Research

Jump to: Review

11 pages, 1760 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of rhBMP-7 Associated with Nanometric Hydroxyapatite Coatings Titanium Implant on the Osseointegration: A Pre-Clinical Study

by Rafael Silva Bonato, Gustavo Vicentis de Oliveira Fernandes, Monica Diuana Calasans-Maia, Alexandre Mello, Alexandre Malta Rossi, Ana Claudia Oliveira Carreira, Mari Cleide Sogayar and José Mauro Granjeiro

Polymers 2022, 14(19), 4030; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14194030 - 26 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1157

Abstract

Background: Bioceramic nanometer coatings have been regarded as potential substitutes for plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite coatings, and the association with bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) is an attempt to achieve faster osseointegration to hasten oral rehabilitation. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect [...] Read more.

Background: Bioceramic nanometer coatings have been regarded as potential substitutes for plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite coatings, and the association with bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) is an attempt to achieve faster osseointegration to hasten oral rehabilitation. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-7 (rhBMP-7) on the osseointegration of titanium implants coated with a thin film surface of hydroxyapatite (HA). Methods: Two implants (n = 24) were placed in each white New Zealand rabbits’ femur (n = 6). Implants were placed in the right femur after standard instrumentation (A and B) and in the left femur after an over-instrumentation (C and D), preventing bone-implant contact. The distal implants were installed associated with rhBMP-7 (groups B [regular instrumentation] and D [over-instrumentation]) and, also, in the absence of without BMP (control groups A [regular instrumentation] and C [over-instrumentation]). After 4 weeks, the animals were euthanized. The bone blocks containing the implants were embedded in methyl methacrylate and sectioned parallel to the long axis of the implant, which were analyzed by image segmentation. The data were analyzed using a nonparametric statistical method. Results: We observed that Group A had a mean bone formation of 35.6% compared to Group B, which had 48.6% (p > 0.05). Moreover, this group showed 28.3% of connective tissue compared to Group A, with 39.3%. In the over-instrumented groups, rhBMP-7 (Group D) showed an enhanced and significant increase in bone formation when compared with the group without rhBMP-7 (Group C). Conclusion: We concluded that the association of rhBMP-7 to thin nanostructure HA-coated implants promoted greater new bone area than the same implants in the absence of rhBMP-7, mainly in cases of over-instrumented implant sites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Biomedical Imaging and Therapy)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 4456 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Curcumin-Loaded Lecithin/Chitosan Nanoparticle Utilizing a Box-Behnken Design of Experiment: Formulation Design and Influence of Process Parameters

by Ismail A. Walbi, Mohammad Zaki Ahmad, Javed Ahmad, Mohammed S. Algahtani, Amer S. Alali, Samar A. Alsudir, Alhassan H. Aodah and Hassan A. Albarqi

Polymers 2022, 14(18), 3758; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14183758 - 08 Sep 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2289

Abstract

Curcumin (CUR) has impressive pharmacologic properties, including cardioprotective, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, and anticancer activity. However, the pharmaceutical application of CUR is limited due to its poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability. The development of novel formulations has attracted considerable attention to the idea of [...] Read more.

Curcumin (CUR) has impressive pharmacologic properties, including cardioprotective, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, and anticancer activity. However, the pharmaceutical application of CUR is limited due to its poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability. The development of novel formulations has attracted considerable attention to the idea of applying nanobiotechnology to improve the therapeutic efficacy of these challenging compounds. In this study, CUR-loaded lecithin–chitosan nanoparticles (CUR/LCSNPs) were developed and optimized by the concentration of chitosan, lecithin, and stirring speed by a 3-factorial Box-Behnken statistical design, resulting in an optimal concentration of chitosan (A) and lecithin (B) with a 1200 rpm stirring speed (C), with applied constraints of minimal average particle size (Y₁), optimal zeta potential (Y₂), and maximum entrapment efficiency (%EE) (Y₃). The mean particle size of the checkpoint formulation ranged from 136.44 ± 1.74 nm to 267.94 ± 3.72, with a zeta potential of 18.5 ± 1.39 mV to 36.8 ± 3.24 mV and %EE of 69.84 ± 1.51% to 78.50 ± 2.11%. The mean particle size, zeta potential, %EE, and % cumulative drug release from the optimized formulation were 138.43 ± 2.09 nm, +18.98 ± 0.72 mV, 77.39 ± 1.70%, and 86.18 ± 1.5%, respectively. In vitro drug release followed the Korsmeyer–Peppas model with Fickian diffusion (n < 0.45). The optimized technique has proven successful, resulting in a nanoformulation that can be used for the high loading and controlled release of lipophilic drugs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Biomedical Imaging and Therapy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 655 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and In Vitro Evaluation of Controlled-Release Matrices of Losartan Potassium Using Ethocel Grade 10 and Carbopol 934P NF as Rate-Controlling Polymers

by Kamran Ahmad Khan, Claudia Zizzadoro, Alessandro Di Cerbo, Nicola Pugliese, Gul Majid Khan, Shakira Ghazanfar, Eman M. Almusalami, Muhammad Muzammal, Khaled J. Alsalman and Arshad Farid

Polymers 2022, 14(15), 2993; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14152993 - 24 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1755

Abstract

Controlled-release formulations are essential for those drugs that require fine tuning of their activity to increase the ratio between therapeutic vs. adverse effects. Losartan potassium is among those drugs whose adverse effects may somehow impair its purported benefits. Previous investigations have been carried [...] Read more.

Controlled-release formulations are essential for those drugs that require fine tuning of their activity to increase the ratio between therapeutic vs. adverse effects. Losartan potassium is among those drugs whose adverse effects may somehow impair its purported benefits. Previous investigations have been carried out to ascertain the suitability of several polymers for being associated with losartan. This study is focused on the effects of Ethocel grade 10 and Carbopol 934P NF on losartan release. Flow and physical properties were assessed according to the protocols standardized by the pharmacopeia (USP-NF 29), and the drug release in phosphate buffer (pH = 6.8) was measured for 24 h. Data evidenced good to excellent flow and physical properties according to the drug/polymer ratio and the addition of co-excipients. The release rate in 24 h was found to be 63–69% to 79–82% without or with the addition of co-excipients, respectively, following zero-order kinetics. The results also suggest a significant difference with the release profile of a traditional release losartan formulation. The results suggest the suitability of Ethocel grade 10 and Carbopol 934P NF as components of a controlled-release losartan formulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Biomedical Imaging and Therapy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1682 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Formulation and Evaluation of Transdermal Gel Containing Tacrolimus-Loaded Spanlastics: In Vitro, Ex Vivo and In Vivo Studies

by Randa Mohammed Zaki, Mohamed A. Ibrahim, Doaa H. Alshora and Amal El Sayeh Abou El Ela

Polymers 2022, 14(8), 1528; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14081528 - 09 Apr 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2768

Abstract

Our goal was to prepare Span 60-based elastic nanovesicles (spanlastics (SPLs)) of tacrolimus (TCR) using the adapted ethanol injection method, characterize them, and evaluate their ability to improve the transdermal permeation of the active substance. The impact of two different concentrations of penetration [...] Read more.

Our goal was to prepare Span 60-based elastic nanovesicles (spanlastics (SPLs)) of tacrolimus (TCR) using the adapted ethanol injection method, characterize them, and evaluate their ability to improve the transdermal permeation of the active substance. The impact of two different concentrations of penetration enhancers, namely, propylene glycol and oleic acid, on the entrapment efficiency, vesicle size, and zeta potential was assessed. Moreover, in vitro release through a semipermeable membrane and ex vivo penetration through hairless rat skin were performed. Morphological examination and pharmacokinetics were performed for one selected formulation (F3OA1). TCR-loaded SPLs were effectively formulated with two different concentrations of permeation enhancers, and the effect of these enhancers on their physicochemical properties differed in accordance with the concentration and kind of enhancer used. The results of in vitro release displayed a considerable (p < 0.05) enhancement compared to the suspension of the pure drug, and there was a correlation between the in vitro and ex vivo results. The selected TCR-loaded nanovesicles incorporated into a gel base showed appreciable advantages over the oral drug suspension and the TCR-loaded gel. Additionally, the pharmacokinetic parameters were significantly (p < 0.05) improved based on our findings. Moreover, the AUC_0–7 ng·h/mL form F3 OA1 was 3.36-fold higher than that after the administration of the TCR oral suspension. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Biomedical Imaging and Therapy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2627 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nanomicelles of Radium Dichloride [²²³Ra]RaCl₂ Co-Loaded with Radioactive Gold [¹⁹⁸Au]Au Nanoparticles for Targeted Alpha–Beta Radionuclide Therapy of Osteosarcoma

by Bárbara Nayane Rosário Fernandes Souza, Elisabete Regina Fernandes Ramos Ribeiro, Aline Oliveira da Silva de Barros, Martha Sahylí Ortega Pijeira, Hericka Oliveira Kenup-Hernandes, Eduardo Ricci-Junior, Joel Félix Silva Diniz Filho, Clenilton Costa dos Santos, Luciana Magalhães Rebelo Alencar, Mohamed F. Attia, Sara Gemini-Piperni and Ralph Santos-Oliveira

Polymers 2022, 14(7), 1405; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14071405 - 30 Mar 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2303

Abstract

Alpha and beta particulate radiation are used for non-treated neoplasia, due to their ability to reach and remain in tumor sites. Radium-223 (²²³Ra), an alpha emitter, promotes localized cytotoxic effects, while radioactive gold (¹⁹⁸Au), beta-type energy, reduces radiation in [...] Read more.

Alpha and beta particulate radiation are used for non-treated neoplasia, due to their ability to reach and remain in tumor sites. Radium-223 (²²³Ra), an alpha emitter, promotes localized cytotoxic effects, while radioactive gold (¹⁹⁸Au), beta-type energy, reduces radiation in the surrounding tissues. Nanotechnology, including several radioactive nanoparticles, can be safely and effectively used in cancer treatment. In this context, this study aims to analyze the antitumoral effects of [²²³Ra]Ra nanomicelles co-loaded with radioactive gold nanoparticles ([¹⁹⁸Au]AuNPs). For this, we synthesize and characterize nanomicelles, as well as analyze some parameters, such as particle size, radioactivity emission, dynamic light scattering, and microscopic atomic force. [²²³Ra]Ra nanomicelles co-loaded with [¹⁹⁸Au]AuNPs, with simultaneous alpha and beta emission, showed no instability, a mean particle size of 296 nm, and a PDI of 0.201 (±0.096). Furthermore, nanomicelles were tested in an in vitro cytotoxicity assay. We observed a significant increase in tumor cell death using combined alpha and beta therapy in the same formulation, compared with these components used alone. Together, these results show, for the first time, an efficient association between alpha and beta therapies, which could become a promising tool in the control of tumor progression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Biomedical Imaging and Therapy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 5391 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Optimization of Acriflavine-Loaded Polycaprolactone Nanoparticles Using Box–Behnken Design for Burn Wound Healing Applications

by Touseef Nawaz, Muhammad Iqbal, Barkat Ali Khan, Asif Nawaz, Talib Hussain, Khaled M. Hosny, Walaa A. Abualsunun and Waleed Y. Rizg

Polymers 2022, 14(1), 101; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14010101 - 28 Dec 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2155

Abstract

Nanoparticles are used increasingly for the treatment of different disorders, including burn wounds of the skin, due to their important role in wound healing. In this study, acriflavine-loaded poly (ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles (ACR-PCL-NPs) were prepared using a double-emulsion solvent evaporation method. All the formulations [...] Read more.

Nanoparticles are used increasingly for the treatment of different disorders, including burn wounds of the skin, due to their important role in wound healing. In this study, acriflavine-loaded poly (ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles (ACR-PCL-NPs) were prepared using a double-emulsion solvent evaporation method. All the formulations were prepared and optimized by using a Box–Behnken design. Formulations were evaluated for the effect of independent variables, i.e., poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) amount (X1), stirring speed of external phase (X2), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) concentration (X3), on the formulation-dependent variables (particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and encapsulation efficiency) of ACR-PCL-NPs. The zeta potential, PDI, particle size, and encapsulation efficiency of optimized ACR-PCL-NPs were found to be −3.98 ± 1.58 mV, 0.270 ± 0.19, 469.2 ± 5.6 nm, and 71.9 ± 5.32%, respectively. The independent variables were found to be in excellent correlation with the dependent variables. The release of acriflavine from optimized ACR-PCL-NPs was in biphasic style with the initial burst release, followed by a slow release for up to 24 h of the in vitro study. Morphological studies of optimized ACR-PCL-NPs revealed the smooth surfaces and spherical shapes of the particles. Thermal and FTIR analyses revealed the drug–polymer compatibility of ACR-PCL-NPs. The drug-treated group showed significant re-epithelialization, as compared to the controlled group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Biomedical Imaging and Therapy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1712 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Situ Photopolymerization of Acrylamide Hydrogel to Coat Cellulose Acetate Nanofibers for Drug Delivery System

by Mohamed F. Attia, Ahmed S. Montaser, Md Arifuzzaman, Megan Pitz, Khouloud Jlassi, Angela Alexander-Bryant, Stephen S. Kelly, Frank Alexis and Daniel C. Whitehead

Polymers 2021, 13(11), 1863; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13111863 - 03 Jun 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3417

Abstract

In this study we developed electrospun cellulose acetate nanofibers (CANFs) that were loaded with a model non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (ibuprofen, Ib) and coated with poly(acrylamide) (poly-AAm) hydrogel polymer using two consecutive steps: an electrospinning process followed by photopolymerization of AAm. Coated and [...] Read more.

In this study we developed electrospun cellulose acetate nanofibers (CANFs) that were loaded with a model non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (ibuprofen, Ib) and coated with poly(acrylamide) (poly-AAm) hydrogel polymer using two consecutive steps: an electrospinning process followed by photopolymerization of AAm. Coated and non-coated CANF formulations were characterized by several microscopic and spectroscopic techniques to evaluate their physicochemical properties. An analysis of the kinetic release profile of Ib showed noticeable differences due to the presence or absence of the poly-AAm hydrogel polymer. Poly-AAm coating facilitated a constant release rate of drug as opposed to a more conventional burst release. The non-coated CANFs showed low cumulative drug release concentrations (ca. 35 and 83% at 5 and 10% loading, respectively). Conversely, poly-AAm coated CANFs were found to promote the release of drug (ca. 84 and 99.8% at 5 and 10% loading, respectively). Finally, the CANFs were found to be superbly cytocompatible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Biomedical Imaging and Therapy)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

27 pages, 1732 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of PRESAGE Radiochromic Polymer and the Compositions for Application in Radiotherapy Dosimetry

by Muhammad Zamir Mohyedin, Hafiz Mohd Zin, Mohd Zulfadli Adenan and Ahmad Taufek Abdul Rahman

Polymers 2022, 14(14), 2887; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14142887 - 16 Jul 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2783

Abstract

Recent advances in radiotherapy technology and techniques have allowed a highly conformal radiation to be delivered to the tumour target inside the body for cancer treatment. A three-dimensional (3D) dosimetry system is required to verify the accuracy of the complex treatment delivery. A [...] Read more.

Recent advances in radiotherapy technology and techniques have allowed a highly conformal radiation to be delivered to the tumour target inside the body for cancer treatment. A three-dimensional (3D) dosimetry system is required to verify the accuracy of the complex treatment delivery. A 3D dosimeter based on the radiochromic response of a polymer towards ionising radiation has been introduced as the PRESAGE dosimeter. The polyurethane dosimeter matrix is combined with a leuco-dye and a free radical initiator, whose colour changes in proportion to the radiation dose. In the previous decade, PRESAGE gained improvement and enhancement as a 3D dosimeter. Notably, PRESAGE overcomes the limitations of its predecessors, the Fricke gel and the polymer gel dosimeters, which are challenging to fabricate and read out, sensitive to oxygen, and sensitive to diffusion. This article aims to review the characteristics of the radiochromic dosimeter and its clinical applications. The formulation of PRESAGE shows a delicate balance between the number of radical initiators, metal compounds, and catalysts to achieve stability, optimal sensitivity, and water equivalency. The applications of PRESAGE in advanced radiotherapy treatment verifications are also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Biomedical Imaging and Therapy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 19258 KiB

Open AccessReview

pH-Responsive Nanocarriers in Cancer Therapy

by Nour M. AlSawaftah, Nahid S. Awad, William G. Pitt and Ghaleb A. Husseini

Polymers 2022, 14(5), 936; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14050936 - 26 Feb 2022

Cited by 62 | Viewed by 4425

Abstract

A number of promising nano-sized particles (nanoparticles) have been developed to conquer the limitations of conventional chemotherapy. One of the most promising methods is stimuli-responsive nanoparticles because they enable the safe delivery of the drugs while controlling their release at the tumor sites. [...] Read more.

A number of promising nano-sized particles (nanoparticles) have been developed to conquer the limitations of conventional chemotherapy. One of the most promising methods is stimuli-responsive nanoparticles because they enable the safe delivery of the drugs while controlling their release at the tumor sites. Different intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli can be used to trigger drug release such as temperature, redox, ultrasound, magnetic field, and pH. The intracellular pH of solid tumors is maintained below the extracellular pH. Thus, pH-sensitive nanoparticles are highly efficient in delivering drugs to tumors compared to conventional nanoparticles. This review provides a survey of the different strategies used to develop pH-sensitive nanoparticles used in cancer therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Biomedical Imaging and Therapy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Polymers for Biomedical Imaging and Therapy

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (9 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI