Sodium alginate and alginic acid as pharmaceutical excipients for tablet formulation: Structure-function relationship

Specific surface area of mannitol rather than particle size dominant the dissolution rate of poorly water-soluble drug tablets: A study of binary mixture

The dissolution behavior of tablets, particularly those containing poorly water-soluble drugs, is a critical factor in determining their absorption and therapeutic efficacy. Traditionally, the particle size of excipients has been considered a key property affecting tablet dissolution. However, lurasidone hydrochloride (LH) tablets prepared by similar particle size mannitol, namely M200 (D90 = 209.68 ± 1.42 μm) and 160C (D90 = 195.38 ± 6.87 μm), exhibiting significant differences in their dissolution behavior. In order to find the fundamental influential factors of mannitol influencing the dissolution of LH tablets, the properties (particle size, water content, true density, bulk density, tapped density, specific surface area, circularity, surface free energy, mechanical properties and flowability) of five grades mannitol including M200 and 160C were investigated. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to establish a relationship between mannitol properties and the dissolution behavior of LH. The results demonstrated that specific surface area (SSA) emerged as the key property influencing the dissolution of LH tablets. Moreover, our investigation based on the percolation theory provided further insights that the SSA of mannitol influences the probability of LH-LH bonding and LH infinite cluster formation, resulting in the different percolation threshold states, then led to different dissolution behaviors. Importantly, it is worth noting that these findings do not invalidate previous conclusions, as reducing particle size generally increases SSA, thereby affecting the percolation threshold and dissolution behavior of LH. Instead, this study provides a deeper understanding of the underlying role played by excipient SSA in the dissolution of drug tablets. This study provides valuable guidance for the development of novel excipients aimed at improving drug dissolution functionality.

Material-specific binding peptides empower sustainable innovations in plant health, biocatalysis, medicine and microplastic quantification

Material-binding peptides (MBPs) have emerged as a diverse and innovation-enabling class of peptides in applications such as plant-/human health, immobilization of catalysts, bioactive coatings, accelerated polymer degradation and analytics for micro-/nanoplastics quantification. Progress has been fuelled by recent advancements in protein engineering methodologies and advances in computational and analytical methodologies, which allow the design of, for instance, material-specific MBPs with fine-tuned binding strength for numerous demands in material science applications. A genetic or chemical conjugation of second (biological, chemical or physical property-changing) functionality to MBPs empowers the design of advanced (hybrid) materials, bioactive coatings and analytical tools. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview comprising naturally occurring MBPs and their function in nature, binding properties of short man-made MBPs (<20 amino acids) mainly obtained from phage-display libraries, and medium-sized binding peptides (20-100 amino acids) that have been reported to bind to metals, polymers or other industrially produced materials. The goal of this review is to provide an in-depth understanding of molecular interactions between materials and material-specific binding peptides, and thereby empower the use of MBPs in material science applications. Protein engineering methodologies and selected examples to tailor MBPs toward applications in agriculture with a focus on plant health, biocatalysis, medicine and environmental monitoring serve as examples of the transformative power of MBPs for various industrial applications. An emphasis will be given to MBPs' role in detecting and quantifying microplastics in high throughput, distinguishing microplastics from other environmental particles, and thereby assisting to close an analytical gap in food safety and monitoring of environmental plastic pollution. In essence, this review aims to provide an overview among researchers from diverse disciplines in respect to material-(specific) binding of MBPs, protein engineering methodologies to tailor their properties to application demands, re-engineering for material science applications using MBPs, and thereby inspire researchers to employ MBPs in their research.

pH-Responsive Self-Assembled Nanoparticles for Tumor-Targeted Drug Delivery

Recent advances in the field of drug delivery have opened new avenues for the development of novel nanodrug delivery systems (NDDS) in cancer therapy. Self-assembled nanoparticles (SANPs) based on tumor microenvironment have great advantages in improving antitumor effect, and pH-responsive SANPs prepared by the combination of pH-responsive nanomaterials and self-assembly technology can effectively improve the efficacy and reduce the systemic toxicity of antitumor drugs. In this review, we describe the characteristics of self-assembly and its driving force, the mechanism of pH-responsive NDDS, and the nanomaterials for pH-responsive SANPs type. A series of pH-responsive SANPs for tumor-targeted drug delivery are discussed, with an emphasis on the relation between structural features and theranostic performance.

Emerging roles of hydrogel in promoting periodontal tissue regeneration and repairing bone defect

Periodontal disease is the most common type of oral disease. Periodontal bone defect is the clinical outcome of advanced periodontal disease, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Promoting periodontal tissue regeneration and repairing periodontal bone defects is the ultimate treatment goal for periodontal disease, but the means and methods are very limited. Hydrogels are a class of highly hydrophilic polymer networks, and their good biocompatibility has made them a popular research material in the field of oral medicine in recent years. This paper reviews the current mainstream types and characteristics of hydrogels, and summarizes the relevant basic research on hydrogels in promoting periodontal tissue regeneration and bone defect repair in recent years. The possible mechanisms of action and efficacy evaluation are discussed in depth, and the application prospects are also discussed.

Enhanced dye sequestration with natural polysaccharides-based hydrogels: A review

Due to the expansion of industrial activities, the concentration of dyes in water has been increasing. The dire need to remove these pollutants from water has been heavily discussed. This study focuses on the reproducible and sustainable solution for wastewater treatment and dye annihilation challenges. Adsorption has been rated the most practical way of the several decolorization procedures due to its minimal initial investment, convenient utility, and high-performance caliber. Hydrogels, which are three-dimensional polymer networks, are notable because of their potential to regenerate, biodegrade, absorb bulky amounts of water, respond to stimuli, and have unique morphologies. Natural polysaccharide hydrogels are chosen over synthetic ones because they are robust, bioresorbable, non-toxic, and cheaply accessible. This study has covered six biopolymers, including chitosan, cellulose, pectin, sodium alginate, guar gum, and starch, consisting of their chemical architecture, origins, characteristics, and uses. The next part describes these polysaccharide-based hydrogels, including their manufacturing techniques, chemical alterations, and adsorption effectiveness. It is deeply evaluated how size and shape affect the adsorption rate, which has not been addressed in any prior research. To assist the readers in identifying areas for further research in this subject, limitations of these hydrogels and future views are provided in the conclusion.

A review on natural biopolymers in external drug delivery systems for wound healing and atopic dermatitis

Despite the advantages of topical administration in the treatment of skin diseases, current marketed preparations face the challenge of the skin's barrier effect, leading to low therapeutic effectiveness and undesirable side effects. Hence, in recent years the management of skin wounds, the main morbidity-causing complication in hospital environments, and atopic dermatitis, the most common inflammatory skin disease, has become a great concern. Fortunately, new, more effective, and safer treatments are already under development, with chitosan, starch, silk fibroin, agarose, hyaluronic acid, alginate, collagen, and gelatin having been used for the development of nanoparticles, liposomes, niosomes and/or hydrogels to improve the delivery of several molecules for the treatment of these diseases. Biocompatibility, biodegradability, increased viscosity, controlled drug delivery, increased drug retention in the epidermis, and overall mitigation of adverse effects, contribute to an effective treatment, additionally providing intrinsic antimicrobial and wound healing properties. In this review, some of the most recent success cases of biopolymer-based drug delivery systems as part of nanocarriers, semi-solid hydrogel matrices, or both (hybrid systems), for the management of skin wounds and atopic dermatitis, are critically discussed, including composition and in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo characterization, showing the promise of these external drug delivery systems.

Study of the degradation in an ultisol of alginate-chitosan complex and its stability and applicability as a soil conditioner

The present work describes the process of degradation of a polyelectrolytic complex (PEC) based on sodium alginate (ALG) and chitosan (CHI), buried for different time intervals, in a clayey soil (ultisol) collected from the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, in the northern region of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The influence of PEC on soil moisture was also investigated. The results showed that soil moisture increased with the presence of PEC after 7 days of testing, and remained high until the end of the study. FTIR and Raman spectra showed that the breaking of the glycosidic bond (C-O-C) was responsible for the PEC degradation. Thermogravimetry results revealed that alginate was possibly degraded faster than chitosan. Microscopic analysis of the PEC revealed a fragile and fragmented surface of the samples that were buried, in comparison with those not buried. The microbiological assays of the soil confirmed the biodegradation of the polysaccharides. Chemical analysis of soil indicated that PEC did not significantly influence soil fertility. Therefore, we conclude that the PEC (ALG: CHI), formed only by electrostatic interaction, buried in clayey soil, even being biodegraded, can be a promising soil conditioner for agricultural applications.

Structure-activity relationships of bioactive polysaccharides extracted from macroalgae towards biomedical application: A review

Macroalgae are valuable and structurally diverse sources of bioactive compounds among marine resources. The cell walls of macroalgae are rich in polysaccharides which exhibit a wide range of biological activities, such as anticoagulant, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antitumor activities. Macroalgae polysaccharides (MPs) have been recognized as one of the most promising candidates in the biomedical field. However, the structure-activity relationships of bioactive polysaccharides extracted from macroalgae are complex and influenced by various factors. A clear understanding of these relationships is indeed critical in developing effective biomedical applications with MPs. In line with these challenges and knowledge gaps, this paper summarized the structural characteristics of marine MPs from different sources and relevant functional and bioactive properties and particularly highlighted those essential effects of the structure-bioactivity relationships presented in biomedical applications. This review not only focused on elucidating a particular action mechanism of MPs, but also intended to identify a novel or potential application of these valued compounds in the biomedical field in terms of their structural characteristics. In the last, the challenges and prospects of MPs in structure-bioactivity elucidation were further discussed and predicted, where they were emphasized on exploring modern biotechnology approaches potentially applied to expand their promising biomedical applications.

Pulmonary administration of tetrandrine loaded Zinc-Alginate nanogels attenuates pulmonary fibrosis in rats

Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressive disease, current systemic administration is not fully effective with many side effects, such as gastrointestinal and liver injury. The pulmonary delivery system for pulmonary fibrosis may contribute to maximize therapeutic benefit. Natural compounds might have prominence as potential drug candidates, but the low bioavailabilities affect their clinical use. Tetrandrine is a natural alkaloid with good anti-inflammatory, antifibrogenetic and antioxidant effects, and it is used as a clinical therapeutic drug for the treatment of silicosis in China. In the present study, we explore a new strategy of pulmonary delivery system to improve low solubility and pesticide effect of tetrandrine. Tetrandrine was loaded into alginate nanogels by reverse microemulsion method. The release behavior of tetrandrine reached zero-order kinetics release and the maximum free radical clearance rates reached up to 90%. The pulmonary fibrosis rats were treated with tetrandrine nanogels by using ultrasonic atomizing inhalation. Tetrandrine nanogels decreased the development and progression of fibrosis by reducing inflammation response and bating the deposition of extra cellular matrix. In conclusion, ultrasonic atomizing inhalation of tetrandrine nanogels provided a new therapeutic strategy for pulmonary fibrosis.

In-situ growth of zinc sulfide on the surface of alginate-based biomass carbon: A new material for removing methylene blue/basic fuchsin and copper ions

This work aims to prepare a composite adsorbent with a fixed shape to improve the performance of carbon materials and to solve the problem of adsorbent in powder form which is difficult to recycle after use. The BC-ZnS composite system was successfully prepared by hydrothermal method based on the preparation of biomass carbon (BC) using alginate (Alg), while the ZnS component was grown in-situ on the surface of BC. The effects of Alg, Zn source, hydrothermal temperature and time on the synthesis of BC-ZnS were explored, the results indicated that ZnS was successfully grown in-situ on the BC surface, while the BC maintained its original morphology. BC-ZnS showed excellent adsorption capacity for methylene blue (MB), basic fuchsin (BF), and copper ions (Cu2+), reaching 301.50 mg/g for MB and exhibiting good cyclic stability. The adsorption of MB/BF/Cu2+ by BC-ZnS was characterized by the presence of multiple forces, where the BC component mainly depended on the electrostatic force of Alg residue, while the ZnS involves electrostatic forces, ion exchange and Lewis acid/base soft-soft interactions. The adsorption process conforms to pseudo-first-kinetics and is a spontaneous entropy-increasing process. BC-ZnS can be a candidate for reusable wastewater treatment and has excellent potential for application.

Multiple Natural Polymers in Drug and Gene Delivery Systems

Natural polymers are organic compounds produced by living organisms. In nature, they exist in three main forms, including proteins, polysaccharides, and nucleic acids. In recent years, with the continuous research on drug and gene delivery systems, scholars have found that natural polymers have promising applications in drug and gene delivery systems due to their excellent properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, low immunogenicity, and easy modification. However, since the structure, physicochemical properties, pharmacological properties and biological characteristics of biopolymer molecules have not yet been entirely understood, further studies are required before large-scale clinical application. This review focuses on recent advances in the representative natural polymers such as proteins (albumin, collagen, elastin), polysaccharides (chitosan, alginate, cellulose) and nucleic acids. We introduce the characteristics of various types of natural polymers, and further outline the characterization methods and delivery forms of these natural polymers. Finally, we discuss possible challenges for natural polymers in subsequent experimental studies and clinical applications. It provides an important strategy for the clinical application of natural polymers in drug and gene delivery systems.

Construction and functional evaluation of oral long-acting insulin hydrogel microparticles based on physical and chemical double crosslinking

The objective of this study was to enhance the convenience and effectiveness of diabetes treatment by developing hydrogel microparticles as an oral insulin delivery system, aiming to reduce the necessity for frequent treatments. The hydrogel microparticles were prepared with polysaccharides through a combination of physical and chemical crosslinking method, they achieved good results in insulin loading efficiency (70 %), insulin release efficiency (98 %) and sustained release time (>20 h). The effective transmembrane transport was validated using an intestinal epithelial cell model, which demonstrated a continuous hypoglycemic effect lasting from 6 to 26 h in a type 2 diabetes mouse model. Additionally, the relative bioavailability of insulin reached 30.14 ± 2.62 %, representing a significant breakthrough in the field of oral insulin delivery carriers. Furthermore, oral insulin hydrogel exhibited a substantial improvement in insulin resistance, organ damage, and diabetes-related complications stemming from hyperglycemia. These compelling findings underscore the potential of hydrogel microparticles as a cost-effective and valuable strategy for oral drug delivery in diabetes treatment.

Alginate biopolymeric structures: Versatile carriers for bioactive compounds in functional foods and nutraceutical formulations: A review

Alginate-based biopolymer products have gained attention for protecting and delivering bioactive components in nutraceuticals and functional foods. These naturally abundant anionic, unbranched, and linear copolymers are also produced commercially by microorganisms. Alone or in combination with other copolymers, they efficiently transport bioactive molecules in food and nutraceutical products. This review aims to provide an in-depth understanding of alginate-based products and structures, emphasizing their role in delivering functional molecules in various formulations and delivery systems. These include edible coatings/films, gels/emulsions, beads/droplets, microspheres/particles, and engineered nanostructures where alginates have been used potentially. By exploring these applications, readers gain insights into the benefits of these products. Because, alginate-based biopolymer products have shown promise in delivering bioactive compounds like vitamin C, vitamin D3, curcumin, β-carotene, resveratrol, folic acid, gliadins, caffeic acid, betanin, limonoids, quercetin, several polyphenols and essential oils, etc., which are chief contributors to treating specific/overall nutritional and chronic metabolic disorders. So, this review summarizes the potential of alginate-based structures/products in various forms for delivering a wide range of functional food ingredients and nutraceutical components that offer promising perspectives for future investigations.

A comprehensive review on the ethnobotanical, phytochemical, and pharmacological aspects of the genus Malvastrum

The genus Malvastrum, from the family Malvaceae, is a small genus of twenty four species, distributed worldwide. Some of the species have a long and rich history of ethnobotanical and traditional medicinal uses. Few reports of systematic scientific studies can be found in the literature which highlight the rich chemical profile and pharmacological properties of the genus. This is the first ever attempt to compile the available literature and provide a critical overview for future studies on the genus. For this purpose, several databases, such as PubMed, Scifinder, Elsevier, Google Scholar, and others were utilized. Literature records the presence of bioactive metabolites in the genus, effective against dysentery, gastrointestinal distress, fever, enteritis, hepatitis, cough, sore throat, arthritis, and diabetes. Seventy four biologically active secondary metabolites have been identified from different species of Malvastrum, including four pure isolates. Furthermore, this report also documents their potential properties. This article may prove as a milestone for new researchers, eager to work on Malvastrum species and perform further in-depth studies on this genus.

Identification and statistical optimization of a novel alginate polymer extracted from newly isolated Synechocystis algini MNE ON864447 with antibacterial activity

Cyanobacteria are a potential source of promising secondary metabolites with different biological activities, including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal, and anticancer activities. To combat the emergence of antibiotic resistance, there is an urgent requirement for new drugs, and cyanobacteria metabolites can constitute alternative new antibacterial medication. The chemical complexity of their exopolysaccharides indicates that they have the potential to be bioactive molecules with many biological activities. The present study aimed to produce and optimise a novel alginate polymer from a newly isolated cyanobacterium, S. algini MNE ON864447, in addition to its promising antibacterial activity. We successfully isolated a new cyanobacterium strain, S. algini MNE ON864447 from the Nile River, which produces alginate as an extracellular polymeric substance. The isolated cyanobacterial alginate was identified using a set of tests, including FTIR, TLC, HPLC, GC-MS, and 1H NMR. Plackett-Burman statistical design showed that working volume (X1), the incubation period (X2), and inoculum size (X3) are the most significant variables affecting the production of alginate. The highest alginate production (3.57 g/L) was obtained using 4% inoculum size in 400 mL medium/L conical flask after 20 days of the incubation period. The extracted alginate showed potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and Streptococcus mutants (NCTC10449) are the most sensitive tested pathogen for purified cyanobacterial alginate with inhibition zone diameters of 34 ± 0.1 mm at 10 mg/mL of purified alginate while Vibro cholera (NCTC 8021) the lowest sensitive one and showed inhibition zone diameters of 22.5 ± 0.05 mm at the same cyanobacterial alginate concentration. This antibacterial activity is a critical step in the development of antibacterial drugs and presents a new challenge to fight against multi-resistant bacteria.

Synthesis, characterization and application of oligomeric proanthocyanidin-rich dual network hydrogels

A structurally dense hydrogel, with strong hydrogen bonding networks, was formed from poly(vinyl alcohol), sodium alginate, and oligomeric proanthocyanidins, using a combination of freeze-thaw cycles and calcium ion cross-linking. The structure of the hydrogel was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Mechanical testing and thermogravimetric analysis showed that incorporation of proanthocyanidins enhanced both the mechanical properties and the thermal stability of the hydrogel. The hydrogel was also demonstrated to have excellent ultraviolet resistance and antioxidant properties. The hydrogel was further shown that this hydrogel is also capable of generating electrochemical reactions, which strongly suggests that this hydrogel has exciting potential in many fields.

"One-stop" synergistic strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma postoperative recurrence

Residual tumor recurrence after surgical resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a considerable challenge that imperils the prognosis of patients. Notably, intraoperative bleeding and postoperative infection are potential risk factors for tumor recurrence. However, the biomaterial strategy for the above problems has rarely been reported. Herein, a series of cryogels (coded as SQ-n) based on sodium alginate (SA) and quaternized chitosan (QC) were synthesized and selected for optimal ratios. The in vitro assays showed that SQ-50 possessed superior hemostasis, excellent antibacterial property, and great cytocompatibility. Subsequently, SQAP was constructed by loading black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNSs) and anlotinib hydrochloride (AL3818) based on SQ-50. Physicochemical experiments confirmed that near-infrared (NIR)-assisted SQAP could control the release of AL3818 in photothermal response, significantly inhibiting the proliferation and survival of HUVECs and H22 cells. Furthermore, in vivo studies indicated that the NIR-assisted SQAP prevented local recurrence of ectopic HCC after surgical resection, achieved through the synergistic effect of mPTT and molecular targeted therapy. Thus, the multifunctional SQAP provides a "one-stop" synergistic strategy for HCC postoperative recurrence, showing great potential for clinical application.

The Protective Effects of Water-Soluble Alginic Acid on the N-Terminal of Thymopentin

Thymopentin (TP5) has exhibited strong antitumor and immunomodulatory effects in vivo. However, the polypeptide is rapidly degraded by protease and aminopeptidase within a minute at the N-terminal of TP5, resulting in severe limitations for further practical applications. In this study, the protective effects of water-soluble alginic acid (WSAA) on the N-terminal of TP5 were investigated by establishing an H22 tumor-bearing mice model and determining thymus, spleen, and liver indices, immune cells activities, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-4 levels, and cell cycle distributions. The results demonstrated that WSAA+TP5 groups exhibited the obvious advantages of the individual treatments and showed superior antitumor effects on H22 tumor-bearing mice by effectively protecting the immune organs, activating CD4+ T cells and CD19+ B cells, and promoting immune-related cytokines secretions, finally resulting in the high apoptotic rates of H22 cells through arresting them in S phase. These data suggest that WSAA could effectively protect the N-terminal of TP5, thereby improving its antitumor and immunoregulatory activities, which indicates that WSAA has the potential to be applied in patients bearing cancer or immune deficiency diseases as a novel immunologic adjuvant.

Comparison of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose and Alginate Gel Films with Meloxicam as Fast Orodispersible Drug Delivery

The aim of the study was the preparation and comparison of two types of orodispersible gel films (ODF) by the solvent casting method. Natural polymers: sodium alginate (ALG) or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) were used as the gel film formers, and Kollidon or microcrystalline cellulose was used as the disintegrant. Meloxicam (MLX), the drug used to treat rheumatic diseases for children and adults, was proposed as the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). The influence of the polymer and disintegrant on the properties of ODF was investigated. The evaluation of prepared gel films was based on appearance description, mass uniformity measurement, disintegration time, API content, film wettability, and water content. Also, the dissolution test was prepared in a basket apparatus using artificial salvia (pH = 6.8) as the medium. The obtained API release profiles were analyzed for the similarity factors (f2) with the DDSolver software. The results showed that independently of the polymer or disintegrant, using the solvent casting method, gel films have a similar appearance and active substance content close to the theoretical value and water content of less than 10%. Only the type of polymer influences the release profiles of MLX. However, the disintegration time was longer than 30 s, which makes the films non-fast-dissolving drug delivery systems. This means that for the ODF system, further evaluation is required, and some changes in the composition of the film have to be done.

Alginate-Based Materials Loaded with Nanoparticles in Wound Healing

Alginate is a naturally derived polysaccharide widely applied in drug delivery, as well as regenerative medicine, tissue engineering and wound care. Due to its excellent biocompatibility, low toxicity, and the ability to absorb a high amount of exudate, it is widely used in modern wound dressings. Numerous studies indicate that alginate applied in wound care can be enhanced with the incorporation of nanoparticles, revealing additional properties beneficial in the healing process. Among the most extensively explored materials, composite dressings with alginate loaded with antimicrobial inorganic nanoparticles can be mentioned. However, other types of nanoparticles with antibiotics, growth factors, and other active ingredients are also investigated. This review article focuses on the most recent findings regarding novel alginate-based materials loaded with nanoparticles and their applicability as wound dressings, with special attention paid to the materials of potential use in the treatment of chronic wounds.

Design and biopharmaceutical preclinical characterisation of a new thermosensitive hydrogel for the removal of gastric polyps

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Submucosal injection agents are widely used solutions in gastric polyp resection techniques. Currently, many different solutions are used in clinical practice, but most are not authorised for this use or are not biopharmaceutical characterised. The objective of this multidisciplinary work is to test the efficacy of a novel thermosensitive hydrogel designed specifically for this indication.

METHODS

A mixture design of various components (Pluronic®, hyaluronic acid and sodium alginate) was carried out to select the combination with optimal properties for this use. Three final thermosensitive hydrogels were selected on which biopharmaceutical characterisation was performed and stability and biocompatibility were analysed. Efficacy in maintaining elevation was tested ex vivo on pig mucosa and in vivo in pigs RESULTS: The mixture design allowed selection of the ideal combinations of agents for the characteristics sought. The thermosensitive hydrogels studied showed high values of hardness and viscosity at 37 °C, maintaining good syringeability. One of them demonstrated superiority in maintaining polyp elevation in the ex vivo assay and non-inferiority in the in vivo assay.

CONCLUSION

The thermosensitive hydrogel specifically designed for this use is promising both for its biopharmaceutical characteristics and for its demonstrated efficacy. This study lays the foundation for evaluating the hydrogel in humans.

Sodium alginate-based drug delivery for diabetes management: A review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is among the biggest global health problems of the 21st century, which is characterised by insufficient insulin secretion and results in the augmentation of blood sugar levels. The current foundation of hyperglycemia therapy is oral antihyperglycemic medications like biguanides, sulphonylureas, α-glucosidase inhibitors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) agonists, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors and others. Many naturally occurring substances have shown promise in treating hyperglycemia. Inadequate prologitivity of action, restricted bioavailability, site specificity, and dose-related side effects are some problems with currently available anti-diabetic medications. Sodium alginate has shown promise as a drug delivery mechanism, potentially solving issues with current therapies for several substances. This review summarizes the research on the efficacy of drug delivery systems based on alginate for transporting oral hypoglycemic medicines, phytochemicals, and insulin for treating hyperglycemia.

Mucoadhesive Hydrogel with Anti-gastric Acid and Sustained-Release Functions for Amelioration of DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis

Mucoadhesive hydrogels with multifunctional properties such as gastric acid resistance and sustained drug release in the intestinal tract are highly desirable for the oral treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Polyphenols are proven to have great efficacies compared with the first-line drugs for IBD treatments. We recently reported that gallic acid (GA) was capable of forming a hydrogel. However, this hydrogel is prone to easy degradation and poor adhesion in vivo. To tackle this problem, the current study introduced sodium alginate (SA) to form a gallic acid/sodium alginate hybrid hydrogel (GAS). As expected, the GAS hydrogel showed excellent antiacid, mucoadhesive, and sustained degradation properties in the intestinal tract. In vitro studies demonstrated that the GAS hydrogel significantly alleviated ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. The colonic length of the GAS group (7.75 ± 0.38 cm) was significantly longer than that of the UC group (6.12 ± 0.25 cm). The disease activity index (DAI) value of the UC group was (5.5 ± 0.57), which was markedly higher than that of the GAS group (2.5 ± 0.65). The GAS hydrogel also could inhibit the expression of inflammatory cytokines, regulating macrophage polarization and improving the intestinal mucosal barrier functions. All these results indicated that the GAS hydrogel was an ideal candidate for oral treatment of UC.

Natural Gums in Drug-Loaded Micro- and Nanogels

Gums are polysaccharide compounds obtained from natural sources, such as plants, algae and bacteria. Because of their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, as well as their ability to swell and their sensitivity to degradation by the colon microbiome, they are regarded as interesting potential drug carriers. In order to obtain properties differing from the original compounds, blends with other polymers and chemical modifications are usually applied. Gums and gum-derived compounds can be applied in the form of macroscopic hydrogels or can be formulated into particulate systems that can deliver the drugs via different administration routes. In this review, we present and summarize the most recent studies regarding micro- and nanoparticles obtained with the use of gums extensively investigated in pharmaceutical technology, their derivatives and blends with other polymers. This review focuses on the most important aspects of micro- and nanoparticulate systems formulation and their application as drug carriers, as well as the challenges related to these formulations.

Stabilization Activity of Kelp Extract in Ethylene-Propylene Rubber as Safe Packaging Material

This paper presents the stabilization effects of the solid extract of kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum) on an engineering elastomer, ethylene-propylene copolymer (EPR), which may be used as packaging material. Progressive increase in additive loadings (0.5, 1, and 2 phr) increases the oxidation induction time for thermally aged rubber at 190 °C from 10 min to 30 min for pristine material and modified polymer by adding 2 phr protection powder. When the studied polymer is γ-irradiated at 50 and 100 kGy, the onset oxidation temperatures increase as a result of blocking the oxidation reactivity of free radicals. The stabilization effect occurs through the activity of alginic acid, which is one of the main active components associated with alginates. The accelerated degradation caused by γ-exposure advances more slowly when the kelp extract is present. The OOT value for the oxidation of EPR samples increases from 130 °C to 165 °C after the γ-irradiation of pristine and modified (2 phr of kelp powder) EPR, respectively. The altered oxidation state of EPR samples by the action of γ-rays in saline serum is faster in neat polymer than in stabilized material. When the probes are placed in physiological serum and irradiated at 25 kGy, the OOT value for neat EPR (145 °C) is much lower than the homologous value for the polymer samples protected by kelp extract (153 °C for the concentration of 0.5 phr, 166 °C for the concentration of 1 phr, and 185 °C for the concentration of 2 phr).

Heteropolysaccharides in sustainable corrosion inhibition: 4E (Energy, Economy, Ecology, and Effectivity) dimensions

Carbohydrate polymers (polysaccharides) and their derivatives are widely utilized in sustainable corrosion inhibition (SCI) because of their various fascinating properties including multiple adsorption sites, high solubility and high efficiency. Contrary to traditional synthetic polymer-based corrosion inhibitors, polysaccharides are related to the 4E dimension, which stands for Energy, Economy, Ecology, and Effectivity. Furthermore, they are relatively more environmentally benign, biodegradable, and non-bioaccumulative. The current review describes the SCI features of various heteropolysaccharides, including gum Arabic (GA), glycosaminoglycans (chondroitin-4-sulfate (CS), hyaluronic acid (HA), heparin, etc.), pectin, alginates, and agar for the first time. They demonstrate impressive anticorrosive activity for different metals and alloys in a variety of corrosive electrolytes. Through their adsorption at the metal/electrolyte interface, heteropolysaccharides function by producing a corrosion-protective film. In general, their adsorption follows the Langmuir isotherm model. In their molecular structures, heteropolysaccharides contain several polar functional groups like -OH, -NH₂, -COCH₃, -CH₂OH, cyclic and bridging O, -CH₂SO₃H, -SO₃OH, -COOH, -NHCOCH₃, -OHOR, etc. that serve as adsorption centers when they bind to metallic surfaces.

Structure-property relationship in the evaluation of xanthan gum functionality for oral suspensions and tablets

The functional properties of xanthan gum (XG) in pharmaceutical preparations depend on its rheological properties, which inevitably rely on its molecular structure. Hence, this work investigated the relationship between the molecular structure of XG and its rheological properties and functional characteristics, and revealed the structural factors influencing the XG functionalities in oral suspensions and matrix tablets. Primarily, the molecular structures of four commercial XG products were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and measuring the monosaccharide composition, average molecular weight, and pyruvate and acetyl contents. Furthermore, the flow behavior and viscoelasticity of XG solutions, the viscoelasticity of XG hydrogels, and XG combinations (XGC, aqueous solution containing XG, liquid glucose, and glycerin) were investigated. Finally, the dissolution time of XGC and the swelling and erosion properties of the XG matrix were studied to evaluate XG functionality in oral suspensions and matrix tablets, respectively. Results showed that the polydispersity of molecular weight and the pyruvate content affected the functionality and performance of XG in suspension and tablet forms. The higher polydispersity and pyruvate content of XG improved the hydrogel strength, which led to a longer dissolution time of XGC and a higher swelling extent of the XG matrix but a slower erosion rate.

In Vivo and In Vitro Biocompatibility Study of CuS Nanoparticles: Photosensitizer for Glioblastoma Photothermal Therapy

Although photothermal treatment (PTT) has made significant progress in the fight against cancer, certain types of malignant tumors are still difficult to eradicate. PTT uses photothermal transforming agents to absorb NIR light and convert it to thermal energy, causing cancer cell death. In this study, we synthesized alginate (Alg)-coated CuS nanoparticles (CuS@Alg) as photothermal transforming agents to kill glioblastoma cancer cells. Nanoparticles were synthesized via a facile method, then, were characterized with different techniques such as ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Nanoparticles show high stability, and are monodisperse. CuS@Alg was discovered to have a spherical shape, a hydrodynamic size of about 19.93 nm, and a zeta potential of - 9.74 mV. CuS@Alg is able to increase temperature of medium under NIR light. Importantly, in vitro investigations show that PTT based on CuS@Alg has a strong theraputic impact, resulting in much high effectiveness. The LD50 and histopathology assays were used to confirm the NPs' non-toxicity in vivo. Results from an in vivo subacute toxicity investigation showed that the fabricated NPs were perfectly safe to biomedical usage.

Alginates Combined with Natural Polymers as Valuable Drug Delivery Platforms

Alginates (ALG) have been used in biomedical and pharmaceutical technologies for decades. ALG are natural polymers occurring in brown algae and feature multiple advantages, including biocompatibility, low toxicity and mucoadhesiveness. Moreover, ALG demonstrate biological activities per se, including anti-hyperlipidemic, antimicrobial, anti-reflux, immunomodulatory or anti-inflammatory activities. ALG are characterized by gelling ability, one of the most frequently utilized properties in the drug form design. ALG have numerous applications in pharmaceutical technology that include micro- and nanoparticles, tablets, mucoadhesive dosage forms, wound dressings and films. However, there are some shortcomings, which impede the development of modified-release dosage forms or formulations with adequate mechanical strength based on pure ALG. Other natural polymers combined with ALG create great potential as drug carriers, improving limitations of ALG matrices. Therefore, in this paper, ALG blends with pectins, chitosan, gelatin, and carrageenans were critically reviewed.

Encapsulation with Natural Polymers to Improve the Properties of Biostimulants in Agriculture

Encapsulation in agriculture today is practically focused on agrochemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or fertilizers to enhance the protective or nutritive aspects of the entrapped active ingredients. However, one of the most promising and environmentally friendly technologies, biostimulants, is hardly explored in this field. Encapsulation of biostimulants could indeed be an excellent means of counteracting the problems posed by their nature: they are easily biodegradable, and most of them run off through the soil, losing most of the compounds, thus becoming inaccessible to plants. In this respect, encapsulation seems to be a practical and profitable way to increase the stability and durability of biostimulants under field conditions. This review paper aims to provide researchers working on plant biostimulants with a quick overview of how to get started with encapsulation. Here we describe different techniques and offer protocols and suggestions for introduction to polymer science to improve the properties of biostimulants for future agricultural applications.

A Comprehensive Review of the Cardioprotective Effect of Marine Algae Polysaccharide on the Gut Microbiota

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death worldwide. Recent evidence has demonstrated an association between the gut microbiota and CVD, including heart failure, cerebrovascular illness, hypertension, and stroke. Marine algal polysaccharides (MAPs) are valuable natural sources of diverse bioactive compounds. MAPs have many pharmaceutical activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antidiabetic effects. Most MAPs are not utilized in the upper gastrointestinal tract; however, they are fermented by intestinal flora. The relationship between MAPs and the intestinal microbiota has drawn attention in CVD research. Hence, this review highlights the main action by which MAPs are known to affect CVD by maintaining homeostasis in the gut microbiome and producing gut microbiota-generated functional metabolites and short chain fatty acids. In addition, the effects of trimethylamine N-oxide on the gut microbiota composition, bile acid signaling properties, and CVD prevention are also discussed. This review supports the idea that focusing on the interactions between the host and gut microbiota may be promising for the prevention or treatment of CVD. MAPs are a potential sustainable source for the production of functional foods or nutraceutical products for preventing or treating CVD.

Collagen Fiber-Based Advanced Separation Materials: Recent Developments and Future Perspectives

Separation plays a critical role in a broad range of industrial applications. Developing advanced separation materials is of great significance for the future development of separation technology. Collagen fibers (CFs), the typical structural proteins, exhibit unique structural hierarchy, amphiphilic wettability, and versatile chemical reactivity. These distinctive properties provide infinite possibilities for the rational design of advanced separation materials. During the past 2 decades, many progressive achievements in the development of CFs-derived advanced separation materials have been witnessed already. Herein, the CFs-based separation materials are focused on and the recent progresses in this topic are reviewed. CFs widely existing in animal skins display unique hierarchically fibrous structure, amphiphilicity-enabled surface wetting behaviors, multi-functionality guaranteed covalent/non-covalent reaction versatility. These outstanding merits of CFs bring great opportunities for realizing rational design of a variety of advanced separation materials that were capable of achieving high-performance separations to diverse specific targets, including oily pollutants, natural products, metal ions, anionic contaminants and proteins, etc. Besides, the important issues for the further development of CFs-based advanced separation materials are also discussed.

Quantum Chemical Calculation for Intermolecular Interactions of Alginate Dimer-Water Molecules

The abundance of applications of alginates in aqueous surroundings created by their interactions with water is a fascinating area of research. In this paper, computational analysis was used to evaluate the conformation, hydrogen bond network, and stabilities for putative intermolecular interactions between alginate dimers and water molecules. Two structural forms of alginate (alginic acid, alg, and sodium alginate, SA) were evaluated for their interactions with water molecules. The density functional theory (DFT-D3) method at the B3LYP functional and the basis set 6-31++G** was chosen for calculating the data. Hydrogen bonds were formed in the Alg-(H₂O)_n complexes, while the SA-(H₂O)_n complexes showed an increase in Van der Walls interactions and hydrogen bonds. Moreover, in the SA-(H₂O)_n complexes, metal-nonmetal bonds existed between the sodium atom in SA and the oxygen atom in water (Na…O). All computational data in this study demonstrated that alginate dimers and water molecules had moderate to high levels of interaction, giving more stability to their complex structure.

pH-Responsive Drug Delivery and Imaging Study of Hybrid Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

A system of pH-responsive and imaging nanocarriers was developed using mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), in which gadolinium (Gd) was doped through in situ doping (Gd₂O₃@MSN). Sodium alginate (SA) was attached to the surfaces of the amino groups of MSNs (NH₂-Gd₂O₃@MSN) through the electrostatic adsorption between the amino groups and the carboxyl groups with the formation of hybrid SA-Gd₂O₃@MSN nanoparticles (NPs). The SA-coated NPs were spherical or near-spherical in shape with an average size of nearly 83.2 ± 8.7 nm. The in vitro drug release experiments of a model rhodamine B (RhB) cargo were performed at different pH values. The result confirmed the pH-responsiveness of the nanocarriers. The results of the cytotoxicity studies indicated that the SA-Gd₂O₃@MSN NPs were not cytotoxic by themselves. The results of the in vivo safety evaluation and the hemolysis assay confirmed that the system is highly biocompatible. It is noteworthy that the T1 contrast of the system was significantly enhanced by the Gd, as indicated by the result of the MR imaging. This study confirms that the synthesized hybrid nanosystem is promising for pH-responsive drug delivery and MR imaging for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Sodium alginate based drug delivery in management of breast cancer

Among women, breast cancer (B·C.) is a common form of cancer that can strike either developed or developing countries. In addition to pregnancy-related variables, hormone therapy lifestyle factors (e.g., physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol use) may all influence the progression of B·C. The creation of anti-B·C. medication carriers with better stability, controlled and targeted administration, and the goal of minimizing unwanted effects has taken a lot of time and effort. Naturally generated biopolymers-based pharmaceutical delivery techniques have attracted attention for their potential use in treating B·C. It's been shown that natural polymers can deliver high medication concentrations to the desired place and provide prolonged release of pharmaceuticals useful in treating B.C. Alginate is one of the most commonly used drug carriers for delayed and targeted release. In present review will discuss the utilization of sodium alginate as an carrier of anticancer drug, such as paclitaxel, doxorubicin, tamoxifen, curcumin, and others.

Magnetic-responsive polysaccharide hydrogels as smart biomaterials: Synthesis, properties, and biomedical applications

This review reports recent advances in polysaccharide-based magnetic hydrogels as smart platforms for different biomedical applications. These hydrogels have proved to be excellent, viable, eco-friendly alternative materials for the biomedical field due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and possibility of controlling delivery processes via modulation of the remote magnetic field. We first present their main synthesis methods and compare their advantages and disadvantages. Next, the synergic properties of hydrogels prepared with polysaccharides and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are discussed. Finally, we describe the main contributions of polysaccharide-based magnetic hydrogels in the targeted drug delivery, tissue regeneration, and hyperthermia therapy fields. Overall, this review aims to motivate the synthesis of novel composite biomaterials, based on the combination of magnetic nanoparticles and natural polysaccharides, to overcome challenges that still exist in the treatment of several diseases.

Drug-Polymers Composite Matrix Tablets: Effect of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) K-Series on Porosity, Compatibility, and Release Behavior of the Tablet Containing a BCS Class I Drug

The purpose of this research was to see how the physicochemical properties and porosity of matrix tablets containing various types of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) K series affected the release of propranolol hydrochloride (PNL). PNL is a class I drug (high solubility and permeability) according to the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS), making it an excellent model drug used for studying extended-release drug products. The direct compression method was used to prepare the HPMC-based matrix tablets. PNL and the excipients were found to be compatible using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The surfaces of all the compressed HPMC-based matrix tablets were rough, with accumulated particles and small holes. The compressed HPMC-based matrix tablet porosity was also determined by using mercury porosimetry. The compressed HPMC-based matrix tablets made of low viscosity HPMC had tiny pores (diameter < 0.01 μm). The shorter polymeric chains are more prone to deformation, resulting in a small pore proportion. The compressed HPMC-based matrix tablets sustained the release of PNL for over 12 h. The release exponent values (n), which reflect the release mechanism of the drug from the tablets, ranged from 0.476 to 0.497. These values indicated that the release was governed by anomalous transport. The compressed HPMC-based matrix tablets have the potential for a sustained release of PNL.

The applications of polysaccharides in dentistry

Polysaccharides are natural polymers widely present in animals, plants, and several microorganisms. Polysaccharides have remarkable properties, including easy extractions, degradability, and renewability, and have no apparent toxicity, making them ideal for biomedical applications. Moreover, polysaccharides are suitable for repairing oral tissue defects and treating oral diseases due to their excellent biocompatibility, biosafety, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. The oral cavity is a relatively complex environment vulnerable to numerous conditions, including soft tissue diseases, hard tissue disorders, and as well as soft and hard tissue diseases, all of which are complex to treat. In this article, we reviewed different structures of natural polysaccharides with high commercial values and their applications in treating various oral disease, such as drug delivery, tissue regeneration, material modification, and tissue repair.

Chitosan and Sodium Alginate Implementation as Pharmaceutical Excipients in Multiple-Unit Particulate Systems

This study aimed to prepare and evaluate pellets containing acyclovir as a model drug. Pellets were prepared by the extrusion–spheronization process. Aqueous solutions of natural marine polymers (sodium alginate, chitosan) were compared to semi-synthetic hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) in the role of binders. The study focused on the characterization of the pellet properties that are crucial for the formulation of the final dosage form, such as in multi-unit pellet system (MUPS) tablets or hard gelatin capsules filled with the pellets. Finally, the mentioned dosage forms were tested for drug dissolution. The morphology of pellets observed by scanning electron microscopy correlated with the shape evaluation performed by dynamic image analysis. Sodium alginate pellets exhibited the lowest value of sphericity (0.93), and many elongated rods and dumbbells were observed in this batch. Chitosan pellets had the highest value of sphericity (0.97) and were also less rough on the surface. The pellets maintained a constant surface geometry during the dissolution studies; they only reduced in size. The most significant reduction in size and weight was assessed after 2 h of dissolution testing. This fact was in line with the drug release from pellets in capsules or MUPS tablets, which was massive during the first hour, in both cases. The dissolution profiles of all of the batches were comparable.

Biosorptive Removal of Ethacridine Lactate from Aqueous Solutions by Saccharomyces pastorianus Residual Biomass/Calcium Alginate Composite Beads: Fixed-Bed Column Study

In this study, ethacridine lactate removal from aqueous solution using a biosorbent material based on residual microbial biomass and natural polymers in fixed-bed continuous column was investigated. Composite beads of Saccharomyces pastorianus residual biomass and calcium alginate were obtained by immobilization technique. The prepared biosorbent was characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and analysis of point of zero charge value. Then, laboratory-scale experiments by fixed-bed column biosorption were conducted in continuous system. To this purpose, the column bed high (5 cm; 7.5 cm), initial pollutant concentration (20 mg/L; 40 mg/L), and solution flow through the column (0.6 mL/min; 1.5 mL/min) were considered the main parameters. Recorded breakthrough curves suggest that lower flow rates, greater bed heights, and a lower concentration of ethacridine lactate led to an increased biosorption of the target compound. The biosorption dynamic was investigated by nonlinear regression analysis using the Adams–Bohart, Yoon–Nelson, Clark, and Yan mathematical models. Conclusively, our research highlights, firstly, that the obtained biosorbent material has the required properties for retaining the ethacridine lactate from aqueous solution in continuous system. Secondly, it emphasizes that the modeling approach reveals an acceptable fitting with the experimental data for the Yoon–Nelson, Clark, and Yan models.

Assembly encapsulation of BSA and CCCH-ZAP in the sodium alginate/atractylodis macrocephalae system

Zinc finger antiviral proteins (ZAP) can significantly inhibit the replication of avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J), but the traditional method of ZAP administration is by injection, which can easily cause stress effects in chickens. In this work, we established a sodium alginate/atractylodis macrocephalae system for the encapsulation of CCCH-type zinc finger antiviral protein (CCCH-ZAP). Because of the high cost of ZAP, we first chose bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model protein to investigate the encapsulation performance. The SEM images clearly confirmed that BSA and the sodium alginate/atractylodis macrocephalae system can assemble easily to form relatively stable nanostructures, and the encapsulation amount of BSA can reach 68%. Subsequently, the encapsulation of ZAP was studied. The SEM and the encapsulation experiments confirmed that ZAP can also be assembly encapsulated in the sodium alginate/atractylodis macrocephalae system with the encapsulation amount of 80%. Release studies showed that the SA/AM-ZAP nanocomposite was able to achieve a release rate of 32% of ZAP. This work successfully confirms the assembly encapsulation of ZAP, which will be beneficial for the usage of ZAP-based animal drugs.

ZAP and BSA can be encapsulated in the sodium alginate/atractylodis macrocephalae system using an assembly method.

Lead adsorption and antibacterial activity using modified magnetic biochar/sodium alginate nanocomposite

Biochar is one of the most promising wastewater treatment materials. As shown in the Scanning Electron Micrograph, the magnetic biochar (BC) cross-linked glutaraldehyde (G) with sodium alginate (SA) (BC-G-SA) nanocomposite formed with uniform particle size without aggregation, and an X-Ray Diffraction study revealed that the BC-G-SA nanocomposite has an amorphous structure. The BC-G-SA nanocomposite enhanced the microwave adsorption process for Pb (II). The maximum metal capacity value was obtained using the microwave adsorption technique at pH 5.0 and contact time 20 s for Pb (II) at medium and low microwave power (940 and 1400 μmol g^-1, respectively). Pb (II) adsorption isotherm follows a pseudo-second-order model. Also, the BC-G-SA nanocomposite effectively inhibited bacterial growth throughout the growth kinetics experiment. BC-G-SA inhibited the growth of S. aureus at a MIC of 200 g mL^-1, whereas L. monocytogenes had a MIC of 200 g mL^-1. The MIC values for E. faecalis and E. faecium were significantly lower (50 and 100 g mL^-1, respectively).