Synthesis and application of chitosan/tripolyphosphate/graphene oxide hydrogel as a new drug delivery system for Sumatriptan Succinate

Synthesis and characterization of self-crosslinked carboxymethyl chitosan-based hydrogel and its composites with gelatin and PEG-GO for drug delivery applications

Hydrogels are widely employed in drug delivery, gene delivery, tissue engineering, and wound healing applications. However, many organic crosslinkers used in hydrogel fabrication exhibit poor water solubility, low biodegradation rates, and toxicity, limiting their biomedical utility. In this study, we developed a simple, cost-effective, and rapid method for synthesizing self-crosslinked carboxymethyl chitosan-based hydrogel (CMCH HG) using N-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-N-ethylcarbodiimide (EDC) and N-Hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) chemistry instead of toxic organic crosslinkers. To enhance physicochemical properties, we prepared composites of self-crosslinked hydrogel with gelatin (CMCH/GL HG) and 6-arm polyethylene glycol amine-functionalized graphene oxide (CMCH/GL/PEG-GO HG). The fabrication and physicochemical characteristics of the self-crosslinked hydrogel and its composites were verified through analytical and spectroscopic techniques. The in-vitro drug release study using berberine chloride demonstrated that CMCH/GL/PEG-GO HG released only 30 % of the drug in the first 12 h and a total of 39 % after 96 h. Due to controlled drug release, excellent antioxidant activities, anticancer properties, biodegradability, and minimal toxicity, the composite of self-crosslinked carboxymethyl chitosan hydrogel with gelatin and graphene oxide represents a promising candidate as a drug carrier at tumor sites to minimize off-target effects of chemotherapy.

Synergistic action of sumatriptan delivery and targeting magnesium deficiency using green, pH-responsive MgO nanoparticles synthesized from mahua flower extracts

Magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles were green synthesized using mahua (Madhuca longifolia) flower extracts by solvent evaporation and characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The drug loading of sumatriptan succinate (SS), an anti-migraine drug, was optimized using MINITAB's response surface methodology (RSM) Box Behnken model (BBD) model. The investigation of drug adsorption and release kinetics was further conducted using the optimized set obtained through RSM. The optimized parameters consisted of 23.53 mg of nanoparticles, a loading time of 6 h, and a pH of 9, yielding the experimental drug loading efficiency ~47%. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the potential of utilizing these green synthesized MgO nanoparticles for a dual purpose. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the viability of utilizing MgO nanoparticles synthesized through green route for the delivery of an anti-migraine medication. Additionally, the study aims to examine the degradation of these nanoparticles at physiological pH levels, with the intention of potentially enhancing cellular absorption. The investigation involved the assessment of drug release kinetics using various mathematical models, with a focus on the release of SS from MgO nanoparticles. This evaluation was conducted at different pH levels, specifically pH 5, 7, and 9. It has been found that the SS release increases as pH decreases, which is attributed to the dissolution of MgO nanoparticles, which therefore exhibits varied behavior at different pHs. The confirmation of the degradation of the green synthesized MgO nanoparticles was achieved through the execution of a degradation study, followed by the analysis of the obtained samples using FESEM and EDS. At neutral, the release data obtained adhered to the Higuchi model, which suggests that the release of the drug is based on diffusion. This finding is particularly advantageous for the controlled release of an anti-migraine drug. The results obtained from the study indicate that MgO nanoparticles have the potential to serve as a significant component in drug delivery systems, specifically as drug carriers.

Graphene oxide/chitosan hydrogels for removal of antibiotics

Antibiotic contamination in aquatic environments is a growing concern, posing risks to public health and ecosystems. To address this issue, advanced materials like graphene oxide (GO) and chitosan-based hydrogels are being extensively explored for their ability to effectively remove antibiotics from wastewater, owing to their distinct characteristics and synergistic benefits. This review comprehensively examines the synthesis, characterization, and applications of GO/chitosan hydrogels in addressing antibiotic pollution. The synthesis methods, including solution casting, crosslinking, and in situ polymerization, are discussed for their simplicity and scalability. The hydrogels' key properties, such as porosity, surface area, and mechanical strength, are essential for their efficient adsorption capabilities. Adsorption mechanisms, including electrostatic interactions, π-π stacking, hydrogen bonding, and surface functional groups, enable these hydrogels to achieve high adsorption capacities. Notable examples include rGO@ZIF-67@CS hydrogels, which achieved higher adsorption capacities of 1685.26 mg·g-1 for tetracycline at pH 4 and 1890.32 mg·g-1 for norfloxacin at pH 5, while the sulfonated CMC/GO-GCC composite hydrogel achieved 312.28 mg·g-1 for sulfamethoxazole at 298 K. Moreover, high adsorption efficiencies of 90.42% with GO-CTS and 97.06% were achieved using AGO-CTS hydrogel for diclofenac adsorption. The review also highlights the practical applications of these hydrogels in wastewater treatment, comparing their performance with other adsorbents and addressing challenges such as scalability and regeneration. Finally, the review explores future research directions to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of GO/chitosan hydrogels, emphasizing their potential as scalable, eco-friendly solutions for antibiotic removal from water.

Assessment of the potential and application of Be12O12 nanocage for removal of ciprofloxacin from water employing density functional theory

The modern world is facing the issue of emerging pollutants for its sustainable development. We report a detailed study on the abatement of ciprofloxacin (CIP) by Be12O12 nanocage. Five different geometries of Be12O12 nanocage with CIP i.e., Com-A, Com-B, Com-C, Com-D and Com-E are optimized. All the complexes show chemisorption with the highest adsorption energies (Eads) of - 39.86 kcal/mol for Com-E followed by Com-A, Com-B, Com-C and Com-D without any structural change. The O and F atoms of ciprofloxacin (CIP) interacts strongly with the Be atoms of the nanocage respectively. Charge transfer from the nanocage to CIP reveals strong interaction in all the optimized complexes, with maximum charge transfer of -0.199 e for Com-E with the smallest bond lengths of 1.52 Å and 1.63 Å. The decrease in the bandgap of the optimized geometries witnesses increase in the sensing ability of the adsorbent and demonstrates strong interaction between the adsorbent and adsorbate supporting the adsorption energies. The positive values of Hb and ∇2ρb for all complexes reveals strong interaction of electrostatic nature between CIP and Be12O12 nature which is supported by different tools of DFT. The overall study suggests Be12O12 an efficient, reusable adsorbent for the purification of water from CIP and therefore Be12O12 can be used effectively to eliminate antibiotics from water.

Chitosan-based hydrogel beads with molecularly imprinted receptors on halloysite nanotubes for tetracycline separation in water and soil

Tetracycline (TC), a commonly utilized broad-spectrum antibiotic, is frequently detected in water and soil, posing a significant risk to the natural environment and human health. In the present study, the composite hydrogel beads based on chitosan (CS) and halloysite-supported molecularly imprinted polymers, synthesized by two procedures with significantly different solvent volumes (Hal@MIPa(b)), were obtained and used to adsorb the antibiotic. The presence of Hal improved the thermal stability of the hydrogel beads. The system with a thinner polymer layer (CS_Hal@MIPb), containing polymers produced under conditions of significantly higher reagent dilution, was more resistant to higher temperatures than CS_Hal@MIPa. The adsorptive properties were compared with pure CS beads, those containing incorporated Hal, and free polymers obtained by different protocols (MIPa(b)). In the optimized pH 5.0, the maximum adsorption capacities were 175.24 and 178.05 mg g-1 for CS_Hal@MIPa and CS_Hal@MIPb, respectively. The values were slightly lower compared to the systems with free polymers, but the materials achieved equilibrium more rapidly (12 h). The adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic. Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models most accurately described the experimental data. The hydrogel beads retained high selectivity in the presence of other antibiotics, and their high efficiency in the TC removal from real water samples was maintained. Their addition to soil enhanced adsorption capacities, surpassing that of chitosan-based beads containing free polymers. Significantly, the quantity of TC desorption diminished due to the halloysite's presence, which limited its penetration into groundwater. The primary mechanism of tetracycline adsorption on the hydrogel beads studied is pore filling, but other interactions (hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking, electrostatic attraction) are also involved.

In vivo study of chelating agent-modified nano zero-valent iron: Biodistribution and toxicity in mice

In this study, the distribution and toxicity of nanoscale zero valent iron (nZVI) and nZVIs coated with citric acid and sodium tripolyphosphate (CA-nZVI and STPP-nZVI) in mice were investigated. nZVIs were primarily found in the livers and spleens, followed by the lungs, hearts, and kidneys. Histologic analysis revealed no significant histopathologic abnormalities or lesions in all organs except the liver at 14th d gavage. nZVIs did not have a noticeable impact on the body weight of the mice or the weight of their organs. Compared with the control group, there were no significant changes in hematology indexes in the nZVIs groups. However, the nZVIs groups exhibited varying levels of elevation in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatinine, suggesting liver and kidney inflammation in mice. The up-regulation of Nuclear Factor erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 and Heme oxygenase 1 in the nZVIs groups may be a response to nZVIs-induced oxidative stress. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the inflammatory response induced by the three nZVI groups. Chelating agents did not have a significant impact on the distribution or toxicity of nZVIs in mice. This study contributes to a comprehensive and detailed insight into nZVI toxicity in the environmental field.

Graphene oxide-based nanocomposites for outstanding eco-friendly antifungal potential against tomato phytopathogens

To obtain the collaborative antifungal potential of nanocomposites conjugated with graphene oxide (GO), a combination of GO with chitosan (CS/GO) and GO with chitosan (CS) and polyaniline (PANI/CS/GO) was carried out. The synthesized GO-nanocomposites were recognized by several techniques. Vanillin (Van.) and cinnamaldehyde (Cinn.) were loaded on the prepared nanocomposites as antioxidants through a batch adsorption process. In vitro release study of Van. and Cinn. from the nanocomposites was accomplished at pH 7 and 25°C. The antimicrobial activity of GO, CS/GO, and PANI/CS/GO was studied against tomato Fusarium oxysporum (FOL) and Pythium debaryanum (PYD) pathogens. The loaded ternary composite PANI/CS/GO exhibited the best percent of reduction against the two pathogens in vitro studies. The Greenhouse experiment revealed that seedlings' treatment by CS/GO/Van. and PANI/CS/GO/Van significantly lowered both disease index and disease incidence. The loaded CS/GO and PANI/CS/GO nanocomposites had a positive effect on lengthening shoots. Additionally, when CS/GO/Cinn., CS/GO/Van. and PANI/CS/GO/Van. were used, tomato seedlings' photosynthetic pigments dramatically increased as compared to infected control. The results show that these bio-nanocomposites can be an efficient, sustainable, nontoxic, eco-friendly, and residue-free approach for fighting fungal pathogens and improving plant growth.

One-pot synthesis of novel chitosan-salicylaldehyde polymer composites for ammonia sensing

Chitosan (Chs)-salicylaldehyde (Sal) polymer derivatives were formed via the reaction of Chs-Sal with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD). These polymers were synthesized through inclusion with β-CD and doping with ZnO NPs to give pseudopolyrotaxane and Chs-Sal/ZnO NPs composite, respectively, for low-temperature detection and sensing of NH3 vapors as great significance in environmental control and human health. Additionally, the polymer (Chs-Sal/β-CD/ZnO NPs) was prepared via the insertion of generated composite (Chs-Sal/ZnO NPs) through β-cyclodextrin ring. The structural and morphological characterizations of the synthesized derivatives were confirmed by utilizing FTIR, XRD and, SEM, respectively. Also, the optical properties and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) of the synthesized polymers were explored. The obtained results confirmed that using β-CD or ZnO NPs for modification of polymer (Chs-Sal) dramatically enhanced thermal stability and optical features of the synthesized polymers. Investigations on the NH3-sensing properties of Chs-Sal/β-CD/ZnO NPs composite were carried out at concentrations down to 10 ppm and good response and recovery times (650 s and 350 s, respectively) at room temperature (RT) and indicated that modification by β-CD and doping with ZnO NPs effectively improves the NH3-sensing response of Chs-Sal from 712 to 6192 using Chs-Sal/β-CD/ZnO NPs, respectively, with low LOD and LOQ of 0.12 and 0.4 ppb, respectively.

Development of chitosan-graphene oxide blend nanoparticles for controlled flurbiprofen delivery

The use of natural polymeric nanoparticles (Nps) as drug carriers is a highly promising area of research in the field of drug delivery systems because of their high efficiency. In this study, flurbiprofen (FB) loaded chitosan-graphene oxide (CS-GO) blend Nps were synthesized as a controlled delivery system using the emulsion method. The crystalline, molecular, and morphological structures of the prepared CS-GO Nps were characterized using a variety of analytical methods, including Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-Ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). It was found that the introduction of GO into the CS nanoparticle formulation increased its thermal stability. The range of the average particle size was between 362 ± 5.06 and 718 ± 2.21 nm, with negative zeta potential values between -7.67 ± 4.16 and - 27.93 ± 2.26 mV. The effects of the CS/GO ratio, the FB/polymer ratio, the amount of span 80, and the cross-linker concentration were assessed on FB release profiles. In vitro release studies displayed a two-stage release behaviour with a fast initial release of the FB, followed by sustained and extended release, and the incorporation of GO into the CS Nps made the FB release more sustained and controlled manner. Besides, the cytotoxicity test of the FB-loaded CS-GO Nps was studied through MTT assay, and it was found that they were biocompatible. Based on these findings, it can be inferred that the prepared CS-GO Nps might be a promising candidate drug carrier system for FB.

Green synthesis of chitosan/polyacrylic acid/graphitic carbon nitride nanocarrier as a potential pH-sensitive system for curcumin delivery to MCF-7 breast cancer cells

A novel pH-sensitive nanocarrier containing chitosan (CS), polyacrylic acid (PAA), and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) was designed via water/oil/water (W/O/W) emulsification to administer curcumin (CUR) drug. g-C₃N₄ nanosheets with a high surface area and porous structure were produced via simple one-step pyrolysis process using thiourea as precursor, and incorporated into CS/PAA hydrogel. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used to assess the crystalline structure of the nanocarrier and the interactions between its components, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed a spherical structure and confirmed the g-C₃N₄ impregnation into the CS/PAA matrix. Zeta potential and dynamic light scattering (DLS) provided information about the surface charge and average size distribution. High CUR loading and entrapment efficiencies were obtained, which were further improved upon addition of g-C₃N₄. The release kinetics of drug-loaded CS/PAA/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposites were investigated at pH = 5.4 and pH = 7.4, and the results showed an excellent controlled pH-sensitive release profile. Cell apoptosis and in vitro cytotoxicity were investigated using flow cytometry and MTT analyses. CS/PAA/g-C₃N₄/CUR resulted in the highest rate of apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, demonstrating the excellent nanocomposite efficacy in eliminating cancerous cells. CS/PAA hydrogel coated with g-C₃N₄ shows great potential for pH-sensitive controlled drug release.

Graphene family in cancer therapy: recent progress in cancer gene/drug delivery applications

In the past few years, the development in the construction and architecture of graphene based nanocomplexes has dramatically accelerated the use of nano-graphene for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes, fostering a new area of nano-cancer therapy. To be specific, nano-graphene is increasingly used in cancer therapy, where diagnosis and treatment are coupled to deal with the clinical difficulties and challenges of this lethal disease. As a distinct family of nanomaterials, graphene derivatives exhibit outstanding structural, mechanical, electrical, optical, and thermal capabilities. Concurrently, they can transport a wide variety of synthetic agents, including medicines and biomolecules, such as nucleic acid sequences (DNA and RNA). Herewith, we first provide an overview of the most effective functionalizing agents for graphene derivatives and afterward discuss the significant improvements in the gene and drug delivery composites based on graphene.

Graphene Oxide/Chitosan Injectable Composite Hydrogel for Controlled Release of Doxorubicin: An Approach for Enhanced Intratumoral Delivery

Intratumoral (IT) injection of chemotherapeutics into needle-accessible solid tumors can directly localize the anticancer drug in the tumor site, thus increasing its local bioavailability and reducing its undesirable effects compared to systemic administration. In this study, graphene oxide (GO)-based chitosan/β-glycerophosphate (CS/GP) thermosensitive injectable composite hydrogels (CH) were prepared and optimized for the localized controlled delivery of doxorubicin (DOX). A quality-by-design (QbD) approach was used to study the individual and combined effects of several formulation variables to produce optimal DOX-loaded GO/CS/GP CH with predetermined characteristics, including gelation time, injectability, porosity, and swelling capacity. The surface morphology of the optimal formulation (DOX/opt CH), chemical interaction between its ingredients and in vitro release of DOX in comparison to GO-free CS/GP CH were investigated. Cell viability and cellular uptake after treatment with DOX/opt CH were studied on MCF 7, MDB-MB-231 and FaDu cell lines. The statistical analysis of the measured responses revealed significant effects of the concentration of GO, the concentration of CS, and the CS:GP ratio on the physicochemical characteristics of the prepared GO/CS/GP CH. The optimization process showed that DOX-loaded GO/CS/GP CH prepared using 0.1% GO and 1.7% CS at a CS: GO ratio of 3:1 (v/v) had the highest desirability value. DOX/opt CH showed a porous microstructure and chemical compatibility between its ingredients. The incorporation of GO resulted in an increase in the ability of the CH matrices to control DOX release in vitro. Finally, cellular characterization showed a time-dependent increase in cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of DOX after treatment with DOX/opt CH. The proposed DOX/opt CH might be considered a promising injectable platform to control the release and increase the local bioavailability of chemotherapeutics in the treatment of solid tumors.

Multiple Roles of Chitosan in Mucosal Drug Delivery: An Updated Review

Chitosan (CS) is a linear polysaccharide obtained by the deacetylation of chitin, which, after cellulose, is the second biopolymer most abundant in nature, being the primary component of the exoskeleton of crustaceans and insects. Since joining the pharmaceutical field, in the early 1990s, CS attracted great interest, which has constantly increased over the years, due to its several beneficial and favorable features, including large availability, biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, simplicity of chemical modifications, mucoadhesion and permeation enhancer power, joined to its capability of forming films, hydrogels and micro- and nanoparticles. Moreover, its cationic character, which renders it unique among biodegradable polymers, is responsible for the ability of CS to strongly interact with different types of molecules and for its intrinsic antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and hemostatic activities. However, its pH-dependent solubility and susceptibility to ions presence may represent serious drawbacks and require suitable strategies to be overcome. Presently, CS and its derivatives are widely investigated for a great variety of pharmaceutical applications, particularly in drug delivery. Among the alternative routes to overcome the problems related to the classic oral drug administration, the mucosal route is becoming the favorite non-invasive delivery pathway. This review aims to provide an updated overview of the applications of CS and its derivatives in novel formulations intended for different methods of mucosal drug delivery.

Montmorillonite-Famotidine/Chitosan Bio-nanocomposite Hydrogels as a Mucoadhesive/Gastroretentive Drug Delivery System

The main purpose of the present study was to fabricate mucoadhesive bio-nanocomposite hydrogels to prolong the drug retention time in the stomach. In these bio-nanocomposite hydrogels, chitosan (CH) was used as a bioadhesive matrix, montmorillonite (MMT) was applied to modulate the release rate, and tripolyphosphate (TPP) was the cross-linking agent. The test samples were analyzed via different methods such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Drug incorporation efficacy and mucoadhesive strength of these nanocomposite hydrogel beads were studied. Swelling and in vitro drug release behaviors of these bio-nanocomposite hydrogels were evaluated in simulated gastric fluid (SGF; pH 1.2). The optimized MMT-famotidine (FMT)/CH bio-nanocomposite hydrogels displayed a controllable and sustainable drug release profile with suitable mucoadhesion and prolonged retention time in the stomach. Thus, the results demonstrated that the fabricated mucoadhesive bio-nanocomposite hydrogels could remarkably increase the therapeutic efficacy and bioavailability of FMT by the oral route.

Biomedical applications of chitosan-graphene oxide nanocomposites

Chitosan (CS) and graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites have received wide attention in biomedical fields due to the synergistic effect between CS which has excellent biological characteristics and GO which owns great physicochemical, mechanical, and optical properties. Nanocomposites based on CS and GO can be fabricated into a variety of forms, such as nanoparticles, hydrogels, scaffolds, films, and nanofibers. Thanks to the ease of functionalization, the performance of these nanocomposites in different forms can be further improved by introducing other functional polymers, nanoparticles, or growth factors. With this background, the current review summarizes the latest developments of CS-GO nanocomposites in different forms and compositions in biomedical applications including drug and biomacromolecules delivery, wound healing, bone tissue engineering, and biosensors. Future improving directions and challenges for clinical practice are proposed as well.

Bio-inspired graphene-based nano-systems for biomedical applications

The increasing demands of environmentally sustainable, affordable, and scalable materials have inspired researchers to explore greener nanosystems of unique properties which can enhance the performance of existing systems. Such nanosystems, extracted from nature, are state-of-art high-performance nanostructures due to intrinsic hierarchical micro/nanoscale architecture and generous interfacial interactions in natural resources. Among several, bio-inspired nanosystems graphene nanosystems have emerged as an essential nano-platform wherein a highly electroactive, scalable, functional, flexible, and adaptable to a living being is a key factor. Preliminary investigation project bio-inspired graphene nanosystems as a multi-functional nano-platform suitable for electronic devices, energy storage, sensors, and medical sciences application. However, a broad understanding of bio-inspired graphene nanosystems and their projection towards applied application is not well-explored yet. Considering this as a motivation, this mini-review highlights the following; the emergence of bio-inspired graphene nanosystems, over time development to make them more efficient, state-of-art technology, and potential applications, mainly biomedical including biosensors, drug delivery, imaging, and biomedical systems. The outcomes of this review will certainly serve as a guideline to motivate scholars to design and develop novel bio-inspired graphene nanosystems to develop greener, affordable, and scalable next-generation biomedical systems.

A Review on the Production Methods and Applications of Graphene-Based Materials

Graphene-based materials in the form of fibres, fabrics, films, and composite materials are the most widely investigated research domains because of their remarkable physicochemical and thermomechanical properties. In this era of scientific advancement, graphene has built the foundation of a new horizon of possibilities and received tremendous research focus in several application areas such as aerospace, energy, transportation, healthcare, agriculture, wastewater management, and wearable technology. Although graphene has been found to provide exceptional results in every application field, a massive proportion of research is still underway to configure required parameters to ensure the best possible outcomes from graphene-based materials. Until now, several review articles have been published to summarise the excellence of graphene and its derivatives, which focused mainly on a single application area of graphene. However, no single review is found to comprehensively study most used fabrication processes of graphene-based materials including their diversified and potential application areas. To address this genuine gap and ensure wider support for the upcoming research and investigations of this excellent material, this review aims to provide a snapshot of most used fabrication methods of graphene-based materials in the form of pure and composite fibres, graphene-based composite materials conjugated with polymers, and fibres. This study also provides a clear perspective of large-scale production feasibility and application areas of graphene-based materials in all forms.

Anticancer Effect of Alginate-Chitosan Hydrogel Loaded with Curcumin and Chrysin on Lung and Breast Cancer Cell Lines

OBJECTIVE

We conducted the present study to investigate the anticancer effects of curcumin and chrysin loaded in the alginate-chitosan hydrogel on breast cancer (T47D) and lung cancer (A549).

BACKGROUND

Cancer, which is defined as abnormal cell growth, is one of the biggest public health problems in the world. Natural compounds, such as polyphenols, are used as chemo-preventive and chemotherapeutic agents in different types of cancer owing to their antioxidant, antineoplastic, and cytotoxic properties. To improve their bioavailability and releasing behavior, hydrogel systems with high drug loading and stability and hydrophilic nature have been designed.

METHODS

The curcumin-chrysin-loaded alginate-chitosan hydrogels were prepared through the ionic gelation mechanism utilizing CaCl2. The prepared hydrogels were studied by using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The MTT and DAPI staining assays were employed for cytotoxicity and apoptosis studies of curcumin-chrysin-loaded alginate-chitosan hydrogels. The effects of the curcumin-chrysin-loaded alginate-chitosan hydrogels on the cell cycle of cell lines T47D and A549 were also evaluated using the propidium iodide staining.

RESULTS

The FTIR indicated specific bands at 1607 and 1422 cm-1 (the carbonyl of alginate) at 834 cm-1 (sodium alginate), 1447 cm-1, and 1026 cm-1 (COOH and C-O stretching bands alginate and chitosan). The curcumin-chrysin-loaded alginate-chitosan hydrogels could significantly (p<0.05) reduce the viability and induce apoptosis, Morover, cause G2/M arrest of the cell cycle in both A549 and T47D cell lines.

CONCLUSION

The alginate-chitosan hydrogels could work best as an enhanced anticancer drug delivery system.

Extended Release of Metronidazole Drug Using Chitosan/Graphene Oxide Bionanocomposite Beads as the Drug Carrier

This study depicts the facile approach for the synthesis of chitosan/graphene oxide bionanocomposite (Chi/GO) beads via the gelation process. This is the first-ever study in which these Chi/GO beads have been utilized as a drug carrier for the oral drug delivery of metronidazole (MTD) drug, and investigations were made regarding the release pattern of the MTD drug using these Chi/GO beads as a drug carrier for a prolonged period of 84 h. The MTD is loaded on the surface as well as the cavity of the Chi/GO beads to result in MTD-Chi/GO bionanocomposite beads. The MTD drug loading was found to be 683 mg/g. Furthermore, the in vitro release patterns of pure drug and the drug encapsulated with Chi/GO beads are explored in simulated gastric as well as simulated intestinal fluids with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) of pH 1.2 and 7.4, respectively. As-synthesized bionanocomposite beads have shown excellent stability and capacity for extended release of the MTD drug as compared to the pure drug in terms of bioavailability in both media. The cumulative release data are fitted with the Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetics and first-order reaction kinetics at pH 1.2 and 7.4. The synthesized bionanocomposite beads have good potential to minimize the multiple-dose frequency with the sustained drug release property and can reduce the side effects due to the drug.

Utilization of doped/undoped graphene quantum dots for ultrasensitive detection of duphaston, a SERS platform

Recently nanocluster based drug delivery systems have become the most skillful to study. Interaction mechanism of duphaston (DPH) over graphene (G), carboxyl substituted graphene (COG) and doped COG-X (X = O/S/N/B) were investigated. We studied different spectroscopic properties of adsorbed DPH with nanoclusters. To study effect adsorption of DPH with nanoclusters, the adsorption energies were measured. To track DPH, surface enhanced Raman scattering is used since it is an efficient approach to vibrational spectroscopy. The DPH detection was investigated using GQDs SERS property. For the adsorption of DPH with COG-B nanocluster maximum energy interaction is determined. DPH works on the electrophilic site of nanoclusters as donor of electrons and adsorbs. Charge transfer is higher for to COG-B nanocluster than for other nanoclusters. Variations in chemical descriptors are also noted to understand sensing property of DPH molecule-nanoclusters. The analysis of different properties demonstrates enhancement effect which makes it significant in detecting DPH in other products.

Biodegradable polyelectrolyte complexes of chitosan and partially crosslinked dextran phosphate with potential for biomedical applications

Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) are spontaneously formed by mixing oppositely charged polyelectrolyte solutions without the use of organic solvents and chemical crosslinkers are great candidate carriers for drug delivery. Herein, biodegradable antimicrobial polyelectrolyte complexes of chitosan - dextran phosphate (DPCS) containing cefazolin were developed and characterized in order to assess their suitability for biomedical applications. For this purpose, the simultaneous partial crosslinking and functionalization of dextran with phosphoric acid in a urea melt under reduced pressure were studied. The functional group content and molecular weight of dextran phosphate were varied in order to establish their influence on gel fraction yield, thermal properties and morphologies of the hydrogels. The stoichiometric PECs of DPCS showed good in vitro biocompatibility, pH sensitivity and biodegradability depending on the hydrogel composition. The release of drug from cefazolin-loaded DPCS hydrogels was through non-Fickian diffusion and displayed long sustained-release time. The drug-loaded hydrogels showed antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. The tunable degradation behavior under physiological conditions in combination with biocompatibility of the pristine DPCS and high antibacterial efficacy drug-loaded hydrogels may render the presented materials interesting for biomedical applications.