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Polymers
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Functional Polymers for Drug Delivery System
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Functional Polymers for Drug Delivery System

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 December 2022) | Viewed by 29859

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Raluca Stan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Organic Chemistry “Costin Nenitescu”, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: vegetable oil derived polymers; lipid carriers; inorganic nanostructured delivery systems; organogelators
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jana Ghitman

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Advanced Polymer Materials Group, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1–7 Ghe. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: drug delivery; gene delivery; biomaterials; composite materials; tissue engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Continuous scientific progress has shifted the area of biomedicine concerned with conventional treatment (focused only on the disease) toward personalized, non-invasive biomedicine, which blurs the limits between the organic/inorganic chemistry and molecular biology. This change in perspective fosters the development of advanced drug delivery approaches with predictable and tuneable features for improving specificity and drug bioavailability in accordance with the therapeutic purpose. In the frame of the current challenges, functional polymers owing to their characteristics (e.g., versatility in formulation and functionalization, stimuli-responsibility, biodegradability for controlled drug release and ability to encapsulate/solubilized a wide variety of therapeutics) are of particular interest in the formulation of various drug delivery systems with more sophisticated structures and functions. Moreover, these drug delivery systems should ensure optimal therapeutic efficiency by preserving and precisely delivering the encapsulated therapeutic agent to the targeted site with minimal site-effects, releasing it in a controlled and sustained manner, in accordance with its purpose, its pharmacological properties and patient-specific therapeutic function.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to highlight recent achievements in the design of drug delivery formulations leveraging functional polymers with potential applications in biomedicine.

Prof. Dr. Raluca Stan
Dr. Jana Ghitman
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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

  • drug delivery
  • biodegradable polymer
  • stimuli-responsive polymer
  • targeted drug delivery
  • in vitro/in vivo investigations
  • therapeutic activity
  • synthesis methods
  • biomedical application

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 8060 KiB  
Article
Application of Lavender-Oil Microcapsules to Functionalized PET Fibers
by Rita de Cássia Siqueira Curto Valle, José Alexandre Borges Valle, Fabricio Maestá Bezerra, Jeferson Correia, Cristiane da Costa, Meritxell Martí, Luisa Coderch, Arianne López and Manuel J. Lis Arias
Polymers 2023, 15(4), 917; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15040917 - 11 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1975
Abstract
Surface treatments for textile substrates have received significant attention from researchers around the world. Ozone and plasma treatments trigger a series of surface alterations in textile substrates that can improve the anchoring of other molecules or particles on these substrates. This work aims [...] Read more.
Surface treatments for textile substrates have received significant attention from researchers around the world. Ozone and plasma treatments trigger a series of surface alterations in textile substrates that can improve the anchoring of other molecules or particles on these substrates. This work aims to evaluate the effect of ozone and plasma treatments on the impregnation of polymeric microcapsules containing lavender oil in polyester fabrics (PES). Microcapsules with walls of chitosan and gum arabic were prepared by complex coacervation and impregnated in PES, plasma-treated PES, and ozone-treated PES by padding. The microcapsules were characterized for their size and morphology and the surface-treated PES was evaluated by FTIR, TGA, SEM, and lavender release. The microcapsules were spherical in shape, with smooth surfaces. The FTIR analyses of the textile substrates with microcapsules showed bands referring to the polymers of the microcapsules, but not to the lavender; this was most likely because the smooth surface of the outer wall did not retain the lavender. The mass loss and the degradation temperatures measured by TGA were similar for all the ozone-treated and plasma-treated polyester samples. In the SEM images, spherical microcapsules and the impregnation of the microcapsules of larger sizes were perceived. Through the lavender release, it was observed that the plasma and ozone treatments interfered both with the amount of lavender delivered and with the control of the delivery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymers for Drug Delivery System)
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24 pages, 6368 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of Curcumin Diethyl γ-Aminobutyrate-Loaded Chitosan-Coated Magnetic Nanocarriers for Improvement of Cytotoxicity against Breast Cancer Cells
by Supakarn Hansapaiboon, Bryan Paul Bulatao, Feuangthit Niyamissara Sorasitthiyanukarn, Pongsakorn Jantaratana, Nonthaneth Nalinratana, Opa Vajragupta, Pranee Rojsitthisak and Pornchai Rojsitthisak
Polymers 2022, 14(24), 5563; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14245563 - 19 Dec 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1626
Abstract
This study shows the effectiveness of magnetic-guide targeting in the delivery of curcumin diethyl γ-aminobutyrate (CUR-2GE), a prodrug of curcumin (CUR) previously synthesized to overcome unfavorable physicochemical properties of CUR. In this study, chitosan (Ch)-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (Ch-IONPs) were fabricated and optimized [...] Read more.
This study shows the effectiveness of magnetic-guide targeting in the delivery of curcumin diethyl γ-aminobutyrate (CUR-2GE), a prodrug of curcumin (CUR) previously synthesized to overcome unfavorable physicochemical properties of CUR. In this study, chitosan (Ch)-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (Ch-IONPs) were fabricated and optimized using Box–Behnken design-based response surface methodology for delivery of CUR-2GE. Ch was used as a coating material on the nanoparticle surface to avoid aggregation. The optimized condition for preparing Ch-IONPs consisted of using 4 mg Ch fabricated at pH 11 under a reaction temperature of 85 °C. The optimized Ch-IONPs were successfully loaded with CUR-2GE with sufficient loading capacity (1.72 ± 0.01%) and encapsulation efficiency (94.9 ± 0.8%). The obtained CUR-2GE-loaded Ch-IONPs (CUR-2GE-Ch-IONPs) exhibited desirable characteristics including a particle size of less than 50 nm based on TEM images, superparamagnetic property, highly crystalline IONP core, sufficient stability, and sustained-release profile. In the presence of permanent magnets, CUR-2GE-Ch-IONPs significantly increased cellular uptake and cytotoxicity toward MDA-MB-231 with a 12-fold increase in potency compared to free CUR-2GE, indicating the potential of magnetic-field assisted delivery of CUR-2GE-Ch-IONPs for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymers for Drug Delivery System)
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14 pages, 2223 KiB  
Article
Development of Clinical Weekly-Dose Teriparatide Acetate Encapsulated Dissolving Microneedle Patch for Efficient Treatment of Osteoporosis
by Jeeho Sim, Geonwoo Kang, Huisuk Yang, Mingyu Jang, Youseong Kim, Hyeri Ahn, Minkyung Kim and Hyungil Jung
Polymers 2022, 14(19), 4027; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14194027 - 26 Sep 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2217
Abstract
Teriparatide acetate (TA), which directly promotes bone formation, is subcutaneously injected to treat osteoporosis. In this study, TA with a once-weekly administration regimen was loaded on dissolving microneedles (DMNs) to effectively deliver it to the systemic circulation via the transdermal route. TA activity [...] Read more.
Teriparatide acetate (TA), which directly promotes bone formation, is subcutaneously injected to treat osteoporosis. In this study, TA with a once-weekly administration regimen was loaded on dissolving microneedles (DMNs) to effectively deliver it to the systemic circulation via the transdermal route. TA activity reduction during the drying process of various TA polymer solutions formulated with hyaluronic acid and trehalose was monitored and homogeneities were assessed. TA-DMN patches fabricated using centrifugal lithography in a two-layered structure with dried pure hyaluronic acid on the base layer and dried TA polymer solution on the top layer were evaluated for their physical properties. Rhodamine-B-loaded TA-DMNs were found to form perforations when inserted into porcine skin using a shooting device. In addition, 87.6% of TA was delivered to the porcine skin after a 5-min TA-DMN patch application. The relative bioavailability of TA via subcutaneous injection was 66.9% in rats treated with TA-DMN patches. The maximal TA concentration in rat plasma was proportional to the number of patches used. Therefore, the TA-DMN patch fabricated in this study may aid in the effective delivery of TA in a patient-friendly manner and enhance medical efficacy in osteoporosis treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymers for Drug Delivery System)
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23 pages, 10312 KiB  
Article
Obtaining and Characterizing Composite Biomaterials of Animal Resources with Potential Applications in Regenerative Medicine
by Narcisa Babeanu, Nicoleta Radu, Cristina-Emanuela Enascuta, Elvira Alexandrescu, Mihaela Ganciarov, Mohammed Shaymaa Omar Mohammed, Ioana Raluca Suica-Bunghez, Raluca Senin, Magdalina Ursu and Marinela Bostan
Polymers 2022, 14(17), 3544; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14173544 - 29 Aug 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1627
Abstract
Raw materials, such as collagen and chitosan, obtained from by-products from the food industry (beef hides and crustacean exoskeletons), can be used to obtain collagen–chitosan composite biomaterials, with potential applications in regenerative medicine. Functionalization of these composite biomaterials is a possibility, thus, resulting [...] Read more.
Raw materials, such as collagen and chitosan, obtained from by-products from the food industry (beef hides and crustacean exoskeletons), can be used to obtain collagen–chitosan composite biomaterials, with potential applications in regenerative medicine. Functionalization of these composite biomaterials is a possibility, thus, resulting in a molecule with potential applications in regenerative medicine, namely clotrimazole (a molecule with antibacterial, antifungal, and antitumor activity), at a mass ratio (collagen–chitosan–clotrimazole) of 1:1:0.1. This functionalized composite biomaterial has great potential for application in regenerative medicine, due to the following properties: (1) it is porous, and the pores formed are interconnected, due to the use of a mass ratio between collagen and chitosan of 1:1; (2) the size of the formed pores is between 500–50 μm; (3) between collagen and chitosan, hydrogen bonds are formed, which ensure the unity of composite biomaterial; (4) the functionalized bio-composite exhibits in vitro antimicrobial activity for Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus aureus MRSA; for the latter microorganism, the antimicrobial activity is equivalent to that of the antibiotic Minocycline; (5) the proliferation tests performed on a standardized line of normal human cells with simple or composite materials obtained by lyophilization do not show cytotoxicity in the concentration range studied (10–500) μg/mL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymers for Drug Delivery System)
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16 pages, 3934 KiB  
Article
Formulation and In Vitro Characterization of a Vacuum-Dried Drug–Polymer Thin Film for Intranasal Application
by Daisuke Inoue, Ayari Yamashita and Hideto To
Polymers 2022, 14(14), 2954; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14142954 - 21 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1953
Abstract
Intranasal drug applications show significant therapeutic potential for diverse pharmaceutical modalities. Because the formulation applied to the nasal cavity is discharged to the pharyngeal side by mucociliary clearance, the formulation should be dissolved effectively in a limited amount of mucus within its retention [...] Read more.
Intranasal drug applications show significant therapeutic potential for diverse pharmaceutical modalities. Because the formulation applied to the nasal cavity is discharged to the pharyngeal side by mucociliary clearance, the formulation should be dissolved effectively in a limited amount of mucus within its retention time in the nasal cavity. In this study, to develop novel formulations with improved dissolution behavior and compatibility with the intranasal environment, a thin-film formulation including drug and polymer was prepared using a vacuum-drying method. The poorly water-soluble drugs ketoprofen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, and loxoprofen were dissolved in a solvent comprising water and methanol, and evaporated to obtain a thin film. Physical analyses using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction analysis (PXRD), and scanning electron microscopy SEM revealed that the formulations were amorphized in the film. The dissolution behavior of the drugs was investigated using an in vitro evaluation system that mimicked the intranasal physiological environment. The amorphization of drugs formulated with polymers into thin films using the vacuum-drying method improved the dissolution rate in artificial nasal fluid. Therefore, the thin film developed in this study can be safely and effectively used for intranasal drug application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymers for Drug Delivery System)
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17 pages, 3528 KiB  
Article
Supercritical Impregnation of Mango Leaf Extract into PLA 3D-Printed Devices and Evaluation of Their Biocompatibility with Endothelial Cell Cultures
by Pilar Grosso, Cristina Cejudo, Ismael Sánchez-Gomar, Mª Carmen Durán-Ruiz, Rafael Moreno-Luna, Lourdes Casas, Clara Pereyra and Casimiro Mantell
Polymers 2022, 14(13), 2706; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14132706 - 01 Jul 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1760
Abstract
The addition of natural substances with pharmacoactive properties to polymeric biomedical devices would provide beneficial regarding the assimilation of these endoprostheses when implanted into a patient’s body. The added drug would facilitate endothelization by regulating the inflammatory processes that such interventions entail, preventing [...] Read more.
The addition of natural substances with pharmacoactive properties to polymeric biomedical devices would provide beneficial regarding the assimilation of these endoprostheses when implanted into a patient’s body. The added drug would facilitate endothelization by regulating the inflammatory processes that such interventions entail, preventing contamination hazards and favoring the angiogenesis or formation of blood vessels in the tissue. The present work used mango leaf extract (MLE) obtained through pressurized ethanol for this purpose. Polylactic acid (PLA) in the form of filaments or 3D-printed disks was impregnated by means of supercritical technology with MLE for the culture essays. The release kinetics has been studied and the polymer matrices have been examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The impregnated devices were subjected to in vitro culture of colony-forming endothelial cells. The influence of the different impregnation conditions used for the production of the MLE impregnated polymeric devices on the development of the cell culture was determined by fluorescence microscopy. The best results were obtained from the calcein cultures on 35 °C MLE impregnated into 3D-printed polymer disks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymers for Drug Delivery System)
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14 pages, 3089 KiB  
Article
Hepatotropic Peptides Grafted onto Maleimide-Decorated Nanoparticles: Preparation, Characterization and In Vitro Uptake by Human HepaRG Hepatoma Cells
by Clarisse Brossard, Manuel Vlach, Lucas Jacquet, Elise Vène, Vincent Dorcet, Pascal Loyer, Sandrine Cammas-Marion and Nicolas Lepareur
Polymers 2022, 14(12), 2447; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14122447 - 16 Jun 2022
Viewed by 1275
Abstract
We recently demonstrated the strong tropism of George Baker (GB) Virus A (GBVA10-9) and Plasmodium circumsporozoite protein (CPB) derived synthetic peptides towards hepatoma cells. In a first approach, these peptides were covalently bound to poly(benzyl malate) (PMLABe73) and poly(ethylene glycol)-block [...] Read more.
We recently demonstrated the strong tropism of George Baker (GB) Virus A (GBVA10-9) and Plasmodium circumsporozoite protein (CPB) derived synthetic peptides towards hepatoma cells. In a first approach, these peptides were covalently bound to poly(benzyl malate) (PMLABe73) and poly(ethylene glycol)-block-PMLABe73 (PEG62-b-PMLABe73) (co)polymers, and corresponding peptide-decorated nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by nanoprecipitation. We showed that peptide enhanced NPs internalization by hepatoma cells. In the present work, we set up a second strategy to functionalize NPs prepared from PMLABe73 derivates. First, maleimide-functionalized PMLABe73 (Mal-PMLABe73) and PEG62-b-PMLABe73 (Mal-PEG62-b-PMLABe73) were synthesized and corresponding NPs were prepared by nanoprecipitation. Then, peptides (GBVA10-9, CPB and their scramble controls GBVA10-9scr and CPBscr) with a thiol group were engrafted onto the NPs’ maleimide groups using the Michael addition to obtain peptide functionalized NPs by post-formulation procedure. These peptide-modified NPs varied in diameter and dispersity depending on the considered peptides and/or (co)polymers but kept their spherical shape. The peptide-functionalized NPs were more efficiently internalized by HepaRG hepatoma cells than native and maleimide-NPs with various levels relying on the peptide’s nature and the presence of PEG. We also observed important differences in internalization of NPs functionalized by the maleimide-thiol-peptide reaction compared to that of NPs prepared from peptide-functionalized PMLABe73 derivatives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymers for Drug Delivery System)
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19 pages, 4768 KiB  
Article
Structural Modification of Polymers Functionalized with Mango Leaf Extract by Supercritical Impregnation: Approaching of Further Food and Biomedical Applications
by Cristina Cejudo-Bastante, Lidia Verano-Naranjo, Noemí Toro-Barrios, Clara Pereyra, Casimiro Mantell and Lourdes Casas
Polymers 2022, 14(12), 2413; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14122413 - 14 Jun 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1633
Abstract
Identifying new polymers from natural resources that can be effectively functionalized can have a substantial impact on biomedical devices and food preservation fields. Some of these polymers would be made of biodegradable, renewable and compostable materials, and present the kind of porosity required [...] Read more.
Identifying new polymers from natural resources that can be effectively functionalized can have a substantial impact on biomedical devices and food preservation fields. Some of these polymers would be made of biodegradable, renewable and compostable materials, and present the kind of porosity required to effectively carry active compounds that confer on them the desired properties for their intended applications. Some natural extracts, such as mango leaf extract, have been proven to have high levels of antioxidant, antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory properties, making them good candidates for controlled-release applications. This work intends to investigate the supercritical impregnation of different types of polymers (ABS, PETG, TPU, PC and PCL) with mango leaf extract. The influence of temperature and pressure on the polymers’ structure (swelling and foaming processes) and their different behaviors have been analyzed. Thus, TPU and PC experience minimal structural modifications, while PETG, PCL and ABS, on the other hand, suffer quite significant structural changes. TPU and PETG were selected as the representative polymers for each one of these behaviors to delve into mango leaf extract impregnation processes. The bioactive capacity of the extract is present in either impregnated polymer, with 25.7% antioxidant activity by TPU processed at 35 °C and 100 bar and 32.9% antioxidant activity by PETG impregnated at 75 °C and 400 bar. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymers for Drug Delivery System)
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12 pages, 3954 KiB  
Article
Scalable Manufacture of Curcumin-Loaded Chitosan Nanocomplex for pH-Responsive Delivery by Coordination-Driven Flash Nanocomplexation
by Ziwei Xia, Zhinan Fu, Li Li, Enguang Ma, Liang Sun, Qinyu Ma and Xuhong Guo
Polymers 2022, 14(11), 2133; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14112133 - 24 May 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1696
Abstract
Metal coordination-driven nanocomplexes are known to be responsive to physiologically relevant stimuli such as pH, redox, temperature or light, making them well-suited for antitumor drug delivery. The ever-growing demand for such nanocomplexes necessitates the design of a scalable approach for their production. In [...] Read more.
Metal coordination-driven nanocomplexes are known to be responsive to physiologically relevant stimuli such as pH, redox, temperature or light, making them well-suited for antitumor drug delivery. The ever-growing demand for such nanocomplexes necessitates the design of a scalable approach for their production. In this study, we demonstrate a novel coordination self-assembly strategy, termed flash nanocomplexation (FNC), which is rapid and efficient for the fabrication of drug-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) in a continuous manner. Based on this strategy, biocompatible chitosan (CS) and Cu2+ can be regarded anchors to moor the antitumor drug (curcumin, Cur) through coordination, resulting in curcumin-loaded chitosan nanocomplex (Cur-loaded CS nanocomplex) with a narrow size distribution (PDI < 0.124) and high drug loading (up to 41.75%). Owing to the excellent stability of Cur-loaded CS nanocomplex at neutral conditions (>50 days), premature Cur leakage was limited to lower than 1.5%, and pH-responsive drug release behavior was realized in acidic tumor microenvironments. An upscaled manufacture of Cur-loaded CS nanocomplex is demonstrated with continuous FNC, which shows an unprecedented method toward practical applications of nanomedicine for tumor therapy. Furthermore, intracellular uptake study and cytotoxicity experiments toward H1299 cells demonstrates the satisfied anticancer efficacy of the Cur-loaded CS nanocomplex. These results confirm that coordination-driven FNC is an effective method that enables the rapid and scalable fabrication of antitumor drugs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymers for Drug Delivery System)
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16 pages, 3810 KiB  
Article
The Study of Cyclosporin A Nanocrystals Uptake and Transport across an Intestinal Epithelial Cell Model
by Wenjun Sun, Yang Tian, Zengming Wang, Hui Zhang and Aiping Zheng
Polymers 2022, 14(10), 1975; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14101975 - 12 May 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1324
Abstract
Cyclosporin A nanocrystals (CsA-NCs) interaction with Caco-2 cells were investigated in this study, including cellular uptake and transport across Caco-2 cell monolayers. CsA-NCs of 165 nm, 240 nm and 450 nm were formulated. The dissolution of CsA-NCs was investigated by paddle method. The [...] Read more.
Cyclosporin A nanocrystals (CsA-NCs) interaction with Caco-2 cells were investigated in this study, including cellular uptake and transport across Caco-2 cell monolayers. CsA-NCs of 165 nm, 240 nm and 450 nm were formulated. The dissolution of CsA-NCs was investigated by paddle method. The effect of size, concentration and incubation time on cellular uptake and dissolution kinetics of CsA-NCs in cells were studied. Uptake mechanisms were also evaluated using endocytotic inhibitors and low temperature (4 °C). The cell monolayers were incubated with each diameter CsA-NCs to evaluate the effect of size on the permeation characteristics of CsA across the intestinal mucosa. The results of dissolution study showed that 165 nm CsA-NC had the highest dissolution rate followed by 240 CsA-NC and finally 450 nm CsA-NC. The saturation of cell uptake of CsA-NCs was observed with the increase of incubation concentration and time. 240 nm and 450 nm CsA-NCs had the lowest and highest uptake efficiency at different time and drug concentration, respectively. The uptake of all three-sized CsA-NCs declined significantly in some different degree after the pre-treatment with different endocytosis inhibitors. 165 nm CsA-NC showed a highest transport capacity across monolayers at the same concentration and time. The results suggest that the size of CsA-NCs can not only affect the efficiency of cellular uptake, but also the type of endocytosis. Decreasing particle size of CsA-NCs can improve transport capacity of CsA through cell monolayer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymers for Drug Delivery System)
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12 pages, 2160 KiB  
Article
Near-Infrared Light-Remote Localized Drug Delivery Systems Based on Zwitterionic Polymer Nanofibers for Combination Therapy
by Yu-Lun Li and Ching-Yi Chen
Polymers 2022, 14(9), 1860; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14091860 - 01 May 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1705
Abstract
Localized drug delivery systems (LDDS) have gained great interests because they can directly treat the tumors and minimize systematic toxicity, and maximize drug action by controlling release precisely at the tumor site. However, the resistance of the non-specific adsorption of biomolecules is also [...] Read more.
Localized drug delivery systems (LDDS) have gained great interests because they can directly treat the tumors and minimize systematic toxicity, and maximize drug action by controlling release precisely at the tumor site. However, the resistance of the non-specific adsorption of biomolecules is also important to alleviate the inflammatory reactions and avoid the decrease in performance of LDDS. In this study, we develop a near infrared (NIR) light-triggered nanofibrous delivery system consisting of zwitterionic poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine)-b-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PMPC-b-PCL) encapsulated with indocyanine green (ICG) and doxorubicin (DOX) for dual photothermal therapy and chemotherapy. The nanofibrous mat shows hydrophilic characteristics and good antifouling performance. Under mild NIR irradiation, ICG could convert NIR light into thermal energy that elevates the surrounding temperature above 45 °C. This thermal energy also markedly accelerates the DOX release from the nanofibrous mat due to softening of the nanofibers, indicating the drug release could be controlled and switched on/off by light-triggering. Moreover, this light-triggered thermal energy and releasing behavior contribute to enhancing the cell lethality. Intracellular DOX distribution confirms the more drugs release upon light irradiation. All results demonstrate the developed light-triggered drug release nanofibers as LDDS are biocompatible and antifouling as well as has the superior combinational chemotherapy/photothermal therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymers for Drug Delivery System)
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26 pages, 4659 KiB  
Article
Semi-Continuous Heterophase Polymerization to Synthesize Poly(methacrylic acid)-Based Nanocomposites for Drug Delivery
by Hugo A. Andrade-Melecio, Víctor H. Antolín-Cerón, Abraham G. Alvarado-Mendoza, Milton Vázquez-Lepe, Karla A. Barrera-Rivera, Antonio Martínez-Richa and Sergio M. Nuño-Donlucas
Polymers 2022, 14(6), 1195; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14061195 - 16 Mar 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2410
Abstract
The design of nanocomposites with the potential for drug delivery is a topic of great interest. In this work, the synthesis of nanocomposites of poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) grafted onto carbon nanotubes (CNTs) functionalized with poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer by semicontinuous heterophase polymerization SHP, [...] Read more.
The design of nanocomposites with the potential for drug delivery is a topic of great interest. In this work, the synthesis of nanocomposites of poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) grafted onto carbon nanotubes (CNTs) functionalized with poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer by semicontinuous heterophase polymerization SHP, at three different methacrylic acid (MAA) dosing rates, is reported. SHP is a polymerization technique poorly used to prepare nanocomposites containing CNTs and has the potential to produce more ordered alkyl methacrylic polymer chains, which could favor the obtaining of a homogenous nanocomposite. For the nanocomposites synthesized, a lowest addition rate monomer-starved condition was reached. Analysis by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrate that functionalized CNTs are grafted onto the PMAA matrix. The ability of prepared nanocomposites to deliver hydrocortisone was evaluated by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). The hydrocortisone release profiles of pure PMAA and of their nanocomposites prepared at the lowest monomer fed rate were fitted with Higuchi and Korsmeyer–Peppas models, successfully. Functionalized CNTs have a crucial role to induce an effective release of hydrocortisone from the prepared nanocomposites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymers for Drug Delivery System)
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Review

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29 pages, 3824 KiB  
Review
Biopolymer-Based Wound Dressings with Biochemical Cues for Cell-Instructive Wound Repair
by Variksha Singh, Thashree Marimuthu, Maya M. Makatini and Yahya E. Choonara
Polymers 2022, 14(24), 5371; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14245371 - 08 Dec 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2134
Abstract
Regenerative medicine is an active research sphere that focuses on the repair, regeneration, and replacement of damaged tissues and organs. A plethora of innovative wound dressings and skin substitutes have been developed to treat cutaneous wounds and are aimed at reducing the length [...] Read more.
Regenerative medicine is an active research sphere that focuses on the repair, regeneration, and replacement of damaged tissues and organs. A plethora of innovative wound dressings and skin substitutes have been developed to treat cutaneous wounds and are aimed at reducing the length or need for a hospital stay. The inception of biomaterials with the ability to interact with cells and direct them toward desired lineages has brought about innovative designs in wound healing and tissue engineering. This cellular engagement is achieved by cell cues that can be biochemical or biophysical in nature. In effect, these cues seep into innate repair pathways, cause downstream cell behaviours and, ultimately, lead to advantageous healing. This review will focus on biomolecules with encoded biomimetic, instructive prompts that elicit desired cellular domino effects to achieve advanced wound repair. The wound healing dressings covered in this review are based on functionalized biopolymeric materials. While both biophysical and biochemical cues are vital for advanced wound healing applications, focus will be placed on biochemical cues and in vivo or clinical trial applications. The biochemical cues aforementioned will include peptide therapy, collagen matrices, cell-based therapy, decellularized matrices, platelet-rich plasma, and biometals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymers for Drug Delivery System)
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31 pages, 6853 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Stimuli-Responsive Doxorubicin Delivery Systems for Liver Cancer Therapy
by Elena Ruxandra Radu, Augustin Semenescu and Stefan Ioan Voicu
Polymers 2022, 14(23), 5249; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14235249 - 01 Dec 2022
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 2886
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most commonly used drugs in liver cancer. Unfortunately, the traditional chemotherapy with DOX presents many limitations, such as a systematic release of DOX, affecting both tumor tissue and healthy tissue, leading to the apparition of many side [...] Read more.
Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most commonly used drugs in liver cancer. Unfortunately, the traditional chemotherapy with DOX presents many limitations, such as a systematic release of DOX, affecting both tumor tissue and healthy tissue, leading to the apparition of many side effects, multidrug resistance (MDR), and poor water solubility. Furthermore, drug delivery systems’ responsiveness has been intensively studied according to the influence of different internal and external stimuli on the efficiency of therapeutic drugs. In this review, we discuss both internal stimuli-responsive drug-delivery systems, such as redox, pH and temperature variation, and external stimuli-responsive drug-delivery systems, such as the application of magnetic, photo-thermal, and electrical stimuli, for the controlled release of Doxorubicin in liver cancer therapy, along with the future perspectives of these smart delivery systems in liver cancer therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymers for Drug Delivery System)
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30 pages, 1604 KiB  
Review
Electrospun-Fibrous-Architecture-Mediated Non-Viral Gene Therapy Drug Delivery in Regenerative Medicine
by Elena Cojocaru, Jana Ghitman and Raluca Stan
Polymers 2022, 14(13), 2647; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14132647 - 29 Jun 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2076
Abstract
Gene-based therapy represents the latest advancement in medical biotechnology. The principle behind this innovative approach is to introduce genetic material into specific cells and tissues to stimulate or inhibit key signaling pathways. Although enormous progress has been achieved in the field of gene-based [...] Read more.
Gene-based therapy represents the latest advancement in medical biotechnology. The principle behind this innovative approach is to introduce genetic material into specific cells and tissues to stimulate or inhibit key signaling pathways. Although enormous progress has been achieved in the field of gene-based therapy, challenges connected to some physiological impediments (e.g., low stability or the inability to pass the cell membrane and to transport to the desired intracellular compartments) still obstruct the exploitation of its full potential in clinical practices. The integration of gene delivery technologies with electrospun fibrous architectures represents a potent strategy that may tackle the problems of stability and local gene delivery, being capable to promote a controlled and proficient release and expression of therapeutic genes in the targeted cells, improving the therapeutic outcomes. This review aims to outline the impact of electrospun-fibrous-architecture-mediated gene therapy drug delivery, and it emphatically discusses the latest advancements in their formulation and the therapeutic outcomes of these systems in different fields of regenerative medicine, along with the main challenges faced towards the translation of promising academic results into tangible products with clinical application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymers for Drug Delivery System)
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