Targeted and Controlled Drug Delivery to a Rat Model of Heart Failure Through a Magnetic Nanocomposite.

As a novel cardiac myosin activator, Omecamtive Mecarbil (OM) has shown promising results in the management of systolic heart failure in clinical examinations. However, the need for repeated administration along with dose-dependent side effects made its use elusive as a standard treatment for heart failure (HF). We hypothesized that improved cardiac function in systolic HF models would be achieved in lower doses by targeted delivery of OM to the heart.

Statistical optimization of chitosan nanoparticles as protein vehicles, using response surface methodology.

Background: There has been increased attention given to polymeric nanoparticles as protein carriers. In this regard, chitosan/tripolyphosphate (TPP) nanoparticles are considered to be a simple and efficient carrier. However, to have an ideal protein release profile, we need to optimize the properties of the carrier.

Dual-functionalized graphene oxide for enhanced siRNA delivery to breast cancer cells.

The aim of this study is to improve hydrocolloid stability and siRNA transfection ability of a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) based nano-carrier using a phospholipid-based amphiphilic polymer (PL-PEG) and cell penetrating peptide (CPPs). The dual functionalized nano-carrier is comprehensively characterized for its chemical structure, size, surface charge and morphology as well as thermal stability. The nano-carrier cytocompatibility, siRNA condensation ability both in the presence and absence of enzyme, endosomal buffering capacity, cellular uptake and intracellular localization are also assessed.

Enhanced osteogenic differentiation of stem cells via microfluidics synthesized nanoparticles.

Unlabelled: Advancement of bone tissue engineering as an alternative for bone regeneration has attracted significant interest due to its potential in reducing the costs and surgical trauma affiliated with the effective treatment of bone defects. We have improved the conventional approach of producing polymeric nanoparticles, as one of the most promising choices for drug delivery systems, using a microfluidics platform, thus further improving our control over osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out for theoretical understanding of our experiments in order to get a more detailed molecular-scale insight into the drug-carrier interactions.

Synthesis and characterization of an octaarginine functionalized graphene oxide nano-carrier for gene delivery applications.

The success of gene therapy is largely dependent on the development of a gene carrier. Recently cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been employed for enhancing the gene and drug delivery efficacy of nano-particles. The feasibility of octaarginine (R8) functionalized graphene oxide (GO) as a novel nano-carrier for gene delivery is investigated.

Biological evaluation of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel crosslinked by polyurethane chain for cartilage tissue engineering in rabbit model.

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel chains were crosslinked by urethane pre-polymer (PPU) in order to fabricate a new substitute for cartilage lesions. The microscopy images showed that the cultured chondrocytes had spherical morphology on PVA-PPU sample after 4 weeks of isolation in vitro. The alcian blue and safranin O staining proved the presence of proteoglycan on the surface of PVA-PPU sample secreted by cultured chondrocytes.

Synthesis and characterization of glutaraldehyde-based crosslinked gelatin as a local hemostat sponge in surgery: an in vitro study.

In this study, preparation and characterization of soft crosslinked gelatin sponge for blood hemostasis application was considered. The effects of gelatin and crosslinker concentrations and altering freeze-drying temperature on sponges' density and structure, water absorption ability and biodegradation, cytotoxicity, mechanical properties and hemostatic effect were investigated. The density measurement indicated that the density of freeze-dried sponges increased when the freezing temperature was lowered.

Double-walled microspheres loaded with meglumine antimoniate: preparation, characterization and in vitro release study.

Objective: The objective of this study was to fabricate double-walled poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres to increase encapsulation efficiency and avoid rapid release of hydrophilic drugs such as meglumine antimoniate.

Methods: In this study, double-walled and one-layered microspheres of PLGA were prepared using the emulsion solvent evaporation technique to better control the release of a hydrophilic drug, meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime®), which is the first choice treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The effect of hydrophobic coating on microspheres' size, morphology, encapsulation efficiency and drug release characteristics was evaluated.

Development of liposomes loaded with anti-leishmanial drugs for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is caused by different species of Leishmania parasites and its available treatments have not yet provided a strong consistent result. The weak response of current chemotherapeutics is due to their deficient effects on stealth parasites inside macrophages, rapid clearance from the site of action and systemic side effects in high doses. Liposomal formulation of anti-leishmanial drugs could overcome these problems.

Microfluidic assisted self-assembly of chitosan based nanoparticles as drug delivery agents.

We present a microfluidic platform for the synthesis of monodisperse chitosan based nanoparticles via self-assembly at physiological pH. The resultant nanoparticles are shown to encapsulate hydrophobic anticancer drugs while providing a sustainable release profile with high tunability.

Microfluidic synthesis of chitosan-based nanoparticles for fuel cell applications.

A microfluidic platform is developed for the synthesis of monodisperse, 100 nm, chitosan based nanoparticles using nanogelation with ATP. The resulting nanoparticles tuned and enhanced transport and electrochemical properties of Nafion based nanocomposite membranes, which is highly favorable for fuel cell applications.

Electrospun chitosan-gelatin nanofiberous scaffold: fabrication and in vitro evaluation.

In this study, chitosan and gelatin solutions were blended at five different ratios. Samples were fed into electrospinning apparatus to produce non-woven nanofibrous mats. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the low-viscosity sample with 30% chitosan and 70% gelatin (sample 30/70) formed the least amount of beads and droplets and yielded fibers with the highest morphological uniformity.

Influence of poly (lactide-co-glycolide) type and gamma irradiation on the betamethasone acetate release from the in situ forming systems.

In situ forming biodegradable polymeric systems were prepared from Poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide), RG504H (50:50, lactide:glycolide), RG756 (75:25) and mixture of them. They were dissolved in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (33% w/w) and mixed with betamethasone acetate (BTMA, 5 and 10% w/w) and ethyl heptanoate (5% w/w, as an additive). The effects of gamma irradiation, drug loading, type of polymers and solvent removal were evaluated on release profiles.

Cell growth on tissue-engineering scaffolds prepared by gamma irradiation grafting of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone onto polyvinyl alcohol.

In the field of tissue engineering, promoting cell attachment and proliferation in polymer matrices is an attractive challenge for treating patients suffering from the loss or dysfunction of tissues or organs. In this study we have investigated the effect of grafting N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (NVP) by gamma irradiation onto polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a highly hydrophilic and non-toxic material. PVA scaffolds were prepared by freeze-thaw and progen (glycerol) methods.