Editorial

2 pages, 191 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Editorial on the Special Issue “Advances in Nanogels”

by Chien-Chi Lin, Emanuele Mauri and Filippo Rossi

Gels 2022, 8(12), 835; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/gels8120835 - 17 Dec 2022

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In recent decades, the rise of nanotechnology has led to the design of innovative nano-biomaterials which are used to improve pharmacological therapies and assist with disease diagnosis [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanogels)

Research

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19 pages, 3243 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Characterization of Conjugated Hyaluronic Acids. Application to Stability Studies of Chitosan-Hyaluronic Acid Nanogels Based on Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer

by Volodymyr Malytskyi, Juliette Moreau, Maité Callewaert, Céline Henoumont, Cyril Cadiou, Cécile Feuillie, Sophie Laurent, Michael Molinari and Françoise Chuburu

Gels 2022, 8(3), 182; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/gels8030182 - 15 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2799

Abstract

Hyaluronic acid (HA) was functionalized with a series of amino synthons (octylamine, polyethylene glycol amine, trifluoropropyl amine, rhodamine). Sodium hyaluronate (HAs) was first converted into its protonated form (HAp) and the reaction was conducted in DMSO by varying the initial ratio (−NH₂ [...] Read more.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) was functionalized with a series of amino synthons (octylamine, polyethylene glycol amine, trifluoropropyl amine, rhodamine). Sodium hyaluronate (HAs) was first converted into its protonated form (HAp) and the reaction was conducted in DMSO by varying the initial ratio (−NH₂ (synthon)/COOH (HAp)). HA derivatives were characterized by a combination of techniques (FTIR, ¹H NMR, 1D diffusion-filtered ¹⁹F NMR, DOSY experiments), and degrees of substitution (DS_HA) varying from 0.3% to 47% were determined, according to the grafted synthon. Nanohydrogels were then obtained by ionic gelation between functionalized hyaluronic acids and chitosan (CS) and tripolyphosphate (TPP) as a cross-linker. Nanohydrogels for which HA and CS were respectively labeled by rhodamine and fluorescein which are a fluorescent donor-acceptor pair were subjected to FRET experiments to evaluate the stability of these nano-assemblies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanogels)

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15 pages, 2459 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Formulation Development and Evaluation of Pravastatin-Loaded Nanogel for Hyperlipidemia Management

by Gaurav Kant Saraogi, Siddharth Tholiya, Yachana Mishra, Vijay Mishra, Aqel Albutti, Pallavi Nayak and Murtaza M. Tambuwala

Gels 2022, 8(2), 81; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/gels8020081 - 28 Jan 2022

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3833

Abstract

Hyperlipidemia is a crucial risk factor for the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis, ultimately leading to cardiovascular disease. The nanogel-based nanoplatform has emerged as an extremely promising drug delivery technology. Pravastatin Sodium (PS) is a cholesterol-lowering drug used to treat hyperlipidemia. This study [...] Read more.

Hyperlipidemia is a crucial risk factor for the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis, ultimately leading to cardiovascular disease. The nanogel-based nanoplatform has emerged as an extremely promising drug delivery technology. Pravastatin Sodium (PS) is a cholesterol-lowering drug used to treat hyperlipidemia. This study aimed to fabricate Pravastatin-loaded nanogel for evaluation of its effect in hyperlipidemia treatment. Pravastatin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (PS-CS-NPs) were prepared by the ionic gelation method; then, these prepared NPs were converted to nanogel by adding a specified amount of 5% poloxamer solution. Various parameters, including drug entrapment efficacy, in vitro drug release, and hemolytic activity of the developed and optimized formulation, were evaluated. The in vitro drug release of the nanogel formulation revealed the sustained release (59.63% in 24 h) of the drug. The drug excipients compatibility studies revealed no interaction between the drug and the screened excipients. Higher drug entrapment efficacy was observed. The hemolytic activity showed lesser toxicity in nanoformulation than the pure drug solution. These findings support the prospective use of orally administered pravastatin-loaded nanogel as an effective and safe nano delivery system in hyperlipidemia treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanogels)

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26 pages, 3218 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development, Characterization, and Evaluation of α-Mangostin-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticle Gel for Topical Therapy in Skin Cancer

by Shadab Md, Nabil A. Alhakamy, Thikryat Neamatallah, Samah Alshehri, Md Ali Mujtaba, Yassine Riadi, Ammu K. Radhakrishnan, Habibullah Khalilullah, Manish Gupta and Md Habban Akhter

Gels 2021, 7(4), 230; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/gels7040230 - 24 Nov 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2629

Abstract

The aim of this study was to prepare and evaluate α-mangostin-loaded polymeric nanoparticle gel (α-MNG-PLGA) formulation to enhance α-mangostin delivery in an epidermal carcinoma. The poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) were developed using the emulsion–diffusion–evaporation technique with a 3-level 3-factor Box–Behnken [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to prepare and evaluate α-mangostin-loaded polymeric nanoparticle gel (α-MNG-PLGA) formulation to enhance α-mangostin delivery in an epidermal carcinoma. The poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) were developed using the emulsion–diffusion–evaporation technique with a 3-level 3-factor Box–Behnken design. The NPs were characterized and evaluated for particle size distribution, zeta potential (mV), drug release, and skin permeation. The formulated PLGA NPs were converted into a preformed carbopol gel base and were further evaluated for texture analysis, the cytotoxic effect of PLGA NPs against B16-F10 melanoma cells, and in vitro radical scavenging activity. The nanoscale particles were spherical, consistent, and average in size (168.06 ± 17.02 nm), with an entrapment efficiency (EE) of 84.26 ± 8.23% and a zeta potential of −25.3 ± 7.1 mV. Their drug release percentages in phosphate-buffered solution (PBS) at pH 7.4 and pH 6.5 were 87.07 ± 6.95% and 89.50 ± 9.50%, respectively. The release of α-MNG from NPs in vitro demonstrated that the biphasic release system, namely, immediate release in the initial phase, was accompanied by sustained drug release. The texture study of the developed α-MNG-PLGA NPs gel revealed its characteristics, including viscosity, hardness, consistency, and cohesiveness. The drug flux from α-MNG-PLGA NPs gel and α-MNG gel was 79.32 ± 7.91 and 16.88 ± 7.18 µg/cm²/h in 24 h, respectively. The confocal study showed that α-MNG-PLGA NPs penetrated up to 230.02 µm deep into the skin layer compared to 15.21 µm by dye solution. MTT assay and radical scavenging potential indicated that α-MNG-PLGA NPs gel had a significant cytotoxic effect and antioxidant effect compared to α-MNG gel (p < 0.05). Thus, using the developed α-MNG-PLGA in treating skin cancer could be a promising approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanogels)

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17 pages, 3280 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Functionalized Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-Based Microgels in Tumor Targeting and Drug Delivery

by Simona Campora, Reham Mohsen, Daniel Passaro, Howida Samir, Hesham Ashraf, Saif El-Din Al-Mofty, Ayman A. Diab, Ibrahim M. El-Sherbiny, Martin J. Snowden and Giulio Ghersi

Gels 2021, 7(4), 203; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/gels7040203 - 08 Nov 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2992

Abstract

Over the past several decades, the development of engineered small particles as targeted and drug delivery systems (TDDS) has received great attention thanks to the possibility to overcome the limitations of classical cancer chemotherapy, including targeting incapability, nonspecific action and, consequently, systemic toxicity. [...] Read more.

Over the past several decades, the development of engineered small particles as targeted and drug delivery systems (TDDS) has received great attention thanks to the possibility to overcome the limitations of classical cancer chemotherapy, including targeting incapability, nonspecific action and, consequently, systemic toxicity. Thus, this research aims at using a novel design of Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) p(NIPAM)-based microgels to specifically target cancer cells and avoid the healthy ones, which is expected to decrease or eliminate the side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs. Smart NIPAM-based microgels were functionalized with acrylic acid and coupled to folic acid (FA), targeting the folate receptors overexpressed by cancer cells and to the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (Dox). The successful conjugation of FA and Dox was demonstrated by dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UV-VIS analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Furthermore, viability assay performed on cancer and healthy breast cells, suggested the microgels’ biocompatibility and the cytotoxic effect of the conjugated drug. On the other hand, the specific tumor targeting of synthetized microgels was demonstrated by a co-cultured (healthy and cancer cells) assay monitored using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Results suggest successful targeting of cancer cells and drug release. These data support the use of pNIPAM-based microgels as good candidates as TDDS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanogels)

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Review

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18 pages, 865 KiB

Open AccessReview

Multifunctional Polymeric Nanogels for Biomedical Applications

by Tisana Kaewruethai, Chavee Laomeephol, Yue Pan and Jittima Amie Luckanagul

Gels 2021, 7(4), 228; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/gels7040228 - 23 Nov 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3452

Abstract

Currently, research in nanoparticles as a drug delivery system has broadened to include their use as a delivery system for bioactive substances and a diagnostic or theranostic system. Nanogels, nanoparticles containing a high amount of water, have gained attention due to their advantages [...] Read more.

Currently, research in nanoparticles as a drug delivery system has broadened to include their use as a delivery system for bioactive substances and a diagnostic or theranostic system. Nanogels, nanoparticles containing a high amount of water, have gained attention due to their advantages of colloidal stability, core-shell structure, and adjustable structural components. These advantages provide the potential to design and fabricate multifunctional nanosystems for various biomedical applications. Modified or functionalized polymers and some metals are components that markedly enhance the features of the nanogels, such as tunable amphiphilicity, biocompatibility, stimuli-responsiveness, or sensing moieties, leading to specificity, stability, and tracking abilities. Here, we review the diverse designs of core-shell structure nanogels along with studies on the fabrication and demonstration of the responsiveness of nanogels to different stimuli, temperature, pH, reductive environment, or radiation. Furthermore, additional biomedical applications are presented to illustrate the versatility of the nanogels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanogels)

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19 pages, 849 KiB

Open AccessReview

Phytochemical-Based Nano-Pharmacotherapeutics for Management of Burn Wound Healing

by Abdul Qadir, Samreen Jahan, Mohd Aqil, Musarrat Husain Warsi, Nabil A. Alhakamy, Mohamed A. Alfaleh, Nausheen Khan and Athar Ali

Gels 2021, 7(4), 209; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/gels7040209 - 13 Nov 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4075

Abstract

Medicinal plants have been used since ancient times for their various therapeutic activities and are safer compared to modern medicines, especially when properly identifying and preparing them and choosing an adequate dose administration. The phytochemical compounds present in plants are progressively yielding evidence [...] Read more.

Medicinal plants have been used since ancient times for their various therapeutic activities and are safer compared to modern medicines, especially when properly identifying and preparing them and choosing an adequate dose administration. The phytochemical compounds present in plants are progressively yielding evidence in modern drug delivery systems by treating various diseases like cancers, coronary heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation, microbial, viral and parasitic infections, psychotic diseases, spasmodic conditions, ulcers, etc. The phytochemical requires a rational approach to deliver the compounds to enhance the efficacy and to improve patients’ compatibility. Nanotechnology is emerging as one of the most promising strategies in disease control. Nano-formulations could target certain parts of the body and control drug release. Different studies report that phytochemical-loaded nano-formulations have been tested successfully both in vitro and in vivo for healing of skin wounds. The use of nano systems as drug carriers may reduce the toxicity and enhance the bioavailability of the incorporated drug. In this review, we focus on various nano-phytomedicines that have been used in treating skin burn wounds, and how both nanotechnology and phytochemicals are effective for treating skin burns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanogels)

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16 pages, 894 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Nanogels as a Versatile Drug Delivery System for Brain Cancer

by Brielle Stawicki, Tyler Schacher and Hyunah Cho

Gels 2021, 7(2), 63; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/gels7020063 - 26 May 2021

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 4978

Abstract

Chemotherapy and radiation remain as mainstays in the treatment of a variety of cancers globally, yet some therapies exhibit limited specificity and result in harsh side effects in patients. Brain tissue differs from other tissue due to restrictions from the blood–brain barrier, thus [...] Read more.

Chemotherapy and radiation remain as mainstays in the treatment of a variety of cancers globally, yet some therapies exhibit limited specificity and result in harsh side effects in patients. Brain tissue differs from other tissue due to restrictions from the blood–brain barrier, thus systemic treatment options are limited. The focus of this review is on nanogels as local and systemic drug delivery systems in the treatment of brain cancer. Nanogels are a unique local or systemic drug delivery system that is tailorable and consists of a three-dimensional polymeric network formed via physical or chemical assembly. For example, thermosensitive nanogels show promise in their ability to incorporate therapeutic agents in nano-structured matrices, be applied in the forms of sprays or sols to the area from which a tumor has been removed, form adhesive gels to fill the cavity and deliver treatment locally. Their usage does come with complications, such as handling, storage, chemical stability, and degradation. Despite these limitations, the current ongoing development of nanogels allows patient-centered treatment that can be considered as a promising tool for the management of brain cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanogels)

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23 pages, 2217 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Synthesis of Nanogels: Current Trends and Future Outlook

by Emanuele Mauri, Sara Maria Giannitelli, Marcella Trombetta and Alberto Rainer

Gels 2021, 7(2), 36; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/gels7020036 - 29 Mar 2021

Cited by 73 | Viewed by 8068

Abstract

Nanogels represent an innovative platform for tunable drug release and targeted therapy in several biomedical applications, ranging from cancer to neurological disorders. The design of these nanocarriers is a pivotal topic investigated by the researchers over the years, with the aim to optimize [...] Read more.

Nanogels represent an innovative platform for tunable drug release and targeted therapy in several biomedical applications, ranging from cancer to neurological disorders. The design of these nanocarriers is a pivotal topic investigated by the researchers over the years, with the aim to optimize the procedures and provide advanced nanomaterials. Chemical reactions, physical interactions and the developments of engineered devices are the three main areas explored to overcome the shortcomings of the traditional nanofabrication approaches. This review proposes a focus on the current techniques used in nanogel design, highlighting the upgrades in physico-chemical methodologies, microfluidics and 3D printing. Polymers and biomolecules can be combined to produce ad hoc nanonetworks according to the final curative aims, preserving the criteria of biocompatibility and biodegradability. Controlled polymerization, interfacial reactions, sol-gel transition, manipulation of the fluids at the nanoscale, lab-on-a-chip technology and 3D printing are the leading strategies to lean on in the next future and offer new solutions to the critical healthcare scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanogels)

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