Search Results (12)

Bacterial infections can delay wound healing and represent serious medical problems both in the hospital and community settings, especially skin wound infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus. In this work, a gelatin hydrogel modified with photo-cross-linkable methacrylamide groups at 10% concentration (GelMA10%), enriched with titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂NPs), and loaded with Neomycin sulphate was developed with the aim to realize a tissue for wound care with improved mechanical and antimicrobial properties. TiO₂ nanocomposite GelMA films with two concentrations of TiO₂NPs were characterized to assess physicochemical, structural and mechanical properties by scanning electron microscopy equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM/EDX), micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). TiO₂ nanocomposite GelMA films showed a more compact structure, reduced pore sizes and a higher compressive modulus at the increasing concentration of TiO₂NPs. They were able to absorb and retain water for a prolonged time; however, no significant differences in the swelling degree at the increasing concentration of TiO₂NPs were observed. In vitro drug release and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus of TiO₂ nanocomposite GelMA film enriched with higher concentrations of TiO₂NPs, identified as a suitable candidate for wound healing, were investigated. Both GelMA10% and TiO₂ nanocomposite GelMA films loaded with drug exhibited a strong antibacterial action, whereas GelMA10% containing only TiO₂NPs did not show any antimicrobial properties. Full article

Topical antibiotics have long been used for the prevention and treatment of superficial skin and soft tissue infections; however, increasing evidence indicates that their clinical value is undermined by rising antimicrobial resistance, high rates of allergic sensitization, inadequate activity against biofilms, and a lack of wound-healing properties. Agents such as bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B, mupirocin, and fusidic acid act through narrow, target-specific mechanisms that facilitate resistance selection and provide limited benefit in chronic or polymicrobial wound environments. Contemporary antimicrobial stewardship frameworks therefore discourage routine use of topical antibiotics and increasingly favor non-antibiotic antiseptics with broad-spectrum activity and low resistance risk, including silver, iodine, polyhexamethylene biguanide, octenidine, and medical-grade honey. These modalities, however, primarily serve to reduce microbial burden and do not directly address the underlying biological impairments that prevent healing. Nitric oxide-releasing gels (NORGs) represent a novel class of topical antimicrobials that combine multi-target bactericidal activity with physiologic pro-healing effects. Nitric oxide exerts potent antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects via oxidative and nitrosative stress, disruption of metabolic pathways, inhibition of DNA replication, and interference with quorum sensing. Simultaneously, nitric oxide enhances angiogenesis, modulates inflammation, improves microvascular perfusion, and promotes fibroblast and keratinocyte function. Preclinical models and early-phase clinical studies demonstrate broad-spectrum efficacy—including activity against multidrug-resistant organisms—with favorable tolerability and minimal risk of resistance development. Although the current evidence base remains preliminary, NORGs offer a promising antimicrobial platform with the potential to reduce reliance on topical antibiotics while simultaneously addressing key barriers to wound healing. Larger randomized controlled trials, direct comparisons with established advanced dressings, and robust pharmacoeconomic evaluations are needed to define their optimal role within stewardship-aligned wound-care practice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Plants release extracellularly lipid bilayer-enclosed vesicles of nanometric size that can be retrieved in their fluids. Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) have mostly been involved in modulating host–pathogen interaction, making them a tool for cross-kingdom communication with a key role in plant immunity. In addition, PDEVs have demonstrated promising therapeutic features, not only in terms of intrinsic nutraceutical properties but also of active molecules’ delivery. Transgenic plants have been developed for a variety of purposes, i.e., to improve their functional properties like crops, but also to produce therapeutic molecules. However, it is unclear whether transgenes can end up in PDEVs, thus making them a vehicle for their cross-kingdom diffusion into the environment. Methods: Here, we investigated the association of transgenic DNA and RNA with PDEVs secreted by tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) engineered to express the neomycine phosphotransferase II (Npt-II) gene. PDEVs were isolated from leaf apoplastic fluid by ultracentrifugation and characterized for their morphology and size. The association of DNA and RNA was assessed by qRT-PCR and their immunomodulatory properties by assaying PDEVs-induced IL1β and IL10 on THP1 monocytes. Results: Npt-II RNA, but not DNA, could be amplified from PDEVs, whereas no differences were observed between wt and transgenic tobacco PDEVs in terms of immunomodulatory properties. Conclusions: Although a different behaviour by other types of RNAs or DNAs could still be possible, our findings indicate that in this model, PDEVs are not associated with transgenic DNA, but they can protect RNA, including transgenic RNA, from degradation, contributing to their cross-kingdom spreading. Full article

Wound infections pose a significant challenge in healthcare settings due to prolonged healing times and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Traditional wound dressings often fail to provide sustained drug release, optimal moisture retention, and effective antibacterial protection, leading to suboptimal therapeutic outcomes. This study aimed to optimize and develop neomycin-integrated hydrogels crosslinked via tannic acid (TA) for the treatment of infectious wounds. The hydrogels were optimized using a central composite experimental design. The amounts of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, 10–20% w/w) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP, 5–20% w/w) were varied and mixed with a fixed concentration of TA (1% w/w) as a crosslinker. The water content (%), water absorption (%), erosion (%), water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), and the mechanical properties of the hydrogels were evaluated. Neomycin was integrated in the optimized hydrogel, and the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus was studied using a time-kill analysis method. The optimal hydrogel formula contained PVA and PVP at a ratio of 20:19.89 by weight. The resulting hydrogel possessed good physical and mechanical properties and had a water content of 71.86%, water absorption of 124.96%, minimal erosion of 33.08%, and optimal WVTR of 5567 g/m²/24 h. Furthermore, the hydrogel showed desirable elasticity, with a Young’s modulus of 474.81 Pa and a tensile strength that could resist breakage upon application. The neomycin-integrated hydrogels inhibited bacterial growth comparably to the neomycin solution (0.5% w/v). Therefore, TA was proven to be a promising natural crosslinker and the optimized hydrogel was demonstrated to be a propitious platform for neomycin cutaneous application, and which could be used to treat infected wounds in the future. Full article

The study examined the possibility of intercalation of montmorillonite with neomycin in an aqueous drug solution and the factors influencing the effectiveness of this process, such as the ion exchange capacity and process conditions, including the time and temperature of incubation with the drug. X-ray diffractometry (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal analysis (DSC/TG), and Zeta potential measurement were used to confirm drug intercalation as well as to investigate the nature of clay–drug interactions. The obtained conjugates with the most favorable physicochemical properties were also tested for antibacterial response against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) to confirm that the bactericidal properties of neomycin were retained after intercalation and UV–VIS spectrophotometry was used to examine the kinetics of drug release from the carrier. The results of the conducted research clearly indicate the successful intercalation of neomycin in montmorillonite and indicate the influence of process parameters on the properties of not only the conjugates themselves but also the properties of the intercalated drug, particularly its bactericidal activity. Ultimately, a temperature of 50 °C was found to be optimal for effective drug intercalation and the conjugates obtained within 2 h showed the highest antibacterial activity, indicating the highest potential of the thus-obtained montmorillonite conjugates as neomycin carriers. Full article

Hydrogels are 3D networks with an excellent ability to retain a high amount of water or biological fluids, representing suitable candidates for wound dressing applications. They can provide a protective barrier and a moist environment, facilitating wound treatment. The present paper focuses on physical hydrogels obtained from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and pullulan (PULL) mixtures in different weight ratios by using the freezing/thawing method. Hybrid hydrogels of similar polymer compositions were prepared in the presence of 0.5% Laponite^® RD. The influence of polysaccharide and clay addition on the properties of PVA hydrogels was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy showed evidence of the inner porous structure. The viscoelastic properties were investigated in different shear conditions and revealed the influence of the hydrogel composition on the network strength. The swelling behavior was followed in physiological saline solutions at 37 °C and pH = 7.4. For all samples, a quasi-Fickian diffusion mechanism was found. The delivery of neomycin sulfate was studied in similar conditions as for the swelling tests (0.15 M NaCl solutions; 37 °C; pH = 7.4) and different kinetic models were used to determine the release mechanism. The Peppas–Sahlin approach described very well the in vitro drug release mechanism from the polymeric hydrogels in the absence of clay. However, the hybrid polymer/clay hydrogels showed the best fit with the Korsmeyer–Peppas model. According to the present study, the porous membranes containing 40–60% PULL (in absence of clay) are suitable for the release of therapeutic agents at wound sites in physiological conditions. Full article

A hydrogel topical patch of neomycin was developed by using sodium alginate (SA) and hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) as polymers. Free radical polymerization in an aqueous medium was initiated by using acrylic acid (AA) and N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA). Prepared hydrogels were characterized for pH sensitivity and sol–gel analysis. In addition, the effect of reactant contents on the developed formulation was evaluated by swelling behavior. SEM assay showed the rough structure of the hydrogel-based polymeric matrix, which directly enhances the ability to uptake fluid. FTIR spectra revealed the formation of a new polymeric network between reactant contents. TGA and DSC verified that fabricated polymeric patches were more thermodynamically stable than pure components. Gel fractions increased with increases in polymer, monomer, and cross-linker contents. The swelling study showed the pH-dependent swelling behavior of patches at pH 5.5, 6.5, and 7.4. The release pattern of the drug followed zero-order kinetics, with diffusion-controlled drug release patterns according to the Korsmeyer–Peppas (KP) model. Ex vivo studies across excised rabbit skin verified the drug retention in the skin layers. The hydrogel patch effectively healed the wounds produced on the rabbit skin, whereas the formulation showed no sign of irritation on intact skin. Therefore, neomycin hydrogel patches can be a potential candidate for controlled delivery for efficient wound healing. Full article

This paper reports new physical hydrogels obtained by the freezing/thawing method. They include pullulan (PULL) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as polymers, bovine serum albumin (BSA) as protein, and a tripeptide, reduced glutathione (GSH). In addition, a sample containing PULL/PVA and lysozyme was obtained in similar conditions. SEM analysis evidenced the formation of networks with porous structure. The average pore size was found to be between 15.7 μm and 24.5 μm. All samples exhibited viscoelastic behavior typical to networks, the hydrogel strength being influenced by the protein content. Infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed the presence of intermolecular hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions (more pronounced for BSA content between 30% and 70%). The swelling kinetics investigated in buffer solution (pH = 7.4) at 37 °C evidenced a quasi-Fickian diffusion for all samples. The hydrogels were loaded with neomycin trisulfate salt hydrate (taken as a model drug), and the optimum formulations (samples containing 10–30% BSA or 2% lysozyme) proved a sustained drug release over 480 min in simulated physiological conditions. The experimental data were analyzed using different kinetic models in order to investigate the drug release mechanism. Among them, the semi-empirical Korsmeyer–Peppas and Peppas–Sahlin models were suitable to describe in vitro drug release mechanism of neomycin sulfate from the investigated hybrid hydrogels. The structural, viscoelastic, and swelling properties of PULL/PVA/protein hybrid hydrogels are influenced by their composition and preparation conditions, and they represent important factors for in vitro drug release behavior. Full article

Angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels, is a critical factor of carcinogenesis. Neomycin and neamine, two drugs blocking the nuclear translocation of angiogenin (ANG), have been proven to inhibit tumour growth in vivo. However, the high toxicity of neomycin prevents its therapeutic use, thus indicating that the less toxic neamine may be a better candidate. Endothelial cells were cultured on a biocompatible multiple microelectrode array (MMA). The release of NO evoked by ANG or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was detected electrochemically. The effects of neomycin and neamine on ANG- and VEGF-induced NO releases have been investigated. Neomycin totally blocks NO release for concentrations down to the pM range, probably through the inhibition of the Akt kinase phosphorylation, as revealed by confocal microscopy. On the other hand, both ANG- and VEGF-induced NO releases were not significantly hindered by the presence of high concentrations of neamine. The inhibition of the Akt pathway and NO release are expected to lead to a severe decrease in tissue growth and repair, thus indicating a possible cause for the toxicity of neomycin. Furthermore, the data presented here show that ANG- and VEGF-induced NO releases are not dependent on the nuclear translocation of angiogenin, as these events were not abolished by the presence of neamine. Full article

The present investigation aims to improve the antimicrobial influence of certain antibacterial drugs, namely, neomycin (NEO), exploiting the benefits of natural oils such as tea tree oil (TTO). Therefore, a distinctive nanolipid formulation, namely, a nanoemulsion (NE), was developed using a Central Composite Factorial Design (CCD) approach depending on the amount of TTO and tween 80 as surfactant. The optimized NEO-NE formula exhibiting minimum globular size and maximum in vitro release was selected. For efficient topical delivery, NEO-NE was incorporated into a pre-formulated hydrogel. The developed NEO-NE-hydrogel was characterized by its physical characteristics such as pH, viscosity, and spreadability. Next, it was tested for stability under different conditions for 3 months. Ultimately, an irritation test was conducted followed by an antibacterial examination. The preparation demonstrated acceptable properties to be successfully applied topically. It showed non-significant changes in stability in both conditions up to 3 months storage when compared to a fresh preparation. It exhibited no irritation when applied on hairless animal skin. Finally, TTO revealed a good inhibition for the bacterial growth that could improve the influence of NEO antibacterial activity, indicating the efficiency of NE containing NEO prepared with TTO to be a promising antibacterial nanocarrier. Full article

Drug administration to the wound site is a potential method for wound healing. The drug retention duration should be extended, and drug permeability through the buccal mucosal layer should be regulated. Oral wounds can be caused by inflammation, ulcers, trauma, or pathological lesions; if these wounds are not treated properly, they can lead to pain, infection, and subsequent undesirable scarring. This study aimed to develop Kolliphor-407 P-based gel containing neomycin sulfate (NES) loaded in solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and enhance the antimicrobial activity. By considering lipid concentrations and achieving the lowest particle size (Y1) and maximum entrapment (EE-Y2) effectiveness, the formulation of NES-SLN was optimized using the Box–Behnken design. For the selected responses, 17 runs were formulated (as anticipated by the Design-Expert software) and evaluated accordingly. The optimized formulation could achieve a particle size of 196.25 and EE of 89.27% and was further utilized to prepare the gel formulation. The NES-SLN-G formula was discovered to have a smooth, homogeneous structure and good mechanical and rheological properties. After 24 h of treatment, NES-SLN-G showed a regulated in vitro drug release pattern, excellent ex vivo permeability, and increased in vitro antibacterial activity. These findings indicate the potential application of NES-SLN-loaded gels as a promising formulation for buccal mucosal wound healing. Full article

The development of externally controlled drug delivery systems that can rapidly trigger drug release is widely expected to change the landscape of future drug carriers. In this study, a drug delivery system was developed for on-demand therapeutic effects. The thermoresponsive paraffin film can be loaded on the basis of therapeutic need, including local anesthetic (lidocaine) or topical antibiotic (neomycin), controlled remotely by a portable mini-heater. The application of mild temperature (45 °C) to the drug-loaded paraffin film allowed a rapid stimulus response within a short time (5 min). This system exploits regular drug release and the rapid generation of mild heat to trigger a burst release of 80% within 6 h of any locally administered drug. The in vitro drug release studies and in vivo therapeutic activity were observed for local anesthesia and wound healing using a neomycin-loaded film. The studies demonstrated on-demand drug release with minimized inflammation and microbial infection. This temperature-responsive drug-loaded film can be triggered remotely to provide flexible control of dose magnitude and timing. Our preclinical studies on these remotely adjustable drug delivery systems can significantly improve patient compliance and medical practice. Full article