In the present investigation, redox-responsive-based dextran carriers were developed for the controlled release of hydrophobic molecules via a reducing agent naturally present in cells, namely glutathione. In this sense, dextran was modified with a thiol derivative. The roles of the hydrophilic segments in the molecular self-organisation of polysaccharide derivatives into nanoparticles were investigated by varying the average dextran molar mass.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFVarious approaches have been described in the literature to demonstrate the possibility of designing biopolymer particles with well-defined characteristics, such as size, chemical composition or mechanical properties. From a biological point of view, the properties of particle have been related to their biodistribution and bioavailability. Among the reported core-shell nanoparticles, biopolymer-based capsules can be used as a versatile platform for drug delivery purposes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTailor-made and designed micro- and nanocarriers can bring significant benefits over their traditional macroscopic counterparts in drug delivery applications. For the successful loading and subsequent release of bioactive compounds, carriers should present a high loading capacity, trigger release mechanisms, biodegradability and biocompatibility. Hydrophobic drug molecules can accumulate in fat tissues, resulting in drawbacks for the patient's recovery.
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