Nanofibers: A current era in drug delivery system

A systematic review of liposomal nanofibrous scaffolds as a drug delivery system: a decade of progress in controlled release and therapeutic efficacy

Drug-loaded liposomes incorporated in nanofibrous scaffolds is a promising approach as a multi-unit nanoscale system, which combines the merits of both liposomes and nanofibers (NFs), eliminating the drawback of liposomes' poor stability on the one hand and offering a higher potential of controlled drug release and enhanced therapeutic efficacy on the other hand. The current systematic review, which underwent a rigorous search process in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Central (Cochrane) employing (Liposome AND nanofib* AND electrosp*) as search keywords, aims to present the recent studies on using this synergic system for different therapeutic applications. The search was restricted to original, peer-reviewed studies published in English between 2014 and 2024. Of the 309 identified records, only 29 studies met the inclusion criteria. According to the literature, three different methods were identified to fabricate those nanofibrous liposomal scaffolds. The results consistently demonstrated the superiority of this dual system for numerous therapeutic applications in improving the therapy efficacy, enhancing both liposomes and drug stability, and releasing the encapsulated drug in a proper sustained release without significant initial burst release. Merging drug-loaded liposomes with NFs as liposomal nanofibrous scaffolds are a safe and efficient approach to deliver drug molecules and other substances for various pharmaceutical applications, particularly for wound dressing, tissue engineering, cancer therapy, and drug administration via the buccal and sublingual routes. However, further research is warranted to explore the potential of this system in other therapeutic applications.

Characterization, antibacterial property, biocompatibility, and optimization of novel composite nanofibers incorporating curcumin-loaded flexible nano-liposomes

Novel composite nanofibers incorporating curcumin-loaded flexible nano-liposomes (CLFN-liposomes) were developed for applications in tissue engineering, dressings, and drug delivery and release systems in this research. The preparation of CLFN-liposomes for curcumin encapsulation through the ethanol injection method was explored through a factorial experimental design. The optimal conditions for CLFN-liposomes/polycaprolactone composite nanofiber (CLFN-liposomes/PCL) were explored using the Taguchi method, emphasizing the addition of PCL, operational voltage, and flow rate. Uniformly distributed CLFN-liposomes with a smaller mean particle size of 53.9 ± 7.4 nm and higher encapsulation efficiency of 47.3 ± 3.4 % were synthesized for effective penetration. The smallest nanofiber diameter (186.3 ± 62.3 nm) with a smooth and uniform distribution was obtained after obtaining the optimum combinations of 17 wt% PCL, 4 wt% CLFN-liposomes/PCL, 25 kV, and 0.25 mL/h flow rate. The release of curcumin from CLFN-liposomes/PCL nanofibers followed the Higuchi model kinetics, with extended release for up to 48 h due to the dual-stage release from the nano-liposomes to the nanofibers. CLFN-liposomes/PCL dressings exhibited improved wettability (70.7° ± 4.3), water uptake (730 ± 44.2 %), biocompatibility (96 %), antimicrobial activity (41.8 ± 0.8 mm and 38.0 ± 1.1 mm inhibition zone of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli), and sustained release of curcumin, surpassing existing dressings in various aspects. This, novel composite nanofibers incorporating curcumin-loaded flexible nano-liposomes were developed, with promising wound dressing and broad application prospects. This study provides a novel idea for the release and delivery of active components through liposomes.

Formulation and Characterization of Novel Oral pH-Sensitive Electrospun Nanofibers for Boosting Dissolution and Penetration of Model Class IV Drug

Sulpiride, (a model class IV drug) is a central dopamine antagonist, that is commonly used in the treatment of various psychiatric and gastrointestinal conditions. However, its poor aqueous solubility and low oral bioavailability (20-30%) limit its therapeutic efficacy. Electrospun nanofibers offer a promising method to enhance the oral absorption of poorly water-soluble drugs. This study, for the first time, aimed to investigate the feasibility of electrospun Eudragit S100-loaded sulpiride nanofibers as an enhanced oral delivery system, compared to drug-loaded solid dispersion. The physicochemical properties of the nanofibers were characterized. The drug's intestinal permeability was evaluated using an ex vivo non-everted sac technique. Sulpiride-loaded nanofibers exhibited uniform morphology with a very narrow nanosize range of (98.4-123.6 nm) and a high drug-loading efficiency of > 98%. In vitro, dissolution demonstrated a significant enhancement in the sulpiride's dissolution rates from the nanofiber formulations (> 94% of the drug released within 4 hours) compared to the solid dispersion formulation (˂77% of the drug released). The nanofiber formulations exhibited a 2-fold increase in the drug's intestinal permeability and a 4-fold increase in apparent permeability (Papp)​ compared to the free drug. The improved dissolution and intestinal permeability of sulpiride-loaded nanofibers suggest their potential application for enhancing the oral delivery and therapeutic efficacy of class IV drugs.

Electrospun polycaprolactone fibers encapsulating omega-3 and montelukast sodium to prevent capsular contracture in breast implant surgery

Capsular contracture (CC) is a common complication associated with breast implant surgery and is characterized by excessive fibrotic tissue formation around the implant. However, there is no established gold-standard treatment to prevent CC. This study aimed to prepare fish oil/montelukast sodium (MTKS)-loaded polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers and evaluate their effectiveness in preventing CC. PCL, a biocompatible and biodegradable material, was used to fabricate electrospun fibers incorporating fish oil, a source of omega-3 (ω3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA and DHA), and MTKS, a leukotriene receptor antagonist. MTKS and ω3 were selected as therapeutic agents for their anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties. The fibers underwent characterization using FT-IR, HPLC, SEM, water contact angle, XRD, and TGA. These methods confirmed structural integrity, encapsulation and stability of fish oil, and optimal hydrophilic surface properties for reducing bacterial adhesion to implants. In vitro drug release studies demonstrated the controlled and prolonged release profile of ω3 and a faster release pattern with MTKS. In vivo experiments using a rat model with mini-implants coated with the fibers revealed a significant reduction in fibrotic capsule tissue formation and inflammatory responses compared to control groups after 90 days. Histological and gene expression analyses confirmed these findings. Second-harmonic generation imaging demonstrated that ω3 and MTKS facilitated favorable collagen organization, leading to late-stage fibrosis with a thinner, more compliant capsule, and enhanced biocompatibility. Our findings suggest that PCL-ω3-MTKS fibers regulate inflammatory and fibrotic pathways, improve collagen organization, and reduce the risk of CC. Additionally, ω3-MTKS demonstrated synergistic efficacy in impeding fibrosis. This innovative strategy offers a promising therapeutic approach to mitigate CC and improve outcomes in breast implant surgeries.

Optimizing processes and unveiling the therapeutic potential of electrospun gelatin nanofibers for biomedical applications

Gelatin, derived primarily from animal sources such as bovine, porcine, and fish skin and bones, exhibits remarkable properties that make it an ideal candidate for various contemporary applications. Its unique attributes include excellent biocompatibility, non-toxicity, biodegradability, low immunogenicity, ease of chemical modification, and structural similarity to the extracellular matrix (ECM). These features have led to the development of gelatin-based biomaterials with tunable properties and specialized functionalities. Electrospinning remains the most widely adopted and effective technique for fabricating gelatin nanofibers. These nanofibers are gaining significant attention in the biomedical sector due to their adjustable fiber morphology, enhanced surface properties, controllable porosity, mechanical adaptability, high surface area, multi-scale pore size distribution, and intrinsic bioactive characteristics. Functionalized gelatin-based electrospun nanofibers are a rapidly advancing area in the life sciences, enabling the creation of innovative drug delivery platforms and next-generation scaffolds for tissue regeneration. Their applications span across various domains, including bone and cartilage repair, retinal and vascular engineering, myocardial regeneration, cancer therapy, chronic wound management, and biosensor development. In this article, we provide a comprehensive assessment of the progression of gelatin-based nanofibers, highlight the critical parameters governing the electrospinning of gelatin, and explore recent innovations in diverse biomedical fields, emphasizing significant advancements and research findings.

A review of chitosan-based multifunctional nanocomposites for drug/gene/protein delivery and gene therapy in cancer treatments: Promises, challenges and outlooks

This study provides a comprehensive examination of chitosan-based multifunctional nanocomposites and their extensive applications in drug/gene/protein delivery, tissue engineering and cancer therapy. As a natural polymer with eco-friendly characteristics and both antimicrobial and anti-cancer properties, chitosan has garnered attention in numerous medical and pharmaceutical domains. The research explores diverse chitosan nanocomposites, including those incorporating magnetic nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and clay- and alginate-based nanocomposites. Additionally, the study addresses the obstacles encountered in developing these materials and their potential for creating advanced drug delivery systems and targeted treatments. The study highlights the applications of these nanocomposites in bone, cartilage, and skin tissue regeneration, as well as their potential in neural tissue engineering. in conclusion, the research underscores the promising future of chitosan-based nanocomposites in revolutionizing drug delivery, tissue engineering, and cancer therapy. It emphasizes the need for further studies to fully harness the potential of these materials and translate laboratory findings into clinical applications, paving the way for more effective and personalized medical treatments. Our reason for writing this article appears to be a comprehensive exploration of the potential and challenges of chitosan-based multifunctional nanocomposites in medicine, particularly in drug/gene/protein delivery and cancer therapy. The aim is to provide a detailed analysis of the material's versatility, its integration with advanced nanotechnologies, and its applications in targeted treatments, and regenerative medicine. we seek to address existing challenges, such as safety, scalability, and regulatory compliance, while highlighting the promising future of these materials in personalized and efficient medical treatments.

PLA-Based Electrospun Nanofibrous Mats Towards Application as Antibiotic Carriers: Processing Parameters, Fabrication and Characterization

Background/Objectives: Polymeric nanofibers are promising platforms for skin treatment applications due to their large surface area and high porosity, which promote enhanced drug delivery. This study aimed to develop and compare poly(lactic acid)-based (PLA) nanofibrous mats, using linear PLA and a star-like PLA-pentaerythritol (PLA-PE) copolymer, as carriers for transdermal delivery of the antibacterial agent levofloxacin (LEV). Methods: Electrospinning was employed to fabricate nanofibers from PLA and PLA-PE solutions. Spinning parameters and polymer concentrations (10% w/v PLA and 20% w/v PLA-PE) were optimized to produce uniform fibers. LEV was loaded at 10% and 20% w/w. A sum of complementary characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), were applied to comparatively investigate the fibers' morphology, structural properties, and crystallinity. Drug loading, porosity, degradation, and in vitro release profiles were evaluated. Results: PLA-PE nanofibers demonstrated smaller diameters and higher porosity (up to 90.1%) compared to PLA (82.4%), leading to enhanced drug loading (up to 34.78%) and faster degradation (55% vs. 43% mass loss over 60 days). Drug release exhibited a biphasic profile with an initial burst followed by sustained release. PLA-PE formulations released up to 60.2% LEV, compared to 38.1% for PLA counterparts. Conclusions: The star-like PLA-PE copolymer enhances nanofiber properties relevant to the desired application, including porosity, degradation rate, and drug release. These findings suggest that PLA-PE is a promising material for developing advanced transdermal antibiotic delivery systems.

Fabrication and evaluation of polylactic acid-curcumin containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) wound dressing using electrospinning method with experimental and computational approaches

The development of advanced wound dressings has seen a significant leap with the integration of biodegradable nanofibers. This study introduces an innovative approach by designing polylactic acid (PLA)-curcumin nanofiber wound dressings enhanced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Using the electrospinning method, various formulations were crafted, incorporating diverse weight percentages of curcumin and CNTs. Comprehensive analyses, including FT-IR and SEM, confirmed the structural and physical integrity of the nanofibers, while tensile testing revealed a notable enhancement in mechanical strength with the addition of CNTs. Drug release evaluations highlighted a controlled and predictable release pattern of curcumin across all samples. Water absorption tests demonstrated the ability of PLA nanofibers to absorb up to 364%, with PLA-Cur-0.03%CNT samples absorbing 163%, showcasing their adaptability to wound exudates. Importantly, cytotoxicity assessments confirmed the biocompatibility of all samples, with high cell viability observed after 3 and 7 days. Antibacterial tests underscored the efficacy of CNT-incorporated samples, with PLA-Cur-0.05%CNT achieving the highest antibacterial activity at 78.95%. Additionally, using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, the transition state, HOMO-LUMO energy, and equilibrium constant were explored, revealing higher equilibrium constants for keto-enol transformations compared to enol-keto in various solvents. Tautomeric conversion is easier in polar solvents due to the stability of charged species. HOMO-LUMO energy analysis revealed the stability and chemical activity of curcumin in solvents. This comprehensive research not only highlighted the mechanical, antibacterial, and drug delivery capabilities of the wound dressing but also provided an innovative approach for designing and optimizing pharmaceutical compounds under challenging chemical environments through advanced modeling and computational techniques.

Cellulose-Based Nanofibers Infused with Biotherapeutics for Enhanced Wound-Healing Applications

Nanofibers fabricated from various materials such as polymers, carbon, and semiconductors have been widely used for wound healing and tissue engineering applications due to their excellent nontoxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable properties. Nanofibers with a diameter in the nanometer range possess a larger surface area per unit mass permitting easier addition of surface functionalities and release of biotherapeutics incorporated compared with conventional polymeric microfibers. Henceforth, nanofibers are a choice for fabricating scaffolds for the management of wound healing. Nanofibrous scaffolds have emerged as a promising method for fabricating wound dressings since they mimic the fibrous dermal extracellular matrix milieu that offers structural support for wound healing and functional signals for guiding tissue regeneration. Cellulose-based nanofibers have gained significant attention among researchers in the fabrication of on-site biodegradable scaffolds fortified with biotherapeutics in the management of wound healing. Cellulose is a linear, stereoregular insoluble polymer built from repeated units of d-glucopyranose linked with 1,4-β glycoside bonds with a complex and multilevel supramolecular architecture. Cellulose is a choice and has been used by various researchers due to its solubility in many solvents and its capacity for self-assembly into nanofibers, facilitating the mimicry of the natural extracellular matrix fibrous architecture and promoting substantial water retention. It is also abundant and demonstrates low immunogenicity in humans due to its nonanimal origins. To this end, cellulose-based nanofibers have been studied for protein delivery, antibacterial activity, and biosensor applications, among others. Taken together, this review delves into an update on cellulose-based nanofibers fused with bioactive compounds that have not been explored considerably in the past few years.

A comprehensive review on liraglutide and novel nanocarrier-based systems for the effective delivery of liraglutide

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogs are synthetic derivatives of the natural incretin hormone GLP-1, which plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism. These analogs mimic the function of endogenous GLP-1 by stimulating insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon release, delaying gastric emptying, and promoting satiety, making them effective for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog, has gained considerable attention for its potential in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and cardiovascular disorders. However, its therapeutic application is significantly hindered by poor absorption, a short biological half-life, and unintended off-target effects, necessitating advanced drug delivery strategies. To address these challenges, various nanocarrier-based systems-such as nanofibers, liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, exosomes, hydrogels, and lipid nanoparticles-have been explored. These nanocarriers facilitate site-specific and sustained release of liraglutide, improving its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. This article provides a comprehensive overview of liraglutide's pharmacological properties, preclinical studies, and the potential of different nanocarrier-based approaches in optimizing its delivery for enhanced clinical outcomes.

Electrospinning: A New Frontier in Peptide Therapeutics

The nanofiber technology has recently undergone an unprecedented transformation, finding widespread utilities across diverse scientific disciplines. It is noteworthy that electrospinning approaches have emerged as an adaptable and successful approach to generate fibers ranging in rapidly as a class of therapeutic agents with a high level of target specificity. Peptides encounter several challenges as drugs, including swift breakdown by the body, rapid elimination from the bloodstream, inadequate stability, and restricted ability to cross cell membranes. This renders it challenging to employ them as drugs. However, electrospun nanofibers might address these problems. This review explores the promising potential of electrospinning nanofibers for peptide delivery. We delve into recent advancements in this technique, highlighting its effectiveness in overcoming challenges associated with peptide drug delivery. It provides an analysis of the trends identified in the use of the electrospinning technique and its role in peptide drug delivery systems, based on a review of data collected over a period of five to seven years.

Electrospun Chitosan/Polylactic Acid Nanofibers with Silver Nanoparticles: Structure, Antibacterial, and Cytotoxic Properties

Electrospinning, a technique for creating fabric materials from polymer solutions, is widely used in various fields, including biomedicine. The unique properties of electrospun fibrous membranes, such as large surface area, compositional versatility, and customizable porous structure, make them ideal for advanced biomedical applications like tissue engineering and wound healing. By considering the high biocompatibility and well-known regenerative potential of polylactic acid (PLA) and chitosan (CH), as well as the versatile antibacterial effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), this study explores the antibacterial efficacy, adhesive properties, and cytotoxicity of electrospun chitosan membranes with a unique nanofibrous structure and varying concentrations of AgNPs. Silver nanoparticles incorporated at concentrations of 25-50 μg/mL or above significantly enhanced the antibacterial effectiveness, especially against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Biocompatibility assessments using umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells demonstrated the nontoxic nature of the membranes with an AgNP concentration of 12.5 μg/mL, underscoring their potential for biomedical applications. This study provides valuable insights into developing electrospun chitosan membranes as effective antimicrobial coatings for various biomedical uses, including wound healing patches and tissue engineering constructs for soft tissue replacement.

Mechanistic insights of diabetic wound: Healing process, associated pathways and microRNA-based delivery systems

Wounds that represent one of the most critical complications can occur in individuals suffering from diabetes mellitus, and results in the need for hospitalisation and, in severe cases, require amputation. This condition is primarily characterized by infections, persistent inflammation, and delayed healing processes, which exacerbate the overall health of the patients. As per the standard mechanism, signalling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, HIF-1, TGF-β, Notch, Wnt/β-Cat, NF-κB, JAK/STAT, TLR, and Nrf2 play major roles in inflammatory, proliferative and remodelling phases of wound healing. However, dysregulation of the above pathways has been seen during the healing of diabetic wounds. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate the expression of various genes and signalling pathways which are associated with the process of wound healing. In the past few years, there has been a great deal of interest in the potential of miRNAs as biological agents in the management of a number of disorders. These miRNAs have been shown to modulate expression of genes involved in the healing process of wounds. There have been previous reviews pertaining to clinical trials examining miRNAs in several disorders, but only a few clinical studies have examined involvement of miRNAs in healing of wounds. Considering the therapeutic promise, there are several obstacles concerning their instabilities and inefficient delivery into the target cells. Therefore, this review is an attempt to discuss precise roles of signalling pathways and miRNAs in different phases of wound healing, and their aberrant regulation in diabetic wounds, particularly. It has also compiled a range of delivery mechanisms as well as an overview of the latest findings pertaining to miRNAs and associated delivery systems for improved healing of diabetic wounds.

Potential of Chitosan/Gelatin-Based Nanofibers in Delivering Drugs for the Management of Varied Complications: A Review

Drug delivery systems have revolutionized traditional drug administration methods by addressing various challenges, such as enhancing drug solubility, prolonging effectiveness, minimizing adverse effects, and preserving potency. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, particularly nanoparticles (NPs) and nanofibers (NFs), have emerged as promising solutions for biomedicine delivery. NFs, with their ability to mimic the porous and fibrous structures of biological tissues, have garnered significant interest in drug-delivering applications. Biopolymers such as gelatin (Ge) and chitosan (CH) have gained much more attention due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and versatility in biomedical applications. CH exhibits exceptional biocompatibility, anti-bacterial activity, and wound healing capabilities, whereas Ge provides good biocompatibility and cell adhesion properties. Ge/CH-based NFs stimulate cellular connections and facilitate tissue regeneration owing to their structural resemblance to the extracellular matrix. This review explores the additive methods of preparation, including electrospinning, force pinning, and template synthesis, focusing on electrospinning and the factors influencing the fiber structure. The properties of Ge and CH, their role in drug release, formulation strategies, and characterization techniques for electrospun fibers are discussed. Furthermore, this review addresses applications in delivering active moieties in the management of orthopedics and wound healing with regulatory considerations, along with challenges related to them. Thus, the review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the potential of Ge/CH-based NFs for drug delivery and biomedical applications.

A review on polysaccharide-based delivery systems for edible bioactives: pH responsive, controlled release, and emerging applications

pH changes occur during bodily lesions, presenting an opportunity for leveraging pH-responsive delivery systems as signals for a targeted response. This review explores the design and application of pH-responsive delivery systems based on natural polysaccharides for the controlled release of bioactives. The article examines the development of diverse delivery carriers, including nanoparticles, nanofibers, nanogels, core-shell carriers, hydrogels, emulsions as well as liposomes and their capacity to respond to pH variations, enabling the precise and targeted delivery of bioactives within the human body. These polysaccharide-based delivery systems can be made pH-responsive by modulating the charge of polybasic or polyacidic polysaccharides, inducing swelling of the carrier and subsequent release of the encapsulated bioactives. These pH-responsive systems show promise in stabilizing under acidic conditions for enhanced retention in the stomach during oral delivery while also enabling targeted release at low pH sites such as tumors and wounds, thereby accelerating wound healing and aiding in cancer therapy and inflammation treatment. pH can co-respond with a variety of stimuli, including temperature, enzymes and reactive oxygen species, enabling more precise responses to the microenvironment for targeted delivery. It provides solid theoretical foundations for the advancement of personalized nutrition and therapeutics through controlled and responsive release technologies.

Living Nanofiber-Enabled Cardiac Patches for Myocardial Injury

Because the adult heart has only minimal regenerative capacity, its inability to induce regeneration is well-known in patients with myocardial infarction. However, based on multidisciplinary approaches, it is possible to restore myocardial capability with regenerative medicine via living cardiac patches seeded with therapeutic ingredients ranging from multiple cell types to bioactive molecules, including growth factors, microRNA, and extracellular vesicles to the affected site. Biomaterials, natural and/or synthesized polymers, or in vivo sources such as collagen, fibrin, and decellularized extracellular matrix are used to form these cardiac patches. Herein, we review various techniques where seeded cells and bioactive agents are incorporated within porous nanofibers to create functional cardiac patches that provide myocardial extracellular matrix-like features, mechanical support, and a large surface-to-volume ratio for promoting cellular metabolism as well as compensation for the loss of cardiomyocytes in the infarcted region. We summarize recent advances through electrospinning-generated nanofibers of synthetic and/or natural polymers combined with biological material to create cardiac patches to repair and improve the function of infarcted myocardium. As tailoring designs on cardiac patches have been shown to exhibit deformation mechanisms and enhanced myocardial tissue regeneration, significant roles of various patterns and associated parameters are also discussed. The enhanced delivery of therapeutics offered by tailored nanofiber cardiac patches to treat myocardial infarction and overcome challenges of existing cardiac regeneration therapies such as low stability, short half-lifetime, and delivery methods may promote the potential for their clinical impact on myocardial regeneration.

Polymeric hollow fibers for encapsulating Eucalyptus galbie essential oil with decongestant potential and physicochemical study

Eucalyptus species are known for their decongestant and antimicrobial properties, mainly due to their essential oil. However, significant challenges persist in maintaining the stability and durability of the essential oils' effectiveness. This study examines the use of polymeric hollow fibers for encapsulating Eucalyptus essential oil (EE) to improve its stability and effectiveness in treating nasal congestion. The EE was obtained by hydro-distillation method, and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A dialysis cartridge containing polysulfone hollow fibers was used to load the EE, and their permeability, morphology, and stability were assessed. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and headspace sampling with gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) were employed to monitor EE release and the stability of EE-loaded hollow fibers. GC/MS analysis identified 20 major components with 1,8-cineole being the predominant compound at 59.32%. Physicochemical characterization of hollow fibers revealed complete permeability to EE. FT-IR spectra suggested potential interactions between EE and the fibers. Release studies indicated that over 80% of EE was released from the fibers within 180 min. Headspace analysis confirmed the presence and stability of 1,8-cineole in the loaded fibers. The stability test demonstrated no significant changes in the EE-loaded fibers over 6 days. This study indicated that the capillary properties of the EE-loaded hollow fibers facilitate oil loading, and headspace sampling provides a more efficient analysis. The successful and stable release of EE from the fibers, highlights the potential of hollow fibers for controlled drug delivery. However, conducting more accurate experiments can help deduce more logical results.

Ionomeric Nanofibers: A Versatile Platform for Advanced Functional Materials

The one-dimensional nanomaterials known as nanofibers have remarkable qualities, such as large surface areas, adjustable porosity, and superior mechanical strength. Ionomers, types of polymers, have ionic functional groups that give them special properties, including high mechanical strength, water absorption capacity, and ionic conductivity. Integrating ionomers and nanofibers with diverse materials and advanced methodologies has been shown to improve the mechanical strength, processing capacity, and multifunctional attributes of ionomeric nanofibers. One-dimensional ionomeric nanomaterials offer a versatile platform for developing functional materials with ionic functionalities. This mini review critically examines recent progress in the development of ionomeric nanofibers, highlighting innovative fabrication techniques and their expanding applications across energy storage, environmental remediation, healthcare, advanced textiles, and electronics.

How to Fabricate Hyaluronic Acid for Ocular Drug Delivery

This review aims to examine existing research on the development of ocular drug delivery devices utilizing hyaluronic acid (HA). Renowned for its exceptional biocompatibility, viscoelastic properties, and ability to enhance drug bioavailability, HA is a naturally occurring biopolymer. The review discussed specific mechanisms by which HA enhances drug delivery, including prolonging drug residence time on ocular surfaces, facilitating controlled drug release, and improving drug penetration through ocular tissues. By focusing on these unique functionalities, this review highlights the potential of HA-based systems to revolutionize ocular treatment. Various fabrication techniques for HA-based ocular drug delivery systems, including hydrogels, nanoparticles, and microneedles, are discussed, highlighting their respective advantages and limitations. Additionally, this review explores the clinical applications of HA-based devices in treating a range of ocular diseases, such as dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, retinal disorders, and ocular infections. By comparing the efficacy and safety profiles of these devices with traditional ocular drug delivery methods, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential benefits and challenges associated with HA-based systems. Moreover, this review discusses current limitations and future directions in the field, such as the need for standardized fabrication protocols, long-term biocompatibility studies, and large-scale clinical trials. The insights and advancements presented in this review aim to guide future research and development efforts, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of ocular drug delivery and improving patient outcomes.

Recent trends on polycaprolactone as sustainable polymer-based drug delivery system in the treatment of cancer: Biomedical applications and nanomedicine

The unique properties-such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, bio-absorbability, low cost, easy fabrication, and high versatility-have made polycaprolactone (PCL) the center of attraction for researchers. The derived introduction in this manuscript gives a pretty detailed overview of PCL, so you can first brush up on it. Discussion on the various PCL-based derivatives involves, but is not limited to, poly(ε-caprolactone-co-lactide) (PCL-co-LA), PCL-g-PEG, PCL-g-PMMA, PCL-g-chitosan, PCL-b-PEO, and PCL-g-PU specific properties and their probable applications in biomedicine. This paper has considered examining the differences in the diverse disease subtypes and the therapeutic value of using PCL. Advanced strategies for PCL in delivery systems are also considered. In addition, this review discusses recently patented products to provide a snapshot of recent updates in this field. Furthermore, the text probes into recent advances in PCL-based DDS, for example, nanoparticles, liposomes, hydrogels, and microparticles, while giving special attention to comparing the esters in the delivery of bioactive compounds such as anticancer drugs. Finally, we review future perspectives on using PCL in biomedical applications and the hurdles of PCL-based drug delivery, including fine-tuning mechanical strength/degradation rate, biocompatibility, and long-term effects in living systems.

Comparing solution blow spinning and electrospinning methods to produce collagen and gelatin ultrathin fibers: A review

Ultrathin fibers have been used to design functional nanostructured materials for technological and biomedical applications. Combining the use of renewable and compatible sources with the emerging alternative SBS (solution blow spinning) technique opens new opportunities for material applications. In this review, we introduce the benefits of SBS over the classical electrospinning technique by following studies that use collagen or gelatin. SBS offers distinct advantages over electrospinning in the preparation of ultrathin fibers based on natural proteins, including the absence of high-voltage sources and the possibility of using fewer toxic solvents. Notably, there is also the prospect of using SBS directly in injured tissues, opening new strategies for in situ structure assembly SBS is a suitable approach to produce fibers at the nanoscale that can be tailored to distinct diameters by blending or simply adjusting experimental conditions. The focus on producing collagen or gelatin fibers contributes to designing highly biocompatible mats with potential for promoting cellular growth and implantation, even though their applications can be found also in food packaging, energy, and the environment. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of the topic is essential to evaluate the current strategies regarding these materials and allow for their expanded production and advanced applications.

Enhancement of antibacterial activity in electrospun fibrous membranes based on quaternized chitosan with caffeic acid and berberine chloride for wound dressing applications

Electrospun nanofibers made from chitosan are promising materials for surgical wound dressings due to their non-toxicity and biocompatibility. However, the antibacterial activity of chitosan is limited by its poor water solubility under physiological conditions. This study addresses this issue by producing electrospun nanofibers mainly from natural compounds, including chitosan and quaternized chitosan, which enhance both its solubility for electrospinning and the antibacterial activity of the resulting electrospun nanofibers. Additionally, antimicrobial agents like caffeic acid or berberine chloride were incorporated. The glutaraldehyde-treated nanofibers showed improved mechanical properties, with an average tensile strength exceeding 2.7 MPa, comparable to other chitosan-based wound dressings. They also demonstrated enhanced water stability, retaining over 50% of their original weight after one week in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at 37 °C. The morphology and performance of these nanofibers were thoroughly examined and discussed. Furthermore, these membranes displayed rapid drug release, indicating potential for inhibiting bacterial growth. Antibacterial assays revealed that S2-CX nanofibers containing caffeic acid were most effective against E. coli and S. aureus, reducing their survival rates to nearly 0%. Similarly, berberine chloride-containing S4-BX nanofibers reduced the survival rates of E. coli and S. aureus to 19.82% and 0%, respectively. These findings suggest that electrospun membranes incorporating chitosan and caffeic acid hold significant potential for use in antibacterial wound dressings and drug delivery applications.

Highly fluorescent hybrid nanofibers as potential nanofibrous scaffolds for studying cell-fiber interactions

In this study, we report on the fabrication of hybrid nanofibers for labeling and bioimaging applications. Our approach is involved for developing highly fluorescent nanofibers using a blend of polylactic acid, polyethyleneglycol, and perylenediimide dyes, through the solution blow spinning technique. The nanofibers are exhibited diameters ranging from 330 nm to 420 nm. Nanofibers showed excellent red and near-infrared fluorescence emissive properties in fluorescent spectroscopy. Moreover, the strong two-photon absorption phenomenon was observed for nanofibers under confocal microscopy. To assess the applicability of these fluorescent nanofibers in bioimaging settings, we employ two types of mammalian cells B16F1 melanoma cells and J774.A1 macrophages. Both cell types exhibit negligible cytotoxicity after 24 h incubation with the nanofibers, indicating the suitability of nanofibers for cell-based experiments. We also observe strong interactions between the nanofibers and cells, as evidenced by two major events: a) the acquisition of an elongated cellular morphology with the major cellular axis parallel to the nanofibers and b) the accumulation of actin filaments along the points of contact of the cells with the fibers. Our findings demonstrate the suitability of these newly developed fluorescent nanofibers in cell-based applications for guiding cellular behavior. We expect that these fluorescent nanofibers have the potential to serve as scaffold materials for long-time tracking of cell-fiber interactions in fluorescence microscopy.

Synthesis, functionalization, and commercial application of cellulose-based nanomaterials

In recent times, cellulose, an abundant and renewable biopolymer, has attracted considerable interest due to its potential applications in nanotechnology. This review explores the latest developments in cellulose-based nanomaterial synthesis, functionalization, and commercial applications. Beginning with an overview of the diverse sources of cellulose and the methods employed for its isolation and purification, the review delves into the various techniques used for the synthesis of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), highlighting their unique properties and potential applications. Furthermore, the functionalization strategies employed to enhance the properties and tailor the functionalities of cellulose-based nanomaterials were discussed. The review also provides insights into the emerging commercial applications of cellulose-based nanomaterials across diverse sectors, including packaging, biomedical engineering, textiles, and environmental remediation. Finally, challenges and prospects for the widespread adoption of cellulose-based nanomaterials are outlined, emphasizing the need for further research and development to unlock their full potential in sustainable and innovative applications.

Ascorbyl palmitate nanofiber-reinforced hydrogels for drug delivery in soft issues

Nanofiber-based hydrogel delivery systems have recently shown great potential in biomedical applications, specifically due to their high surface-to-volume ratio of ultra-fine nanofibers and their ability to carry low solubility drugs. Herein, we introduce a visible light-triggered in situ-gelling drug vehicle (GAP Gel) composed of ascorbyl palmitate (AP) nanofibers and gelatin methacryloyl polymer. AP nanofibers form self-assembled structures through intermolecular interactions with a hydrophobic drug-loading core. We demonstrate that the hydrophilic periphery of AP nanofibers allows them to interact with other hydrophilic molecules via hydrogen bonds. The presence of AP nanofibers significantly enhances the viscoelasticity of GAP Gel in a concentration-dependent manner. Further, GAP Gel shows in vitro biocompatibility and sustained drug delivery efficacy when loaded with a hydrophobic antibiotic. Likewise, GAP Gel shows excellent in vivo biocompatibility when implanted in immunocompetent mice in various forms. Lastly, GAP Gels maintain cell viability when cultured in a 3D-environment over 7 days, establishing it as a promising and versatile hydrogel platform for the delivery of biotherapeutics.

UV Resistance and Wetting of PLA Webs Obtained by Solution Blow Spinning

In this work, the resistance of polylactide-based non-wovens produced by solution blow spinning to environmental factors was investigated. An average contact angle of up to 136° was achieved with an average fiber diameter of 340 nm at the optimal material density and nozzle-substrate distance. When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the polylactide non-wovens rapidly lose their hydrophobic properties due to changes in surface morphology resulting from fiber melting. It was demonstrated that the influence of surface structural features on hydrophobicity is greater than that of the material itself. The stability of the wetting properties under UV irradiation was assessed using the derivative parameters of the Owens-Wendt technique, which can serve as an additional method for estimating surface polarity.

Advances in Nanomedicine and Biomaterials for Endometrial Regeneration: A Comprehensive Review

The endometrium is an extremely important component of the uterus and is crucial for individual health and human reproduction. However, traditional methods still struggle to ideally repair the structure and function of damaged endometrium and restore fertility. Therefore, seeking and developing innovative technologies and materials has the potential to repair and regenerate damaged or diseased endometrium. The emergence and functionalization of various nanomedicine and biomaterials, as well as the proposal and development of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering techniques, have brought great hope for solving these problems. In this review, we will summarize various nanomedicine, biomaterials, and innovative technologies that contribute to endometrial regeneration, including nanoscale exosomes, nanomaterials, stem cell-based materials, naturally sourced biomaterials, chemically synthesized biomaterials, approaches and methods for functionalizing biomaterials, as well as the application of revolutionary new technologies such as organoids, organ-on-chips, artificial intelligence, etc. The diverse design and modification of new biomaterials endow them with new functionalities, such as microstructure or nanostructure, mechanical properties, biological functions, and cellular microenvironment regulation. It will provide new options for the regeneration of endometrium, bring new hope for the reconstruction and recovery of patients' reproductive abilities.

Advances in Light-Responsive Smart Multifunctional Nanofibers: Implications for Targeted Drug Delivery and Cancer Therapy

Over the last decade, scientists have shifted their focus to the development of smart carriers for the delivery of chemotherapeutics in order to overcome the problems associated with traditional chemotherapy, such as poor aqueous solubility and bioavailability, low selectivity and targeting specificity, off-target drug side effects, and damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Nanofiber-based drug delivery systems have recently emerged as a promising drug delivery system in cancer therapy owing to their unique structural and functional properties, including tunable interconnected porosity, a high surface-to-volume ratio associated with high entrapment efficiency and drug loading capacity, and high mass transport properties, which allow for controlled and targeted drug delivery. In addition, they are biocompatible, biodegradable, and capable of surface functionalization, allowing for target-specific delivery and drug release. One of the most common fiber production methods is electrospinning, even though the relatively two-dimensional (2D) tightly packed fiber structures and low production rates have limited its performance. Forcespinning is an alternative spinning technology that generates high-throughput, continuous polymeric nanofibers with 3D structures. Unlike electrospinning, forcespinning generates fibers by centrifugal forces rather than electrostatic forces, resulting in significantly higher fiber production. The functionalization of nanocarriers on nanofibers can result in smart nanofibers with anticancer capabilities that can be activated by external stimuli, such as light. This review addresses current trends and potential applications of light-responsive and dual-stimuli-responsive electro- and forcespun smart nanofibers in cancer therapy, with a particular emphasis on functionalizing nanofiber surfaces and developing nano-in-nanofiber emerging delivery systems for dual-controlled drug release and high-precision tumor targeting. In addition, the progress and prospective diagnostic and therapeutic applications of light-responsive and dual-stimuli-responsive smart nanofibers are discussed in the context of combination cancer therapy.

Nanofiber Graft Therapy to Prevent Shoulder Stiffness and Adhesions after Rotator Cuff Tendon Repair: A Comprehensive Review

Stiffness and adhesions following rotator cuff tears (RCTs) are common complications that negatively affect surgical outcomes and impede healing, thereby increasing the risk of morbidity and failure of surgical interventions. Tissue engineering, particularly through the use of nanofiber scaffolds, has emerged as a promising regenerative medicine strategy to address these complications. This review critically assesses the efficacy and limitations of nanofiber-based methods in promoting rotator cuff (RC) regeneration and managing postrepair stiffness and adhesions. It also discusses the need for a multidisciplinary approach to advance this field and highlights important considerations for future clinical trials.

Nanoparticles in Periodontitis Therapy: A Review of the Current Situation

Periodontitis is a disease of inflammation that affects the tissues supporting the periodontium. It is triggered by an immunological reaction of the gums to plaque, which leads to the destruction of periodontal attachment structures. Periodontitis is one of the most commonly recognized dental disorders in the world and a major factor in the loss of adult teeth. Scaling and root planing remain crucial for managing patients with persistent periodontitis. Nevertheless, exclusive reliance on mechanical interventions like periodontal surgery, extractions, and root planning is insufficient to halt the progression of periodontitis. In response to the problem of bacterial resistance, some researchers are committed to finding alternative therapies to antibiotics. In addition, some scholars focus on finding new materials to provide a powerful microenvironment for periodontal tissue regeneration and promote osteogenic repair. Nanoparticles possess distinct therapeutic qualities, including exceptional antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, immunomodulatory capacities, and the promotion of bone regeneration ability, which made them can be used for the treatment of periodontitis. However, there are many problems that limit the clinical translation of nanoparticles, such as toxic accumulation in cells, poor correlation between in vitro and in vivo, and poor animal-to-human transmissibility. In this paper, we review the present researches on nanoparticles in periodontitis treatment from the perspective of three main categories: inorganic nanoparticles, organic nanoparticles, and nanocomposites (including nanofibers, hydrogels, and membranes). The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive and recent update on nanoparticles-based therapies for periodontitis. The conclusion section summarizes the opportunities and challenges in the design and clinical translation of nanoparticles for the treatment of periodontitis.

Translational Challenges in Drug Therapy and Delivery Systems for Treating Chronic Lower Extremity Wounds

Despite several promising preclinical studies performed over the past two decades, there remains a paucity of market-approved drugs to treat chronic lower extremity wounds in humans. This translational gap challenges our understanding of human chronic lower extremity wounds and the design of wound treatments. Current targeted drug treatments and delivery systems for lower extremity wounds rely heavily on preclinical animal models meant to mimic human chronic wounds. However, there are several key differences between animal preclinical wound models and the human chronic wound microenvironment, which can impact the design of targeted drug treatments and delivery systems. To explore these differences, this review delves into recent new drug technologies and delivery systems designed to address the chronic wound microenvironment. It also highlights preclinical models used to test drug treatments specific for the wound microenvironments of lower extremity diabetic, venous, ischemic, and burn wounds. We further discuss key differences between preclinical wound models and human chronic wounds that may impact successful translational drug treatment design.

Fabrication and In-Vivo Evaluation of Polyvinyl pyrrolidone/Poloxamer 188 Hybrid Nanofibers of Deflazacort

The superior flexibility, efficient drug loading, high surface-to-volume ratio, ease of formulation, and cost-controlled production are considered exceptional advantages of nanofibers (NFs) as a smart delivery system. Deflazacort (DEF) is an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant agent. It is categorized as a poorly soluble class II drug. In this study, DEF-loaded polymeric nanofibrous using the electrospinning technique mats, Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) with or without Poloxamer 188 (PX) were used as mat-forming polymers. Microscopical imaging, drug content (%), and in vitro dissolution studies were conducted for all NFs formulae (F1-F7). All NFs improved the DEF dissolution compared to the unprocessed form, with the superiority of the PVP/PX hybrid. The optimized formula (F7) exhibited an average diameter of 655.46 ± 90.4 nm and % drug content of 84.33 ± 5.58. The dissolution parameters of DEF loaded in PVP/PX NFs (F7) reflected a release of 95.3 % ± 3.1 and 102.6 % ± 1.7 after 5 and 60 min, respectively. NFs (F7) was investigated for drug-polymer compatibility using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Powder X-ray diffraction analysis (PXRD), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). In vivo anti-inflammatory study employing male Sprague-Dawley rats showed a significant reduction of rat paw edema for F7 (p < 0.05) compared with unprocessed DEF with a normal epidermal and dermal skin structure comparable to the healthy negative control. Immunohistochemical and morphometric data displayed similarities between the immune reaction of F7 and the negative healthy control. The finding of this work emphasized that DEF loaded in PVP/PX NFs could be considered a useful strategy for enhancing the therapeutic performance of DEF.

Transmucosal Delivery of Peptides and Proteins Through Nanofibers: Current Status and Emerging Developments

Advancements in recombinant DNA technology have made proteins and peptides available for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, but their effectiveness when taken orally leads to poor patient compliance, requiring clinical administration. Among the alternative routes, transmucosal delivery has the advantage of being noninvasive and bypassing hepato-gastrointestinal clearance. Various mucosal routes-buccal, nasal, pulmonary, rectal, and vaginal-have been explored for delivering these macromolecules. Nanofibers, due to their unique properties like high surface-area-to-volume ratio, mechanical strength, and improved encapsulation efficiency, serve as promising carriers for proteins and peptides. These nanofibers can be tailored for quick dissolution, controlled release, enhanced encapsulation, targeted delivery, and improved bioavailability, offering superior pharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic performance compared to conventional methods. This leads to reduced dosages, fewer side effects, and enhanced patient compliance. Hence, nanofibers hold tremendous potential for protein/peptide delivery, especially through mucosal routes. This review focuses on the therapeutic application of proteins and peptides, challenges faced in their conventional delivery, techniques for fabricating different types of nanofibers and, various nanofiber-based dosage forms, and factors influencing nanofiber generation. Insights pertaining to the precise selection of materials used for fabricating nanofibers and regulatory aspects have been covered. Case studies wherein the use of specific protein/peptide-loaded nanofibers and delivered via oral/vaginal/nasal mucosa for diagnostic/therapeutic use and related preclinical and clinical studies conducted have been included in this review.

Progress in cardiac tissue engineering and regeneration: Implications of gelatin-based hybrid scaffolds

Cardiovascular diseases, particularly myocardial infarction (MI), remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current treatments for MI, more palliative than curative, have limitations in reversing the disease completely. Tissue engineering (TE) has emerged as a promising strategy to address this challenge and may lead to improved therapeutic approaches for MI. Gelatin-based scaffolds, including gelatin and its derivative, gelatin methacrylate (GelMA), have attracted significant attention in cardiac tissue engineering (CTE) due to their optimal physical and biochemical properties and capacity to mimic the native extracellular matrix (ECM). CTE mainly recruits two classes of gelatin/GelMA-based scaffolds: hydrogels and nanofibrous. This article reviews state-of-the-art gelatin/GelMA-based hybrid scaffolds currently applied for CTE and regenerative therapy. Hybrid scaffolds, fabricated by combining gelatin/GelMA hydrogel or nanofibrous scaffolds with other materials such as natural/synthetic polymers, nanoparticles, protein-based biomaterials, etc., are explored for enhanced cardiac tissue regeneration functionality. The engraftment of stem/cardiac cells, bioactive molecules, or drugs into these hybrid systems shows great promise in cardiac tissue repair and regeneration. Finally, the role of gelatin/GelMA scaffolds combined with the 3D bioprinting strategy in CTE will also be briefly highlighted.

Fabrication of a core-shell nanofibrous wound dressing with an antioxidant effect on skin injury

Oxidative stress is one of the obstacles preventing wound regeneration, especially for chronic wounds. Herein, designing a wound dressing with an anti-oxidant function holds great appeal for enhancing wound regeneration. In this study, a biocompatible and degradable nanofiber with a core-shell structure was fabricated via coaxial electrospinning, in which polycaprolactone (PCL) was applied as the core structure, while the shell was composed of a mixture of silk fibroin (SF) and tocopherol acetate (TA). The electrospun PST nanofibers were proven to have a network structure with significantly enhanced mechanical properties. The PSTs exhibited a diameter distribution with an average of 321 ± 134 nm, and the water contact angle of their surface is 124 ± 2°. The PSTs also exhibited good tissue compatibility, which can promote the adhesion and proliferation of L929 cells. Besides, the dissolution of silk fibroin encourages the release of TA, which could play a synergistic effect and regulate the oxidative stress effect in the damaged area, for it promotes the adhesion and proliferation of skin fibroblasts (L929), reduces the cytotoxicity of hydrogen peroxide to cells, and lowers the level of reactive oxygen species. The animal experiment indicated that the PSTs would promote the reconstruction of skin. These nanofibers are expected to repair skin ulcers related to diabetes.

Inhalation Dosage Forms: A Focus on Dry Powder Inhalers and Their Advancements

In this review, an extensive analysis of dry powder inhalers (DPIs) is offered, focusing on their characteristics, formulation, stability, and manufacturing. The advantages of pulmonary delivery were investigated, as well as the significance of the particle size in drug deposition. The preparation of DPI formulations was also comprehensively explored, including physico-chemical characterization of powders, powder processing techniques, and formulation considerations. In addition to manufacturing procedures, testing methods were also discussed, providing insights into the development and evaluation of DPI formulations. This review also explores the design basics and critical attributes specific to DPIs, highlighting the significance of their optimization to achieve an effective inhalation therapy. Additionally, the morphology and stability of 3 DPI capsules (Spiriva, Braltus, and Onbrez) were investigated, offering valuable insights into the properties of these formulations. Altogether, these findings contribute to a deeper understanding of DPIs and their development, performance, and optimization of inhalation dosage forms.