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Biopolymers as Nanoparticles Carriers, 2nd Edition

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 March 2025 | Viewed by 9705

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The development of modern technologies entails the need to produce innovative materials characterized by high functionality. Polymer nanocomposites show great potential in this field, obtained by dispersing modifiers with dimensions of a few nanometers in a polymer matrix. Their attractiveness is due to the fact that the matrix interacts with the dispersed phase at the molecular level, which means that the nanofiller can significantly affect the selected parameters of the composite. The introduction of even a small amount of a nanoadditive is able to improve the mechanical, optical, electrical, thermal and bacteriostatic properties of a material.

Materials made of biopolymers are of particular interest. They are included in biocomposites, i.e., composites in which at least one component is biogenic or biodegradable. They are a good alternative to the commonly used synthetic plastics, which are a high burden for the environment. Due to their easy availability and low production costs, they have great potential for applications in the industrial sector. In addition, the diversity of functional groups makes them a particularly rewarding material for modification.

In addition to the many favorable features characteristic of all biopolymers, they exhibit a number of unique physicochemical and functional properties. This provides great opportunities for application in almost all areas of science and industry. However, despite their many advantages, biopolymer materials also have limitations. These are mainly poor mechanical, thermal and barrier properties. In order for them to be able to compete with the currently used synthetic materials, it is necessary to eliminate these disadvantages, e.g., by including nanoparticles in their structure. The selection of appropriate components of nanocomposites and the improvement of their production methods is an important element enabling technological development.

This Special Issue aims to present the progress of groundbreaking research on the design, production and application of biopolimers as nanoparticle carriers.

Dr. Magdalena Krystyjan
Dr. Gohar Khachatryan
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • nanomaterials
  • (nano)fillers
  • nanoparticles
  • nanotubes
  • quantum dots
  • nanostructures
  • nanometals
  • nanocapsules
  • biopolymers
  • biocomposites

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 5106 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of Mupirocin-Loaded PEGylated Chitosan Nanoparticulate Films for Enhanced Wound Healing
by Shajahan Azeez, Anbazhagan Sathiyaseelan, Kaviyarasan Venkatesan and Myeong-Hyeon Wang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(17), 9188; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25179188 - 24 Aug 2024
Viewed by 799
Abstract
Chitosan-based biomaterials are being investigated for their unique properties that support skin regeneration and wound healing. This study focused on the preparation and characterization of a mupirocin (Mup)-loaded PEGylated chitosan (CS-PEG) nanoparticulate film (NF) [CBNF]. The CBNF was characterized using FTIR spectroscopy and [...] Read more.
Chitosan-based biomaterials are being investigated for their unique properties that support skin regeneration and wound healing. This study focused on the preparation and characterization of a mupirocin (Mup)-loaded PEGylated chitosan (CS-PEG) nanoparticulate film (NF) [CBNF]. The CBNF was characterized using FTIR spectroscopy and SEM analysis. The results demonstrated that CBNF was successfully incorporated into the composites, as shown by functional group modification through FTIR analysis. Additionally, the SEM micrograph revealed the deposition of nanoparticles (<200 nm) on the surface of transparent CBNF. The film has higher water absorption (≥1700%) and moderate water retention ability within 6 h. Furthermore, histological findings showed significant development, with re-epithelialization and granulation of tissues after 19 days, indicating the healing efficiency of CNBF. These results suggest that drug-loaded films could be an effective carrier and delivery agent for Mup-like anti-inflammatory drugs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers as Nanoparticles Carriers, 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 2369 KiB  
Article
Aliskiren-Loaded Nanoparticles Downregulate (Pro)renin Receptor and ACE Gene Expression in the Heart of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats: Effect on NADPH Oxidase
by Andrej Barta, Martina Cebova, Andrej Kovac, Martina Koneracka, Vlasta Zavisova and Olga Pechanova
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(2), 846; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25020846 - 10 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1228
Abstract
We aimed to determine effects of aliskiren, a direct renin inhibitor, loaded onto polymeric nanoparticles on the (pro)renin receptor (Atp6ap2), angiotensin II type 1 receptor (Agtr1), and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene expression in the heart of spontaneously [...] Read more.
We aimed to determine effects of aliskiren, a direct renin inhibitor, loaded onto polymeric nanoparticles on the (pro)renin receptor (Atp6ap2), angiotensin II type 1 receptor (Agtr1), and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene expression in the heart of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Twelve-week-old male SHRs were divided into an untreated group and groups treated with powdered aliskiren or aliskiren-loaded nanoparticles (25 mg/kg/day). After three weeks, the accumulation of aliskiren, distribution of polymeric nanoparticles, gene expression of Atp6ap2 and Agtr1 receptors and ACE, and protein expression of NADPH oxidase along with the conjugated diene (CD) concentration were analyzed. The accumulation of aliskiren in the heart was higher in the aliskiren-loaded nanoparticle group than in the powdered group. The fluorescent signals of nanoparticles were visible in cardiomyocytes, vessel walls, and erythrocytes. Aliskiren-loaded nanoparticles decreased the gene expression of Atp6ap2 and ACE, while not affecting Agtr1. Both forms of aliskiren decreased the protein expression of NADPH oxidase, with a more pronounced effect observed in the aliskiren-loaded nanoparticle group. CD concentration was decreased only in the aliskiren-loaded nanoparticle group. We hypothesize that aliskiren-loaded nanoparticle-mediated downregulation of Atp6ap2 and ACE may contribute to a decrease in ROS generation with beneficial effects in the heart. Moreover, polymeric nanoparticles may represent a promising tool for targeted delivery of aliskiren. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers as Nanoparticles Carriers, 2nd Edition)
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Review

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38 pages, 2794 KiB  
Review
Biomaterials in Drug Delivery: Advancements in Cancer and Diverse Therapies—Review
by Anna Drabczyk, Sonia Kudłacik-Kramarczyk, Mateusz Jamroży and Marcel Krzan
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(6), 3126; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25063126 - 8 Mar 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3284
Abstract
Nano-sized biomaterials are innovative drug carriers with nanometric dimensions. Designed with biocompatibility in mind, they enable precise drug delivery while minimizing side effects. Controlled release of therapeutic substances enhances efficacy, opening new possibilities for treating neurological and oncological diseases. Integrated diagnostic-therapeutic nanosystems allow [...] Read more.
Nano-sized biomaterials are innovative drug carriers with nanometric dimensions. Designed with biocompatibility in mind, they enable precise drug delivery while minimizing side effects. Controlled release of therapeutic substances enhances efficacy, opening new possibilities for treating neurological and oncological diseases. Integrated diagnostic-therapeutic nanosystems allow real-time monitoring of treatment effectiveness, which is crucial for therapy personalization. Utilizing biomaterials as nano-sized carriers in conjunction with drugs represents a promising direction that could revolutionize the field of pharmaceutical therapy. Such carriers represent groundbreaking drug delivery systems on a nanometric scale, designed with biocompatibility in mind, enabling precise drug delivery while minimizing side effects. Using biomaterials in synergy with drugs demonstrates significant potential for a revolutionary impact on pharmaceutical therapy. Conclusions drawn from the review indicate that nano-sized biomaterials constitute an innovative tool that can significantly improve therapy effectiveness and safety, especially in treating neurological and oncological diseases. These findings should guide researchers towards further studies to refine nano-sized biomaterials, assess their effectiveness under various pathological conditions, and explore diagnostic-therapeutic applications. Ultimately, these results underscore the promising nature of nano-sized biomaterials as advanced drug carriers, ushering in a new era in nanomedical therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers as Nanoparticles Carriers, 2nd Edition)
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32 pages, 3903 KiB  
Review
Advanced Drug Carriers: A Review of Selected Protein, Polysaccharide, and Lipid Drug Delivery Platforms
by Mateusz Jamroży, Sonia Kudłacik-Kramarczyk, Anna Drabczyk and Marcel Krzan
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(2), 786; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25020786 - 8 Jan 2024
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3704
Abstract
Studies on bionanocomposite drug carriers are a key area in the field of active substance delivery, introducing innovative approaches to improve drug therapy. Such drug carriers play a crucial role in enhancing the bioavailability of active substances, affecting therapy efficiency and precision. The [...] Read more.
Studies on bionanocomposite drug carriers are a key area in the field of active substance delivery, introducing innovative approaches to improve drug therapy. Such drug carriers play a crucial role in enhancing the bioavailability of active substances, affecting therapy efficiency and precision. The targeted delivery of drugs to the targeted sites of action and minimization of toxicity to the body is becoming possible through the use of these advanced carriers. Recent research has focused on bionanocomposite structures based on biopolymers, including lipids, polysaccharides, and proteins. This review paper is focused on the description of lipid-containing nanocomposite carriers (including liposomes, lipid emulsions, lipid nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanostructured lipid carriers), polysaccharide-containing nanocomposite carriers (including alginate and cellulose), and protein-containing nanocomposite carriers (e.g., gelatin and albumin). It was demonstrated in many investigations that such carriers show the ability to load therapeutic substances efficiently and precisely control drug release. They also demonstrated desirable biocompatibility, which is a promising sign for their potential application in drug therapy. The development of bionanocomposite drug carriers indicates a novel approach to improving drug delivery processes, which has the potential to contribute to significant advances in the field of pharmacology, improving therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers as Nanoparticles Carriers, 2nd Edition)
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