Different formulations containing Pluronic F127 and polysaccharides (chitosan, sodium alginate, gellan gum, and κ-carrageenan) were investigated as potential injectable gels that behave as free-flowing liquid with reduced viscosity at low temperatures and displayed solid-like properties at 37 °C. In addition, ZnO nanoparticles, lysozyme, or curcumin were added for testing the antimicrobial properties of the thermal-sensitive gels. Rheological investigations evidenced small changes in transition temperature and kinetics of gelation at 37 °C in presence of polysaccharides. However, the gel formation is very delayed in the presence of curcumin. The antimicrobial properties of Pluronic F127 gels are very modest even by adding chitosan, lysozyme, or ZnO nanoparticles. A remarkable enhancement of antimicrobial activity was observed in the presence of curcumin. Chitosan addition to Pluronic/curcumin systems improves their viscoelasticity, antimicrobial activity, and stability in time. The balance between viscoelastic and antimicrobial characteristics needs to be considered in the formulation of Pluronic F127 gels suitable for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/polym15020355 | DOI Listing |
Nanomaterials (Basel)
January 2025
Graduate School of Energy Convergence, Institute of Integrated Technology, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea.
Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) has been extensively studied as a precursor for nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) materials due to its high surface area, tunable porosity, and adjustable nitrogen content. However, the intrinsic microporous structure of the ZIF-8 limits mass transport and accessibility of reactants to active sites, reducing its effectiveness in electrochemical applications. In this study, a soft templating approach using a triblock copolymer was used to prepare mesoporous ZIF-8-derived NC (Meso-ZIF-NC) samples.
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January 2025
Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan City 320317, Taiwan.
Skin cancer is the world's fifth most diagnosed malignancy and is increasingly occurring in young adults. The elevated morbidity and mortality of skin cancer are known to be highly correlated with its frequent recurrence after tumor excision. Although regimens such as chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy are often administered following surgical treatments, the patients may suffer from severe side effects, drug resistance, and/or high cost during treatments, indicating that the development of an effective and safe modality for skin cancer after surgery is still highly demanded nowadays.
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January 2025
Department of Instrumental and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2 Petru Rareş Street, 200349 Craiova, Romania.
This study investigates the development and comprehensive characterization of innovative thermoresponsive gels incorporating rosemary essential oil (RoEO) encapsulated in poly(lactic--glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles, with a focus on their potential applications in topical antimicrobial and wound healing therapies. RoEO, renowned for its robust antimicrobial, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties, was subjected to detailed chemical profiling using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which identified oxygenated monoterpenes as its dominant constituents. PLGA microparticles were synthesized through an optimized oil-in-water emulsion technique, ensuring high encapsulation efficiency and structural integrity.
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December 2024
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia.
Itraconazole (ITZ) is a potent antifungal agent. Its oral administration is associated with systemic toxicity, and its efficacy in ocular formulations is limited. This study aims to enhance ITZ's ocular permeation and antifungal efficacy by loading it into deformable liposomes (DLs) based on Tween 80 (T) or Poloxamer 188 (P).
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December 2024
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
Fungal keratitis is a severe ocular infection caused by pathogenic fungi, leading to potential vision loss if untreated. Current antifungal treatments face limitations such as low solubility, poor corneal penetration, and limited therapeutic options. This study aimed to develop a thermosensitive in situ gel incorporating ketoconazole nanoparticles (NPs) to enhance drug solubility, stability, and antifungal activity.
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