Gram Negative Biofilms: Structural and Functional Responses to Destruction by Antibiotic-Loaded Mixed Polymeric Micelles.

Biofilms are a well-known multifactorial virulence factor with a pivotal role in chronic bacterial infections. Their pathogenicity is determined by the combination of strain-specific mechanisms of virulence and the biofilm extracellular matrix (ECM) protecting the bacteria from the host immune defense and the action of antibacterials. The successful antibiofilm agents should combine antibacterial activity and good biocompatibility with the capacity to penetrate through the ECM.

Development and Characterization of Dual-Loaded Niosomal Ion-Sensitive In Situ Gel for Ocular Delivery.

The study investigates the development and characterization of dual-loaded niosomes incorporated into ion-sensitive in situ gel as a potential drug delivery platform for ophthalmic application. Cannabidiol (CBD) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) simultaneously loaded niosomes were prepared via the thin film hydration (TFH) method followed by pulsatile sonication and were subjected to comprehensive physicochemical evaluation. The optimal composition was included in a gellan gum-based in situ gel, and the antimicrobial activity, in vitro toxicity in a suitable corneal epithelial model (HaCaT cell line), and antioxidant potential of the hybrid system were further assessed.

Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Hydrogel Containing ssp. Essential-Oil-Loaded Polymeric Micelles for Enhanced Treatment of Melanoma.

ssp. essential oil (OEO) is a natural oil with high therapeutic potential. For some applications, however, the development of novel formulations is still needed to improve the bioavailability and stability of OEO.

Nanosized Complexes of the Proteolytic Enzyme Serratiopeptidase with Cationic Block Copolymer Micelles Enhance the Proliferation and Migration of Human Cells.

In this study, we describe the preparation of the cationic block copolymer nanocarriers of the proteolytic enzyme serratiopeptidase (SER). Firstly, an amphiphilic poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-b-poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA-b-PCL-b-PDMAEMA) triblock copolymer was synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Then, cationic micellar nanocarriers consisting of a PCL hydrophobic core and a PDMAEMA hydrophilic shell were formed by the solvent evaporation method.

pH-responsive niosome-based nanocarriers of antineoplastic agents.

Differences in pH between the tumour interstitium and healthy tissues can be used to induce conformational changes in the nanocarrier structure, thereby triggering drug release at the desired site. In the present study, novel pH-responsive nanocarriers were developed by modifying conventional niosomes with hexadecyl-poly(acrylic acid) copolymers (HD-PAA). Niosomal vesicles were prepared by the thin film hydration method using Span 60, Span 60/Tween 60 and cholesterol as main constituents, and HD-PAA modifiers of different concentrations (0.

Functional Hydrogels for Delivery of the Proteolytic Enzyme Serratiopeptidase.

Hydrogels are superior wound dressings because they can provide protection and hydration of the wound, as well as the controlled release of therapeutic substances to aid tissue regeneration and the healing process. Hydrogels obtained from natural precursors are preferred because of their low cost, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. We describe the synthesis of novel functional hydrogels based on two natural products-citric acid (CA) and pentane-1,2,5-triol (PT, a product from lignocellulose processing) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-600)-via an environment friendly approach.

In Situ Gelling Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Formulation Comprising Cannabidiol-Loaded Block Copolymer Micelles for Sustained Drug Delivery.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural terpenophenolic compound with known pharmacological activities, but the poor solubility of CBD in water limits its widespread use in medicine and pharmacy. Polymeric (nano)carriers demonstrated high potential for enhancing the solubility and therapeutic activity of lipophilic drugs such as CBD. Here, we report the elaboration of a novel hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC)-based in situ gelling formulation for controlled delivery of CBD.

Copolymeric Micelles of Poly(ε-caprolactone) and Poly(methacrylic acid) as Carriers for the Oral Delivery of Resveratrol.

In this study, we report the development of a micellar system based on a poly(methacrylic acid)--poly(ε-caprolactone)--poly(methacrylic acid) triblock copolymer (PMAA-b-PCL-b-PMAA) for the oral delivery of resveratrol. The micellar nanocarriers were designed to comprise a PCL core for solubilizing the poorly water-soluble drug and a hydrated PMAA corona with bioadhesive properties for providing better contact with the gastrointestinal mucosa. The micelles were first formed in an aqueous media via the solvent evaporation method and then loaded with resveratrol (72% encapsulation efficiency).

Incorporation of Resveratrol in Polymeric Nanogel for Improvement of Its Protective Effects on Cellular and Microsomal Oxidative Stress Models.

Nanogels are attractive drug delivery systems that provide high loading capacity for drug molecules, improve their stability, and increase cellular uptake. Natural antioxidants, especially polyphenols such as resveratrol, are distinguished by low aqueous solubility, which hinders therapeutic activity. Thus, in the present study, resveratrol was incorporated into nanogel particles, aiming to improve its protective effects in vitro.

Functional Nanogel from Natural Substances for Delivery of Doxorubicin.

Nanogels (NGs) have attracted great attention because of their outstanding biocompatibility, biodegradability, very low toxicity, flexibility, and softness. NGs are characterized with a low and nonspecific interaction with blood proteins, meaning that they do not induce any immunological responses in the body. Due to these properties, NGs are considered promising candidates for pharmaceutical and biomedical application.

Redox-Responsive Crosslinked Mixed Micelles for Controllable Release of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester.

We report the elaboration of redox-responsive functional micellar nanocarriers designed for triggered release of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) in cancer therapy. Three-layered micelles, comprising a poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) core, a middle poly(acrylic acid)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PAA/PEO) layer and a PEO outer corona, were prepared by co-assembly of PEO--PCL--PEO and PAA--PCL--PAA amphiphilic triblock copolymers in aqueous media. The preformed micelles were loaded with CAPE via hydrophobic interactions between the drug molecules and PCL core, and subsequently crosslinked by reaction of carboxyl groups from PAA and a disulfide crosslinking agent.

Cationic triblock copolymer micelles enhance antioxidant activity, intracellular uptake and cytotoxicity of curcumin.

The aim of the present study was to develop curcumin loaded cationic polymeric micelles and to evaluate their loading, preservation of curcumin antioxidant activity and intracellular uptake ability. The micelles were prepared from a triblock copolymer consisting of poly(ϵ-caprolactone) and very short poly(2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate) segments (PDMAEMA9-PCL70-PDMAEMA9). The micelles showed monomodal size distribution, mean diameter of 145 nm, positive charge (+72 mV), critical micellar concentration around 0.