Chitosan-organosilica hybrid decorated with silver nanoparticles for antimicrobial wearable cotton fabrics

Chitosan Nanoparticles: Approaches to Preparation, Key Properties, Drug Delivery Systems, and Developments in Therapeutic Efficacy

The integration of nanotechnology into drug delivery systems holds great promise for enhancing pharmaceutical effectiveness. This approach enables precise targeting, controlled release, improved patient compliance, reduced side effects, and increased bioavailability. Nanoparticles are vital for transporting biomolecules-such as proteins, enzymes, genes, and vaccines-through various administration routes, including oral, intranasal, vaginal, buccal, and pulmonary. Among biodegradable polymers, chitosan, a linear polysaccharide derived from chitin, stands out due to its biocompatibility, safety, biodegradability, mucoadhesive properties, and ability to enhance permeation. Its cationic nature supports strong molecular interactions and provides antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and hemostatic benefits. However, its solubility, influenced by pH and ionic sensitivity, poses challenges requiring effective solutions. This review explores chitosan, its modified derivatives and chitosan nanoparticles mainly, focusing on nanoparticles physicochemical properties, drug release mechanisms, preparation methods, and factors affecting their mean hydrodynamic diameter (particle size). It highlights their application in drug delivery systems and disease treatments across various routes. Key considerations include drug loading capacity, zeta potential, and stability, alongside the impact of molecular weight, degree of deacetylation, and drug solubility on nanoparticle properties. Recent advancements and studies underscore chitosan's potential, emphasizing its modified derivatives'versatility in improving therapeutic outcomes.

From nature to nanomedicine: bioengineered metallic nanoparticles bridge the gap for medical applications

The escalating global challenge of antimicrobial resistance demands innovative approaches. This review delves into the current status and future prospects of bioengineered metallic nanoparticles derived from natural sources as potent antimicrobial agents. The unique attributes of metallic nanoparticles and the abundance of natural resources have sparked a burgeoning field of research in combating microbial infections. A systematic review of the literature was conducted, encompassing a wide range of studies investigating the synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial mechanisms of bioengineered metallic nanoparticles. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Springer, Taylor & Francis online and OpenAthen were extensively searched to compile a comprehensive overview of the topic. The synthesis methods, including green and sustainable approaches, were examined, as were the diverse biological sources used in nanoparticle fabrication. The amalgamation of metallic nanoparticles and natural products has yielded promising antimicrobial agents. Their multifaceted mechanisms, including membrane disruption, oxidative stress induction, and enzyme inhibition, render them effective against various pathogens, including drug-resistant strains. Moreover, the potential for targeted drug delivery systems using these nanoparticles has opened new avenues for personalized medicine. Bioengineered metallic nanoparticles derived from natural sources represent a dynamic frontier in the battle against microbial infections. The current status of research underscores their remarkable antimicrobial efficacy and multifaceted mechanisms of action. Future prospects are bright, with opportunities for scalability and cost-effectiveness through sustainable synthesis methods. However, addressing toxicity, regulatory hurdles, and environmental considerations remains crucial. In conclusion, this review highlights the evolving landscape of bioengineered metallic nanoparticles, offering valuable insights into their current status and their potential to revolutionize antimicrobial therapy in the future.

Development of collagen-chitosan dressing gel functionalized with propolis-zinc oxide nanoarchitectonics to accelerate wound healing

Using an in situ sol-gel technique, new nanoarchitectonics of propolis loaded zinc oxide nanoarchitectonics (PP/ZnO-NPs) were developed in order to improve the in vivo outcomes of collagen-chitosan gel in wounded rats. The obtained nanoarchitectonics were fully characterized. The XRD results indicate the presence of a Zincite phase for ZnO-NPs and Zincite accompanied by a minor amount of zinc hydroxide for PP/ZnO-NPs samples. While the TEM findings illustrate the transfer of the ZnO-NPs from agglomerated spheres with an average particle size of 230 ± 29 nm to needle-like NPs of 323 ± 173 nm length (PP1/ZnO-NPs) and to a sheet-like NPs of 500 ± 173 nm diameter (PP2/ZnO-NPs). In addition, the incorporation of PP results in an increase in the surface negativity of ZnO-NPs to -31.4 ± 6.4 mV for PP2/ZnO-NPs. The antimicrobial activities of the nanocomposite gel loaded with 10%PP1/ZnO-NPs (G6) revealed the highest inhibition zone against E. coli (26 ± 2.31 mm). Remarkably, the in vivo outcomes showed that the nanocomposite gel (G6) has exceptional collagen deposition, quick wound closure rates, and re-epithelization. The outcomes demonstrate the nanocomposite gel encouraging biological properties for the treatment of damaged and infected wounds.

Review on chitosan-based antibacterial hydrogels: Preparation, mechanisms, and applications

Chitosan (CS) is known for its remarkable properties, such as good biocompatibility, biodegradability, and renewability, in addition to its antibacterial and biological activities. However, as CS is insoluble in water, it displays limited antibacterial performance under neutral and physiological conditions. A viable solution to this problem is grafting chemically modified groups onto the CS framework, thereby increasing its solubility and enhancing its antibacterial effect. Herein, the antibacterial action mechanism of CS and its derivatives is reviewed, confirming the prevalent use of composite materials comprising CS and its derivatives as an antibacterial agent. Generally, the antimicrobial ability of CS-based biomaterials can be enhanced by incorporating supplementary polymers and antimicrobial agents. Research on CS-based composite biomaterials is ongoing and numerous types of biomaterials have been reported, including inorganic nanoparticles, antibacterial agents, and CS derivatives. The development of these composite materials has considerably expanded the application of CS-based antibacterial materials. This study reviews the latest progress in research regarding CS-based composite hydrogels for wound repair, tissue engineering, drug release, water purification, and three-dimensional printing applications. Finally, the summary and future outlook of CS-based antibacterial hydrogels are presented in anticipation of a broader range of applications of CS-based antibacterial hydrogels.