Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
8.0
4.7
Journals
Polymers
Special Issues
Advances in Natural or Synthetic Biomaterials for Developing Micro or...
polymers-logo
Submit to Polymers Review for Polymers Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Advances in Natural or Synthetic Biomaterials for Developing Micro or Nano Drug Delivery Systems

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2021) | Viewed by 28087

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ankit K. Rochani

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Wegmans School of Pharmacy, St John Fisher University, Rochester, NY 14618, USA
Interests: cancer immunotherapy; nanomaterials for vaccine delivery; nano drug delivery; hydrogels; nano-anti cancer vaccines; mass spectrometry; proteomics and metabolomics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. John Eisenbrey

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Radiology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Interests: drug delivery; photoacoustic imaging; microbubbles and biomaterials
Dr. Gagan Kaushal

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Interests: drug delivery; hydrogels; pharmacokinetics and dynamics (PK/PD)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biomaterials (natural or synthetic) have been extensively used for the development of composite or conjugated nano and/or micro delivery systems such as particles or self-assembled hydrogels. Additionally, various organic and organometallic systems have helped in designing theranostics agents for the treatment of acute or chronic diseases. Over the past decade, bio-nanomaterials have been modified (physically or chemically) to develop improved target specific therapies. For instance, the development of surface-tagged nanoparticles for targeted cancer therapy and the development of pH-sensitive injectable and implantable soft gels have played an important role in designing site- or disease-specific smart deliveries. After gaining considerable knowledge about the development of synthetic polymeric designs, we are moving into the classical era of using the science of biomimetics to develop smart sustainable green formulations (such as polysaccharide, lipids, protein or DNA nanoparticles or gels) that can mimic the treatment site or the conditions. These materials use a soft formulation synthesis procedure that could help in the delivery of proteins, genes, and other macromolecules, with minimal damage to their structures. These biomaterials are used in their native, composite or semi-synthetic state with various other natural or synthetic biomaterials to improve their physicochemical properties to get the desired micro, nano, or gel-based particle formulation designs for specific therapeutic applications.

Looking at the advances made in the field of formulation science, in the present Special Issue, we invite researchers to contribute a short review, full-review, short communication, research manuscript or letter to the editor in the field of micro or nano drug delivery systems (including particles, fibers, exosomes, hydrogels, and other hybrid theranostic systems) for the treatment of chronic or acute conditions. We invite researchers who are involved in the development and characterization of novel biomaterials (synthetic or composites), with potential for being used in the development of the abovementioned delivery systems. Researchers working with carbon-based (carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, nano diamonds, and others) and metallic nanoparticles (gold, silver, magnetic nanoparticles and others) for biomedical applications are also encouraged to submit their work to this Special Issue. We also invite clinical investigators and pharmacologists who are involved in developing pharmacokinetic/dynamics, molecular, and cell biology assays to decipher the mechanisms of novel biomaterials or drug delivery platform to contribute to our Special Issue.

Dr. Ankit K. Rochani
Dr. John Eisenbrey
Dr. Gagan Kaushal
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. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2700 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

  • Nano-formulations
  • Nanofibers
  • Microparticles
  • Microbubbles
  • Hydrogels
  • Theranostic agents
  • Gene delivery
  • Protein delivery
  • Regenerative medicine
  • Solid–lipid nanoparticles
  • Micelles
  • Exosomes
  • Liposomes
  • Photothermal ablation
  • Magnetic hyperthermia
  • Novel biomaterials
  • Pharmacokinetics/dynamics
  • Natural biomaterials (DNA, proteins, lipids or polysaccharides)

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (8 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

20 pages, 3666 KiB  
Article
Development and Preclinical Investigation of Physically Cross-Linked and pH-Sensitive Polymeric Gels as Potential Vaginal Contraceptives
by Ankit Rochani, Vivek Agrahari, Neelima Chandra, Onkar N. Singh, Timothy J. McCormick, Gustavo F. Doncel, Meredith R. Clark and Gagan Kaushal
Polymers 2022, 14(9), 1728; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14091728 - 23 Apr 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2581
Abstract
This study explored the development of cross-linked gels to potentially provide a physical barrier to vaginal sperm transport for contraception. Two types of gels were formulated, a physically cross-linked iota-carrageenan (Ci) phenylboronic acid functionalized hydroxylpropylmethyacrylate copolymer (PBA)-based (Ci-PBA) gel, [...] Read more.
This study explored the development of cross-linked gels to potentially provide a physical barrier to vaginal sperm transport for contraception. Two types of gels were formulated, a physically cross-linked iota-carrageenan (Ci) phenylboronic acid functionalized hydroxylpropylmethyacrylate copolymer (PBA)-based (Ci-PBA) gel, designed to block vaginal sperm transport. The second gel was pH-shifting cross-linked Ci-polyvinyl alcohol-boric acid (Ci-PVA-BA) gel, designed to modulate its properties in forming a viscoelastic, weakly cross-linked transient network (due to Ci gelling properties) on vaginal application (at acidic pH of ~3.5–4.5) to a more elastic, densely cross-linked (due to borate-diol cross-linking) gel network at basic pH of 7–8 of seminal fluid, thereby acting as a physical barrier to motile sperm. The gels were characterized for dynamic rheology, physicochemical properties, and impact on sperm functionality (motility, viability, penetration). The rheology data confirmed that the Ci-PBA gel was formed by ionic interactions whereas Ci-PVA-BA gel was chemically cross-linked and became more elastic at basic pH. Based on the screening data, lead gels were selected for in vitro sperm functionality testing. The in vitro results confirmed that the Ci-PBA and Ci-PVA-BA gels created a barrier at the sperm-gel interface, providing sperm blocking properties. For preclinical proof-of-concept, the Ci-PBA gels were applied vaginally and tested for contraceptive efficacy in rabbits, demonstrating only partial efficacy (40–60%). Overall, the in vitro and in vivo results support the development and further optimization of cross-linked gels using commercially available materials as vaginal contraceptives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Natural or Synthetic Biomaterials for Developing Micro or Nano Drug Delivery Systems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 4608 KiB  
Article
Development of a Dual Drug-Loaded, Surfactant-Stabilized Contrast Agent Containing Oxygen
by Raj Patel, Quezia Lacerda, Brian E. Oeffinger, John R. Eisenbrey, Ankit K. Rochani, Gagan Kaushal, Corinne E. Wessner and Margaret A. Wheatley
Polymers 2022, 14(8), 1568; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14081568 - 12 Apr 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2204
Abstract
Co-delivery of cancer therapeutics improves efficacy and encourages synergy, but delivery faces challenges, including multidrug resistance and spatiotemporal distribution of therapeutics. To address these, we added paclitaxel to previously developed acoustically labile, oxygen-core, surfactant-stabilized microbubbles encapsulating lonidamine, with the aim of developing an [...] Read more.
Co-delivery of cancer therapeutics improves efficacy and encourages synergy, but delivery faces challenges, including multidrug resistance and spatiotemporal distribution of therapeutics. To address these, we added paclitaxel to previously developed acoustically labile, oxygen-core, surfactant-stabilized microbubbles encapsulating lonidamine, with the aim of developing an agent containing both a therapeutic gas and two drugs acting in combination. Upon comparison of unloaded, single-loaded, and dual-loaded microbubbles, size (~1.7 µm) and yield (~2 × 109 microbubbles/mL) (~1.7) were not statistically different, nor were acoustic properties (maximum in vitro enhancements roughly 18 dB, in vitro enhancements roughly 18 dB). Both drugs encapsulated above required doses calculated for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, the cancer of choice. Interestingly, paclitaxel encapsulation efficiency increased from 1.66% to 3.48% when lonidamine was included. During preparation, the combination of single drug-loaded micelles gave higher encapsulation (µg drug/g microbubbles) than micelles loaded with either drug alone (lonidamine, 104.85 ± 22.87 vs. 87.54 ± 16.41), paclitaxel (187.35 ± 8.38 vs. 136.51 ± 30.66). In vivo intravenous microbubbles produced prompt ultrasound enhancement within tumors lasting 3–5 min, indicating penetration into tumor vasculature. The ability to locally destroy the microbubble within the tumor vasculature was confirmed using a series of higher intensity ultrasound pulses. This ability to locally destroy microbubbles shows therapeutic promise that warrants further investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Natural or Synthetic Biomaterials for Developing Micro or Nano Drug Delivery Systems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 4483 KiB  
Article
Development and Evaluation of Nanoparticles-in-Film Technology to Achieve Extended In Vivo Exposure of MK-2048 for HIV Prevention
by Xin Tong, Sravan Kumar Patel, Jing Li, Dorothy Patton, Elaine Xu, Peter L. Anderson, Urvi Parikh, Yvonne Sweeney, Julie Strizki, Sharon L. Hillier and Lisa C. Rohan
Polymers 2022, 14(6), 1196; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14061196 - 16 Mar 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2702
Abstract
MK-2048 is a second-generation integrase inhibitor active against HIV, which has been applied vaginally using ring formulations. In this work, a nanoparticle-in-film technology was developed as a discrete pre-exposure prophylactic product option against HIV for an extended duration of use. A film platform [...] Read more.
MK-2048 is a second-generation integrase inhibitor active against HIV, which has been applied vaginally using ring formulations. In this work, a nanoparticle-in-film technology was developed as a discrete pre-exposure prophylactic product option against HIV for an extended duration of use. A film platform loaded with poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PNP) encapsulating MK-2048 was engineered. MK-2048 PNPs were loaded into films that were manufactured via the solvent casting method. Physicochemical and mechanical properties, in vitro efficacy, Lactobacillus compatibility, in vitro and ex vivo permeability, and in vivo pharmacokinetics in macaques were evaluated. PNPs with a mean diameter of 382.2 nm and −15.2 mV zeta potential were obtained with 95.2% drug encapsulation efficiency. PNP films showed comparable in vitro efficacy to free MK-2048 (IC50 0.46 vs. 0.54 nM) and were found to have no impact on Lactobacillus. MK-2048 encapsulated in PNPs showed an increase in permeability (>4-fold) compared to the free MK-2048 in MDCKII cell lines. Furthermore, PNPs had higher ectocervical tissue permeability (1.7-fold) compared to free MK-2048. PNP films showed sustained drug levels for at least 3 weeks in the macaque vaginal fluid. This work demonstrates the synergy of integrating nanomedicine and polymeric film technology to achieve sustained vaginal drug delivery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Natural or Synthetic Biomaterials for Developing Micro or Nano Drug Delivery Systems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3108 KiB  
Article
Self-Assembly of Soluble Chitosan Derivatives Nanoparticles for Vaccine: Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation
by Jinbao Liu, Shuang Yu, Wanying Qu, Zheng Jin and Kai Zhao
Polymers 2021, 13(23), 4097; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13234097 - 25 Nov 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1997
Abstract
Herein, a novel chitosan derivative nanoparticle was proposed to function as a delivery carrier. First of all, an improvement was made to the way N-2-hydroxypropyl trimcthyl ammonium chloride chitosan (N-2-HACC) was synthesized. Moreover, the solution to one-step synthesis of N-2-HACC from chitosan (CS) [...] Read more.
Herein, a novel chitosan derivative nanoparticle was proposed to function as a delivery carrier. First of all, an improvement was made to the way N-2-hydroxypropyl trimcthyl ammonium chloride chitosan (N-2-HACC) was synthesized. Moreover, the solution to one-step synthesis of N-2-HACC from chitosan (CS) was developed. Different from the previous report, the synthesis process was simplified, and there was a reduction in the amount of 2,3-epoxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (EPTAC) used. With its excellent water solubility maintained, the relatively low degree of substitution was controlled to facilitate the cross-linking reaction. The results obtained from 1H-NMR, FTIR spectroscopy, and XRD indicated a smooth EPTAC onto CS for the formation of N-2-HACC with 59.33% the degree of substitution (DS). According to our results, N-2-HACC could be dissolved in various organic solvents, deionized water, 1% acetic acid aqueous solution, and others at room temperature. Finally, a novel chitosan nanoparticle material was prepared using the self-assembly method with β-glycerophosphate sodium (β-GC), with excellent immune properties achieved, thus providing a new strategy for chitosan self-assembled nanoparticles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Natural or Synthetic Biomaterials for Developing Micro or Nano Drug Delivery Systems)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

10 pages, 1231 KiB  
Article
Ionic and Enzymatic Multiple-Crosslinked Nanogels for Drug Delivery
by Qian Tao, Julong Zhong, Rui Wang and Yuzhu Huang
Polymers 2021, 13(20), 3565; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13203565 - 15 Oct 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2034
Abstract
Both ionic and enzymatic crosslink are efficient strategies for constructing network materials of high biocompatibility. Here chitosan was modified firstly and then crosslinked by these two methods for complementary advantages. The preparation methods and ionic crosslinkers can regulate the size and uniformity of [...] Read more.
Both ionic and enzymatic crosslink are efficient strategies for constructing network materials of high biocompatibility. Here chitosan was modified firstly and then crosslinked by these two methods for complementary advantages. The preparation methods and ionic crosslinkers can regulate the size and uniformity of the multiple-crosslinked nanogels. The multiple-crosslinked nanogels with the smallest size and the best uniformity was selected for the drug delivery. The drug-loading content and encapsulation efficiency were up to 35.01 and 66.82%, respectively. Their release behaviours are correlated with the pH value and the drug dosage. In general, the lower pH value and the lower drug dosage promoted the drug release. With the assistance of several kinetic models, it is found that drug diffusion plays a preponderant role in drug release, while polymer relaxation has a subtle effect. The multiple-crosslink resulting from ionic compounds and enzymes may provide a new perspective on developing novel biocompatible materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Natural or Synthetic Biomaterials for Developing Micro or Nano Drug Delivery Systems)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 5597 KiB  
Article
Garcinol Encapsulated Ph-Sensitive Biodegradable Nanoparticles: A Novel Therapeutic Strategy for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
by Eden Mariam Jacob, Ankita Borah, Sindhu C. Pillai and D. Sakthi Kumar
Polymers 2021, 13(6), 862; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13060862 - 11 Mar 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4436
Abstract
The emergence of pH-sensitive nanoscale particles is beneficial due to their ability to only release cargo in a colonic pH environment, which helps to directly target inflamed tissues in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Hence, we have designed the formulation of pH-sensitive biodegradable garcinol [...] Read more.
The emergence of pH-sensitive nanoscale particles is beneficial due to their ability to only release cargo in a colonic pH environment, which helps to directly target inflamed tissues in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Hence, we have designed the formulation of pH-sensitive biodegradable garcinol (GAR)-loaded poly (lactic–co–glycolic acid) (PLGA) coated with Eudragit® S100 (ES100) (GAR-PLGA-ES100 nanoparticles (NPs)) for reducing inflammation caused by proinflammatory cytokines. The GAR-PLGA-ES100 NPs were prepared using a solvent evaporation technique and characterized for shape and surface morphology. An in vitro drug release study revealed the release of the drug specifically from NPs at the colonic pH of 7.4. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the GAR-PLGA-ES100 NPs was also evaluated and found to be highly biocompatible with CACO-2 cells. These NPs were able to reduce lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Inhibition of the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α , chemokine interleukin (IL)-8 and the nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B-cells (NF-κB) was observed after GAR-PLGA-ES100 NPs treatment. Therefore, our results support the idea that GAR-PLGA-ES100 NPs show substantial improvement after the release of the drug, specifically in colonic pH targeting and reduction in the activation of inflammation that leads to IBD, suggesting that GAR-PLGA-ES100 NPs are promising candidates for oral delivery to colonic inflamed tissue. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Natural or Synthetic Biomaterials for Developing Micro or Nano Drug Delivery Systems)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

44 pages, 1632 KiB  
Review
Polymeric Nanoparticles: Exploring the Current Drug Development and Therapeutic Insight of Breast Cancer Treatment and Recommendations
by Ali Sartaj, Zufika Qamar, Farheen Fatima Qizilbash, Annu, Shadab Md, Nabil A. Alhakamy, Sanjula Baboota and Javed Ali
Polymers 2021, 13(24), 4400; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13244400 - 15 Dec 2021
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4895
Abstract
This manuscript aims to provide the latest update on polymeric nanoparticle drug delivery system for breast cancer treatment after 2015 and how research-oriented it is based on the available research data. Therefore, the authors have chosen breast cancer which is the most frequent [...] Read more.
This manuscript aims to provide the latest update on polymeric nanoparticle drug delivery system for breast cancer treatment after 2015 and how research-oriented it is based on the available research data. Therefore, the authors have chosen breast cancer which is the most frequent and common reason for mortality in women worldwide. The first-line treatment for breast cancer treatment is chemotherapy, apart from surgery, radiation and hormonal therapy. Chemotherapy is associated with lesser therapeutics and undesirable side effects and hence. In addition, drug resistance affects the therapeutic dose to the target site. Although various nano-based formulations have been developed for effective treatment, the polymeric nanoparticles effectively avoid the lacunae of conventional chemotherapy. There has been an effort made to understand the chemotherapy drugs and their conventional formulation-related problems for better targeting and effective drug delivery for breast cancer treatment. Thus, the polymeric nanoparticles as a strategy overcome the associated problems with resulting dose reduction, enhanced bioavailability, reduced side effects, etc. This present review has compiled the research reports published from 2015 to 2021 from different databases, such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, which are related to breast cancer treatment in which the drug delivery of numerous chemotherapeutic agents alone or in combination, including phytoconstituents formulated into various polymer-based nanoparticles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Natural or Synthetic Biomaterials for Developing Micro or Nano Drug Delivery Systems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1934 KiB  
Review
Serum Albumin Nanoparticles: Problems and Prospects
by Viktória Hornok
Polymers 2021, 13(21), 3759; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13213759 - 30 Oct 2021
Cited by 48 | Viewed by 5801
Abstract
The present paper aims to summarize the results regarding serum albumin-based nanoparticles (NPs) for drug delivery purposes. In particular, it focuses on the relationship between their preparation techniques and synthesis parameters, as well as their successful clinical application. In spite of the huge [...] Read more.
The present paper aims to summarize the results regarding serum albumin-based nanoparticles (NPs) for drug delivery purposes. In particular, it focuses on the relationship between their preparation techniques and synthesis parameters, as well as their successful clinical application. In spite of the huge amount of consumed material and immaterial sources and promising possibilities, products made from different types of albumin NPs, with the exception of a few, still have not been invented. In the present paper, promising applications of serum albumin nanoparticles (SANPs) for different biomedical purposes, such as carriers, delivery systems and contrast agents, are also discussed. The most frequent utilization of the NPs for certain diseases, i.e., cancer therapy, and future prospects are also detailed in this study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Natural or Synthetic Biomaterials for Developing Micro or Nano Drug Delivery Systems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-8
Back to TopTop