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Pharmaceutics
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Application of Clay Minerals for Drug Delivery
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Application of Clay Minerals for Drug Delivery

A special issue of Pharmaceutics (ISSN 1999-4923). This special issue belongs to the section "Drug Delivery and Controlled Release".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 May 2023) | Viewed by 12705

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Carola Aguzzi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
Interests: clay minerals; drug delivery; wound healing; nanotechnology
Dr. Rita Sánchez-Espejo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
Interests: clay minerals; drug delivery; wound healing; nanotechnology; complementary medicine

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to submit your manuscript(s) to the journal Pharmaceutics for a Special Issue titled “Application of Clay Minerals for Drug Delivery” with open access. Clay minerals are gathering momentum both in the pharmaceutical and regenerative medicine fields. They are known as low cost, naturally abundant and eco-friendly inorganic excipients. They can also be easily modified by multiple ways. Both naturally occurring and tailored clay minerals provide a lot of advantages in the pharmaceutical formulation as well as in tissue regeneration, such as hydrophilicity, good dispersibility, biocompatibility and drug incorporation capacity, being able to modulate the release of incorporated biomolecules and/or protect them from unfavorable environments.

This Special Issue aims to document how the healthcare applications of clay minerals are moving forward on the topics related to the journal scope, including pharmaceutical formulation, drug delivery, biopharmaceutics and biomedical sciences. Therefore, submissions that build on and advance the latest knowledge and practice in this field are especially encouraged.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Nanomedicine and Nanotechnology;
  • Pharmaceutical Technology, Manufacturing and Devices;
  • Biopharmaceutics;
  • Drug Delivery;
  • Drug Targeting;
  • Drug Stability;
  • Regenerative Medicine.

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Carola Aguzzi
Dr. Rita Sánchez-Espejo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pharmaceutics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • clays
  • natural and modified clays
  • synthetic clays
  • clay polymer nanocomposites
  • dosage forms
  • biopharmaceutics
  • pharmaceutical preformulation
  • formulation development
  • drug delivery system
  • topical formulation
  • inorganic excipients
  • peptide and gene delivery
  • nanopharmaceuticals
  • nanobiotechnology
  • hybrid systems
  • photoprotection
  • intercalation compounds
  • tissue repair and regeneration
  • tissue engineering
  • wound healing
  • 3D printing
  • bioinks

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 7566 KiB  
Article
Polymeric Patches Based on Chitosan/Green Clay Composites and Hazelnut Shell Extract as Bio-Sustainable Medication for Wounds
by Carmen Laura Pérez Gutíerrez, Alessandro Di Michele, Cinzia Pagano, Debora Puglia, Francesca Luzi, Tommaso Beccari, Maria Rachele Ceccarini, Sara Primavilla, Andrea Valiani, Camilla Vicino, Maurizio Ricci, César Antonio Viseras Iborra and Luana Perioli
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(8), 2057; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15082057 - 31 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1311
Abstract
Hazelnut shells, the main waste deriving from hazelnut processing, represent an interesting source of active molecules useful in pharmaceutics, although they have not yet been examined in depth. A hydrosoluble extract (hazelnut shell extract, HSE) was prepared by the maceration method using a [...] Read more.
Hazelnut shells, the main waste deriving from hazelnut processing, represent an interesting source of active molecules useful in pharmaceutics, although they have not yet been examined in depth. A hydrosoluble extract (hazelnut shell extract, HSE) was prepared by the maceration method using a hydroalcoholic solution and used as the active ingredient of patches (prepared by casting method) consisting of composites of highly deacetylated chitosan and green clay. In vitro studies showed that the formulation containing HSE is able to stimulate keratinocyte growth, which is useful for healing purposes, and to inhibit the growth of S. aureus (Log CFU/mL 0.95 vs. 8.85 of the control after 48 h); this bacterium is often responsible for wound infections and is difficult to treat by conventional antibiotics due to its antibiotic resistance. The produced patches showed suitable tensile properties that are necessary to withstand mechanical stress during both the removal from the packaging and application. The obtained results suggest that the developed patch could be a suitable product to treat wounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Clay Minerals for Drug Delivery)
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19 pages, 4240 KiB  
Article
Biocomposite for Prolonged Release of Water-Soluble Drugs
by Lyghia M. A. Meirelles, Raquel de Melo Barbosa, Renato Ferreira de Almeida Júnior, Paula Renata Lima Machado, Luana Perioli, César Viseras and Fernanda Nervo Raffin
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(6), 1722; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15061722 - 14 Jun 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1517
Abstract
This study aimed to develop a prolonged-release system based on palygorskite and chitosan, which are natural ingredients widely available, affordable, and accessible. The chosen model drug was ethambutol (ETB), a tuberculostatic drug with high aqueous solubility and hygroscopicity, which is incompatible with other [...] Read more.
This study aimed to develop a prolonged-release system based on palygorskite and chitosan, which are natural ingredients widely available, affordable, and accessible. The chosen model drug was ethambutol (ETB), a tuberculostatic drug with high aqueous solubility and hygroscopicity, which is incompatible with other drugs used in tuberculosis therapy. The composites loaded with ETB were obtained using different proportions of palygorskite and chitosan through the spray drying technique. The main physicochemical properties of the microparticles were determined using XRD, FTIR, thermal analysis, and SEM. Additionally, the release profile and biocompatibility of the microparticles were evaluated. As a result, the chitosan–palygorskite composites loaded with the model drug appeared as spherical microparticles. The drug underwent amorphization within the microparticles, with an encapsulation efficiency greater than 84%. Furthermore, the microparticles exhibited prolonged release, particularly after the addition of palygorskite. They demonstrated biocompatibility in an in vitro model, and their release profile was influenced by the proportion of inputs in the formulation. Therefore, incorporating ETB into this system offers improved stability for the administered product in the initial tuberculosis pharmacotherapy dose, minimizing its contact with other tuberculostatic agents in the treatment, as well as reducing its hygroscopicity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Clay Minerals for Drug Delivery)
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13 pages, 3910 KiB  
Article
Bentonite- and Palygorskite-Based Gels for Topical Drug Delivery Applications
by Marco Ruggeri, Rita Sánchez-Espejo, Luca Casula, Giuseppina Sandri, Luana Perioli, Maria Cristina Cardia, Francesco Lai and César Viseras
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(4), 1253; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15041253 - 16 Apr 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1951
Abstract
Bentonite or palygorskite-based hydrogels have recently been suggested as a strategy to increase bioavailability and control the retention and release of therapeutic candidates. In this work, clay-based hydrogels loaded with diclofenac acid nanocrystals have been successfully designed and developed. The aim was to [...] Read more.
Bentonite or palygorskite-based hydrogels have recently been suggested as a strategy to increase bioavailability and control the retention and release of therapeutic candidates. In this work, clay-based hydrogels loaded with diclofenac acid nanocrystals have been successfully designed and developed. The aim was to improve diclofenac solubility, its dissolution rate and to enhance its local bioavailability after topical application. For this purpose, diclofenac acid nanocrystals were prepared by wet media milling technology and then loaded into inorganic hydrogels based on bentonite and/or palygorskite. Diclofenac acid nanocrystals were characterized by morphology, size, and zeta potential. Moreover, rheological behavior, morphology, solid state, release studies, and in vitro skin penetration/permeation of diclofenac acid nanocrystals-loaded hydrogels were performed. The hydrogels were characterized by a crystalline structure, and demonstrated that the inclusion of diclofenac in clay-based hydrogels resulted in an increased thermal stability. The presence of both palygorskite and bentonite reduced nanocrystal mobility, and consequently its release and penetration into the skin. On the other hand, bentonite- or palygorskite-based hydrogels revealed great potential as an alternative strategy to enhance topical bioavailability of DCF nanocrystals, enhancing their penetration to the deeper skin layers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Clay Minerals for Drug Delivery)
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15 pages, 3041 KiB  
Article
Antioxidant Efficacy and “In Vivo” Safety of a Bentonite/Vitamin C Hybrid
by Dayaris Hernández, Anaela Montalvo, Irela Pérez, Clarence Charnay, Rita Sánchez-Espejo, Pilar Cerezo, César Viseras, Serena Riela, Giuseppe Cinà and Aramis Rivera
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(4), 1171; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15041171 - 7 Apr 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1923
Abstract
L-ascorbic acid (LAA), commonly known as vitamin C, is an excellent and recognized antioxidant molecule used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. Several strategies have been developed in order to preserve its chemical stability, connected with its antioxidant power, but there is little research [...] Read more.
L-ascorbic acid (LAA), commonly known as vitamin C, is an excellent and recognized antioxidant molecule used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. Several strategies have been developed in order to preserve its chemical stability, connected with its antioxidant power, but there is little research regarding the employment of natural clays as LAA host. A safe bentonite (Bent)—which was verified by in vivo ophthalmic irritability and acute dermal toxicity assays—was used as carrier of LAA. The supramolecular complex between LAA and clay may constitute an excellent alternative, since the molecule integrity does not seem to be affected, at least from the point of view of its antioxidant capacity. The Bent/LAA hybrid was prepared and characterized through ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG) and zeta potential measurements. Photostability and antioxidant capacity tests were also performed. The LAA incorporation into Bent clay was demonstrated, as well as the drug stability due to the Bent photoprotective effect onto the LAA molecule. Moreover, the antioxidant capacity of the drug in the Bent/LAA composite was confirmed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Clay Minerals for Drug Delivery)
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20 pages, 5352 KiB  
Article
Characterization and Molecular Modelling of Non-Antibiotic Nanohybrids for Wound Healing Purposes
by Caterina Valentino, Tomás Martínez Rodríguez, Ana Borrego-Sánchez, Pablo Hernández Benavides, Francisco Arrebola Vargas, José Manuel Paredes, Silvia Rossi, Claro Ignacio Sainz Díaz, Giuseppina Sandri, Pietro Grisoli, María del Mar Medina Pérez and Carola Aguzzi
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(4), 1140; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15041140 - 4 Apr 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1759
Abstract
The healing process of chronic wounds continues to be a current clinical challenge, worsened by the risk of microbial infections and bacterial resistance to the most frequent antibiotics. In this work, non-antibiotic nanohybrids based on chlorhexidine dihydrochloride and clay minerals have been developed [...] Read more.
The healing process of chronic wounds continues to be a current clinical challenge, worsened by the risk of microbial infections and bacterial resistance to the most frequent antibiotics. In this work, non-antibiotic nanohybrids based on chlorhexidine dihydrochloride and clay minerals have been developed in order to design advanced therapeutic systems aimed to enhance wound healing in chronic lesions. To prepare the nanohybrids, two methodologies have been compared: the intercalation solution procedure and the spray-drying technique, the latter as a one-step process able to reduce preparation times. Nanohybrids were then fully studied by solid state characterization techniques. Computational calculations were also performed to assess the interactions between the drug and the clays at the molecular level. In vitro human fibroblast biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were assessed to check biocompatibility and potential microbicidal effects of the obtained nanomaterials. The results demonstrated the effective organic/inorganic character of the nanohybrids with homogeneous drug distribution into the clayey structures, which had been confirmed by classical mechanics calculations. Good biocompatibility and microbicidal effects were also observed, especially for the spray-dried nanohybrids. It was suggested that it could be due to a greater contact area with target cells and bacterial suspensions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Clay Minerals for Drug Delivery)
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Review

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35 pages, 9405 KiB  
Review
Natural and Synthetic Clay Minerals in the Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Fields
by Cristian Nomicisio, Marco Ruggeri, Eleonora Bianchi, Barbara Vigani, Caterina Valentino, Carola Aguzzi, Cesar Viseras, Silvia Rossi and Giuseppina Sandri
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(5), 1368; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15051368 - 29 Apr 2023
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3514
Abstract
Clay minerals are historically among the most used materials with a wide variety of applications. In pharmaceutical and biomedical fields, their healing properties have always been known and used in pelotherapy and therefore attractive for their potential. In recent decades, the research has [...] Read more.
Clay minerals are historically among the most used materials with a wide variety of applications. In pharmaceutical and biomedical fields, their healing properties have always been known and used in pelotherapy and therefore attractive for their potential. In recent decades, the research has therefore focused on the systematic investigation of these properties. This review aims to describe the most relevant and recent uses of clays in the pharmaceutical and biomedical field, especially for drug delivery and tissue engineering purposes. Clay minerals, which are biocompatible and non-toxic materials, can act as carriers for active ingredients while controlling their release and increasing their bioavailability. Moreover, the combination of clays and polymers is useful as it can improve the mechanical and thermal properties of polymers, as well as induce cell adhesion and proliferation. Different types of clays, both of natural (such as montmorillonite and halloysite) and synthetic origin (layered double hydroxides and zeolites), were considered in order to compare them and to assess their advantages and different uses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Clay Minerals for Drug Delivery)
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