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23 pages, 5329 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prunus armeniaca Gum-Alginate Polymeric Microspheres to Enhance the Bioavailability of Tramadol Hydrochloride: Formulation and Evaluation

by Shazia Noureen, Sobia Noreen, Shazia Akram Ghumman, Fozia Batool, Huma Hameed, Sara Hasan, Fozia Noreen, Mervat A. Elsherif and Syed Nasir Abbas Bukhari

Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(5), 916; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14050916 - 22 Apr 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2543

Abstract

Combinations of polymers can improve the functional properties of microspheres to achieve desired therapeutic goals. Hence, the present study aimed to formulate Prunus armeniaca gum (PAG) and sodium alginate microsphere for sustained drug release. Blended and coated microspheres were prepared using the ionotropic [...] Read more.

Combinations of polymers can improve the functional properties of microspheres to achieve desired therapeutic goals. Hence, the present study aimed to formulate Prunus armeniaca gum (PAG) and sodium alginate microsphere for sustained drug release. Blended and coated microspheres were prepared using the ionotropic gelation technique. The effect of polymer concentration variation was studied on the structural and functional properties of formulated microspheres. FTIR, XRD, and thermal analysis were performed to characterize the microspheres. All the formulations were well-formed spherical beads having an average diameter from 579.23 ± 07.09 to 657.67 ± 08.74 μm. Microspheres entrapped drugs within the range 65.86 ± 0.26–83.74 ± 0.79%. The pH-dependent swelling index of coated formulations was higher than blended. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of characteristic peaks of entrapped Tramadol hydrochloride showing no drug-polymer interaction. In vitro drug release profile showed sustained release following the Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic model with an R² value of 0.9803–0.9966. An acute toxicology study employing the oral route in Swiss albino mice showed no signs of toxicity. It can be inferred from these results that blending PAG with sodium alginate can enhance the stability of alginate microspheres and improve its drug release profile by prolonging the release time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymers for Pharmaceutical Applications)

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17 pages, 4185 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ag-Contained Superabsorbent Curdlan–Chitosan Foams for Healing Wounds in a Type-2 Diabetic Mice Model

by Elizaveta S. Permyakova, Anton S. Konopatsky, Konstantin I. Ershov, Ksenia I. Bakhareva, Natalya A. Sitnikova, Dmitry V. Shtansky, Anastasiya O. Solovieva and Anton M. Manakhov

Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(4), 724; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14040724 - 28 Mar 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3441

Abstract

This study focused on the synthesis and characterization of pure curdlan–chitosan foams (CUR/CS), as well as foams containing Ag nanoparticles (CUR/CS/Ag), and their effect on the skin repair of diabetic mice (II type). The layer of antibacterial superabsorbent foam provides good oxygenation, prevents [...] Read more.

This study focused on the synthesis and characterization of pure curdlan–chitosan foams (CUR/CS), as well as foams containing Ag nanoparticles (CUR/CS/Ag), and their effect on the skin repair of diabetic mice (II type). The layer of antibacterial superabsorbent foam provides good oxygenation, prevents bacterial infection, and absorbs exudate, forming a soft gel (moist environment). These foams were prepared from a mixture of hydrolyzed curdlan and chitosan by lyophilization. To enhance the antibacterial properties, an AgNO₃ solution was added to the curdlan/chitosan mixture during the polymerization and was then reduced by UV irradiation. The membranes were further investigated for their structure and composition using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, and XPS analysis and modeling. In vivo tests demonstrated that CUR/CS/Ag significantly boosted the regeneration process compared with pure CUR/CS and the untreated control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymers for Pharmaceutical Applications)

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22 pages, 4890 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Biodegradable and Bioactive Carriers Based on Poly(betulin disuccinate-co-sebacic Acid) for Rifampicin Delivery

by Daria Niewolik, Barbara Bednarczyk-Cwynar, Piotr Ruszkowski, Alicja Kazek-Kęsik, Grzegorz Dzido and Katarzyna Jaszcz

Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(3), 579; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14030579 - 6 Mar 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2028

Abstract

This paper describes the preparation and characterization of polymer-drug systems based on polymeric microspheres obtained from poly(betulin disuccinate-co-sebacic acid). The active compound that was coupled to the betulin-based carriers was rifampicin (RIF), an ansamycin drug used in the treatment of tuberculosis. [...] Read more.

This paper describes the preparation and characterization of polymer-drug systems based on polymeric microspheres obtained from poly(betulin disuccinate-co-sebacic acid). The active compound that was coupled to the betulin-based carriers was rifampicin (RIF), an ansamycin drug used in the treatment of tuberculosis. Poly(betulin disuccinate-co-sebacic acid) microspheres were prepared using a solvent evaporation technique from copolymers obtained by polycondensation of betulin disuccinate (DBB) and sebacic acid (SEB). The content of sebacic acid in the copolymers was 20, 40, 60 and 80 wt%, respectively. Small and large rifampicin-loaded microspheres were obtained for each of the copolymers. The initial amount of drug was 10, 30 or 50 wt%, based on the weight of the polymer. Particles obtained in this study were round in shape with diameter in the range of 2–21 μm and of orange to red colour originating from rifampicin. The RIF encapsulation efficacy varied from 7% to 33%. Drug loading varied from 2% to 13% and increased at a higher RIF ratio. The highest degree of drug loading was observed for large particles, in which the initial amount of drug (at the particle preparation stage) was 50 wt%. Microspheres prepared from betulin-based polyanhydrides may have significant applications in drug delivery systems. The concentration of loaded drug was enough to obtain bactericidal effects against reference S. Aureus ATCC 25923 bacteria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymers for Pharmaceutical Applications)

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13 pages, 4769 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Silk Fibroin/Spidroin Electrospun Scaffolds for Full-Thickness Skin Wound Healing in Rats

by Liubov Safonova, Maria Bobrova, Anton Efimov, Lyubov Davydova, Timur Tenchurin, Vladimir Bogush, Olga Agapova and Igor Agapov

Pharmaceutics 2021, 13(10), 1704; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13101704 - 15 Oct 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2515

Abstract

The main goal of our research was to fabricate electrospun scaffolds from three different silk proteins—silk fibroin from Bombyx mori silkworm cocoons and two recombinant spidroins, rS2/12 and rS2/12-RGDS—and to perform a comparative analysis of the structure, biological properties, and regenerative potential of [...] Read more.

The main goal of our research was to fabricate electrospun scaffolds from three different silk proteins—silk fibroin from Bombyx mori silkworm cocoons and two recombinant spidroins, rS2/12 and rS2/12-RGDS—and to perform a comparative analysis of the structure, biological properties, and regenerative potential of the scaffolds in a full-thickness rat skin wound model. The surface and internal structures were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and scanning probe nanotomography. The structures of the scaffolds were similar. The average fiber diameter of the scaffolds was 315 ± 26 nm, the volume porosity was 94.5 ± 1.4%, the surface-to-volume ratio of the scaffolds was 25.4 ± 4.2 μm⁻¹ and the fiber surface roughness was 3.8 ± 0.6 nm. The scaffolds were characterized by a non-cytotoxicity effect and a high level of cytocompatibility with cells. The scaffolds also had high regenerative potential—the healing of the skin wound was accelerated by 19 days compared with the control. A histological analysis did not reveal any fragments of the experimental constructions or areas of inflammation. Thus, novel data on the structure and biological properties of the silk fibroin/spidroin electrospun scaffolds were obtained. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymers for Pharmaceutical Applications)

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16 pages, 3345 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparative Analysis of the Structure and Biological Properties of Films and Microfibrous Scaffolds Based on Silk Fibroin

by Liubov Safonova, Maria Bobrova, Anton Efimov, Alexey Lyundup, Olga Agapova and Igor Agapov

Pharmaceutics 2021, 13(10), 1561; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13101561 - 26 Sep 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2225

Abstract

A comparative analysis of the structure and biological properties of silk fibroin constructions was performed. Three groups of constructions were obtained: films obtained by casting an aqueous solution of silk fibroin and electrospun microfibrous scaffolds based on silk fibroin, with the addition of [...] Read more.

A comparative analysis of the structure and biological properties of silk fibroin constructions was performed. Three groups of constructions were obtained: films obtained by casting an aqueous solution of silk fibroin and electrospun microfibrous scaffolds based on silk fibroin, with the addition of 30% gelatin per total protein weight. The internal structures of the films and single fibers of the microfibrous scaffolds consisted of densely packed globule structures; the surface area to volume ratios and volume porosities of the microfibrous scaffolds were calculated. All constructions were non-toxic for cells and provide high levels of adhesion and proliferation. The high regenerative potential of the constructions was demonstrated in a rat full-thickness skin wound healing model. The constructions accelerated healing by an average of 15 days and can be considered to be promising constructions for various tasks of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymers for Pharmaceutical Applications)

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18 pages, 6395 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Methylene Blue Release from Chitosan/Pectin and Chitosan/DNA Blend Hydrogels

by Cassiele T. Cesco, Artur J. M. Valente and Alexandre T. Paulino

Pharmaceutics 2021, 13(6), 842; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13060842 - 7 Jun 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3759

Abstract

Chitosan/DNA blend hydrogel (CDB) and chitosan/pectin blend hydrogel (CPB) were synthesized using an emulsion (oil-in-water) technique for the release of methylene blue (model molecule). Both hydrogels were characterized by swelling assays, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy [...] Read more.

Chitosan/DNA blend hydrogel (CDB) and chitosan/pectin blend hydrogel (CPB) were synthesized using an emulsion (oil-in-water) technique for the release of methylene blue (model molecule). Both hydrogels were characterized by swelling assays, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), before and after the methylene blue (MB) loading. Higher swelling degrees were determined for both hydrogels in simulated gastric fluid. FT-IR spectra inferred absorption peak changes and shifts after MB loading. The TGA results confirmed changes in the polymer network degradation. The SEM images indicated low porosities on the hydrogel surfaces, with deformed structure of the CPB. Smoother and more uniform surfaces were noticed on the CDB chain after MB loading. Higher MB adsorption capacities were determined at lower initial hydrogel masses and higher initial dye concentrations. The MB adsorption mechanisms on the hydrogel networks were described by the monolayer and multilayer formation. The MB release from hydrogels was studied in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, at 25 °C and 37 °C, with each process taking place at roughly 6 h. Higher release rates were determined in simulated gastric fluid at 25 °C. The release kinetics of MB in chitosan/DNA and chitosan/pectin matrices follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic mechanism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymers for Pharmaceutical Applications)

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15 pages, 2536 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antibiotic-Loaded Psyllium Husk Hemicellulose and Gelatin-Based Polymeric Films for Wound Dressing Application

by Naveed Ahmad, Muhammad Masood Ahmad, Nabil K. Alruwaili, Ziyad Awadh Alrowaili, Fadhel Ahmed Alomar, Sultan Akhtar, Omar Awad Alsaidan, Nabil A. Alhakamy, Ameeduzzafar Zafar, Mohammed Elmowafy and Mohammed H. Elkomy

Pharmaceutics 2021, 13(2), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13020236 - 7 Feb 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3514

Abstract

Wound infections are one of the major reasons for the delay in the healing of chronic wounds and can be overcome by developing effective wound dressings capable of absorbing exudate, providing local antibiotic release, and improving patient comfort. Arabinoxylan (AX) is a major [...] Read more.

Wound infections are one of the major reasons for the delay in the healing of chronic wounds and can be overcome by developing effective wound dressings capable of absorbing exudate, providing local antibiotic release, and improving patient comfort. Arabinoxylan (AX) is a major hemicellulose present in psyllium seed husk (PSH) and exhibits promising characteristics for developing film dressings. Herein, AX-gelatin (GL) films were prepared by blending AX, gelatin (GL), glycerol, and gentamicin (antibiotic). Initially, the optimal quantities of AX, GL, and glycerol for preparing transparent, bubble-free, smooth, and foldable AX-GL films were found. Physiochemical, thermal, morphological, drug release, and antibacterial characteristics of the AX-GL films were evaluated to investigate their suitability as wound dressings. The findings suggested that the mechanical, water vapor transmission, morphological, and expansion characteristics of the optimized AX-GL films were within the required range for wound dressing. The results of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analyses suggested chemical compatibility among the ingredients of the films. In in vitro drug release and antibacterial activity experiments, gentamicin (GM)-loaded AX-GL films released approximately 89% of the GM in 24 h and exhibited better antibacterial activity than standard GM solution. These results suggest that AX-GL films could serve as a promising dressing to protect against wound infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymers for Pharmaceutical Applications)

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Review

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47 pages, 6583 KiB

Open AccessReview

Polysaccharide-Based Materials Created by Physical Processes: From Preparation to Biomedical Applications

by Paulo R. Souza, Ariel C. de Oliveira, Bruno H. Vilsinski, Matt J. Kipper and Alessandro F. Martins

Pharmaceutics 2021, 13(5), 621; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13050621 - 27 Apr 2021

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 5100

Abstract

Polysaccharide-based materials created by physical processes have received considerable attention for biomedical applications. These structures are often made by associating charged polyelectrolytes in aqueous solutions, avoiding toxic chemistries (crosslinking agents). We review the principal polysaccharides (glycosaminoglycans, marine polysaccharides, and derivatives) containing ionizable groups [...] Read more.

Polysaccharide-based materials created by physical processes have received considerable attention for biomedical applications. These structures are often made by associating charged polyelectrolytes in aqueous solutions, avoiding toxic chemistries (crosslinking agents). We review the principal polysaccharides (glycosaminoglycans, marine polysaccharides, and derivatives) containing ionizable groups in their structures and cellulose (neutral polysaccharide). Physical materials with high stability in aqueous media can be developed depending on the selected strategy. We review strategies, including coacervation, ionotropic gelation, electrospinning, layer-by-layer coating, gelation of polymer blends, solvent evaporation, and freezing–thawing methods, that create polysaccharide-based assemblies via in situ (one-step) methods for biomedical applications. We focus on materials used for growth factor (GFs) delivery, scaffolds, antimicrobial coatings, and wound dressings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymers for Pharmaceutical Applications)

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