Search Results (4,256)

The Mycoplasmataceae are a family of bacteria that typically cause respiratory, arthritic, and genitourinary disease in humans. Mycoplasma spp. of animal origin are also the causative agents of porcine wheezing disease, chronic respiratory disease and arthritis in chickens and other conditions. These diseases have a significant impact on public health and the economic development of livestock breeding. Clinical prevention and treatment of mycoplasma infections is primarily dependent on the use of antibiotics. However, inappropriate and excessive use of antimicrobials has enabled resistance development that has become a significant clinical concern. Mycoplasma are also robust biofilm producers, and this process is a major factor for the persistence of these infections, especially in conjunction with common antibiotic resistance mechanisms, including target gene mutations and the action of efflux pumps. A mycoplasma biofilm refers to a structured and stable microbial community formed by Mycoplasma spp. adhering to biological or non-biological surfaces under suitable conditions and secreting extracellular polymers (EPS) such as polysaccharides. This process allows the microorganisms to adapt to their surrounding environment and survive during the growth process. These biofilms render bacteria more resistant to antimicrobials than planktonic bacteria, resulting in biofilm-associated infections that are more challenging to eradicate and more likely to recur. The current study reviews progress from the fields of biofilm formation, structure and identification, correlations between biofilms and drug resistance and virulence as well as methods of biofilm prevention and control. Our aim was to provide a reference basis for the subsequent in-depth understanding of the research of mycoplasma biofilms. Full article

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

Developing a rapidly gel-forming, in situ sprayable hydrogel with wound dressing functionality is essential for enhancing the wound healing process. In this study, a novel sprayable hydrogel-based wound dressing was developed by combining thermo- and pH- responsive polymers including Pluronic F127 (PF127) and N-succinyl chitosan (NSC). NSC was prepared by modifying chitosan with succinic anhydride, as confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The NSC synthesized using a succinic anhydride-to-chitosan molar ratio of 5:1 exhibited the highest degree of substitution, resulting in a water-soluble polymer effective over a broad pH range. The formulation process of the PF127:NSC sprayable hydrogel was optimized and evaluated based on its sol–gel phase transition behavior, clarity, gelation time, liquid and moisture management, stability, and cytotoxicity. These properties can be suitably tailored by adjusting the concentrations of PF127 and NSC. Moreover, the antioxidant capacity of the hydrogels was enhanced by incorporating Azadirachta indica (neem) extract, a bioactive compound, into the optimized sprayable hydrogel. Both neem release and antioxidant activity increased in a dose-dependent manner. Overall, the developed sprayable hydrogel exhibited favorable sprayability, appropriate gelation properties, controlled drug release, and antioxidant activity, underscoring its promising translational potential as a wound dressing. Full article

The intra-articular application of drugs has gained considerable interest with regard to formulations for advanced drug delivery systems. It has been identified as a potential route for local drug delivery. A drug agent is usually incorporated into the hydrogel to prolong and control the drug release. This study aimed to design and evaluate an intra-articular hydrogel based sodium hyaluronate, which was modified with an additional polymer to enable the sustained release of the incorporated anti-inflammatory agent, diclofenac sodium (NaDic). Viscosity studies, drug release tests and FTIR−ATR measurements, as well as DSC analysis, were carried out to evaluate the obtained formulations. The viscosity measurements were performed using a rotational viscometer. The drug release was carried out by employing the apparatus paddle over the disk. The concentration of the released drug was obtained spectrophotometrically. The results revealed that the addition of the second polymer to the matrix influenced the dynamic viscosity of the hydrogels. The highest viscosity of (25.33 ± 0.55) × 10³ cP was observed when polyacrylic acid (PA) was doped in the formulation. This was due to the hydrogen bond formation between both polymers. The FTIR−ATR investigations and DSC study revealed the hydrogen bond formation between the drug and both polymers. The drug was released the slowest from hydrogel doped with PA and 17.2 ± 3.7% of NaDic was transported to the acceptor fluid within 8 h. The hydrogel based on hyaluronan sodium doped with PA and containing NaDic is a promising formulation for the prolonged and controlled intra-articulate drug delivery of anti-inflammatory agents. Full article

In this study, a pH-responsive molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) drug carrier was developed utilizing boric acid-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) as the substrate. The carrier was engineered for controlled drug release, with capecitabine (CAPE) being selected as the template molecule due to its structural characteristics and clinical relevance. In vitro drug release studies demonstrated the pH-responsive release behaviors of the fabricated carrier, highlighting its promising applicability in the controlled release of pharmaceutical compounds containing cis-diols, particularly for site-specific therapy where pH variations serve as physiological triggers. 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

Colchicine is a potent alkaloid with well-established anti-inflammatory properties. It shows significant promise in treating classic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, as well as associated cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis. However, its clinical use is limited by a narrow therapeutic window, dose-limiting systemic toxicity, variable bioavailability, and clinically significant drug–drug interactions, partly mediated by modulation of P-glycoprotein and cytochrome P450 3A4 metabolism. This review explores advanced delivery strategies designed to overcome these limitations. We critically evaluate lipid-based systems, such as solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, transferosomes, ethosomes, and cubosomes; polymer-based nanoparticles; microneedles; and implants, including drug-eluting stents. These systems ensure targeted delivery, improve pharmacokinetics, and reduce toxicity. Additionally, we discuss chemical derivatization approaches, such as prodrugs, codrugs, and strategic ring modifications (A-, B-, and C-rings), aimed at optimizing both the efficacy and safety profile of colchicine. Combinatorial nanoformulations that enable the co-delivery of colchicine with synergistic agents, such as glucocorticoids and statins, as well as theranostic platforms that integrate therapeutic and diagnostic functions, are also considered. These innovative delivery systems and derivatives have the potential to transform colchicine therapy by broadening its clinical applications while minimizing adverse effects. Future challenges include scalable manufacturing, long-term safety validation, and the translation of research into clinical practice. Full article

Nanotechnologies bring a rapid paradigm shift in hard and soft bone tissue regeneration (BTR) through unprecedented control over the nanoscale structures and chemistry of biocompatible materials to regenerate the intricate architecture and functional adaptability of bone. This review focuses on the transformative analyses and prospects of current and next-generation nanomaterials in designing bioactive bone scaffolds, emphasizing hierarchical architecture, mechanical resilience, and regenerative precision. Mainly, this review elucidated the innovative findings, new capabilities, unmet challenges, and possible future opportunities associated with biocompatible inorganic ceramics (e.g., phosphates, metallic oxides) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) approved synthetic polymers, including their nanoscale structures. Furthermore, this review demonstrates the newly available approaches for achieving customized standard porosity, mechanical strengths, and accelerated bioactivity to construct an optimized nanomaterial-oriented scaffold. Numerous strategies including three-dimensional bioprinting, electro-spinning techniques and meticulous nanomaterials (NMs) fabrication are well established to achieve radical scientific precision in BTR engineering. The contemporary research is unceasingly decoding the pathways for spatial and temporal release of osteoinductive agents to enhance targeted therapy and prompt healing processes. Additionally, successful material design and integration of an osteoinductive and osteoconductive agents with the blend of contemporary technologies will bring radical success in this field. Furthermore, machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) can further decode the current complexities of material design for BTR, notwithstanding the fact that these methods call for an in-depth understanding of bone composition, relationships and impacts on biochemical processes, distribution of stem cells on the matrix, and functionalization strategies of NMs for better scaffold development. Overall, this review integrated important technological progress with ethical considerations, aiming for a future where nanotechnology-facilitated bone regeneration is boosted by enhanced functionality, safety, inclusivity, and long-term environmental responsibility. Therefore, the assimilation of a specialized research design, while upholding ethical standards, will elucidate the challenge and questions we are presently encountering. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable materials has led to increased interest in biodegradable polymer fibers and nonwoven mats due to their eco-friendly characteristics and potential to reduce plastic pollution. This review highlights how mechanical properties influence the performance and suitability of biodegradable polymer fibers across diverse applications. This covers synthetic polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyglycolic acid (PGA), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), as well as natural polymers including chitosan, collagen, cellulose, alginate, silk fibroin, and starch-based polymers. A range of fiber production methods is discussed, including electrospinning, centrifugal spinning, spunbonding, melt blowing, melt spinning, and wet spinning, with attention to how each technique influences tensile strength, elongation, and modulus. The review also addresses advances in composite fibers, nanoparticle incorporation, crosslinking methods, and post-processing strategies that improve mechanical behavior. In addition, mechanical testing techniques such as tensile test machine, atomic force microscopy, and dynamic mechanical analysis are examined to show how fabrication parameters influence fiber performance. This review examines the mechanical performance of biodegradable polymer fibers and fibrous mats, emphasizing their potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional materials in applications such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, medical implants, wound dressings, packaging, and filtration. Full article

This study explores the development of a topical film-forming spray infused with phytobiotic herbs to extend egg shelf life and maintain its quality. Unlike traditional surface treatments, film-forming sprays provide uniform drug distribution, better bioavailability, effective CO₂ retention by sealing pores, and antibacterial effects. The spray includes a polymer to encapsulate phytoconstituents and form the film. The resulting film is highly water-resistant, glossy, transparent, and dries within two minutes. SEM analysis showed a fine, uniform morphology, while zeta analysis revealed a negative potential of −0.342 mV and conductivity of 0.390 mS/cm, indicating stable dispersion. The spray’s effectiveness was tested on 640 chicken eggs stored at varying temperatures. Eggs treated and kept at 2–8 °C showed the best results, with smaller air cells, higher specific gravity, and superior quality indicators such as pH, albumen weight, albumen height and index, Haugh unit, yolk weight, and yolk index. Additionally, the spray significantly reduced microbial load, including total plate count and E. coli. Eggs stored at 28 °C remained safe for 24–30 days, while those at 2–8 °C lasted over 42 days. This innovative film-forming spray offers a promising approach for preserving internal and external egg quality during storage. Full article

Biopolymer films doped with active substances may become a promising alternative to traditional dressings for skin wounds, as they can deliver drugs while maintaining wound moisture, thus contributing to the healing process. This article describes the preparation of amygdalin-doped biopolymer films for in vitro testing against the bacterial strains typical of chronic wounds: E. coli and S. aureus. Thus, FTIR characterization suggests minimal chemical interaction between amygdalin and the biopolymer matrix components, indicating potential compatibility, while thermogravimetric analysis highlights the thermal behavior of the films as well as the influence of the polymer matrix composition on the amount of bound water and the shift of T_peak value for the decomposition process of the base polymer. Moreover, the identity of the secondary biopolymer (gelatin or CMC) significantly influences film morphology and antibacterial performance. Full article

Background: Precision medicine refers to the formulation of personalized drug regimens according to the individual characteristics of patients to achieve optimal efficacy and minimize adverse reactions. Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as three-dimensional (3D) printing, has emerged as an optimal solution for precision drug delivery, enabling customizable and the fabrication of multifunctional structures with precise control over morphology and release behavior in pharmaceutics. However, the influence of 3D printing parameters on the printed tablets, especially regarding in vitro and in vivo performance, remains poorly understood, limiting the optimization of manufacturing processes for controlled-release profiles. Objective: To establish the fabrication process of 3D-printed controlled-release tablets via comprehensively understanding the printing parameters using fused deposition modeling (FDM) combined with hot-melt extrusion (HME) technologies. HPMC-AS/HPC-EF was used as the drug delivery matrix and carbamazepine (CBZ) was used as a model drug to investigate the in vitro drug delivery performance of the printed tablets. Methodology: Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was employed to assess the thermal compatibility of CBZ with HPMC-AS/HPC-EF excipients up to 230 °C, surpassing typical processing temperatures (160–200 °C). The formation of stable amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) was validated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), hot-stage polarized light microscopy (PLM), and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). A 15-group full factorial design was then used to evaluate the effects of the fan speed (20–100%), platform temperature (40–80 °C), and printing speed (20–100 mm/s) on the tablet properties. Response surface modeling (RSM) with inverse square-root transformation was applied to analyze the dissolution kinetics, specifically t_50% (time for 50% drug release) and Q_4h (drug released at 4 h). Results: TGA confirmed the thermal compatibility of CBZ with HPMC-AS/HPC-EF, enabling stable ASD formation validated by DSC, PLM, and PXRD. The full factorial design revealed that printing speed was the dominant parameter governing dissolution behavior, with high speeds accelerating release and low speeds prolonging release through porosity-modulated diffusion control. RSM quadratic models showed optimal fits for t_50% (R² = 0.9936) and Q_4h (R² = 0.9019), highlighting the predictability of release kinetics via process parameter tuning. This work demonstrates the adaptability of polymer composite AM for tailoring drug release profiles, balancing mechanical integrity, release kinetics, and manufacturing scalability to advance multifunctional 3D-printed drug delivery devices in pharmaceutics. 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

According to the World Health Organization, musculoskeletal injuries affect more than 1.71 billion people around the world. These injuries are a major public health issue and the leading cause of disability. There has been a recent interest in hydrogels as a potential biomaterial for musculoskeletal tissue regeneration. This is due to their high water content (70–99%), ECM-like structure, injectability, and controllable degradation rates. Recent preclinical studies indicate that they can enhance regeneration by modulating the release of bioactive compounds, growth factors, and stem cells. Composite hydrogels that combine natural and synthetic polymers, like chitosan and collagen, have compressive moduli that are advantageous for tendon–bone healing. Some of these hydrogels can even hold up to 0.8 MPa of tensile strength. In osteoarthritis models, functionalized systems such as microspheres responsive to matrix metalloproteinase-13 have demonstrated disease modulation and targeted drug delivery, while intelligent in situ hydrogels have exhibited a 43% increase in neovascularization and a 50% enhancement in myotube production. Hydrogel-based therapies have been shown to restore contractile force by as much as 80%, increase myofiber density by 65%, and boost ALP activity in bone defects by 2.1 times in volumetric muscle loss (VML) models. Adding TGF-β3 or MSCs to hydrogel systems improved GAG content by about 60%, collagen II expression by 35–50%, and O’Driscoll scores by 35–50% in cartilage regeneration. Full article

This review critically examines the recent advancements in the development and application of electrospun molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) nanofiber membranes for environmental remediation. Emphasizing the significance of these materials, the discussion highlights the mechanisms by which electrospun MIPs achieve high selectivity and efficiency in removing various pollutants, including dyes, heavy metals, and pharmaceutical residues such as NSAIDs and antiretroviral drugs. The synthesis methodologies are explored in detail, focusing on the choice of monomers, templates, and polymerization conditions that influence the structural and functional properties of the membranes. Characterization techniques used to assess morphology, surface area, porosity, and imprinting efficacy are also examined, providing insights into how these parameters affect adsorption performance. Furthermore, the review evaluates the performance metrics of electrospun MIPs, including adsorption capacities, selectivity, reusability, and stability in complex environmental matrices. Practical considerations, such as scalability, regeneration, and long-term operational stability, are discussed to assess their potential for real-world applications. The article concludes with an outline of future research directions, emphasizing the need for multi-template imprinting, integration with existing treatment technologies, and field-scale validation to address current limitations. Full article