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Polymer-Based Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Applications

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 May 2022) | Viewed by 40779

Special Issue Editor

1. Center for Marine Sciences (CCMar), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
2. Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences (iBB), Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: the development of new drug delivery systems by means of colloidal carriers; the structural characterization of proteins entrapped into micro- and nanocarriers; the lyophilization of biopharmaceuticals; the targeted and controlled delivery of drugs across biological barriers; the solid-state characterization of pharmaceuticals and the drying of pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals; regenerative medicine
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymer nanoparticles are versatile carriers for the delivery of drugs through different delivery routes. This versatility turns them into excellent tools for the development of innovative drug delivery systems. In fact, they can deliver different types of drugs such as conventional drugs, proteins, and nucleic acids in a sustained, controlled, or targeted manner, while simultaneously protecting the stability of the loaded drug. In particular, active and passive targeting can improve the therapeutic effect of drugs and decrease their systemic toxicity, which is very important in the treatment of severe diseases such as cancer, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and others.

Polymers from natural (e.g., alginate, chitosan, cellulose, etc.) or synthetic (e. g. PLA, PLGA, PEG, etc.) sources can be used individually or combined to tailor-make polymer nanoparticles for drug delivery applications. Different production techniques such as solvent diffusion, solvent evaporation, nanoprecipitation, dialysis, spray-drying, and emulsification can be used to produce polymer-based nanoparticles. When focusing on drug delivery, the biocompatibility and toxicity of the delivery system are two important aspects to address.

Other strategies, like the combination with other materials or the use of polymers responsive to stimuli such as light, temperature, pH, electric field, are promising approaches to developing polymer-based nanoparticles for the delivery of drugs and the enhancement of the therapeutic outcome of therapies.

This Special Issue aims to provide an overview about the recent advances in the delivery of drugs using polymer-based nanoparticles, focusing on promising strategies for the improvement of therapies and of patients’ quality of life.

As the Guest Editor, I cordially invite all researchers to contribute original research articles or reviews on this important and exciting research field.

Dr. Pedro Fonte
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Polymer nanoparticle
  • Drug delivery
  • Biopharmaceutical
  • Protein delivery
  • Nanomedicine
  • Biomaterial
  • Nucleic acid
  • Natural polymer
  • Synthetic polymer
  • Nanocomposite

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 5521 KiB  
Article
pH and Redox-Dual Sensitive Chitosan Nanoparticles Having Methyl Ester and Disulfide Linkages for Drug Targeting against Cholangiocarcinoma Cells
by Ju-Il Yang, Hye Lim Lee, Je-Jung Yun, Jungsoo Kim, Kyoung-Ha So, Young-IL Jeong and Dae-Hwan Kang
Materials 2022, 15(11), 3795; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15113795 - 26 May 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1567
Abstract
The aim of this study is to prepare pH- and redox-sensitive nanoparticles for doxorubicin (DOX) delivery against DOX-resistant HuCC-T1 human cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cells. For this purpose, L-histidine methyl ester (HIS) was attached to chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) via dithiodipropionic acid (abbreviated as ChitoHISss). DOX-incorporated [...] Read more.
The aim of this study is to prepare pH- and redox-sensitive nanoparticles for doxorubicin (DOX) delivery against DOX-resistant HuCC-T1 human cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cells. For this purpose, L-histidine methyl ester (HIS) was attached to chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) via dithiodipropionic acid (abbreviated as ChitoHISss). DOX-incorporated nanoparticles of ChitoHISss conjugates were fabricated by a dialysis procedure. DOX-resistant HuCC-T1 cells were prepared by repetitive exposure of HuCC-T1 cells to DOX. ChitoHISss nanoparticles showed spherical morphology with a small diameter of less than 200 nm. The acid pH and glutathione (GSH) addition induced changes in the size distribution pattern of ChitoHISss nanoparticles from a narrow/monomodal distribution pattern to a wide/multimodal pattern and increased the fluorescence intensity of the nanoparticle solution. These results indicate that a physicochemical transition of nanoparticles can occur in an acidic pH or redox state. The more acidic the pH or the higher the GSH concentration the higher the drug release rate was, indicating that an acidic environment or higher redox states accelerated drug release from ChitoHISss nanoparticles. Whereas free DOX showed decreased anticancer activity at DOX-resistant HuCC-T1 cells, DOX-incorporated ChitoHISss nanoparticles showed dose-dependent anticancer activity. Intracellular delivery of DOX-incorporated ChitoHISss nanoparticles was relatively increased at an acidic pH and in the presence of GSH, indicating that DOX-incorporated ChitoHISss nanoparticles have superior acidic pH- and redox-sensitive behavior. In an in vivo tumor xenograft model, DOX-incorporated ChitoHISss nanoparticles were specifically delivered to tumor tissues and then efficiently inhibited tumor growth. We suggest that ChitoHISss nanoparticles are a promising candidate for treatment of CCA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Applications)
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19 pages, 1271 KiB  
Article
Development and Characterizations of Pullulan and Maltodextrin-Based Oral Fast-Dissolving Films Employing a Box–Behnken Experimental Design
by Kiramat Ali Shah, Binbin Gao, Robia Kamal, Anam Razzaq, Sun Qi, Qiu-Ning Zhu, Song Lina, Linyu Huang, Grainne Cremin, Haroon Iqbal, Farid Menaa and Jing-Hao Cui
Materials 2022, 15(10), 3591; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15103591 - 18 May 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2321
Abstract
Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by severe headaches, visual aversions, auditory, and olfactory disorders, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Zolmitriptan (ZMT®) is a potent 5HT1B/1D serotonin receptor agonist frequently used for the treatment of migraine. It has erratic absorption from [...] Read more.
Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by severe headaches, visual aversions, auditory, and olfactory disorders, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Zolmitriptan (ZMT®) is a potent 5HT1B/1D serotonin receptor agonist frequently used for the treatment of migraine. It has erratic absorption from the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), but its oral bioavailability is low (40–45%) due to the hepatic metabolism. This makes it an ideal candidate for oral fast dissolving formulations. Hence, the current study was undertaken to design and develop oral fast-dissolving films (OFDFs) containing ZMT for migraine treatment. The OFDFs were formulated by the solvent casting method (SCM) using Pullulan (PU) and maltodextrin (MDX) as film-forming agents and propylene glycol (PG) as a plasticizer. The strategy was designed using Box–Behnken experimental design considering the proportion of PU:MDX and percentage of PG as independent variables. The effectiveness of the OFDF’s was measured based on the following responses: drug release at five min, disintegration time (D-time), and tensile strength (TS). The influence of formulation factors, including percent elongation (%E), thickness, water content, moisture absorption, and folding endurance on ZMT-OFDFs, were also studied. The results showed a successful fabrication of stable ZMT-OFDFs, with surface uniformity and amorphous shape of ZMT in fabricated films. The optimized formulation showed a remarkable rapid dissolution, over 90% within the first 5 min, a fast D-time of 18 s, and excellent mechanical characteristics. Improved maximum plasma concentration (C max) and area under the curve (AUC 0–t) in animals (rats) treated with ZMT-OFDFs compared to those treated with an intra-gastric (i-g) suspension of ZMT were also observed. Copolymer OFDFs with ZMT is an exciting proposition with great potential for the treatment of migraine headache. This study offers a promising strategy for developing ZMT-OFDFs using SCM. ZMT-OFDFs showed remarkable rapid dissolution and fast D-time, which might endeavor ZMT-OFDFs as an auspicious alternative approach to improve patient compliance and shorten the onset time of ZMT in migraine treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Applications)
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13 pages, 1569 KiB  
Article
Novel Synthesis, Characterization and Amoxicillin Release Study of pH-Sensitive Nanosilica/Poly(acrylic acid) Macroporous Hydrogel with High Swelling
by Tannaz Soltanolzakerin Sorkhabi, Mehrab Fallahi Samberan, Krzysztof Adam Ostrowski and Tomasz M. Majka
Materials 2022, 15(2), 469; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15020469 - 08 Jan 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2417
Abstract
The effect of SiO2 nanoparticles on the formation of PAA (poly acrylic acid) gel structure was investigated with seeded emulsion polymerization method used to prepare SiO2/PAA nanoparticles. The morphologies of the nanocomposite nanoparticles were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). [...] Read more.
The effect of SiO2 nanoparticles on the formation of PAA (poly acrylic acid) gel structure was investigated with seeded emulsion polymerization method used to prepare SiO2/PAA nanoparticles. The morphologies of the nanocomposite nanoparticles were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results indicated that the PAA was chemically bonded to the surface of the SiO2 nanoparticles. Additionally, the resulting morphology of the nanocomposite nanoparticles confirmed the co-crosslinking role of the SiO2 nanoparticles in the formation of the 3D structure and hydrogel of PAA. SiO2/PAA nanocomposite hydrogels were synthesized by in situ solution polymerization with and without toluene. The morphology studies by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) showed that when the toluene was used as a pore forming agent in the polymerization process, a macroporous hydrogel structure was achieved. The pH-sensitive swelling behaviors of the nanocomposite hydrogels showed that the formation of pores in the gels structure was a dominant factor on the water absorption capacity. In the current research the absorption capacity was changed from about 500 to 4000 g water/g dry hydrogel. Finally, the macroporous nanocomposite hydrogel sample was tested as an amoxicillin release system in buffer solutions with pHs of 3, 7.2, and 9 at 37 °C. The results showed that the percentage cumulative release of amoxicillin from the hydrogels was higher in neutral and basic mediums than in the acidic medium and the amoxicillin release rate was decreased with increasing pH. Additionally, the release results were very similar to swelling results and hence amoxicillin release was a swelling controlled-release system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Applications)
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16 pages, 24392 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Antitumour and Antiproliferative Effect of Xanthohumol-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles on Melanoma
by Magda Fonseca, Ana S. Macedo, Sofia A. Costa Lima, Salette Reis, Raquel Soares and Pedro Fonte
Materials 2021, 14(21), 6421; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14216421 - 26 Oct 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2187
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer and current treatment is still inadequate, with low patient survival rates. The polyphenol xanthohumol has been shown to inhibit tumourigenesis and metastasization, however its physicochemical properties restrict its application. In this work, we developed [...] Read more.
Cutaneous melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer and current treatment is still inadequate, with low patient survival rates. The polyphenol xanthohumol has been shown to inhibit tumourigenesis and metastasization, however its physicochemical properties restrict its application. In this work, we developed PLGA nanoparticles encapsulating xanthohumol and tested its antiproliferative, antitumour, and migration effect on B16F10, malignant cutaneous melanoma, and RAW 264.7, macrophagic, mouse cell lines. PLGA nanoparticles had a size of 312 ± 41 nm and a PdI of 0.259, while achieving a xanthohumol loading of about 90%. The viability study showed similar cytoxicity between the xanthohumol and xanthohumol-loaded PLGA nanoparticles at 48 h with the IC50 established at 10 µM. Similar antimigration effects were observed for free and the encapsulated xanthohumol. It was also observed that the M1 antitumor phenotype was stimulated on macrophages. The ultimate anti-melanoma effect emerges from an association between the viability, migration and macrophagic phenotype modulation. These results display the remarkable antitumour effect of the xanthohumol-loaded PLGA nanoparticles and are the first advance towards the application of a nanoformulation to deliver xanthohumol to reduce adverse effects by currently employed chemotherapeutics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Applications)
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14 pages, 47940 KiB  
Article
Hyaluronate Functionalized Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Loaded with Carboplatin Enhance Cytotoxicity on Human Cancer Cell Lines
by César Adrián Leyva-González, Daniel Salas-Treviño, Flavio Fernando Contreras-Torres, María de Jesús Loera-Arias, Christian Alexis Gómez-Tristán, Edgar Iván Piña-Mendoza, Gerardo de Jesús García-Rivas, Gloria Arely Guillén-Meléndez, Roberto Montes-de-Oca-Luna, Odila Saucedo-Cárdenas and Adolfo Soto-Domínguez
Materials 2021, 14(13), 3622; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14133622 - 29 Jun 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 1715
Abstract
Cancer is a major global public health problem and conventional chemotherapy has several adverse effects and deficiencies. As a valuable option for chemotherapy, nanomedicine requires novel agents to increase the effects of antineoplastic drugs in multiple cancer models. Since its discovery, carbon nanotubes [...] Read more.
Cancer is a major global public health problem and conventional chemotherapy has several adverse effects and deficiencies. As a valuable option for chemotherapy, nanomedicine requires novel agents to increase the effects of antineoplastic drugs in multiple cancer models. Since its discovery, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are intensively investigated for their use as carriers in drug delivery applications. This study shows the development of a nanovector generated with commercial carbon nanotubes (cCNTs) that were oxidized (oxCNTs) and chemically functionalized with hyaluronic acid (HA) and loaded with carboplatin (CPT). The nanovector, oxCNTs–HA–CPT, was used as a treatment against HeLa and MDA–MB-231 human tumor cell lines. The potential antineoplastic impact of the fabricated nanovector was evaluated in human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) and mammary adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231). The oxCNTs–HA–CPT nanovector demonstrate to have a specific antitumor effect in vitro. The functionalization with HA allows that nanovector bio–directed towards tumor cells, while the toxicity effect is attributed mainly to CPT in a dose-dependent manner. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Applications)
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15 pages, 4960 KiB  
Article
Graphene Oxide Topical Administration: Skin Permeability Studies
by Filipa A. L. S. Silva, Raquel Costa-Almeida, Licínia Timochenco, Sara I. Amaral, Soraia Pinto, Inês C. Gonçalves, José R. Fernandes, Fernão D. Magalhães, Bruno Sarmento and Artur M. Pinto
Materials 2021, 14(11), 2810; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14112810 - 25 May 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3220
Abstract
Nanostructured carriers have been widely used in pharmaceutical formulations for dermatological treatment. They offer targeted drug delivery, sustained release, improved biostability, and low toxicity, usually presenting advantages over conventional formulations. Due to its large surface area, small size and photothermal properties, graphene oxide [...] Read more.
Nanostructured carriers have been widely used in pharmaceutical formulations for dermatological treatment. They offer targeted drug delivery, sustained release, improved biostability, and low toxicity, usually presenting advantages over conventional formulations. Due to its large surface area, small size and photothermal properties, graphene oxide (GO) has the potential to be used for such applications. Nanographene oxide (GOn) presented average sizes of 197.6 ± 11.8 nm, and a surface charge of −39.4 ± 1.8 mV, being stable in water for over 6 months. 55.5% of the mass of GOn dispersion (at a concentration of 1000 µg mL−1) permeated the skin after 6 h of exposure. GOn dispersions have been shown to absorb near-infrared radiation, reaching temperatures up to 45.7 °C, within mild the photothermal therapy temperature range. Furthermore, GOn in amounts superior to those which could permeate the skin were shown not to affect human skin fibroblasts (HFF-1) morphology or viability, after 24 h of incubation. Due to its large size, no skin permeation was observed for graphite particles in aqueous dispersions stabilized with Pluronic P-123 (Gt–P-123). Altogether, for the first time, Gon’s potential as a topic administration agent and for delivery of photothermal therapy has been demonstrated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Applications)
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Review

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38 pages, 3557 KiB  
Review
Insights into Nanomedicine for Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
by Cláudia Viegas, Daniela S. M. Pereira and Pedro Fonte
Materials 2022, 15(6), 2086; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15062086 - 11 Mar 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2280
Abstract
Head and neck cancers rank sixth among the most common cancers today, and the survival rate has remained virtually unchanged over the past 25 years, due to late diagnosis and ineffective treatments. They have two main risk factors, tobacco and alcohol, and human [...] Read more.
Head and neck cancers rank sixth among the most common cancers today, and the survival rate has remained virtually unchanged over the past 25 years, due to late diagnosis and ineffective treatments. They have two main risk factors, tobacco and alcohol, and human papillomavirus infection is a secondary risk factor. These cancers affect areas of the body that are fundamental for the five senses. Therefore, it is necessary to treat them effectively and non-invasively as early as possible, in order to do not compromise vital functions, which is not always possible with conventional treatments (chemotherapy or radiotherapy). In this sense, nanomedicine plays a key role in the treatment and diagnosis of head and neck cancers. Nanomedicine involves using nanocarriers to deliver drugs to sites of action and reducing the necessary doses and possible side effects. The main purpose of this review is to give an overview of the applications of nanocarrier systems to the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer. Herein, several types of delivery strategies, radiation enhancement, inside-out hyperthermia, and theragnostic approaches are addressed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Applications)
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39 pages, 4113 KiB  
Review
Polymer-Based Nanosystems—A Versatile Delivery Approach
by Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu and Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
Materials 2021, 14(22), 6812; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14226812 - 11 Nov 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3383
Abstract
Polymer-based nanoparticles of tailored size, morphology, and surface properties have attracted increasing attention as carriers for drugs, biomolecules, and genes. By protecting the payload from degradation and maintaining sustained and controlled release of the drug, polymeric nanoparticles can reduce drug clearance, increase their [...] Read more.
Polymer-based nanoparticles of tailored size, morphology, and surface properties have attracted increasing attention as carriers for drugs, biomolecules, and genes. By protecting the payload from degradation and maintaining sustained and controlled release of the drug, polymeric nanoparticles can reduce drug clearance, increase their cargo’s stability and solubility, prolong its half-life, and ensure optimal concentration at the target site. The inherent immunomodulatory properties of specific polymer nanoparticles, coupled with their drug encapsulation ability, have raised particular interest in vaccine delivery. This paper aims to review current and emerging drug delivery applications of both branched and linear, natural, and synthetic polymer nanostructures, focusing on their role in vaccine development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Applications)
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22 pages, 7148 KiB  
Review
Diflunisal Targeted Delivery Systems: A Review
by Petr Snetkov, Svetlana Morozkina, Roman Olekhnovich and Mayya Uspenskaya
Materials 2021, 14(21), 6687; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14216687 - 06 Nov 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2493
Abstract
Diflunisal is a well-known drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, primary dysmenorrhea, and colon cancer. This molecule belongs to the group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and thus possesses serious side effects such as cardiovascular diseases risk development, renal injury, and [...] Read more.
Diflunisal is a well-known drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, primary dysmenorrhea, and colon cancer. This molecule belongs to the group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and thus possesses serious side effects such as cardiovascular diseases risk development, renal injury, and hepatic reactions. The last clinical data demonstrated that diflunisal is one of the recognized drugs for the treatment of cardiac amyloidosis and possesses a survival benefit similar to that of clinically approved tafamidis. Diflunisal stabilizes the transthyretin (TTR) tetramer and prevents the misfolding of monomers and dimers from forming amyloid deposits in the heart. To avoid serious side effects of diflunisal, the various delivery systems have been developed. In the present review, attention is given to the recent development of diflunisal-loaded delivery systems, its technology, release profiles, and effectiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Applications)
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22 pages, 1783 KiB  
Review
Nanocarrier-Mediated Topical Insulin Delivery for Wound Healing
by Ana S. Macedo, Francisca Mendes, Patrícia Filipe, Salette Reis and Pedro Fonte
Materials 2021, 14(15), 4257; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14154257 - 30 Jul 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3388
Abstract
Wound care has been clinically demanding due to inefficacious treatment that represents an economic burden for healthcare systems. In Europe, approximately 7 million people are diagnosed with untreated wounds, leading to a cost between 6.000€ and 10.000€ per patient/year. In the United States [...] Read more.
Wound care has been clinically demanding due to inefficacious treatment that represents an economic burden for healthcare systems. In Europe, approximately 7 million people are diagnosed with untreated wounds, leading to a cost between 6.000€ and 10.000€ per patient/year. In the United States of America, 1.5 million people over 65 years old suffer from chronic wounds. A promising therapeutic strategy is the use of exogenous growth factors because they are decreased at the wound site, limiting the recovery of the skin. Insulin is one of the cheapest growth factors in the market able to accelerate the re-epithelialization and stimulate angiogenesis and cell migration. However, the effectiveness of topical insulin in wound healing is hampered by the proteases in the wound bed. The encapsulation into nanoparticles improves its stability in the wound, providing adhesion to the mucosal surface and allowing its sustained release. The aim of this review is to perform a standing point about a promising strategy to treat different types of wounds by the topical delivery of insulin-loaded nanocarriers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Applications)
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39 pages, 2457 KiB  
Review
Non-Ionic Surfactants for Stabilization of Polymeric Nanoparticles for Biomedical Uses
by Hernán Cortés, Héctor Hernández-Parra, Sergio A. Bernal-Chávez, María L. Del Prado-Audelo, Isaac H. Caballero-Florán, Fabiola V. Borbolla-Jiménez, Maykel González-Torres, Jonathan J. Magaña and Gerardo Leyva-Gómez
Materials 2021, 14(12), 3197; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14123197 - 10 Jun 2021
Cited by 76 | Viewed by 14578
Abstract
Surfactants are essential in the manufacture of polymeric nanoparticles by emulsion formation methods and to preserve the stability of carriers in liquid media. The deposition of non-ionic surfactants at the interface allows a considerable reduction of the globule of the emulsion with high [...] Read more.
Surfactants are essential in the manufacture of polymeric nanoparticles by emulsion formation methods and to preserve the stability of carriers in liquid media. The deposition of non-ionic surfactants at the interface allows a considerable reduction of the globule of the emulsion with high biocompatibility and the possibility of oscillating the final sizes in a wide nanometric range. Therefore, this review presents an analysis of the three principal non-ionic surfactants utilized in the manufacture of polymeric nanoparticles; polysorbates, poly(vinyl alcohol), and poloxamers. We included a section on general properties and uses and a comprehensive compilation of formulations with each principal non-ionic surfactant. Then, we highlight a section on the interaction of non-ionic surfactants with biological barriers to emphasize that the function of surfactants is not limited to stabilizing the dispersion of nanoparticles and has a broad impact on pharmacokinetics. Finally, the last section corresponds to a recommendation in the experimental approach for choosing a surfactant applying the systematic methodology of Quality by Design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Applications)
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