Search Results (1,820)

Restenosis is the main cause of failure after stent implantation during angioplasty. The localized, sustained delivery of an antirestenotic drug may reduce smooth muscle cell (SMCs) proliferation and thereby limit neointimal hyperplasia. The aim of this study was to develop degradable sirolimus-eluting polymer coatings that can be applied on bioresorbable polymer-based scaffolds via an ultrasonic coating system. This is a novel approach because the detailed analysis of the coating procedure on bioresorbable polymeric scaffolds with the use of an ultrasonic system has not been reported thus far. It has been observed that the ultrasonic technique facilitates formation of a smooth coating, well-integrated with the scaffold. However, the drug dose is affected by the concentration of the coating solution and the number of layers. Therefore, these parameters can be used for tailoring the drug dose and release process. Although all types of the developed coatings provided sirolimus elution for at least 3 months, a more uniform, diffusion-controlled release profile was observed from coatings obtained from the 1.0% polymeric solution. The released drug showed antiproliferative activity against vascular SMCs, without any hemolytic or thrombogenic effects. The results of the study may be advantageous for further progress in the development and medical translation of polymeric vascular scaffolds with antirestenotic activity. Full article

Background/Objective: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a clinically significant pathogenic bacterium. Daptomycin (DAP) is a cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic used to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria, including S. aureus. However, DAP currently faces clinical limitations due to its short half-life, toxic side effects, and increasingly severe drug resistance issues. This study aimed to develop a biomimetic nano-drug delivery system to enhance targeting ability, prolong blood circulation, and mitigate resistance of DAP. Methods: DAP-loaded chitosan nanocomposite particles (DAP-CS) were prepared by electrostatic self-assembly. Macrophage membrane vesicles (MM) were prepared by fusion of M1-type macrophage membranes with 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC). A biomimetic nano-drug delivery system (DAP-CS@MM) was constructed by the coextrusion process of DAP-CS and MM. Key physicochemical parameters, including particle diameter, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and membrane protein retention, were systematically characterized. In vitro immune escape studies and in vivo zebrafish infection models were employed to assess the ability of immune escape and antibacterial performance, respectively. Results: The particle size of DAP-CS@MM was 110.9 ± 13.72 nm, with zeta potential +11.90 ± 1.90 mV, and encapsulation efficiency 70.43 ± 1.29%. DAP-CS@MM retained macrophage membrane proteins, including functional TLR2 receptors. In vitro immune escape assays, DAP-CS@MM demonstrated significantly enhanced immune escape compared with DAP-CS (p < 0.05). In the zebrafish infection model, DAP-CS@MM showed superior antibacterial efficacy over both DAP and DAP-CS (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The DAP-CS@MM biomimetic nano-drug delivery system exhibits excellent immune evasion and antibacterial performance, offering a novel strategy to overcome the clinical limitations of DAP. Full article

Polyethylenimine (PEI) is a cationic polymer with a high density of amine groups suitable for strong electrostatic interactions with biological molecules to preserve their bioactivities during encapsulation and after delivery for biomedical applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of PEI as a drug and gene carrier, describing its polymerization methods in both linear and branched forms while highlighting the processing methods to manufacture PEIs into drug carriers, such as nanoparticles, coatings, nanofibers, hydrogels, and films. These various PEI carriers enable applications in non-viral gene and small molecule drug deliveries. The structure–property relationships of PEI carriers are discussed with emphasis on how molecular weights, branching degrees, and surface modifications of PEI carriers impact biocompatibility, transfection efficiency, and cellular interactions. While PEI offers remarkable potential for drug and gene delivery, its clinical translation remains limited by challenges, including cytotoxicity, non-degradability, and serum instability. Our aim is to provide an understanding of PEI and the structure–property relationships of its carrier forms to inform future research directions that may enable safe and effective clinical use of PEI carriers for drug and gene delivery. Full article

The high incidence of melanoma leading to a poor prognosis rate endorses the development of alternative and innovative approaches in the treatment of melanoma. Therefore, the present study aims to develop and characterize, in terms of physicochemical features and biological impact, an aqueous suspension of magnetite (Fe₃O₄) coated with β-cyclodextrin (Fe₃O₄@β-CD) as a potential innovative alternative nanosystem for melanoma therapy. The nanosystem exhibited physicochemical characteristics suitable for biological applications, revealing a successful complexation of Fe₃O₄ NPs with β-CD and an average size of 18.1 ± 2.1 nm. In addition, the in vitro evaluations revealed that the newly developed nanosystem presented high biocompatibility on a human keratinocyte (HaCaT) monolayer and selective antiproliferative activity on amelanotic human melanoma (A375) cells, inducing early apoptosis features when concentrations of 10, 15, and 20 μg/mL were employed for 48 h and 72 h. Collectively, the Fe₃O₄@β-CD nanosystem reveals promising features for an adjuvant approach in melanoma treatment, mainly due to its β-cyclodextrin coating, thus endorsing a potential co-loading of therapeutic drugs. Furthermore, the intrinsic magnetic core of Fe₃O₄ NPs supports the magnetically based cancer treatment strategies. Full article

Background: A precise drug delivery system enables the optimization of treatments with minimal side effects if it can deliver medication only when activated by a specific light source. This study presents a controlled drug delivery system based on poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles (MPs) designed for the sustained release of vancomycin hydrochloride. Methods: The MPs were co-loaded with indocyanine green (ICG), a near-infrared (NIR) responsive agent, and fabricated via the double emulsion method.They were characterized for stability, surface modification, biocompatibility, and antibacterial efficacy. Results: Dynamic light scattering and zeta potential analyses confirmed significant increases in particle size and surface charge reversal following chitosan coating. Scanning electron microscopy revealed uniform morphology in uncoated MPs (1–10 $\mathsf{\mu }$m) and irregular surfaces post-coating. Stability tests demonstrated drug retention for up to 180 days. Among formulations, PVI1 exhibited the highest yield (76.67 ± 1.3%) and encapsulation efficiency (56.2 ± 1.95%). NIR irradiation (808 nm) enhanced drug release kinetics, with formulation PVI4 achieving over 48.9% release, resulting in improved antibacterial activity. Chitosan-coated MPs (e.g., PVI4-C) effectively suppressed drug release without NIR light for up to 8 h, with cumulative release reaching only 10.89%. Without NIR light, bacterial colonies exceeded 1000 CFU; NIR-triggered release reduced them below 120 CFU. Drug release data fitted best with the zero-order and Korsmeyer–Peppas models, suggesting a combination of diffusion-controlled and constant-rate release behavior. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the promise of chitosan-coated NIR-responsive PLGA MPs for precise, on-demand antibiotic delivery and improved antibacterial performance. Full article

Electrostatic adsorption plays a crucial role in nanoparticle-based drug delivery, enabling the targeted and reversible loading of biomolecules onto nanoparticles. This review explores the fundamental mechanisms governing nanoparticle–biomolecule interactions, with a focus on electrostatics, van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, and protein corona formation. Various functionalization strategies—including covalent modification, polymer coatings, and layer-by-layer assembly—have been employed to enhance electrostatic binding; however, each presents trade-offs in terms of stability, complexity, and specificity. Emerging irradiation-based techniques offer potential for direct modulation of surface charge without the addition of chemical groups, yet they remain underexplored. Accurate characterization of biomolecule adsorption is equally critical; however, the limitations of individual techniques also pose challenges to this endeavor. Spectroscopic, microscopic, and electrokinetic methods each contribute unique insights but require integration for a comprehensive understanding. Overall, a multimodal approach to both functionalization and characterization is essential for advancing nanoparticle systems toward clinical drug delivery applications. Full article

This study involved the fabrication of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanocomposite films using the solution-casting process, which incorporated strontium-coated silver oxide (Sr-Ag₂O) nanoparticles generated by a plant-extract assisted method. Various characterization techniques, such as XRD, SEM, TEM, UV, and FTIR, showed the formation and uniform distribution of Sr-Ag₂O nanoparticles in the PVA film, which are biocompatible nanocomposite films. The presence of hydroxyl groups leads to appreciable mixing and interaction between the Sr-Ag₂O nanoparticles and the PVA polymer. Mechanical and thermal results suggest enhanced tensile strength and increased thermal stability. In addition, the sample of PVA/Sr-Ag₂O (1.94/0.06 wt. ratio) nanocomposite film showed decreased hydrophilicity, lower hemolysis, non-toxicity, and appreciable cell migration activity, with nearly 19.95% cell migration compared to the standard drug, and the presence of Sr-Ag₂O nanoparticles favored the adhesion and spreading of cells, which triggered the reduction in the gaps. These research findings suggest that PVA/Sr-Ag₂O nanocomposite films with good mechanical, antimicrobial, non-toxic, and biocompatible properties could be applied in biological wound-healing applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), human serum albumin (HSA) and folic acid (FA) are prospective components for hybrid nanosystems for various biomedical applications. The magnetic nanosystems FA-HSA@IONPs (FAMs) containing IONPs, HSA, and FA residue are engineered in the study. Methods: Composition, stability and integrity of the coating, and peroxidase-like activity of FAMs are characterized using UV/Vis spectrophotometry (colorimetric test using o-phenylenediamine (OPD), Bradford protein assay, etc.), spectrofluorimetry, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and electron magnetic resonance (EMR). The selectivity of the FAMs accumulation in cancer cells is analyzed using flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results: FAMs (d_N~55 nm by DLS) as a drug delivery platform have been administered to cancer cells (human breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines) in vitro. Methylene blue, as a model photosensitizer, has been non-covalently bound to FAMs. An increase in photoinduced cytotoxicity has been found upon excitation of the photosensitizer bound to the coating of FAMs compared to the single photosensitizer at equivalent concentrations. The suitability of the nanosystems for photodynamic therapy has been confirmed. Conclusions: FAMs are able to effectively enter cells with increased folate receptor expression and thus allow antitumor photosensitizers to be delivered to cells without any loss of their in vitro photodynamic efficiency. Therapeutic and diagnostic applications of FAMs in oncology are discussed. Full article

To address critical technical challenges in coalbed methane fracturing, including the uncontrollable release rate of conventional breaker agents and incomplete gel breaking, this study designs and fabricates an intelligent controlled-release breaker system based on paraffin-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticle carriers. Three types of mesoporous silica (MSN) carriers with distinct pore sizes are synthesized via the sol-gel method using CTAB, P123, and F127 as structure-directing agents, respectively. Following hydrophobic modification with octyltriethoxysilane, n-butanol breaker agents are loaded into the carriers, and a temperature-responsive controlled-release system is constructed via paraffin coating technology. The pore size distribution was analyzed by the BJH model, confirming that the average pore diameters of CTAB-MSNs, P123-MSNs, and F127-MSNs were 5.18 nm, 6.36 nm, and 6.40 nm, respectively. The BET specific surface areas were 686.08, 853.17, and 946.89 m²/g, exhibiting an increasing trend with the increase in pore size. Drug-loading performance studies reveal that at the optimal loading concentration of 30 mg/mL, the loading efficiencies of n-butanol on the three carriers reach 28.6%, 35.2%, and 38.9%, respectively. The release behavior study under simulated reservoir temperature conditions (85 °C) reveals that the paraffin-coated system exhibits a distinct three-stage release pattern: a lag phase (0–1 h) caused by paraffin encapsulation, a rapid release phase (1–8 h) induced by high-temperature concentration diffusion, and a sustained release phase (8–30 h) attributed to nano-mesoporous characteristics. This intelligent controlled-release breaker demonstrates excellent temporal compatibility with coalbed methane fracturing processes, providing a novel technical solution for the efficient and clean development of coalbed methane. Full article

As the most unstable crystalline form of calcium carbonate, vaterite is rarely found in nature due to being highly prone to phase transitions. However, its high specific surface area, excellent biocompatibility, and high solubility properties have led to a research boom and the following breakthroughs in the last two decades: (1) From primitive calculations and spectroscopic analyses to modern multidimensional research methods combining calculations and experiments, the crystal structure of vaterite has turned from early identifications in orthorhombic and hexagonal crystal systems to a complex polymorphic structure within the monoclinic crystal system. (2) The formation process of vaterite not only conforms to the classical crystal growth theory but also encompasses the nanoparticle aggregation theory, which incorporates the concepts of oriented nanoparticle assembly and mesoscale transformation. (3) Regardless of the conditions, the formation of vaterite depends on an excess of CO₃²⁻ relative to Ca²⁺, and its stability duration relates to preservation conditions. (4) Vaterite demonstrates significant value in biomedical applications—including bone repair scaffolds, targeted drug carriers, and antibacterial coating materials—leveraging its porous structure, high specific surface area, and exceptional biocompatibility. While it also shows utility in environmental pollutant adsorption and general coating technologies, the current research remains predominantly concentrated on its medical applications. Currently, the rapid transformation of vaterite presents the primary limitation for its industrial application. Future research should prioritize investigating its formation kinetics and stability. Full article

Nafion has long been recognized as the gold standard for proton exchange membranes, due to its exceptional ion exchange capacity and its advanced performance in chemically aggressive environments. In recent years, a growing body of evidence has demonstrated that Nafion is equally well-suited in complex biological conditions owing to its structural robustness, responsive functionality and intrinsic biocompatibility. These characteristics have enabled its transition into the biomedical and healthcare sectors, where it is currently being explored for a diverse and expanding range of applications. To that end, Nafion has been systematically investigated as a key component in bioelectronic systems for energy harvest, sensors, wearable electronics, tissue engineering, lab-on-a-chip platforms, implants, controlled drug delivery systems and antimicrobial surface coatings. This review examines the distinctive structural and electrochemical characteristics that underpin Nafion’s performance in these biomedical contexts, provides an overview of recent advancements, emphasizes critical performance metrics and highlights the material’s growing potential to shape the future of biomedical technology. Full article

Background/Objectives: As novel synergistic strategy for heart failure (HF), this study explores the formulation and characterization of liposomal systems co-loaded with SGLT2 inhibitors (dapagliflozin—DAPA and empagliflozin—EMPA) and curcumin (Cur). Methods: To enhance liposomal membrane stability and achieve sustained, controlled drug release, oleanolic acid (OA) was incorporated into the lipid bilayer, while the liposomal surface was coated with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Results: The resulting liposomes exhibited favorable physico-chemical properties (particle size ~170 nm, low PDI, negative zeta potential), high encapsulation efficiencies (up to 97%), and spherical morphology as confirmed by STEM. XRD and DSC analyses indicated successful API incorporation and amorphization within the lipid matrix, while PVP coating provided slight improvements in thermal stability. Trehalose proved to be an effective cryoprotectant, preserving liposome integrity after freeze-drying. In vitro release studies demonstrated sustained and delayed drug release, especially in PVP-coated and OA-containing formulations. Conclusions: All these findings highlight the promise of PVP-coated, OA-stabilized liposomal formulations co-loaded with SGLT2 inhibitors and Cur as biocompatible, multifunctional platforms for targeted HF therapy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Liquid biopsy is a minimally invasive alternative to tissue biopsy and is used to obtain information about a disease from a blood sample or other body fluids. In the context of cancer, circulating tumor cells (CTC) can be used as biomarkers to determine the nature of the tumor, its stage of progression, and the efficiency of the administered therapy through monitoring. However, the low concentration of CTCs in blood (1–10 cells/mL) is a challenge for their isolation. Therefore, a minimally invasive medical device (BMProbe™) was developed that isolates CTCs via antigen–antibody binding directly from the bloodstream. Current investigations focus on the process of detaching bound cells from the BMProbe™ surface for cell cultivation and subsequent drug testing to enable personalized therapy planning. Methods: This article presents two approaches for detaching LNCaP cells from anti-EpCAM coated BMProbes™: enzymatic detachment using TrypLE™ and detachment through enzymatic pretreatment with supplementary flow-induced shear stress. The additional shear stress is intended to increase the detachment efficiency. To determine the flow rate required to gently detach the cells, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation was carried out. Results: The experimental test results demonstrate that 91% of the bound cells can be detached enzymatically within 10 min. Based on the simulation, a maximum flow rate of 47.76 mL/min was defined in the flow detachment system, causing an average shear stress of 8.4 Pa at the probe edges. The additional flow treatment did not increase the CTC detachment efficiency. Conclusions: It is feasible that the detachment efficiency can be further increased by a longer enzymatic incubation time or higher shear stress. The influence on the integrity and viability of cells must, however, be considered. Full article

Hydrogels have emerged as multifunctional biomaterials in cardiac surgery, offering promising solutions for myocardial regeneration, adhesion prevention, valve engineering, and localized drug and gene delivery. Their high water content, biocompatibility, and mechanical tunability enable close emulation of the cardiac extracellular matrix, supporting cellular viability and integration under dynamic physiological conditions. In myocardial repair, injectable and patch-forming hydrogels have been shown to be effective in reducing infarct size, promoting angiogenesis, and preserving contractile function. Hydrogel coatings and films have been designed as adhesion barriers to minimize pericardial adhesions after cardiotomy and improve reoperative safety. In heart valve and patch engineering, hydrogels contribute to scaffold design by providing bio-instructive, mechanically resilient, and printable matrices that are compatible with 3D fabrication. Furthermore, hydrogels serve as localized delivery platforms for small molecules, proteins, and nucleic acids, enabling sustained or stimuli-responsive release while minimizing systemic toxicity. Despite these advances, challenges such as mechanical durability, immune compatibility, and translational scalability persist. Ongoing innovations in smart polymer chemistry, hybrid composite design, and patient-specific manufacturing are addressing these limitations. This review aims to provide an integrated perspective on the application of hydrogels in cardiac surgery. The relevant literature was identified through a narrative search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar. Taken together, hydrogels offer a uniquely versatile and clinically translatable platform for addressing the multifaceted challenges of cardiac surgery. Hydrogels are poised to redefine clinical strategies in cardiac surgery by enabling tailored, bioresponsive, and functionally integrated therapies. Full article

Background and Objective: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and urethral stricture (US) are common causes of lower urinary tract symptoms in ageing men, often requiring repeated interventions. Conventional treatments of US, such as urethrotomy and mechanical dilation, have high recurrence rates. The Optilume drug-coated balloon catheter system, which combines mechanical dilation with paclitaxel delivery, has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative. This systematic review assesses its efficacy and safety in the management of BPH and US. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed was conducted for studies published between August 2020 and October 2023. Eligible studies included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and case reports evaluating Optilume’s therapeutic effects. Key outcomes analysed included symptom relief, urinary flow improvement, recurrence rates, and adverse events. Results: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, including five on US and two on BPH. The ROBUST trial series demonstrated sustained improvements in urinary flow rates and symptom scores in US patients over follow-up periods of up to four years. The EVEREST-1 and PINNACLE trials reported significant symptom relief and preserved sexual function in BPH patients, with a favourable safety profile and minimal complications. Conclusions: Optilume appears to be a promising alternative to conventional endoscopic treatments for US and BPH, offering durable symptom relief with a low complication rate. Further long-term studies are required to confirm its efficacy and cost-effectiveness in routine clinical practice. Full article