Antibacterial nanofibers of pullulan/tetracycline-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes for Fast-Disintegrating oral drug delivery

Preparation of pH-enzyme dual-responsive gel microspheres and their treatment of ulcerative colitis

Mesalazine (MSZ), a first-line treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC), was formulated into acid-resistant, colon-targeted gel microspheres to reduce upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT) exposure and extend drug retention in the colon. In this study, we used MSZ/hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (MSZ/HP-β-CD) as the model drug, dopamine-modified sodium alginate (DA-SA) and konjac glucomannan (KGM) as the carrier matrix, and chitosan (CS) as the coating material. The colon-targeted gel microspheres (MSZ/HP-β-CD/DA-SA/KGM/CS) were prepared using the drop method. These microspheres had a drug loading capacity of 7.9 ± 0.01 % and an encapsulation efficiency of 72.5 ± 0.03 %. The drug primarily released in the colon environment, showing pH and β-mannanase sensitivity. The dried microspheres measured approximately 0.6 mm, suitable for oral administration. In the rat UC model, after oral administration of gel microspheres, the colon length increased, while the DAI score, spleen index, and the expression levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB p65 all decreased. Histopathological examination showed that treated UC rats' colon tissues closely resembled those of healthy controls. These findings indicate that pH-enzyme-responsive coated gel microspheres can effectively target the colon and show potential for UC treatment.

Electrospun pullulan nanofibers containing pterostilbene-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex: Preparation and characterization

Preservative-free dry masks made from natural active ingredients have attracted much attention in the spirit of safety and environmental protection, which should be in line with the future trend of skin care products. Pterostilbene (PTS) is a natural antioxidant ingredient derived from plants that has received great interest in the field of biomedicine and cosmetics. However, the low water solubility and stability of PTS limiting its wide application. In this study, we first self-assembled Pterostilbene (PTS) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) into water-soluble inclusion complexes (IC) to solve the solubility problem of Pterostilbene. The dry mask (PUL-PTS-HP-β-CD-NF) was then successfully produced using electrostatic spinning technology via combining IC with pullulan polysaccharide as co-spinning agents. The PUL-PTS-HP-β-CD-NF masks were detailedly analyzed using SEM, FTIR, and XRD, and the antioxidant capacity, water retention capacity, in vitro release, and safety were comprehensively assessed at the same time. The results showed that the nanofiber mask (PUL-PTS-HP-β-CD-NF) was dense, uniform, and well-distributed, which exhibited a higher level of antioxidant activity compared to isolated PTS counterparts. As the IC increases, the water retention capacity of the PUL-PTS-HP-β-CD-NF mask becomes more evident, and the in vitro dissolving studies further demonstrated that the release of PTS from PUL-PTS-HP-β-CD-NF was concentration-dependent, which exhibited a direct relationship with time and followed a kinetic model of first-order reaction. In addition, the biosafety of the nanofiber mask was confirmed using red blood cell hemolysis. This work not only provide a very novel approach to prepare dry mask but also offer a sustainable way to create environmentally-friendly chemicals.

Recent developments in nanofiber-based fast-disintegrating drug delivery systems

INTRODUCTION

Fast-disintegrating electrospun fibers are emerging as innovative systems for oral drug delivery. These fibers possess a high surface area, porosity, and customizable hydrophilicity, which facilitates quick drug release by disintegrating rapidly in biological fluids or upon contact with water.

AREAS COVERED

Hydrophilic polymers and cyclodextrins (CDs), either separately or in combination, are frequently utilized to accelerate the disintegration of electrospun fibers, enhance the solubility of hydrophobic drugs, and improve drug bioavailability, leading to better therapeutic outcomes. Toward this goal, a systematic literature search was conducted to identify experimental studies (2019-2025) in Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus using the keywords ('fast-disintegrating' OR 'fast-dissolving') AND ('electrospinning' OR 'electrospun') AND ('delivery' OR 'release').

EXPERT OPINION

This review examines recent advancements over the past five years in the development of fast-disintegrating drug delivery fibers. It analyzes fiber composition, structural modifications, drug encapsulation routes, and their impact on drug release for oral mucosal delivery. Additionally, it addresses the challenges faced and outlines future directions in the field.

Electrospun nanofibers of curcumin/HP-beta-CD/pullulan complex with enhanced solubility and controlled release in food and drug delivery applications

Curcumin, a hydrophobic drug derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, exhibits significant bioactive properties, including antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. However, its poor water solubility and rapid degradation limit its practical applications. This study presents a novel design of electrospun nanofibers using curcumin/hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex (HP-β-CD-IC) combined with pullulan to enhance thermal stability and controlled release. In uniaxial nanofibers, curcumin/HP-β-CD-IC is uniformly distributed, whereas in coaxial nanofibers, curcumin/HP-β-CD-IC serves as the core material, with pullulan as the wall material. X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed successful inclusion complex formation, with coaxial fibers showing no crystalline peaks of curcumin. Differential scanning calorimetry indicated enhanced thermal stability, with melting points shifting to 279.19 °C and 291.63 °C for uniaxial and coaxial fibers, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy verified the core-shell structure and uniform morphology. In vitro release studies revealed that coaxial fibers achieved higher cumulative release (93 ± 1.41 %) compared to uniaxial fibers (80 ± 2.82 %) over 350 min. Antibacterial tests demonstrated improved activity of coaxial fibers against S. aureus and E. coli. Addressing the critical need for stable and bioavailable delivery of hydrophobic bioactive compounds, this innovative coaxial nanofiber design holds great promise for revolutionizing applications in food technology and drug delivery.

Unveiling cyclodextrin conjugation as multidentate excipients: An exploratory journey across industries

The discovery of branched molecules like dextrin by Schardinger in 1903 marked the inception of cyclodextrin (CD) utilization, catalyzing its journey from laboratory experimentation to widespread commercialization within the pharmaceutical industry. CD, a cyclic oligosaccharide containing glucopyranose units, acts as a versatile guest molecule, forming inclusion complexes (ICs) with various host molecules. Computational studies have become instrumental in elucidating the intricate interactions between β-CD and guest molecules, enabling the prediction of binding energy, forces, affinity, and complex stability. The computational approach has established robust correlations with experimental outcomes, enhancing our understanding of CD-mediated complexation phenomena. This comprehensive review delves into the CD based Inclusion complex (CDIC) formation and a myriad of components, including drug molecules, amino acids, vitamins, and volatile oils. These complexes find applications across diverse industries, ranging from pharmaceuticals to nutraceuticals, food, fragrance, and beyond. In the pharmaceutical realm, β- CDICs offer innovative solutions for enhancing drug solubility, stability, and bioavailability, thus overcoming formulation challenges associated with poorly water-soluble drugs. Furthermore, the versatility of CDs extends beyond pharmaceuticals, with applications in the encapsulation of phytoactive compounds in nutraceuticals and the enhancing flavor, aroma in food and fragrance industries. This review underscores the pivotal role of CDs conjugation in modern drug delivery systems, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary approaches that integrate computational modeling with experimental validation. As the pharmaceutical landscape continues to evolve, CDs-based formulations stand poised to drive innovation and address the ever-growing demand for efficacious and patient-friendly drug delivery solutions.

Recent progress in biopolymer-based electrospun nanofibers and their potential biomedical applications: A review

Tissue engineering offers an alternative approach to developing biological substitutes that restore, maintain, or enhance tissue functionality by integrating principles from medicine, biology, and engineering. In this context, biopolymer-based electrospun nanofibers have emerged as attractive platforms due to their superior physicochemical properties, including excellent biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and desirable biodegradability, compared to synthetic polymers. Considerable efforts have been dedicated to developing suitable substitutes for various biomedical applications, with electrospinning receiving considerable attention as a versatile technique for fabricating nanofibrous platforms. While the applications of biopolymer-based electrospun nanofibers in the biomedical field have been previously reviewed, recent advancements in the electrospinning technique and its specific applications in areas such as bone regeneration, wound healing, drug delivery, and protein/peptide delivery remain underexplored from a material science perspective. This work systematically highlights the effects of biopolymers and critical parameters, including polymer molecular weight, viscosity, applied voltage, flow rate, and tip-to-collector distance, on the resulting nanofiber properties. The selection criteria for different biopolymers tailored to desired biomedical applications are also discussed. Additionally, the challenges and limitations associated with biopolymer-based electrospun nanofibers, alongside future perspectives for advancing their biomedical applications, are rationally analyzed.

Approaches for Inclusion Complexes of Ezetimibe with Cyclodextrins: Strategies for Solubility Enhancement and Interaction Analysis via Molecular Docking

This study aimed to improve the solubility of ezetimibe (EZT), which has low aqueous solubility, by preparing complexes using β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) derivatives. Phase solubility studies and Job's plot confirmed a high apparent stability constant for EZT with β-CD and even higher constants with its derivatives, establishing a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio. The composites were prepared using spray drying over a range of molar ratios, and their physicochemical properties were evaluated using techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Saturation solubility and in vitro dissolution tests revealed that solubility increased with higher CD molar ratios. EZT/RM-β-CD inclusion complexes (ICs) and EZT/DM-β-CD ICs exhibited a similar solubility, which was greater than that of EZT/HP-β-CD ICs and EZT/SBE-β-CD ICs (where RM, DM, HP, and SEB represent H, CH3, -CH2-CHOH-CH3 and -(CH2)4-SO3Na synthetic derivatives, respectively). Most complexes, except for EZT/SBE-β-CD at 1:2 or higher ratios, showed superior solubility compared with EZT powder and commercial products. Molecular docking simulations confirmed EZT inclusion within the CD, revealing hydrogen bonds and binding energies that aligned with solubility trends. These findings suggest that EZT complexes with β-CD derivatives significantly improve solubility, highlighting their potential for developing more effective oral solid formulations for hyperlipidemia treatment.

A Bioinspired Antifouling Coating Based on "Host-Guest Interaction" Strategy: Durable Slipperiness and Tunable Transparency

Lubricant-mediated surfaces limit their practical application in transparent antifouling due to the inherent drawbacks of lubricant loss and poor transparency. Liquid-Like Surfaces(LLSs)are expected to solve these problems. Herein, inspired by the skin structure of globefish, some slippery LLSs are prepared with the cyclodextrin-eugenol inclusion complexes as the poison glands and flexible silicone chains as the liquid-like layer. LLSs kill attached organisms by slowly secreting environmentally friendly eugenol through poison glands. Short-term explosive release of the drug is avoided owing to host-guest interactions. In addition, due to low surface energy, the covalently linked flexible silicone chains spontaneously migrate to the surface of the coating, effectively preventing the adhesion of fouling and improving the durability of slippery surfaces, achieving both offense and defense. LLSs exhibit outstanding antifouling, mechanical, and adhesive performance. Interestingly, the transparency of LLSs in seawater and freshwater is quite different. This different behavior is attributed to ion-dipole interactions weakening the hydrogen bonding of water molecules to the polymer network, which provides some insights into tuning the transparency responsiveness of polymers. Furthermore, LLSs-coated lenses achieve a long-lasting transparent application in seawater for 90 days, providing a promising approach for surface antifouling of lenses in marine environments.

How sugar types and fabrication methods affect palatability in paediatric-friendly oromucosal pullulan films of chlorpromazine hydrochloride

Ensuring children adhere to their prescribed medication can be challenging, particularly when a large number of medicines on the market consist of unpalatable drugs and difficult to swallow dosage forms. Sugar-based oromucosal films are easy to administer dosage forms across all age groups within the paediatric population, as they eliminate the need for swallowing or water intake and can contribute to enhancing palatability and medicine adherence. In the current study, electrospun and 3D printed oromucosal films of chlorpromazine hydrochloride (CHZ), a bitter drug, were developed based on pullulan, a natural polysaccharide, and an array of sweeteners. Their taste masking efficacy was assessed in vitro using an electronic tongue, showing a significant suppression of the bitter taste of CHZ in the presence of sucralose, sucrose and isomalt in the 3D-printed films. In vivo assessment further confirmed that the sugar-based 3D printed films are highly acceptable to volunteers. For the electrospun films, volunteers reported neutral responses for overall acceptability, likely due to their lack of familiarity with this type of formulation. Overall, with improved acceptability and further optimization for taste masking, sugar-based films could serve as a viable alternative to conventional solid oral dosage forms for administering drugs to children.

Quercetin@β-Cyclodextrin Conjugated Keratin/Polyurethane Biocomposite Mats for Infected Diabetic Wound Healing

Chronic diabetic wounds suffer from severe complications caused by long-term high levels of oxidative stress and bacterial infection. Quercetin (Que) has excellent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity, making it a promising drug to address the above issues. To exploit the benefits of Que in a more effective and sustained way to treat diabetic wounds, carboxymethyl β-cyclodextrin (CMCD) was synthesized and conjugated to keratin, then complexed with Que to form Que@Ker-CMCD inclusion, followed by electrospinning with polyurethane (PU) to afford Que@Ker-CMCD/PU mats. The approach significantly enhanced water solubility, bioavailability, and sustained release of Que. Crucially, these mats exhibited robust antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Moreover, the mats fostered an environment conducive to cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and re-epithelialization, pivotal processes in wound healing and remodeling. Consequently, a marked acceleration in remodeling chronic diabetic wounds was observed. In conclusion, this study introduces a novel therapeutic strategy that not only harnesses the multifaceted benefits of Que but also enhances its delivery and performance, offering a promising avenue for the effective treatment of chronic diabetic wounds.

Recent Advances in Cyclodextrin-Based Nanoscale Drug Delivery Systems

Cyclodextrins (CDs) belong to a class of cyclic oligosaccharides characterized by their toroidal shape consisting of glucose units linked via α-1,4-glycosidic bonds. This distinctive toroidal shape exhibits a dual nature, comprising a hydrophobic interior and a hydrophilic exterior, making CDs highly versatile in various pharmaceutical products. They serve multiple roles: they act as solubilizers, stabilizers, controlled release promoters, enhancers of drug bioavailability, and effective means of masking undesirable tastes and odors. Taking advantage of these inherent benefits, CDs have been integrated into numerous nanoscale drug delivery systems. The resulting nanomaterials exploit the exceptional properties of CDs, including their ability to solubilize hydrophobic drugs for substantial drug loading, engage in supramolecular complexation for engineered nanomaterials, increase bioavailability for improved therapeutic efficacy, stabilize labile drugs, and exhibit biocompatibility and versatility. This paper compiles recent studies on CD functional nanoscale drug delivery platforms. First, we described the physicochemical and toxicological aspects of CDs, CD/drug inclusion complexation, and their impact on improving drug bioavailability. We then summarized applications for CD-functional nano delivery systems based on polymeric, hybrid, lipid-based nanoparticles, and CD-based nanofibers. Particular interest was in the targeted applications and the function of the CD molecules used. In most applications, CD molecules were used for drug solubilization and loading, while in some studies, CD molecules were employed for supramolecular complexation to construct nanoscale drug delivery systems. Finally, the review concludes with a thoughtful consideration of the current challenges and outlook.

Potential of Pullulan-Based Polymeric Nanoparticles for Improving Drug Physicochemical Properties and Effectiveness

Pullulan, a natural polysaccharide with unique biocompatibility and biodegradability, has gained prominence in nanomedicine. Its application in nanoparticle drug delivery systems showcases its potential for precision medicine.

AIM OF STUDY

This scientific review aims to comprehensively discuss and summarize recent advancements in pullulan-based polymeric nanoparticles, focusing on their formulation, characterization, evaluation, and efficacy.

METHODOLOGY

A search on Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar, using "Pullulan and Nanoparticle" as keywords, identified relevant articles in recent years.

RESULTS

The literature search highlighted a diverse range of studies on the pullulan-based polymeric nanoparticles, including the success of high-selectivity hybrid pullulan-based nanoparticles for efficient boron delivery in colon cancer as the active targeting nanoparticle, the specific and high-efficiency release profile of the development of hyalgan-coated pullulan-based nanoparticles, and the design of multifunctional microneedle patches that incorporated pullulan-collagen-based nanoparticle-loaded antimicrobials to accelerate wound healing. These studies collectively underscore the versatility and transformative potential of pullulan-based polymeric nanoparticles in addressing biomedical challenges.

CONCLUSION

Pullulan-based polymeric nanoparticles are promising candidates for innovative drug delivery systems, with the potential to overcome the limitations associated with traditional delivery methods.

Direct electrospinning for producing multiple activity nanofibers consisting of aggregated luteolin/hydroxypropyl-gamma-cyclodextrin inclusion complex

Hydroxypropyl-gamma-cyclodextrin (HPγCD) inclusion complex nanofibers (Lut/HPγCD-IC-NF) containing Luteolin (Lut) were prepared by electrospinning technology. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra confirmed the formation of Lut/HPγCD-IC-NF. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that the morphology of Lut/HPγCD-IC-NF was uniform and bead-free, suggesting that self-assembled aggregates, macromolecules with higher molecular weights, were formed by strong hydrogen bonding interactions between the cyclodextrin inclusion complexes. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images showed that Lut was distributed in Lut/HPγCD-IC-NF. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy revealed the change in chemical shift of the proton peak between Lut and HPγCD, confirming the formation of inclusion complex. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) proved that Lut/HPγCD-IC-NF had good thermal stability. The phase solubility test confirmed that HPγCD had a solubilizing effect on Lut. When the solubility of HPγCD reached 10 mM, the solubility of Lut increased by 15-fold. The drug loading test showed that the content of Lut in fibers reached 8.57 ± 0.02 %. The rapid dissolution experiment showed that Lut/HPγCD-IC-NF dissolved within 3 s. The molecular simulation provides three-dimensional evidence for the formation of inclusion complexes between Lut and HPγCD. Antibacterial experiments showed that Lut/HPγCD-IC-NF had enhanced antibacterial activity against S. aureus. Lut/HPγCD-IC-NF exhibited excellent antioxidant properties with a free radical scavenging ability of 89.5 ± 1.1 %. In vitro release experiments showed Lut/HPγCD-IC-NF had a higher release amount of Lut. In conclusion, Lut/HPγCD-IC-NF improved the physicochemical properties and bioavailability of Lut, providing potential applications of Lut in the pharmaceutical field.

Incorporation of Resveratrol-Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin Complexes into Hydrogel Formulation for Wound Treatment

Resveratrol could be applied in wound healing therapies because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. However, the main limitation of resveratrol is its low aqueous solubility. In this study, resveratrol was included in hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin complexes and further formulated in Pluronic F-127 hydrogels for wound treatment therapy. IR-spectroscopy and XRD analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of resveratrol into complexes. The wound-healing ability of these complexes was estimated by a scratch assay on fibroblasts, which showed a tendency for improvement of the effect of resveratrol after complexation. The antimicrobial activity of resveratrol in aqueous dispersion and in the complexes was evaluated on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans strains. The results revealed a twofold decrease in the MIC and stronger inhibition of the metabolic activity of MRSA after treatment with resveratrol in the complexes compared to the suspended drug. Furthermore, the complexes were included in Pluronic hydrogel, which provided efficient drug release and appropriate viscoelastic properties. The formulated hydrogel showed excellent biocompatibility which was confirmed via skin irritation test on rabbits. In conclusion, Pluronic hydrogel containing resveratrol included in hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin complexes is a promising topical formulation for further studies directed at wound therapy.

Advancements in application of chitosan and cyclodextrins in biomedicine and pharmaceutics: recent progress and future trends

The global community is faced with numerous health concerns such as cancer, cardiovascular and neurological diseases, diabetes, joint pain, osteoporosis, among others. With the advancement of research in the fields of materials chemistry and medicine, pharmaceutical technology and biomedical analysis have entered a new stage of development. The utilization of natural oligosaccharides and polysaccharides in pharmaceutical/biomedical studies has gained significant attention. Over the past decade, several studies have shown that chitosan and cyclodextrin have promising biomedical implications in background analysis, ongoing development, and critical applications in biomedical and pharmaceutical research fields. This review introduces different types of saccharides/natural biopolymers such as chitosan and cyclodextrin and discusses their wide-ranging applications in the biomedical/pharmaceutical research area. Recent research advances in pharmaceutics and drug delivery based on cyclodextrin, and their response to smart stimuli, as well as the biological functions of cyclodextrin and chitosan, such as the immunomodulatory effects, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, have also been discussed, along with their applications in tissue engineering, wound dressing, and drug delivery systems. Finally, the innovative applications of chitosan and cyclodextrin in the pharmaceutical/biomedicine were reviewed, and current challenges, research/technological gaps, and future development opportunities were surveyed.

Synthesis of Cross-Linked and Sterilized Water-Soluble Electrospun Nanofiber Biomatrix of Streptomycin-Imbedded PVA/CHN/β-CD for Wound Healing

The diagnosis and prognosis of chronic wounds are demanding and require objective assessment. Because of their potential medicinal applications, the syntheses of biopolymeric chitosan (CHN) structure and PVA-based mixed electrospun nanofibers with biomimetic features were thoroughly investigated. This study created different formulas, including a guest molecule and capping agent, using supporting PVA as a vehicle. CHN was used as a biomodifier, and beta-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) as a smoother and more efficiently entraps streptomycin (STP) compared with the silver sheet wound dressing. The relevant analyses showed that the size distribution increased with the incorporation of PVA, CHN, and ß-CD to 120.3, 161.9, and 192.02 nm. The webs boosted particle size and released content stability to 96.4% without compromising the nanofiber structure. Examining the synergistic effects of the PVA/CHN/STP/ß-CD nanoformulation against pathogenic strains of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and Aspergillus niger, clean zones were 47 ± 3.4, 45 ± 3.0, and 49 ± 3.7 mm were produced. PVA/CHN/STP/ß-CD formula exhibited a 98.9 ± 0.6% cell viability and wound closure of 100% at 72 h. The results reveal that the PVA/CHN/STP/ß-CD formula is promising for medical applications, especially in wound healing, compared with the silver sheet.

Formulation of a fast-disintegrating drug delivery system from cyclodextrin/naproxen inclusion complex nanofibrous films

Naproxen is a well-known non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that suffers from limited water solubility. The inclusion complexation with cyclodextrin (CD) can eliminate this drawback and the free-standing nanofibrous film (NF) generated from these inclusion complexes (ICs) can be a promising alternative formula as an orally disintegrating drug delivery system. For this, naproxen/CD IC NFs were generated using the highly water soluble hydroxypropylated derivative of βCD (HPβCD) with two different molar ratios of 1/1 and 1/2 (drug/CD). The complexation energy calculated by the modeling study demonstrated a more favorable interaction between HPβCD and naproxen for the 1/2 molar ratio than 1/1. HPβCD/naproxen IC NFs were generated with loading concentrations of ∼7-11% and without using toxic chemicals. HPβCD/naproxen IC NFs indicated a faster and enhanced release profile in aqueous medium compared to pure naproxen owing to inclusion complexation. Moreover, rapid disintegration in less than a second was achieved in an artificial saliva environment.

Development of Vitamin C-Loaded Electrospun Nanofibers of Mixture of Polysaccharides of Pullulan/Xanthan Gum for Fast Dissolving Oral Film Applications

In this study, polysaccharide-based nanofibrous fast dissolving oral films (FDOFs) were developed using pullulan (PUL) and xanthan gum (XG) via electrospinning. The edible, continuous, and bead-free nanofibers with average diameters ranging from 181.17 nm to 260.84 nm were prepared. The morphological, thermal, mechanical, and water-soluble properties of the nanofibrous FDOFs were characterized. For prospective future applications of the developed PUL/XG FDOFs, a model nutrient of vitamin C (VC) was encapsulated into the FDOFs. The success of VC encapsulation was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The encapsulation efficiency of VC was above 85% by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer. The amorphous structure of PUL/XG in the nanofibers film was demonstrated by X-ray diffractometer. In addition, the edible FDOFs could dissolve in water within 3 s. The nanofibers film we prepared could be used as nutrient or drug carriers and edible packaging film.

Development of composite electrospun films utilizing soy protein amyloid fibrils and pullulan for food packaging applications

Electrospun films (ESF) are gaining attention for active delivery due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. This study investigated the impact of adding soy protein amyloid fibrils (SAFs) to ESF. Functional ESF based on SAFs/pullulan were successfully fabricated, with SAFs clearly observed entangled in the electrospun fibers using fluorescence microscopy. The addition of SAFs improved the mechanical strength of the ESF threefold and increased its surface hydrophobicity from 24.8° to 49.9°. Moreover, the ESF demonstrated antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In simulated oral disintegration tests, almost 100% of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) dissolved within 4 min from the ESF. In summary, the incorporation of SAFs into ESF improved their mechanical strength, hydrophobicity, and enabled them to exhibit antibacterial properties, making them promising candidates for active delivery applications in food systems. Additionally, the ESF showed efficient release of EGCG, indicating their potential for controlled release of bioactive compounds.

Hydrophobic Tetracycline Immobilized in Fibrous Hyaluronan Regulates Adhesive Collagen-Based Hydrogel Stability for Infected Wound Healing

Collagen-based hydrogels have a significant impact on wound healing, but they suffer from structural instability and bacterial invasion in infected wounds. Here, electrospun nanofibers of esterified hyaluronan (HA-Bn/T) are developed to immobilize the hydrophobic antibacterial drug tetracycline by π-π stacking interaction. Dopamine-modified hyaluronan and HA-Bn/T are employed simultaneously to stabilize the structure of collagen-based hydrogel by chemically interweaving the collagen fibril network and decreasing the rate of collagen degradation. This renders it injectable for in situ gelation, with suitable skin adhesion properties and long-lasting drug release capability. This hybridized interwoven hydrogel promotes the proliferation and migration of L929 cells and vascularization in vitro. It presents satisfactory antibacterial ability against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The structure also retains the functional protein environment provided by collagen fiber, inhibits the bacterial environment of infected wounds, and modulates local inflammation, resulting in neovascularization, collagen deposition, and partial follicular regeneration. This strategy offers a new solution for infected wound healing.

Tigecycline Absorption Improved by Selected Excipients

To investigate the effects of (2,6-di-O-methyl)-β-cyclodextrin (DM-β-CD), (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD), tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS), sodium desoxycholate (SDOCH), trimethyl chitosan (TMC), and sodium caprate (C10) on the plasma concentration and the oral bioavailability of tigecycline in broiler chickens. To test the effects of the excipients on absorption of tigecycline, a tetracycline that is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, broiler chickens were used as an animal model. Tigecycline (10 mg/kg body weight) was administered intravenously, orally, and orally with one of the excipients. Plasma samples were taken after administration. To measure tigecycline concentrations, high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was used. Compartmental and non-compartmental analyses were used for pharmacokinetic analyses of mean plasma concentrations versus time. With the exception of sodium caprate, all the excipients significantly increased the area under the curve and bioavailability of tigecycline (p < 0.05). These parameters were approximately doubled by HP-β-CD, TPGS, and SDOCH, with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the difference that included only increases of 1.5-fold or higher (bioavailability: control, 1.67%; HP-β-CD, 3.24%; TPGS, 3.30%; and SDOCH, 3.24%). The increases in these parameters were smaller with DM-β-CD and TMC (DM-β-CD, 2.41%; TMC, 2.55%), and the 95% CIs ranged from close to no difference to nearly double the values in the control group. These results indicate that HP-β-CD, TPGS, and SDOCH substantially increase the area under the curve and oral bioavailability of tigecycline. They suggest that DM-β-CD and TMC may also substantially increase these parameters, but more research is needed for more precise estimates of their effects.

Embryonic perfect repair inspired electrospun nanofibers dressing with temperature-sensitive and antibacterial properties for wound healing

Introduction

The development of highly effective wound dressings is crucial for successful clinical applications. Achieving wound closure, preventing infection, and minimizing scarring are key objectives in wound healing. Drawing inspiration from the regenerative mechanisms observed in embryonic tissue repair, we designed a series of wound-contractible dressings with exceptional antibacterial properties.

Methods

This was achieved by encapsulating quaternized silicone (QP12) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N-hydroxymethylacrylamide-co-octadecyl acrylate) (PNNS) within electrospun nanofibers of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL).

Results and discussion

The resulting nanofibrous dressings demonstrated remarkable thermo-responsive self-contraction and tissue adhesion capabilities, enabling secure adherence to the skin and active wound closure. Notably, these nanofibers exhibited potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, they possessed desirable properties such as hydrophilicity, biocompatibility and mechanical properties resembling human skin. A full-thickness skin defect model evaluation revealed that these temperature-sensitive nanofibers expedited wound closure, enhanced wound healing, and suppressed scar formation. This result was evidenced by reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells, well-organized collagen arrangement, and improved vascularization. In summary, we propose that these wound-contractible nanofibers, with their antibacterial and anti-scarring properties, hold great promise as an advanced solution for skin wound repair.

The Role of Cyclodextrin in the Construction of Nanoplatforms: From Structure, Function and Application Perspectives

Cyclodextrins (CyDs) in nano drug delivery systems have received much attention in pursuit of good compatibility, negligible toxicity, and improved pharmacokinetics of drugs. Their unique internal cavity has widened the application of CyDs in drug delivery based on its advantages. Besides this, the polyhydroxy structure has further extended the functions of CyDs by inter- and intramolecular interactions and chemical modification. Furthermore, the versatile functions of the complex contribute to alteration of the physicochemical characteristics of the drugs, significant therapeutic promise, a stimulus-responsive switch, a self-assembly capability, and fiber formation. This review attempts to list recent interesting strategies regarding CyDs and discusses their roles in nanoplatforms, and may act as a guideline for developing novel nanoplatforms. Future perspectives on the construction of CyD-based nanoplatforms are also discussed at the end of this review, which may provide possible direction for the construction of more rational and cost-effective delivery vehicles.

Wound Dressing Modifications for Accelerated Healing of Infected Wounds

Infections that occur during wound healing involve the most frequent complications in the field of wound care which not only inhibit the whole process but also lead to non-healing wound formation. The diversity of the skin microbiota and the wound microenvironment can favor the occurrence of skin infections, contributing to an increased level of morbidity and even mortality. As a consequence, immediate effective treatment is required to prevent such pathological conditions. Antimicrobial agents loaded into wound dressings have turned out to be a great option to reduce wound colonization and improve the healing process. In this review paper, the influence of bacterial infections on the wound-healing phases and promising modifications of dressing materials for accelerated healing of infected wounds are discussed. The review paper mainly focuses on the novel findings on the use of antibiotics, nanoparticles, cationic organic agents, and plant-derived natural compounds (essential oils and their components, polyphenols, and curcumin) to develop antimicrobial wound dressings. The review article was prepared on the basis of scientific contributions retrieved from the PubMed database (supported with Google Scholar searching) over the last 5 years.

Recent Advances in Nanoparticle Development for Drug Delivery: A Comprehensive Review of Polycaprolactone-Based Multi-Arm Architectures

Controlled drug delivery is a crucial area of study for improving the targeted availability of drugs; several polymer systems have been applied for the formulation of drug delivery vehicles, including linear amphiphilic block copolymers, but with some limitations manifested in their ability to form only nanoaggregates such as polymersomes or vesicles within a narrow range of hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance, which can be problematic. For this, multi-arm architecture has emerged as an efficient alternative that overcame these challenges, with many interesting advantages such as reducing critical micellar concentrations, producing smaller particles, allowing for various functional compositions, and ensuring prolonged and continuous drug release. This review focuses on examining the key variables that influence the customization of multi-arm architecture assemblies based on polycaprolactone and their impact on drug loading and delivery. Specifically, this study focuses on the investigation of the structure-property relationships in these formulations, including the thermal properties presented by this architecture. Furthermore, this work will emphasize the importance of the type of architecture, chain topology, self-assembly parameters, and comparison between multi-arm structures and linear counterparts in relation to their impact on their performance as nanocarriers. By understanding these relationships, more effective multi-arm polymers can be designed with appropriate characteristics for their intended applications.

Guest-host Relationship of Cyclodextrin and its Pharmacological Benefits

Many methods, including solid dispersion, micellization, and inclusion complexes, have been employed to increase the solubility of potent drugs. Beta-cyclodextrin (βCD) is a cyclic oligosaccharide consisting of seven glucopyranoside molecules, and is a widely used polymer for formulating soluble inclusion complexes of hydrophobic drugs. The enzymatic activity of Glycosyltransferase or α-amylase converts starch or its derivatives into a mixture of cyclodextrins. The βCD units are characterized by α -(1-4) glucopyranose bonds. Cyclodextrins possess certain properties that make them very distinctive because of their toroidal or truncated cage-like supramolecular configurations with multiple hydroxyl groups at each end. This allowed them to encapsulate hydrophobic compounds by forming inclusion complexes without losing their solubility in water. Chemical modifications and newer derivatives, such as methylated βCD, more soluble hydroxyl propyl methyl βCD, and sodium salts of sulfobutylether-βCD, known as dexolve® or captisol®, have envisaged the use of CDs in various pharmaceutical, medical, and cosmetic industries. The successful inclusion of drug complexes has demonstrated improved solubility, bioavailability, drug resistance reduction, targeting, and penetration across skin and brain tissues. This review encompasses the current applications of β-CDs in improving the disease outcomes of antimicrobials and antifungals as well as anticancer and anti-tubercular drugs.

Delivery of streptomycin to the rat colon by use of electrospun nanofibers

Drug-loaded electrospun nanofibers are potential drug carrier systems that may optimize disease treatment while reducing the impact on commensal microbes. The feasibility of streptomycin-loaded pullulan nanofibers fabricated from a green electrospinning procedure using water as the solvent was assessed. We conducted a rat study including a group treated with streptomycin-loaded nanofibers (STR-F, n = 5), a group treated with similar concentrations of streptomycin in the drinking water (STR-W, n = 5), and a non-treated control group (CTR, n = 5). Streptomycin was successfully loaded into nanofibers and delivered by this vehicle, which minimized the quantity of the drug released in the ileal compartment of the gut. Ingested streptomycin-resistant E. coli colonized of up to 10⁶ CFU/g feces, revealing a selective effect of streptomycin even when given in the low amounts allowed by the nanofiber-based delivery. 16S amplicon sequencing of the indigenous microbiota revealed differential effects in the three groups. An increase of Peptostreptococcaceae in the cecum of STR-F animals may indicate that the fermentation of nanofibers directly or indirectly promoted growth of bacteria within this family. Our results elucidate relevant properties of electrospun nanofibers as a novel vehicle for delivery of antimicrobials to the large intestine.

Rapid Sublingual Delivery of Piroxicam from Electrospun Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex Nanofibers

Piroxicam (Px) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is administered orally; however, its poor water solubility causes low loading to the nonconventional drug delivery systems (DDSs), such as electrospun fibers. Furthermore, the rapid dissolution of DDS and fast release of the embedded drugs are crucial for oral delivery of drugs to patients who are unconscious or suffering from dysphagia. In this regard, this study reports the development of rapidly dissolving cyclodextrin (CD)-based inclusion complex (IC) nanofibers by waterborne electrospinning for fast oral delivery of Px. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed the formation of bead-free fibers with a mean diameter range of 170-500 nm at various concentrations of Px; increasing the Px loading decreased the fiber diameter. The formation of IC was demonstrated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis by the disappearance of crystalline peaks of Px. Likewise, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis showed the disappearance of the melting peak of the embedded Px due to IC formation. Both Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed the presence of Px within the fibers. ¹H NMR experiments demonstrated Px preservation in the fibers after six months. Px-loaded nanofibers were employed for sublingual drug delivery. To mimic the environment of the mouth, the nanofibers were treated with artificial saliva, which revealed the instant dissolution of the nanofibers. Furthermore, dissolution experiments were performed on the tissues wetted with artificial saliva, where the dissolution of the fibers could be extended to a few seconds, demonstrating the suitability of the materials for sublingual oral drug delivery. Overall, this paper, for the first time, reports the rapid oral delivery of Px from polymer-free CD fibers produced by waterborne electrospinning without the requirement of any carrier polymer and toxic solvent.

Assessing cellular internalization and endosomal escape abilities of novel BUFII-Graphene oxide nanobioconjugates

Cell-penetrating agents based on functionalized nanoplatforms have emerged as a promising approach for developing more efficient and multifunctional delivery vehicles for treating various complex diseases that require reaching different intracellular compartments. Our previous work has shown that achieving full cellular coverage and high endosomal escape rates is possible by interfacing magnetite nanoparticles with potent translocating peptides such as Buforin II (BUF-II). In this work, we extended such an approach to two graphene oxide (GO)-based nanoplatforms functionalized with different surface chemistries to which the peptide molecules were successfully conjugated. The developed nanobioconjugates were characterized via spectroscopic (FTIR, Raman), thermogravimetric, and microscopic (SEM, TEM, and AFM) techniques. Moreover, biocompatibility was assessed via standardized hemocompatibility and cytotoxicity assays in two cell lines. Finally, cell internalization and coverage and endosomal escape abilities were estimated with the aid of confocal microscopy analysis of colocalization of the nanobioconjugates with Lysotracker Green^®. Our findings showed coverage values that approached 100% for both cell lines, high biocompatibility, and endosomal escape levels ranging from 30 to 45% and 12–24% for Vero and THP-1 cell lines. This work provides the first routes toward developing the next-generation, carbon-based, cell-penetrating nanovehicles to deliver therapeutic agents. Further studies will be focused on elucidating the intracellular trafficking pathways of the nanobioconjugates to reach different cellular compartments.

Study on Filtration Performance of PVDF/PUL Composite Air Filtration Membrane Based on Far-Field Electrospinning

At present, the situation of air pollution is still serious, and research on air filtration is still crucial. For the nanofiber air filtration membrane, the diameter, porosity, tensile strength, and hydrophilicity of the nanofiber will affect the filtration performance and stability. In this paper, based on the far-field electrospinning process and the performance effect mechanism of the stacked structure fiber membrane, nanofiber membrane was prepared by selecting the environmental protection, degradable and pollution-free natural polysaccharide biopolymer pullulan, and polyvinylidene fluoride polymer with strong hydrophobicity and high impact strength. By combining two kinds of fiber membranes with different fiber diameter and porosity, a three-layer composite nanofiber membrane with better hydrophobicity, higher tensile strength, smaller fiber diameter, and better filtration performance was prepared. Performance characterization showed that this three-layer composite nanofiber membrane had excellent air permeability and filtration efficiency, and the filtration efficiency of particles above PM 2.5 reached 99.9%. This study also provides important reference values for the preparation of high-efficiency composite nanofiber filtration membrane.

Insight into the Inclusion Complexation of Fluconazole with Sulfonatocalix[4]naphthalene in Aqueous Solution, Solid-State, and Its Antimycotic Activity

The study aims to assess the interaction between fluconazole and sulfonatocalix[4]naphthalene towards enhancing its dissolution performance and antimycotic activity. A solubility study was carried out at different pH conditions, and the results revealed the formation of a 1:1 molar ratio fluconazole-sulfonatocalix[4]naphthalene inclusion complex with an A_L type phase solubility diagrams. The solid powder systems of fluconazole-sulfonatocalix[4]naphthalene were prepared using kneaded and co-evaporation techniques and physical mixtures. DCS, PXRD, TGA-DTG, FT-IR, and in vitro dissolution performance characterize the prepared systems. According to physicochemical characterization, the co-evaporation approach produces an amorphous inclusion complex of the drug inside the cavity of sulfonatocalix[4]naphthalene. The co-evaporate product significantly increased the drug dissolution rate up to 93 ± 1.77% within 10 min, unlike other prepared solid powders. The antimycotic activity showed an increase substantially (p ≤ 0.05, t-test) antimycotic activity of fluconazole co-evaporate mixture with sulfonatocalix[4]naphthalene compared with fluconazole alone against clinical strains of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. In conclusion, sulfonatocalix[4]naphthalene could be considered an efficient complexing agent for fluconazole to enhance its aqueous solubility, dissolution performance, and antimycotic activity.

Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes with Antibiotics and Antibacterial Agents as Drug-Delivery Systems—A Pharmaceutical Perspective

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are a family of cyclic oligosaccharides, consisting of a macrocyclic ring of glucose subunits linked by α-1,4 glycosidic bonds. The shape of CD molecules is similar to a truncated cone with a hydrophobic inner cavity and a hydrophilic surface, which allows the formation of inclusion complexes with various molecules. This review article summarises over 200 reports published by the end of 2021 that discuss the complexation of CDs with antibiotics and antibacterial agents, including beta-lactams, tetracyclines, quinolones, macrolides, aminoglycosides, glycopeptides, polypeptides, nitroimidazoles, and oxazolidinones. The review focuses on drug-delivery applications such as improving solubility, modifying the drug-release profile, slowing down the degradation of the drug, improving biological membrane permeability, and enhancing antimicrobial activity. In addition to simple drug/CD combinations, ternary systems with additional auxiliary substances have been described, as well as more sophisticated drug-delivery systems including nanosponges, nanofibres, nanoparticles, microparticles, liposomes, hydrogels, and macromolecules. Depending on the desired properties of the drug product, an accelerated or prolonged dissolution profile can be achieved when combining CD with antibiotics or antimicrobial agents.

Multifunctional Tetracycline-Loaded Silica-Coated Core-Shell Magnetic Nanoparticles: Antibacterial, Antibiofilm, and Cytotoxic Activities

In the current study, the physicochemical and biological properties of tetracycline-loaded core-shell nanoparticles (Tet/Ni_0.5Co_0.5Fe₂O₄/SiO₂ and Tet/CoFe₂O₄/SiO₂) were investigated. The antibacterial activity of nanoparticles alone and in combination with tetracycline was investigated against a number of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria for determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. The MIC of Tet/Ni_0.5Co_0.5Fe₂O₄/SiO₂ nanoparticles turned out to be significantly higher than that of Tet/CoFe₂O₄/SiO₂ nanoparticles. Furthermore, Tet/Ni_0.5Co_0.5Fe₂O₄/SiO₂ nanoparticles exhibited potent antibiofilm activity against pathogenic bacteria compared to Tet/CoFe₂O₄/SiO₂ nanoparticles. The drug delivery potential of both carriers was assessed in vitro up to 124 h at different pH levels and it was found that the drug release rate was increased in acidic conditions. The cytotoxicity of nanoparticles was evaluated against a skin cancer cell line (melanoma A375) and a normal cell line (HFF). Our findings showed that Tet/Ni_0.5Co_0.5Fe₂O₄/SiO₂ had greater cytotoxicity than CoFe₂O₄/SiO₂ against the A375 cell line, whereas both synthesized nanoparticles had no significant cytotoxic effects on the normal cell line. Nonetheless, the biocompatibility of nanoparticles was assessed in vivo and the interaction of nanoparticles with the kidney was scrutinized up to 14 days. The overall results of the present study implied that the synthesized multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles with drug delivery potential, anticancer activity, and antibacterial activity are promising for biomedical applications.