of more serious acne manifestations. Traditional therapies may have limited success with potential side effects. Cosmetic care supported by the effect of a biostimulating laser may offer a desirable alternative. The [...] Read more.

Comedogenic skin care receives little attention compared to the care or treatment of more serious acne manifestations. Traditional therapies may have limited success with potential side effects. Cosmetic care supported by the effect of a biostimulating laser may offer a desirable alternative. The aim of the study was to evaluate the biological effectiveness of combined cosmetic treatment with lasotherapy on comedogenic skin type using noninvasive bioengineering methods. Twelve volunteers with comedogenic skin type underwent a 28-week application of Lasocare Basic 645^® cosmetic gel containing Lactoperoxidase and Lactoferrin in combination with laser therapy (Lasocare^® method). The effect of treatment on skin condition was monitored using noninvasive diagnostic methods. The parameters were the amount of sebum, the pore count, the ultraviolet-induced red fluorescence assessment of comedonic lesions (percentage of the area and quantification of orange-red spots), hydration, transepidermal water loss, and pH. A statistically significant decrease in sebum production was observed on the skin of the treated volunteers, as well as a decrease in porphyrins, indicating the presence of Cutibacterium acnes populating comedones and causing enlarged pores. The balance of epidermal water in the skin was regulated adjusting the acidity of the skin coat in individual zones, which decreased the presence of Cutibacterium acnes. Cosmetic treatment in combination with the Lasocare^® method successfully improved the condition of comedogenic skin. In addition to transient erythema, there were no other adverse effects. The chosen procedure appears to be a suitable and safe alternative to traditional treatment procedures known from dermatological practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gels in Medicine and Pharmacological Therapies)

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21 pages, 3873 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Inflammatory Effect and Toxicological Profile of Pulp Residue from the Caryocar Brasiliense, a Sustainable Raw Material

by Julia Amanda Rodrigues Fracasso, Mariana Bittencourt Ibe, Luísa Taynara Silvério da Costa, Lucas Pires Guarnier, Amanda Martins Viel, Gustavo Reis de Brito, Mariana Conti Parron, Anderson Espírito do Santo Pereira, Giovana Sant’Ana Pegorin Brasil, Valdecir Farias Ximenes, Leonardo Fernandes Fraceto, Cassia Roberta Malacrida Mayer, João Tadeu Ribeiro-Paes, Fernando Yutaka de Ferreira, Natália Alves Zoppe and Lucinéia dos Santos

Gels 2023, 9(3), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9030234 - 16 Mar 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2685

Abstract

Caryocar brasiliense Cambess is a plant species typical of the Cerrado, a Brazilian biome. The fruit of this species is popularly known as pequi, and its oil is used in traditional medicine. However, an important factor hindering the use of pequi oil is [...] Read more.

Caryocar brasiliense Cambess is a plant species typical of the Cerrado, a Brazilian biome. The fruit of this species is popularly known as pequi, and its oil is used in traditional medicine. However, an important factor hindering the use of pequi oil is its low yield when extracted from the pulp of this fruit. Therefore, in this study, with aim of developing a new herbal medicine, we an-alyzed the toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of an extract of pequi pulp residue (EPPR), fol-lowing the mechanical extraction of the oil from its pulp. For this purpose, EPPR was prepared and encapsulated in chitosan. The nanoparticles were analyzed, and the cytotoxicity of the encapsu-lated EPPR was evaluated in vitro. After confirming the cytotoxicity of the encapsulated EPPR, the following evaluations were performed with non-encapsulated EPPR: in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, quantification of cytokines, and acute toxicity in vivo. Once the anti-inflammatory activity and absence of toxicity of EPPR were verified, a gel formulation of EPPR was developed for topical use and analyzed for its in vivo anti-inflammatory potential, ocular toxicity, and previous stability assessment. EPPR and the gel containing EPPR showed effective anti-inflammatory activity and lack of toxicity. The formulation was stable. Thus, a new herbal medicine with anti-inflammatory activity can be developed from discarded pequi residue. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gels in Medicine and Pharmacological Therapies)

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13 pages, 2044 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Caraway Nanoemulsion Gel: A Potential Antibacterial Treatment against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus

by Mohammed H. Alqarni, Ahmed I. Foudah, Alhussain H. Aodah, Faisal K. Alkholifi, Mohammad Ayman Salkini and Aftab Alam

Gels 2023, 9(3), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9030193 - 3 Mar 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2169

Abstract

Novel antibiotics are needed due to the rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Traditional antibiotics are ineffective due to antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, and finding alternative therapies is expensive. Hence, plant-derived caraway (Carum carvi) essential oils and antibacterial compounds have been selected as alternatives. In this, caraway [...] Read more.

Novel antibiotics are needed due to the rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Traditional antibiotics are ineffective due to antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, and finding alternative therapies is expensive. Hence, plant-derived caraway (Carum carvi) essential oils and antibacterial compounds have been selected as alternatives. In this, caraway essential oil as an antibacterial treatment was investigated using a nanoemulsion gel. Using the emulsification technique, a nanoemulsion gel was developed and characterized in terms of particle size, polydispersity index, pH, and viscosity. The results showed that the nanoemulsion had a mean particle size of 137 nm and an encapsulation efficiency of 92%. Afterward, the nanoemulsion gel was incorporated into the carbopol gel and was found to be transparent and uniform. The gel had in vitro cell viability and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The gel safely delivered a transdermal drug with a cell survival rate of over 90%. With a minimal inhibitor concentration (MIC) of 0.78 mg/mL and 0.78 mg/mL, respectively, the gel demonstrated substantial inhibition for E. coli and S. aureus. Lastly, the study demonstrated that caraway essential oil nanoemulsion gels can be efficient in treating E. coli and S. aureus, laying the groundwork for the use of caraway essential oil as an alternative to synthetic antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gels in Medicine and Pharmacological Therapies)

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15 pages, 4009 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phospholipid-Based Topical Nano-Hydrogel of Mangiferin: Enhanced Topical Delivery and Improved Dermatokinetics

by Faisal K. Alkholifi, Aftab Alam, Ahmed I. Foudah and Hasan S. Yusufoglu

Gels 2023, 9(3), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9030178 - 24 Feb 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2508

Abstract

Mangiferin is a herbal drug that has proven anticancer potential. Owing to its lower aqueous solubility and poor oral bioavailability, the full pharmacological potential of this bioactive drug has not fully been explored. In the present study, phospholipid-based microemulsion systems were developed to [...] Read more.

Mangiferin is a herbal drug that has proven anticancer potential. Owing to its lower aqueous solubility and poor oral bioavailability, the full pharmacological potential of this bioactive drug has not fully been explored. In the present study, phospholipid-based microemulsion systems were developed to bypass oral delivery. The globule size of the developed nanocarriers was less than 150 nm and the drug entrapment was >75% with a drug loading ~25%. The developed system offered a controlled release pattern following the Fickian drug release. This enhanced mangiferin’s in vitro anticancer activity by four-fold, the cellular uptake was observed to be improved by three-fold on the MCF-7 cells. Ex vivo dermatokinetic studies showed substantial topical bioavailability with a prolonged residence time. The findings provide a simple technique to administer mangiferin via a topical route promising a safer, topically bioavailable and effective treatment option for breast cancer. Such scalable carriers with immense topical delivery potential may provide a better option for present-day topical products of a conventional nature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gels in Medicine and Pharmacological Therapies)

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25 pages, 8145 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of Graphene-Based Nanocomposite Gels as a Promising Wound Healing Biomaterial

by Dilip Kumar Shanmugam, Yasasve Madhavan, Aashabharathi Manimaran, Gobi Saravanan Kaliaraj, Karthik Ganesh Mohanraj, Narthana Kandhasamy and Kamalan Kirubaharan Amirtharaj Mosas

Gels 2023, 9(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9010022 - 28 Dec 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3149

Abstract

The development of biocompatible nanocomposite hydrogels with effective wound healing/microbicidal properties is needed to bring out their distinguished characteristics in clinical applications. The positive interaction between graphene oxide/reduced graphene oxide (GO/rGO) and hydrogels and aloe vera gel represents a strong strategy for the [...] Read more.

The development of biocompatible nanocomposite hydrogels with effective wound healing/microbicidal properties is needed to bring out their distinguished characteristics in clinical applications. The positive interaction between graphene oxide/reduced graphene oxide (GO/rGO) and hydrogels and aloe vera gel represents a strong strategy for the advancement of therapeutic approaches for wound healing. In this study, the synthesis, characterization, and angiogenic properties of graphene-based nanocomposite gels have been corroborated and substantiated through several in vitro and in vivo assays. In this respect, graphene oxide was synthesized by incorporating a modified Hummer’s method and ascertained by Raman spectroscopy. The obtained GO and rGO were uniformly dispersed into the aloe vera gel and hydrogel, respectively, as wound healing materials. These formulations were characterized via in vitro bio-chemical techniques and were found suitable for the appropriate cell viability, attachment, and proliferation. In addition, in vivo experiments were conducted using male Wistar rats. This revealed that the GO/rGO-based gels stimulated wound contraction and re-epithelialization compared to that of the non-treatment group. From the study, it is suggested that GO/rGO-based aloe vera gel can be recommended as a promising candidate for wound healing applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gels in Medicine and Pharmacological Therapies)

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11 pages, 22127 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chlorella vulgaris Extract-Decorated Gold Nanoparticle Hybridized Antimicrobial Hydrogel as a Potential Dressing

by Ruiying He, Dong Zhou, Lan Xiao and Yulin Li

Gels 2023, 9(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9010011 - 25 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2440

Abstract

This study reports a novel design of a moisturizing and antimicrobial hydrogel with injectable properties, using a green solvent (glycerol) as a cross-linking agent and gold nanoparticle reduced by Chlorella extract as an antimicrobial approach. We have synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with environmentally [...] Read more.

This study reports a novel design of a moisturizing and antimicrobial hydrogel with injectable properties, using a green solvent (glycerol) as a cross-linking agent and gold nanoparticle reduced by Chlorella extract as an antimicrobial approach. We have synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with environmentally friendly and bio-safe properties using Chlorella aqueous extracts (AuNPs@Chlorella). Characterization of the nanoparticles by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectrum, and transmission electron microscope (TEM) confirmed that spherical AuNPs with the particle size of 10–20 nm were successfully synthesized. An analysis of the enhancement of the stability of gelatin hydrogels by the addition of glycerol and AuNPs was performed by rheometry. In addition, we also used Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) to confirm the good antibacterial activity. Therefore, the as-prepared gelatin–glycerol hydrogels containing AuNPs@Chlorella are most likely promising alternatives for wound healing dressings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gels in Medicine and Pharmacological Therapies)

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8 pages, 565 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Agarose Gel Electrophoresis-Based RAPD-PCR—An Optimization of the Conditions to Rapidly Detect Similarity of the Alert Pathogens for the Purpose of Epidemiological Studies

by Tomasz Bogiel, Agnieszka Mikucka and Piotr Kanarek

Gels 2022, 8(12), 760; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8120760 - 22 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 7836

Abstract

Agarose gel electrophoresis is a well-known tool to detect DNA fragments amplified in polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Its usefulness has also been confirmed for epidemiological studies based on restriction fragments length polymorphism (RFLP), usually performed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Little is known [...] Read more.

Agarose gel electrophoresis is a well-known tool to detect DNA fragments amplified in polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Its usefulness has also been confirmed for epidemiological studies based on restriction fragments length polymorphism (RFLP), usually performed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Little is known on the effectiveness for alert-pathogen epidemiological studies of another less time-consuming and costly technique called randomly amplified polymorphic DNA-PCR (RAPD-PCR). Meanwhile, its usefulness is believed to be comparable to RFLP-PFGE. Therefore, the aim of the study was to establish and optimize the conditions of agarose gel electrophoresis following RAPD-PCR for 19 Enterococcus faecium strains derived from epidemic outbreaks at intensive care units. An application of different PCR primers, primer combinations, and, in particular, agarose gel concentrations and electrophoresis conditions revealed the usefulness of this relatively fast and inexpensive method based on RAPD-PCR for epidemiological studies without a compulsion to use the specialized equipment necessary for RFLP-PFGE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gels in Medicine and Pharmacological Therapies)

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13 pages, 5924 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Osmanthus Fragrans Loaded NIPAAM Hydrogel Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation of MC3T3-E1

by Bin Huang, Mengyao Zhao, Mingzhe Yang, Lu Rao, Chizhou Wu, Yuzhu Hu, Huangqin Chen and Yuesheng Li

Gels 2022, 8(10), 659; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8100659 - 15 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2000

Abstract

There is an urgent need to find long-acting, natural osteogenesis-promoting drug systems. In this study, first the potential targets and mechanism of osmanthus fragrans (O. fragrans) extract in regulating osteogenic differentiation based on autophagy were analyzed by network pharmacology and molecular docking. Then, [...] Read more.

There is an urgent need to find long-acting, natural osteogenesis-promoting drug systems. In this study, first the potential targets and mechanism of osmanthus fragrans (O. fragrans) extract in regulating osteogenic differentiation based on autophagy were analyzed by network pharmacology and molecular docking. Then, osmanthus fragrans was extracted using the ethanol reflux method and an osmanthus fragrans extract loaded Poly N-isopropylacrylamide (OF/NIPAAM) hydrogel was prepared by electron beam radiation. The chemical components of the osmanthus fragrans extract and the microstructure of OF/NIPAAM hydrogels were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Mouse embryonic osteoblast precursor cells MC3T3-E1 were cultured with different concentrations of OF/NIPAAM hydrogel to discover cell proliferation activity by CCK-8 assay. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and alizarin red staining were used to observe the differentiation and calcification. Through experimental exploration, we found that a total of 11 targets were predicted, which are TP53, CASP3, SIRT1, etc., and osmanthus fragrans had good binding activity to TP53. In vitro, except for proliferation promotion, OF/NIPAAM hydrogel enhanced ALP activity and formation of mineralized nodules of MC3T3-E1 cells at a concentration equal to or less than 62.5 μg/mL (p < 0.05). The addition of autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) reduced ALP activity and mineralized nodule formation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gels in Medicine and Pharmacological Therapies)

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15 pages, 2340 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Nanogel Loaded with Lidocaine for Wound-Healing: Illustration of Improved Drug Deposition and Skin Safety Analysis

by Amena Ali, Abuzer Ali, Mohammad Akhlaquer Rahman, Musarrat Husain Warsi, Mohammad Yusuf and Prawez Alam

Gels 2022, 8(8), 466; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8080466 - 26 Jul 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3332

Abstract

A wound refers to a cut or blow that may result in primary or secondary infection or even death, if untreated. In the current study, we have explored the wound-healing properties of lidocaine nanogel, owing to its antioxidant and neutrophilic modulatory potential. Initially, [...] Read more.

A wound refers to a cut or blow that may result in primary or secondary infection or even death, if untreated. In the current study, we have explored the wound-healing properties of lidocaine nanogel, owing to its antioxidant and neutrophilic modulatory potential. Initially, the pre-formulation study was performed and then using central composite design (CCD) fabrication and the characterization of lidocaine-loaded nanoemulsion was carried out. After the preparation of a nanogel of lidocaine-loaded nanoemulsion, it was evaluated on various parameters, such as pH, spreadability, extrudability, drug content, in vitro drug release, dermatokinetic study and in vivo skin safety. Based on the pre-formulation study, the maximum solubility of lidocaine was found in oleic acid (324.41 ± 4.19 mg/mL) and in Tween 20 (192.05 ± 8.25 mg/mL), selected as a suitable emulsifier. The refractive index of the optimized nanoemulsion was found to be 1.35 ± 0.04, the electrokinetic potential was recorded as −15.47 ± 0.95 mV. The pH, spreadability and extrudability of nanogel was found to be 6.87 ± 0.51, 73.32 ± 4.59 gm.cm/sec and 107.41 ± 6.42 gm/cm², respectively. The percentage of the cumulative drug content and drug release from nanogel was found to be 99.94 ± 1.70% and 93.00 ± 4.67%, respectively. Moreover, dermatokinetic study showed significantly (p < 0.0005) improved drug deposition and the in vivo skin safety study showed no sign of dermal erythematous lesion or any visible damage. Stability studies also testified the secureness of nanogel after storage in a prescribed environmental condition. Thus, this study provides substantial evidence for healing wounds effectively and the further evaluation of the in vivo model. The patent related to this work was published in the Indian Official Journal of the Patent Office (Issue number: 20/2022). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gels in Medicine and Pharmacological Therapies)

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18 pages, 9424 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation, Characterization of Pregabalin and Withania coagulans Extract-Loaded Topical Gel and Their Comparative Effect on Burn Injury

by Anam Asghar, Muhammad Naeem Aamir, Fatima Akbar Sheikh, Naveed Ahmad, Nasser F. Alotaibi and Syed Nasir Abbas Bukhari

Gels 2022, 8(7), 402; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8070402 - 24 Jun 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2631

Abstract

The current study depicts the comparative effects of nanogel using Withania coagulans extract, pregabalin alone, and a co-combination gel. The gels prepared were then analyzed for conductivity, viscosity, spread ability, globule size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, and TEM. The globule size of the [...] Read more.

The current study depicts the comparative effects of nanogel using Withania coagulans extract, pregabalin alone, and a co-combination gel. The gels prepared were then analyzed for conductivity, viscosity, spread ability, globule size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, and TEM. The globule size of the co-combination gel, determined by zeta sizer, was found to be (329 ± 0.573 nm). FTIR analysis confirms the successful development of gel, without any interaction. Drug distribution at the molecular level was confirmed by XRD. DSC revealed no bigger thermal changes. TEM images revealed spherical molecules with sizes of 200 nm for the co-combination gel. In vivo studies were carried out by infliction of third degree burn wounds on rat skin, and they confirmed that pregabalin and Withania coagulans heals the wound more effectively, with a wound contraction rate of 89.95%, compared to remaining groups. Anti-inflammatory activity (IL-6 and TNF-α), determined by the ELISA technique, shows that the co-combination gel group reduces the maximum inflammation with TNF-α value (132.2 pg/mL), compared to the control (140.22 pg/mL). Similarly, the IL-6 value was found to be (78 pg/mL) for the co-combination gel and (81 pg/mL) in the case of the control. Histopathologically, the co-combination gel heals wounds more quickly, compared to individual gel. These outcomes depict that a co-combination gel using plant extracts and drugs can be successfully used to treat burn injury. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gels in Medicine and Pharmacological Therapies)

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8 pages, 418 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Progesterone Gel and Placebo Prolonged Pregnancy More Effectively Than Intravenous Tocolysis Alone in Women with Preterm Labor

by Ylva Vladic Stjernholm, Tomislav Vladic and Giovanna Marchini

Gels 2022, 8(5), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8050272 - 26 Apr 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2619

Abstract

The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effect of progesterone gel compared to placebo in prolonging pregnancy among women with preterm labor. Methods: A randomized controlled trial in Sweden in 2009–18. Women with early preterm labor were randomized to daily doses [...] Read more.

The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effect of progesterone gel compared to placebo in prolonging pregnancy among women with preterm labor. Methods: A randomized controlled trial in Sweden in 2009–18. Women with early preterm labor were randomized to daily doses of progesterone gel 90 mg (n = 28) or placebo (n = 30) after standard intravenous tocolytics. Women with intravenous tocolytics alone (n = 29) served as controls. Results: The median latency to delivery was 68 (range 28–88) days with progesterone and 72 (range 9–90) days with placebo (p = 0.84), compared to 1 (range 1–2) day in the control group (progesterone and placebo vs. control p < 0.001). The rate of preterm birth before 34 weeks was 32% after progesterone and 37 % after placebo (p = 0.32) compared to 100 % in the control group (p < 0.001, respectively). The composite neonatal morbidity (p = 0.65) and neonatal intensive care unit admission (p = 0.12) were comparable between the progesterone and placebo groups and lower in these groups compared with neonates in the control group (p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Progesterone gel and placebo were equally effective in prolonging pregnancy among women with early preterm labor, and both treatments were more effective than standard intravenous tocolysis alone. We hypothesize that the acidic placebo gel reinforced the biochemical barrier at the uterine cervix, which counteracts ascending pathogen invasion and subsequent inflammation, and thereby prevented preterm labor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gels in Medicine and Pharmacological Therapies)

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Review

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23 pages, 985 KiB

Open AccessReview

Simple Complexity: Incorporating Bioinspired Delivery Machinery within Self-Assembled Peptide Biogels

by Rui Li, Qing-Ling Zhou, Min-Rui Tai, Kathryn Ashton-Mourney, Mathew I. Harty, Aaqil Rifai, Clare L. Parish, David R. Nisbet, Sai-Yi Zhong and Richard J. Williams

Gels 2023, 9(3), 199; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9030199 - 6 Mar 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2732

Abstract

Bioinspired self-assembly is a bottom-up strategy enabling biologically sophisticated nanostructured biogels that can mimic natural tissue. Self-assembling peptides (SAPs), carefully designed, form signal-rich supramolecular nanostructures that intertwine to form a hydrogel material that can be used for a range of cell and tissue [...] Read more.

Bioinspired self-assembly is a bottom-up strategy enabling biologically sophisticated nanostructured biogels that can mimic natural tissue. Self-assembling peptides (SAPs), carefully designed, form signal-rich supramolecular nanostructures that intertwine to form a hydrogel material that can be used for a range of cell and tissue engineering scaffolds. Using the tools of nature, they are a versatile framework for the supply and presentation of important biological factors. Recent developments have shown promise for many applications such as therapeutic gene, drug and cell delivery and yet are stable enough for large-scale tissue engineering. This is due to their excellent programmability—features can be incorporated for innate biocompatibility, biodegradability, synthetic feasibility, biological functionality and responsiveness to external stimuli. SAPs can be used independently or combined with other (macro)molecules to recapitulate surprisingly complex biological functions in a simple framework. It is easy to accomplish localized delivery, since they can be injected and can deliver targeted and sustained effects. In this review, we discuss the categories of SAPs, applications for gene and drug delivery, and their inherent design challenges. We highlight selected applications from the literature and make suggestions to advance the field with SAPs as a simple, yet smart delivery platform for emerging BioMedTech applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gels in Medicine and Pharmacological Therapies)

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20 pages, 1935 KiB

Open AccessReview

Current Advances in 3D Dynamic Cell Culture Systems

by Xin Huang, Zhengxiang Huang, Weidong Gao, Wendong Gao, Ruiying He, Yulin Li, Ross Crawford, Yinghong Zhou, Lan Xiao and Yin Xiao

Gels 2022, 8(12), 829; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8120829 - 16 Dec 2022

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 5576

Abstract

The traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture methods have a long history of mimicking in vivo cell growth. However, these methods cannot fully represent physiological conditions, which lack two major indexes of the in vivo environment; one is a three-dimensional 3D cell environment, and [...] Read more.

The traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture methods have a long history of mimicking in vivo cell growth. However, these methods cannot fully represent physiological conditions, which lack two major indexes of the in vivo environment; one is a three-dimensional 3D cell environment, and the other is mechanical stimulation; therefore, they are incapable of replicating the essential cellular communications between cell to cell, cell to the extracellular matrix, and cellular responses to dynamic mechanical stimulation in a physiological condition of body movement and blood flow. To solve these problems and challenges, 3D cell carriers have been gradually developed to provide a 3D matrix-like structure for cell attachment, proliferation, differentiation, and communication in static and dynamic culture conditions. 3D cell carriers in dynamic culture systems could primarily provide different mechanical stimulations which further mimic the real in vivo microenvironment. In this review, the current advances in 3D dynamic cell culture approaches have been introduced, with their advantages and disadvantages being discussed in comparison to traditional 2D cell culture in static conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gels in Medicine and Pharmacological Therapies)

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Other

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7 pages, 3812 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

A Case of Bilateral Choroidal Effusion after XEN Gel Stent Implantation

by Paola Cassottana, Chiara Toma, Cristina Maltese, Viviana Villa, Roberta Ricciarelli, Carlo Enrico Traverso and Michele Iester

Gels 2023, 9(4), 276; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9040276 - 27 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1509

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to describe a rare case of bilateral choroidal effusion following a XEN45 implantation. Case Report: An 84-year-old man with primary open-angle glaucoma underwent uneventful ab interno XEN45 device implantation in the right eye. The immediate postoperative period was complicated [...] Read more.

Purpose: This study aimed to describe a rare case of bilateral choroidal effusion following a XEN45 implantation. Case Report: An 84-year-old man with primary open-angle glaucoma underwent uneventful ab interno XEN45 device implantation in the right eye. The immediate postoperative period was complicated by hypotony and serous choroidal detachment, which were treated and resolved using steroids and cycloplegic drops. Eight months later, the fellow eye underwent the same surgery, which was followed by choroidal detachment that required transscleral surgical drainage. Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of a careful postoperative follow-up and a timely intervention in the context of XEN45 implantation, and suggests that choroidal effusion in one eye may be a risk factor for choroidal effusion in the other eye when undergoing the same type of surgery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gels in Medicine and Pharmacological Therapies)

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