Hyaluronic Acid-Mediated Drug Delivery System Targeting for Inflammatory Skin Diseases: A Mini Review

Application of hydrogel microneedles in the oral cavity

Microneedles are a transdermal drug delivery system in which the needle punctures the epithelium to deliver the drug directly to deep tissues, thus avoiding the influence of the first-pass effect of the gastrointestinal tract and minimizing the likelihood of pain induction. Hydrogel microneedles are microneedles prepared from hydrogels that have good biocompatibility, controllable mechanical properties, and controllable drug release and can be modified to achieve environmental control of drug release in vivo. The large epithelial tissue in the oral cavity is an ideal site for drug delivery via microneedles. Hydrogel microneedles can overcome mucosal hindrances to delivering drugs to deep tissues; this prevents humidity and a highly dynamic environment in the oral cavity from influencing the efficacy of the drugs and enables them to obtain better therapeutic effects. This article analyzes the materials and advantages of common hydrogel microneedles and reviews the application of hydrogel microneedles in the oral cavity.

Overview of popular cosmeceuticals in dermatology

The eternal pursuit to prevent ageing and maintain a youthful appearance has resulted in a rapidly expanding cosmeceutical industry. Cosmeceutical products, particularly of natural origin, are in high demand due to claims of efficacy for signs of ageing and other skin conditions. Consumers often include cosmeceutical products in their skin care regime as they are readily available, and a more affordable option compared to prescription products. However, many cosmeceutical ingredients lack clinical evidence regarding their efficacy and safety as these products are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This review provides a brief overview of several popular cosmeceutical ingredients with regards to their potential indications, targets and mechanisms of action.

Subcutaneous injection of hyaluronic acid leading to emboliom and recanalization process monitored in real time by three-dimensional photoacoustic imaging

This study describes a method for real-time examination of the microvascular system based on the three-dimensional photoacoustic imaging system to prevent arterial complications, especially vascular embolism, during hyaluronic acid (HA) injections. Chicken embryos were used to simulate the superficial blood vessels of human skin, and then the target area was imaged by the photoacoustic imaging system for three-dimensional vascular imaging, and then the syringe and blood vessels were monitored, and the syringe angle and penetration depth were adjusted in time using an injection device to avoid puncturing the arterial vasculature and clogging the blood vessels. HA was then injected into smaller vessels on the dorsum of the tongue in mice and into thicker vessels on the dorsal portion of the tongue in rats to mimic embolization, and the post-operative recovery was reflected by the changes in the pixel dots of the extracted part of the blocked blood vessels, and it was observed that the blood flow in the area of the fine vessels was restored in about 3 days, whereas blood flow in the area of the large vessels was restored in only about 1 h. The method presented in this paper allows precise guidance of injectable filler HA, which has good application prospects in improving the safety of injection micro-plastic surgery and reducing the experience requirements for medical personnel.

Chitosan and hyaluronic acid-based nanocarriers for advanced cancer therapy and intervention

Cancer has become a major public health issue leading to one of the foremost causes of morbidity and death in the world. Despite the current advances in diagnosis using modern technologies and treatment via surgery or chemo- and radio-therapies, severe side effects or after-effects limit the application of these treatment modalities. Novel drug delivery systems have shown the potential to deliver chemotherapeutics directly to cancer cells, thus minimizing unnecessary exposure to healthy cells. Concurrently, to circumvent difficulties associated with conventional deliveries of cancer therapeutics, natural polysaccharides have gained attention for the fabrication of such deliveries owing to biocompatibility, low toxicity, and biodegradability. It has been exhibited that natural polysaccharides can deliver high therapeutic concentrations of the entrapped drug to the target cells by sustained and targeted release. Considering the immense potential of natural polymers, the present work focuses on naturally generated biopolymer carriers based on chitosan and hyaluronic acid. This review delineated on the role of chitosan and its derivation from renewable resources as a biocompatible, biodegradable, nonimmunogenic material with notable antitumor activity as a drug delivery carrier in oncotherapy. Moreover, hyaluronic acid, itself by its structure or when linked with other molecules contributes to developing promising pharmaceutical delivery systems to setback the restrictions related to conventional cancer treatment.

Self-assembled hyaluronic acid nanoparticles for the topical treatment of inflammatory skin diseases: Beyond drug carriers

Inflammatory skin diseases represent a significant health concern, affecting approximately 20-25% of the global population. These conditions not only reduce an individual's quality of life but also impose a huge burden on both humanity and society. However, addressing these challenges is hindered by their chronic nature, insufficient therapeutic effectiveness, and the propensity for recurrence and adverse side effects. Hyaluronic acid (HA) has emerged as a potential solution to these barriers, owing to its excellent attributes such as biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and targeted drug delivery. However, its practical application has been limited because endogenous hyaluronidase (HYAL) rapidly degrades HA in inflamed skin thus reducing its ability to penetrate deep into the skin. Interestingly, recent research has expanded the role of self-assembled HA-nanoparticles (HA-NPs) beyond drug carriers; they are resistant to HYAL, thereby enabling deep skin penetration, and possess inherent anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, these abilities can be fine-tuned depending on the conditions during particle synthesis. Additionally, their role as a drug delivery system holds potential for use as a multi-target drug or hybrid drug. In conclusion, this review aims to specifically introduce and highlight the emerging potential of HA-NPs as a topical treatment for inflammatory skin conditions.

Inhibitory effect of a novel Curcumin derivative DMC-HA on keloid fibroblasts

Keloids pose a significant dermatological challenge, marked by abnormal fibroblast proliferation and excessive collagen deposition in response to skin injury or trauma. In the present study, we introduce DMC-HA, a derivative of Curcumin, as a promising candidate for keloid treatment. DMC-HA is poised to provide superior therapeutic benefits compared to Curcumin due to its structural modifications. Examining the comparative effects of DMC-HA and Curcumin on keloid fibroblasts can offer insights into their potential as therapeutic agents and the underlying mechanisms in keloid pathogenesis. In our study, CCK-8 experiments revealed that, at equivalent concentrations, DMC-HA demonstrated greater efficacy in inhibiting the proliferation of keloid fibroblasts compared to Curcumin. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that DMC-HA induced fibroblast apoptosis more significantly than Curcumin at the same concentration. Further data demonstrated that DMC-HA notably increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), upregulated the expression levels of Bax, cleaved PARP, and cleaved Caspase-3. Interestingly, the impact of DMC-HA was reversed upon the application of the antioxidant NAC. Additionally, DMC-HA could suppress IL-6-induced increased expression of p-STAT3. Collectively, our findings suggest that DMC-HA is more effective than Curcumin in inhibiting the proliferation of keloid fibroblasts. The underlying mechanism of its action appears to be associated with the augmentation of ROS induction and the concurrent inhibition of STAT3 activation.

Biomaterials for Drug Delivery and Human Applications

Biomaterials embody a groundbreaking paradigm shift in the field of drug delivery and human applications. Their versatility and adaptability have not only enriched therapeutic outcomes but also significantly reduced the burden of adverse effects. This work serves as a comprehensive overview of biomaterials, with a particular emphasis on their pivotal role in drug delivery, classifying them in terms of their biobased, biodegradable, and biocompatible nature, and highlighting their characteristics and advantages. The examination also delves into the extensive array of applications for biomaterials in drug delivery, encompassing diverse medical fields such as cancer therapy, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and vaccination. This work also explores the actual challenges within this domain, including potential toxicity and the complexity of manufacturing processes. These challenges emphasize the necessity for thorough research and the continuous development of regulatory frameworks. The second aim of this review is to navigate through the compelling terrain of recent advances and prospects in biomaterials, envisioning a healthcare landscape where they empower precise, targeted, and personalized drug delivery. The potential for biomaterials to transform healthcare is staggering, as they promise treatments tailored to individual patient needs, offering hope for improved therapeutic efficacy, fewer side effects, and a brighter future for medical practice.

Nanocosmetics and Skin Health: A Comprehensive Review of Nanomaterials in Cosmetic Formulations

The development of nanocosmetics nanotechnology has ushered in a new age in cosmetic research, completely changing the skincare scene. This abstract investigates the relationship between skincare and nanotechnology, particularly emphasizing the effects of nanocosmetics on skin health. Cosmetics, known as "nanocosmetics," use materials at the nanoscale, typically between 1 and 100 nanometers, to improve the effectiveness and delivery of active chemicals. Nanotechnology in cosmetics allows for the development of sophisticated delivery methods that provide enhanced stability and tailored distribution, including nanoemulsions and nanocapsules. This breakthrough overcomes the constraints of conventional formulations by enabling the entry of active ingredients into the skin's deeper layers. Studies investigating nanocosmetics and skin health were included. This encompassed in vitro studies, animal models, and clinical studies of various designs. Exclusion criteria included studies focusing solely on nanotechnology unrelated to skin health or nanocosmetics and review articles editorials, commentaries, and conference abstracts. Nanocosmetics is a groundbreaking development in skincare that provides creative answers to a range of skin issues. As the area develops, realizing the full potential of nanotechnology in fostering ideal skin health will need sustained research and adherence to safety regulations.

Use of Albumin for Drug Delivery as a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Tool

Drug delivery is an important topic that has attracted the attention of researchers in recent years. Albumin nanoparticles play a significant role in drug delivery as a carrier due to their unique characteristics. Albumin is non-toxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable. Its structure is such that it can interact with different drugs, which makes the treatment of the disease faster and also reduces the side effects of the drug. Albumin nanoparticles can be used in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, including cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's, etc. These nanoparticles can connect to some compounds, such as metal nanoparticles, antibodies, folate, etc. and create a powerful nanostructure for drug delivery. In this paper, we aim to investigate albumin nanoparticles in carrier format for drug delivery application. In the beginning, different types of albumin and their preparation methods were discussed, and then albumin nanoparticles were discussed in detail in diagnosing and treating various diseases.

Unlocking the potential of cosmetic dermal delivery with ethosomes: A comprehensive review

BACKGROUND

In a world where hair loss, acne, and skin whitening are common concerns, ethosomes emerge as a captivating breakthrough in cosmetic drug delivery.

METHOD

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the ethosomal system and assesses its potential as an effective nanocarrier for delivering active ingredients to the skin. The focus is on exploring their applications in various pathologies, particularly skin disorders such as acne, hair loss, and skin pigmentation.

RESULTS

Ethosomes are a novel type of vesicular nanocarrier composed of high concentrations of ethanol (20-45%) and phospholipids. Their unique structure and composition make them an ideal choice for transporting active ingredients through the skin, offering targeted and effective treatment. The inclusion of ethanol in ethosomes' composition gives them distinctive properties, including flexibility, deformability, and stability, facilitating deep penetration into the skin and enhancing medication deposition. Moreover, ethosomes improved theoverall drug-loading capacity, and specificity of target treatment CONCLUSION: Ethosomes represent a unique and suitable approach for delivering active cosmetic ingredients in the treatment of hair loss, acne, and skin whitening, presenting a versatile alternative to traditional dermal delivery systems. Despite the challenges associated with their complex preparation and sensitivity to temperature and humidity, the remarkable potential benefits of ethosomes cannot be ignored. Further research is crucial to unlock their full potential, understand their limitations, and refine their formulations and administration methods. Ethosomes hold the promise of transforming the way we address these cosmetic concerns, offering an exciting glimpse into the future of advanced skincare solutions.

Electroactive Polymers for On-Demand Drug Release

Conductive materials have played a significant role in advancing society into the digital era. Such materials are able to harness the power of electricity and are used to control many aspects of daily life. Conductive polymers (CPs) are an emerging group of polymers that possess metal-like conductivity yet retain desirable polymeric features, such as processability, mechanical properties, and biodegradability. Upon receiving an electrical stimulus, CPs can be tailored to achieve a number of responses, such as harvesting energy and stimulating tissue growth. The recent FDA approval of a CP-based material for a medical device has invigorated their research in healthcare. In drug delivery, CPs can act as electrical switches, drug release is achieved at a flick of a switch, thereby providing unprecedented control over drug release. In this review, recent developments in CP as electroactive polymers for voltage-stimuli responsive drug delivery systems are evaluated. The review demonstrates the distinct drug release profiles achieved by electroactive formulations, and both the precision and ease of stimuli response. This level of dynamism promises to yield "smart medicines" and warrants further research. The review concludes by providing an outlook on electroactive formulations in drug delivery and highlighting their integral roles in healthcare IoT.

Regulating Size and Charge of Liposomes in Microneedles to Enhance Intracellular Drug Delivery Efficiency in Skin for Psoriasis Therapy

The stratum corneum (SC) and cell membrane are two major barriers that hinder the therapeutic outcomes of transdermal drug delivery for the treatment of skin diseases. While microneedles (MNs) can efficiently penetrate the SC to deliver nanomedicines, the optimization of physicochemical properties of nanomedicines in MNs to enhance their in vivo cellular delivery efficiency remains unclear. Here, how the size and surface charge of drug-loaded liposomes in MNs influence the retention time and cellular delivery in psoriatic skin is systematically investigated. The results indicate that while 100 nm negatively-charged liposomes in MNs show higher cellular uptake in vitro, 250 and 450 nm liposomes could enhance skin retention and the long-term in vivo cellular delivery efficiency of drugs. Moreover, 250 nm cationic liposomes with a stronger positive charge show an extraordinarily long skin retention time of 132 h and significantly higher in vivo cellular internalization. In the treatment study, dexamethasone (dex)-loaded cationic liposomes-integrated MNs show better therapeutic outcomes than dex-loaded anionic liposomes-integrated MNs in a psoriasis-like animal model. The design principles of liposomes in MN drug delivery systems explored in the study hold the potential for enhancing the therapeutic outcomes of psoriasis and are instrumental for successful translation.

Synthesis and self-assembling of hyaluronan grafted with ceramide NP for topical drug delivery

In this work, amphiphilic hyaluronan was synthesized by grafting succinylated N-oleoyl-phytosphingosine via esters bonds. Succinylated N-oleoyl-phytosphingosine (sCER) was first prepared by esterification of hydroxyl moieties of the ceramide with succinic anhydride. The esterification of hyaluronan was governed by crowding effect. The oligomeric HA-sCER derivatives exhibited a strong self-aggregation as evidenced by a very low critical aggregation concentration (1.9 μg mL-1), higher pyrene binding constant (KB), and the smallest particle size (30 nm) in solution. The self-aggregation properties demonstrated to be a function of the substitution degree and molecular weight of HA. The prepared derivatives were non-cytotoxic towards cell lines NIH-3T3. Nanoparticles prepared using oligomeric HA-sCER derivatives improved the penetration of Nile red dye through the stratum corneum due to their smaller size (≤50 nm). The fluorescence intensity localized at the stratum corneum was higher for oligomeric HA-sCER. A significant inhibition of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 production was observed in vitro in macrophages differentiated from THP-1 cells. These findings showed that HA-sCER constituted a promising active ingredient for cosmetics use.

Current Status of Microneedle Array Technology for Therapeutic Delivery: From Bench to Clinic

In recent years, microneedle (MN) patches have emerged as an alternative technology for transdermal delivery of various drugs, therapeutics proteins, and vaccines. Therefore, there is an urgent need to understand the status of MN-based therapeutics. The article aims to illustrate the current status of microneedle array technology for therapeutic delivery through a comprehensive review. However, the PubMed search was performed to understand the MN's therapeutics delivery status. At the same time, the search shows the number no of publications on MN is increasing (63). The search was performed with the keywords "Coated microneedle," "Hollow microneedle," "Dissolvable microneedle," and "Hydrogel microneedle," which also shows increasing trend. Similarly, the article highlighted the application of different microneedle arrays for treating different diseases. The article also illustrated the current status of different phases of MN-based therapeutics clinical trials. It discusses the delivery of different therapeutic molecules, such as drug molecule delivery, using microneedle array technology. The approach mainly discusses the delivery of different therapeutic molecules. The leading pharmaceutical companies that produce the microneedle array for therapeutic purposes have also been discussed. Finally, we discussed the limitations and future prospects of this technology.

Hyaluronic acid-empowered nanotheranostics in breast and lung cancers therapy

Nanomedicine application in cancer therapy is an urgency because of inability of current biological therapies for complete removal of tumor cells. The development of smart and novel nanoplatforms for treatment of cancer can provide new insight in tumor suppression. Hyaluronic acid is a biopolymer that can be employed for synthesis of smart nanostructures capable of selective targeting CD44-overexpressing tumor cells. The breast and lung cancers are among the most malignant and common tumors in both females and males that environmental factors, lifestyle and genomic alterations are among the risk factors for their pathogenesis and development. Since etiology of breast and lung tumors is not certain and multiple factors participate in their development, preventative measures have not been completely successful and studies have focused on developing new treatment strategies for them. The aim of current review is to provide a comprehensive discussion about application of hyaluronic acid-based nanostructures for treatment of breast and lung cancers. The main reason of using hyaluronic acid-based nanoparticles is their ability in targeting breast and lung cancers in a selective way due to upregulation of CD44 receptor on their surface. Moreover, nanocarriers developed from hyaluronic acid or functionalized with hyaluronic acid have high biocompatibility and their safety is appreciated. The drugs and genes used for treatment of breast and lung cancers lack specific accumulation at cancer site and their cytotoxicity is low, but hyaluronic acid-based nanostructures provide their targeted delivery to tumor site and by increasing internalization of drugs and genes in breast and lung tumor cells, they improve their therapeutic index. Furthermore, hyaluronic acid-based nanostructures can be used for phototherapy-mediated breast and lung cancers ablation. The stimuli-responsive and smart kinds of hyaluronic acid-based nanostructures such as pH- and light-responsive can increase selective targeting of breast and lung cancers.

Quality-by-Design Approach for Investigating the Efficacy of Tacrolimus and Hyaluronic Acid-Loaded Ethosomal Gel in Dermal Management of Psoriasis: In Vitro, Ex Vivo, and In Vivo Evaluation

Psoriasis is an auto-immune condition with high keratinocyte hyperproliferation due to lower p53 and p22 levels. Tacrolimus, an immune suppressor, is considered one of the most effective drugs in suppressing psoriasis. Systematic administration of tacrolimus often leads to challenging side effects, namely increased infection risk, renal toxicity, neurological symptoms such as tremors and headaches, gastrointestinal disturbances, hypertension, skin-related problems, etc. To address this, a nanocarrier-based formulation of tacrolimus along with inclusion of hyaluronic acid was developed. The optimization and formulation of ethosomes via the ethanol injection technique were done based on the Box-Behnken experimental design. The results revealed hyaluronic acid-based tacrolimus ethosomes (HA-TAC-ETH) had nanometric vesicle size (315.7 ± 2.2 nm), polydispersity index (PDI) (0.472 ± 0.07), and high entrapment efficiency (88.3 ± 2.52%). The findings of drug release and skin permeation showed sustained drug release with increased dermal flux and enhancement ratio. The effectiveness of HA-TAC-ETH was confirmed in an imiquimod (5%)-prompted psoriasis model. The skin irritation score and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score indicated that HA-TAC-ETH gel has validated a decline in the entire factors (erythema, edema, and thickness) in the imiquimod-induced psoriasis model in contrast with TAC-ETH gel and TAC ointment. The fabricated HA-TAC-ETH opt gel proved to be safe and effective in in vivo studies and could be employed to treat psoriasis further.

Tapping on the Potential of Hyaluronic Acid: from Production to Application

The manufacture, purification, and applications of hyaluronic acid (HA) are discussed in this article. Concerning the growing need for affordable, high-quality HA, it is essential to consider diverse production techniques using renewable resources that pose little risk of cross-contamination. Many microorganisms can now be used to produce HA without limiting the availability of raw materials and in an environmentally friendly manner. The production of HA has been associated with Streptococci A and C, explicitly S. zooepidemicus and S. equi. Different fermentation techniques, including the continuous, batch, fed-batch, and repeated batch culture, have been explored to increase the formation of HA, particularly from S. zooepidemicus. The topic of current interest also involves a complex broth rich in metabolites and residual substrates, intensifying downstream processes to achieve high recovery rates and purity. Although there are already established methods for commercial HA production, the anticipated growth in trade and the diversification of application opportunities necessitate the development of new procedures to produce HA with escalated productivity, specified molecular weights, and purity. In this report, we have enacted the advancement of HA technical research by analyzing bacterial biomanufacturing elements, upstream and downstream methodologies, and commercial-scale HA scenarios.

Polysaccharide-Based Nanogels to Overcome Mucus, Skin, Cornea, and Blood-Brain Barriers: A Review

Nanocarriers have been extensively developed in the biomedical field to enhance the treatment of various diseases. However, to effectively deliver therapeutic agents to desired target tissues and enhance their pharmacological activity, these nanocarriers must overcome biological barriers, such as mucus gel, skin, cornea, and blood-brain barriers. Polysaccharides possess qualities such as excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, unique biological properties, and good accessibility, making them ideal materials for constructing drug delivery carriers. Nanogels, as a novel drug delivery platform, consist of three-dimensional polymer networks at the nanoscale, offering a promising strategy for encapsulating different pharmaceutical agents, prolonging retention time, and enhancing penetration. These attractive properties offer great potential for the utilization of polysaccharide-based nanogels as drug delivery systems to overcome biological barriers. Hence, this review discusses the properties of various barriers and the associated constraints, followed by summarizing the most recent development of polysaccharide-based nanogels in drug delivery to overcome biological barriers. It is expected to provide inspiration and motivation for better design and development of polysaccharide-based drug delivery systems to enhance bioavailability and efficacy while minimizing side effects.

The anti-inflammation and skin-moisturizing effects of Boehmeria tricuspis-mediated biosynthesized gold nanoparticles in human keratinocytes

Introduction: Recently, nanotechnology has emerged as a potential technique for skin generation, which has several treatment advantages, such as decreased drug cytotoxicity and enhanced skin penetration. Boehmeria tricuspis (BT) belongs to the Urticaceae family and is rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds. In this study, we biosynthesized gold nanoparticles (BT-AuNPs) using BT extract to explore their anti-inflammatory and skin-moisturizing properties in keratinocytes. Methods: Field-emission transmission electron microscopy, energydispersive X-ray spectrometry, dynamic light scattering, and Fourier-transforminfrared spectroscopy were used to examine the synthesized BT-AuNPs. qRT-PCR, western blot, and ELISA were applied for investigating the effect of BT-AuNPs on anti-inflammation and moisturizing activity in HaCaT cells. Results: At concentrations below 200 μg/mL, BT-AuNPs had no cytotoxic effect on keratinocytes. BT-AuNPs dramatically alleviated the expression and secretion of inflammatory chemokines/cytokine, such as IL-6, IL-8, TARC, CTACK, and RANTES in keratinocytes stimulated by tumor necrosis factor-α/interferon-γ (T + I). These anti-inflammatory properties of BT-AuNPs were regulated by inhibiting the NF-κB and MAPKs signaling pathways. Furthermore, BT-AuNPs greatly promoted hyaluronic acid (HA) production by enhancing the expression of hyaluronic acid synthase genes (HAS1, HAS2, and HAS3) and suppressing the expression of hyaluronidase genes (HYAL1 and HYAL2) in HaCaT cells. Discussion: These results suggest that BT-AuNPs can be used as a promising therapeutic alternative for treating skin inflammation. Our findings provide a potential platform for the use of BT-AuNPs as candidates for treating inflammatory skin diseases and promoting skin health.

Efficacy of new oral rinse containing sodium hyaluronate in xerostomia: A randomized crossover study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of a new oral rinse containing sodium hyaluronate and other functional ingredients in reducing xerostomia-associated symptoms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this 8-week, double-blind crossover study, xerostomia subjects used all three of GUM®HYDRAL™ Oral Rinse, placebo rinse, and Biotene® Oral Rinse as active control. Visual Analog Scale, a dry mouth questionnaire, Oral Health Impact Profile-14, unstimulated saliva flow rate (USFR), and Revised Oral Assessment Guide (ROAG) were assessed before and after 2 weeks of treatments.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients completed all three treatment modalities. Subjective measurements were significantly decreased by test product and active control; however, no significant difference was observed between the treatments. Test product and active control demonstrated a significant increase in USFR over 0.2 ml/min, a normal threshold of hyposalivation. Both test product and active control improved a total score of ROAG, whereas the effectiveness of the test product was significantly better than that of other two treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

The new oral rinse may be beneficial to improve the quality of life of xerostomia patients as dry mouth symptoms were reduced for both subjective and objective measurements. Test oral rinse was found to be more effective than placebo or active control for some of the objective measurements.

Nano transdermal system combining mitochondria-targeting cerium oxide nanoparticles with all-trans retinoic acid for psoriasis

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease that is intricately linked to oxidative stress. Antioxidation and inhibition of abnormal proliferation of keratinocytes are pivotal strategies for psoriasis. Delivering drugs with these effects to the site of skin lesions is a challenge that needs to be solved. Herein, we reported a nanotransdermal delivery system composed of all-trans retinoic acid (TRA), triphenylphosphine (TPP)-modified cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles, flexible nanoliposomes and gels (TCeO2-TRA-FNL-Gel). The results revealed that TCeO2 synthesized by the anti-micelle method, with a size of approximately 5 nm, possessed excellent mitochondrial targeting ability and valence conversion capability related to scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). TCeO2-TRA-FNL prepared by the film dispersion method, with a size of approximately 70 nm, showed high drug encapsulation efficiency (>96%). TCeO2-TRA-FNL-Gel further showed sustained drug release behaviors, great transdermal permeation ability, and greater skin retention than the free TRA. The results of in vitro EGF-induced and H2O2-induced models suggested that TCeO2-TRA-FNL effectively reduced the level of inflammation and alleviated oxidative stress in HaCat cells. The results of in vivo imiquimod (IMQ)-induced model indicated that TCeO2-TRA-FNL-Gel could greatly alleviate the psoriasis symptoms. In summary, the transdermal drug delivery system designed in this study has shown excellent therapeutic effects on psoriasis and is prospective for the safe and accurate therapy of psoriasis.

An inflammation-responsive double-layer microneedle patch for recurrent atopic dermatitis therapy

Seeking a potent therapeutic strategy for alleviating atopic dermatitis (AD) attack and preventing its recurrence is highly desired but remains challenging in clinical practice. Here, we propose an inflammation-responsive double-layer microneedle (IDMN) patch in situ delivering VD3 for recurrent AD therapy. IDMN comprises the backing layer part and the double-layer microneedle part, in which the inner layer is gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) loaded with VD3 while the outer layer is composed of hyaluronic acid (HA). Introduction of the HA backing layer and outer layer around the GelMA tips can not only provide sufficient mechanical strength to penetrate into hardened AD skin with minimal invasiveness, but also exert a strong moisturizing effect after being rapidly dissolved. The inner layer of GelMA is degraded by the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) in a dose dependent manner, which is secreted according to the disease progression of AD. The responsive degradation of GelMA tips result in corresponding release of VD3 to treat AD, triggering negative feedback against GelMA degradation. The IDMN administration on AD-bearing mice reveals efficient "curing" performances (including suppress erythema, scaling and lichenification, reduce epidermal thickness, inhibit mast cells infiltration, and down-regulate inflammatory factor secretion), which are basically realized through synergistic effect of the released VD3 and the dissolved HA molecules. Importantly, the residual tips of IDMN with VD3 are retained in the skin after the first AD relief, showing promising "warning" ability to inhibit the recurrence of AD. Hence, the developed IDMN patch is expected to be one of the excellent candidates for AD therapy and other relapsing diseases in clinical fields.

Hyaluronic Acid-Based Bioconjugate Systems, Scaffolds, and Their Therapeutic Potential

In recent years, the development of hyaluronic acid or hyaluronan (HA) based scaffolds, medical devices, bioconjugate systems have expanded into a broad range of research and clinical applications. Research findings over the last two decades suggest that the abundance of HA in most mammalian tissues with distinctive biological roles and chemical simplicity for modifications have made it an attractive material with a rapidly growing global market. Besides its use as native forms, HA has received much interest on so-called "HA-bioconjugates" and "modified-HA systems". In this review, the importance of chemical modifications of HA, underlying rationale approaches, and various advancements of bioconjugate derivatives with their potential physicochemical, and pharmacological advantages are summarized. This review also highlights the current and emerging HA-based conjugates of small molecules, macromolecules, crosslinked systems, and surface coating strategies with their biological implications, including their potentials and key challenges discussed in detail.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antiatopic Effects of Rorippa cantoniensis (Lour.) Ohwi in RAW 264.7 and HaCaT Cells

This study evaluated the effects of Rorippa cantoniensis (Lour.) ohwi extract (RCE) on factors associated with inflammation-related skin lesions in RAW 264.7 and HaCaT cells. RCE inhibited the levels of proinflammatory mediators and cytokines such as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂), interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, RCE significantly inhibited the expression of chemokines and cytokines such as MDC/CCL22, TARC/CCL17, RANTES/CCL5, CTSS, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in HaCaT cells costimulated by TNF-α and interferon (IFN)-γ in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that RCE attenuated the TNF-α- and IFN-γ-induced release of proinflammatory chemokines and cytokines probably by suppressing the activation of MAPK (JNK and p38), NF-κB, and STAT1 signaling. Moreover, RCE significantly increased the expression of skin components such as hyaluronic acid and aquaporin, which play important roles in the physical and chemical barriers of the skin. These results suggest that RCE has significant anti-inflammatory and antiatopic activities, which may be beneficial for the topical treatment of inflammatory skin disorders.

Cryogels: Advancing Biomaterials for Transformative Biomedical Applications

Cryogels, composed of synthetic and natural materials, have emerged as versatile biomaterials with applications in tissue engineering, controlled drug delivery, regenerative medicine, and therapeutics. However, optimizing cryogel properties, such as mechanical strength and release profiles, remains challenging. To advance the field, researchers are exploring advanced manufacturing techniques, biomimetic design, and addressing long-term stability. Combination therapies and drug delivery systems using cryogels show promise. In vivo evaluation and clinical trials are crucial for safety and efficacy. Overcoming practical challenges, including scalability, structural integrity, mass transfer constraints, biocompatibility, seamless integration, and cost-effectiveness, is essential. By addressing these challenges, cryogels can transform biomedical applications with innovative biomaterials.

Skin targeting by chitosan/hyaluronate hybrid nanoparticles for the management of irritant contact dermatitis: In vivo therapeutic efficiency in mouse-ear dermatitis model

Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by severe eczematous lesions. Nanoparticulate drug delivery is the most predominant way to improve dermal penetration and have gained remarkable recognition for targeted delivery of therapeutic payload and reduced off-target effects. Therefore, the current work aimed to fabricate polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles (PENPs) containing two natural biodegradable polymers namely; chitosan (CS) and hyaluronic acid (HA) to deliver the non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug etoricoxib (ETX) to the deeper skin layers to alleviate any systemic toxicity and improve its therapeutic efficacy against ICD. ETX loaded-PENPs were prepared and optimized utilizing three independent variables; CS: HA mass ratio, chitosan solution pH and molecular weight of chitosan. Following the various physicochemical optimizations, the optimum ETX-loaded PENPs formulation (N1 0.15 %) exhibited spherical nature with an average diameter of 267.9 ± 9.4 nm, Polydispersity index of 0.366 ± 0.02, and positive zeta potential (+32.9 ± 0.47 mV). The drug was successfully entrapped and the entrapment efficiency reached 95 ± 0.2 %. N1 0.15 % formula showed efficient dermal targeting by significantly enhanced percentage of ETX permeated and retained in the various skin layers in comparison to ETX conventional gel during the ex-vivo skin permeation experiments. Furthermore, N1 0.15 % exhibited superior anti-inflammatory properties in vivo compared to ETX conventional gel in dithranol induced mice ear dermatitis. Conclusively, ETX-loaded PENPs could be a promising therapeutic approach for effecient management of ICD.

Enhanced Transdermal Absorption of Hyaluronic Acid via Fusion with Pep-1 and a Hyaluronic Acid Binding Peptide

It is always big challenges for hyaluronic acid (HA) in transmembrane absorbing and efficient delivering to the skin. Pep-1, as one of the cell-penetrating peptides, has been documented to permeate various substances across cellular membranes without covalent binding. Here, a novel hyaluronic acid binding peptide (named HaBP) is designed, and then combined with Pep-1 to enhance the cell-penetrating efficiency of HA. The results of ELISA and immunofluorescence assay show that HaBP could bind with HA very well, and a combination of Pep-1 and HaBP could efficiently improve the transmembrane ability of HA. Furthermore, HA gradually enters the dermis from the surface of the skin in mice when it is administrated with both HaBP and Pep-1, while there are no obvious allergies or other adverse reactions during this process. This study finds a new method to promote the efficient transmembrane and transdermal absorption of HA, and throws some light on further research on the development of hyaluronic acid and its related cosmetics or drugs.

Dissolving microneedles for effective and painless intradermal drug delivery in various skin conditions: A systematic review

Intra- and transdermal administration of substances via percutaneous injection is effective but considered painful, and inconvenient in addition to bringing forth biohazardous waste material. In contrast to injection, topical drug application, which includes ointments, creams and lotions, increases the local drug load. Moreover, it has reduced side effects compared to systemic administration. However, the epidermis poses a barrier to high molecular weight substances, limiting the delivery efficiency. Dissolving microneedles (DMN) are hydrophilic, mostly polymer-based constructs that are capable of skin penetration and were developed to provide painless and direct dermal drug delivery. This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the available clinical evidence for the use of DMN to treat various skin conditions. According to the PRISMA statement, a systematic search for articles on the use of DMN for dermatological indications was conducted on three different databases (Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane library). Only human clinical trials were considered. Qualitative assessment was done by two separate reviewers using the Cochrane risk of bias (RoB 2) and Chambers' criteria assessment tools. The search yielded 1090 articles. After deduplication and removal of ineligible records, 889 records were screened on title and abstract. Full text screening was done for 18 articles and ultimately 17 articles were included of which 15 were randomized controlled trials and two were case series. The quality assessment showed that the majority of included studies had low to no risk of bias. Clinical data supports that DMN are an excellent, effective, and pain free drug delivery method for multiple dermatological disorders including skin aging, hyperpigmentation, psoriasis, warts, and keloids by supplying a painless and effective vehicle for intradermal/intralesional drug administration. Microneedle technology provides a promising non- to minimally-invasive alternative to percutaneous injection.

Enhancing Intradermal Delivery of Lidocaine by Dissolving Microneedles: Comparison between Hyaluronic Acid and Poly(Vinyl Pyrrolidone) Backbone Polymers

Lidocaine hydrochloride (LiH), an amide-type local anesthetic agent, is commonly used in dermatological procedures. LiH is categorized as a BCS (biopharmaceutics classification system) class III group, which has high solubility and poor permeability. It should be noted that, in this context, LiH is intended as a local anesthetic, so the level of LiH in systemic circulation should be minimized to avoid toxicity and unwanted side effects such as hypotension and bradycardia. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate LiH-loaded dissolving microneedles (DMNs) with different polymer bases. Moreover, an in vitro permeation study using Franz diffusion cells and in vivo study were also performed. LiH-loaded DMNs were prepared using polymer groups of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP-K30) and hyaluronic acid (HA). DMNs were created using the micro-molding method with centrifugation. The formulations selected based on the evaluation were F3 (HA 10%) and F5 (PVP-K30 25%). Based on the in vitro permeation study, the amount of drug permeated and deposited in the skin at F3 (HA 10%) was 247.1 ± 41.85 and 98.35 ± 12.86 μg, respectively. On the other hand, the amount of drug permeated and deposited in the skin at F5 (PVP-K30 25%) was 277.7 ± 55.88 and 59.46 ± 9.25 μg, respectively. Our in vivo drug-permeation study showed that only one rat from the PVP-K30 polymer group-with a concentration of 150.32 ng/mL-was detected on rat plasma. Therefore, LiH can be formulated into a DMN and can be deposited in the skin with a safe concentration of the drug permeating into systemic circulation.

5-Fluorouracil-Immobilized Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Arrays on an Electrospun Bilayer Membrane as a Drug Patch

The hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel array was employed for immobilization of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and the electrospun bilayer (hydrophilic: polyurethane/pluronic F-127 and hydrophobic: polyurethane) membrane was used to support the HA hydrogel array as a patch. To visualize the drug propagating phenomenon into tissues, we experimentally investigated how FITC-BSA diffused into the tissue by applying hydrogel patches to porcine tissue samples. The diffusive phenomenon basically depends on the FITC-BSA diffusion coefficient in the hydrogel, and the degree of diffusion of FITC-BSA may be affected by the concentration of HA hydrogel, which demonstrates that the high density of HA hydrogel inhibits the diffusive FITC-BSA migration toward the low concentration region. YD-10B cells were employed to investigate the release of 5-FU from the HA array on the bilayer membrane. In the control group, YD-10B cell viability was over 98% after 3 days. However, in the 5-FU-immobilized HA hydrogel array, most of the YD-10B cells were not attached to the bilayer membrane used as a scaffold. These results suggest that 5-FU was locally released and initiated the death of the YD-10B cells. Our results show that 5-FU immobilized on HA arrays significantly reduces YD-10B cell adhesion and proliferation, affecting cells even early in the cell culture. Our results suggest that when 5-FU is immobilized in the HA hydrogel array on the bilayer membrane as a drug patch, it is possible to control the drug concentration, to release it continuously, and that the patch can be applied locally to the targeted tumor site and administer the drug in a time-stable manner. Therefore, the developed bilayer membrane-based HA hydrogel array patch can be considered for sustained release of the drug in biomedical applications.

Emerging pharmaceutical therapeutics and delivery technologies for osteoarthritis therapy

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common joint degenerative diseases in the world. At present, the management of OA depends on the lifestyle modification and joint replacement surgery, with the lifespan of prosthesis quite limited yet. Effective drug treatment of OA is essential. However, the current drugs, such as the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen, as well as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, are accompanied by obvious side effects, with the therapeutic efficacy to be enhanced. Recently, novel reagents such as IL-1 antagonists and nerve growth factor inhibitors have entered clinical trials. Moreover, increasing evidence demonstrated that active ingredients of natural plants have great potential for treating OA. Meanwhile, the use of novel drug delivery strategies may overcome the shortcomings of conventional preparations and enhance the bioavailability of drugs, as well as decrease the side effects significantly. This review therefore summarizes the pathological mechanisms, management strategies, and research progress in the drug molecules including the newly identified active ingredient derived from medicinal plants for OA therapy, with the drug delivery technologies also summarized, with the expectation to provide the summary and outlook for developing the next generation of drugs and preparations for OA therapy.

Thermo-sensitive hydrogel combined with SHH expressed RMSCs for rat spinal cord regeneration

Purpose: Spinal cord injury (SCI) has a damaging impact on patients, amid being a worldwide problem with no effective treatment. Herein, we reported a method for functional therapy of SCI in rats, wherein we combined thermo-sensitive hydrogel with Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) expressed in rat bone-marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (RMSCs).

Methods: Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were isolated from Sprague-Dawley (SD) female rats. The SHH was optimized and transferred into RMSCs via cationic liposomes, while thermo-sensitive hydrogel was reformed with hyaluronate (HA) and Pluronic F127. Then, a rat model with SCI was established accordingly by male SD rats and randomized into sham, model, RMSCs with hydrogel and SHH-RMSCs with hydrogel. The evaluation of SCI repair based on Basso, Beattie Bresnahanlocomotor rating scale (BBB scale) and inclined plate score. Immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and hematoxylin-eosin were utilized to explore the expression of protein (GFAP, GAP43, NF200 and MBP) and histopathology.

Results: It was demonstrated that transfection of SHH with cationic liposomes exhibited more effect in RMSCs than lipofectamine 2000. As shown in SEM, 3.5% HA-F127 demonstrated porous structure. In the MTT and dead/live assay, 3.5% HA-F127 showed good biocompatibility for RMSCs. Both RMSCs and SHH-RMSCs groups could significantly promote BBB and inclined plate scores (p < 0.01) compared with the model. Furthermore, the SHH-RMSC group was significantly improved than RMSC with the expression of related proteins, where NF200, MBP, and GAP43 were principally enhanced with the GFAP expression being virtually down-regulated.

Conclusion: All in all, the results suggested that transplantation of RMSCs with SHH could improve the function of SCI and promote nerve regeneration.

In vitro assessment of the anti-inflammatory and skin-moisturizing effects of Filipendula palmata (Pall.) Maxim. On human keratinocytes and identification of its bioactive phytochemicals

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The meadowsweet family (genus Filipendula) includes about 30 species, which have been traditionally used in folk medicine to treat various inflammatory diseases. Particularily, F. palmata (Pall.) Maxim. (Siberian meadowsweet) were traditionally and widely used as an ethnic herb in the Oroqen application.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Limited studies have been documented on most species, except for two main species, F. ulmaria (L.) Maxim. and F. vulgaris Moench. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and skin-moisturizing effects of 70% ethanolic extract (FPE) of F. palmata on human epidermal keratinocytes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HaCaT keratinocytes were treated with FPE under different conditions. Quantitative real time-PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting methods were used to evaluate the effect and molecular mechanism of the cells treated with FPE. The bioactive compounds in FPE, which are responsible for biological activities, was explored using mass spectrometric analysis.

RESULTS

FPE did not show a cytotoxic effect on the cells at concentrations below 200 μg/mL. FPE significantly suppressed the intracellular reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial superoxide of inflamed HaCaT cells induced by tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ (T + I) and inflammatory chemokine genes and proteins, such as CC chemokine ligands (CCL5, CCL17, and CCL27) and CXC chemokine ligand (CXCL8). These anti-inflammatory activities of FPE were mediated by the downregulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathways. In normal HaCaT cells, FPE significantly promoted the production of hyaluronic acid (HA) via the downregulation of hyaluronidase (HYAL1 and HYAL2) and upregulation of hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS1, HAS2, and HAS3) genes, and these effects seemed to be associated with the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling. Ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry indicated that FPE contains four flavonoids, including (+)-catechin, miquelianin, scutellarin, and quercitrin, as its major phytochemicals. Finally, we demonstrated that miquelianin and quercitrin contribute partially to the anti-inflammatory and HA-producing activity of FPE without cytotoxic effects on HaCaT cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that topical applications of FPE can be utilized as an alternative therapy for treating skin inflammation. Additionally, our findings serve as a reference in applying FPE as a functional ingredient to treat inflammatory skin diseases and promote skin health.

Tacrolimus nanocrystals microneedle patch for plaque psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is characterized by an abnormal thickening of the epidermis, which causes great difficulties for traditional topical drug delivery. Microneedles can pierce the thickened epidermis and deliver drugs to the skin for psoriasis treatment. Tacrolimus is a poorly water-soluble immunosuppressant used for the treatment of psoriasis. In this study, tacrolimus (TAC) nanocrystals (NCs) were produced using a bottom-up technique that dispersed TAC into a sodium hyaluronate-based microneedle patch (MNP), and its therapeutic efficacy was evaluated. The average particle size of the TAC NCs was 259.6 ± 2.3 nm. The mechanical strength of the microneedles was 0.41 ± 0.06 N/needle, which was sufficient to penetrate psoriatic skin. Microneedles were detached from the substrate 10 min after insertion into the psoriasis skin with an insertion depth of 258.8 ± 14.4 μm. The intradermal retention of the MNP (8.40 ± 0.33 μg/cm²) was six times that of the commercial ointment (1.40 ± 0.12 μg/cm²). In pharmacodynamic experiments, results indicated improvement in the phenotypic and histopathological features and reduction in the level of TNF-α, IL-17A, and IL-23 of psoriatic skin treated with TAC NCs MNP. Therefore, MNP loaded with TAC NCs may be a promising approach for psoriasis treatment.

Engineering Milk-Derived Exosome for Enhancing Cellular Astaxanthin Delivery

Astaxanthin (AST), a fat-soluble carotenoid, shows excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, but its low biocompatibility and stability limit its application in the food industry. In this work, we constructed the targeted hyaluronic acid (HA)-modified milk exosome-based astaxanthin delivery system to improve the biocompatibility stability and targeted transport properties of astaxanthin. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed that HA was efficiently modified onto the surface of the milk exosome by an amide condensation reaction. The fluorescence images showed that the targeted delivery system accumulated in RAW264.7 macrophages, and the targeting effect on inflammatory cells was significantly enhanced. Compared with free astaxanthin, the delivery system could enhance the cellular uptake of astaxanthin and alleviate the overproduction of reactive oxygen species significantly and the depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential in a lipopolysaccharide-induced cellular model. The delivery system also notably inhibited the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and other inflammatory factors. Therefore, the targeted hyaluronic acid-modified milk exosome-based astaxanthin delivery system prevents the activation of macrophages and the production of inflammatory mediators and has the potential to apply to the prevention of chronic inflammatory diseases.

Wound-Healing Promotion and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Carvacrol Prodrugs/Hyaluronic Acid Formulations

Background. Wound healing (WH) is a complex process involving several stages, such as hemostasis, inflammation, re-epithelialization, and remodeling. Many factors can impair WH, and different pharmacological approaches were studied to date, but the increase in antibiotic resistance, invasiveness, treatment duration, and high cost, have often hampered the resolution of the wound. In this study, we investigated the possible application of water-soluble carvacrol prodrugs (WSCPs) and hyaluronic acid (HA) and their formulations (WSCPs/HA) to improve WH and regulate the inflammatory response. Materials and methods. Firstly, the cytotoxicity of 0.1, 1 and 10 µg/mL of HA, WSCPs and WSCPs/HA formulations were evaluated on HaCaT cells and THP-1 cell lines. The ability of WSCPs/HA formulations to modulate wound repair was evaluated in an in vitro model of WH, using HaCaT cells at 6, 18, and 24 h. The expression of WH mediators, after wound closure was determined by qRT-PCR. Following, we polarized THP-1 cells in M1/M2-like macrophages and tested the anti-inflammatory properties of WSCPs/HA formulations. After, we tested the in vitro WH model for the effects of conditioned medium (CM) from M1/M2-like cells cultured in the presence of WSCPs/HA. Results. Results showed that WSCPs/HA formulations were able to significantly raise the wound closure rate, compared to the single constituents, promoting a complete wound closure after 18 h for WSCP1/HA (10 µg/mL) and after 24 h for WSCP2/HA (10 µg/mL), modulating the MMPs, TGFβ, and COX-2 gene expression. The effects of CM derived from M1/M2 polarized cells cultured in the presence of WSCPs/HA determined WH regulation, with a better ability of the WSCP2/HA formulation to modulate the time-dependent expression of reparative and inflammatory mediators. Conclusion. Our data underline the possible application of WSCPs/HA formulations as bioactive agents for the regulation of the wound repair process by the modulation of inflammatory and remodeling phases, affecting the activity of immune cells.

The Use of Polymer Blends in the Treatment of Ocular Diseases

The eye is an organ with limited drug access due to its anatomical and physiological barriers, and the usual forms of ocular administration are limited in terms of drug penetration, residence time, and bioavailability, as well as low patient compliance. Hence, therapeutic innovations in new drug delivery systems (DDS) have been widely explored since they show numerous advantages over conventional methods, besides delivering the content to the eye without interfering with its normal functioning. Polymers are usually used in DDS and many of them are applicable to ophthalmic use, especially biodegradable ones. Even so, it can be a hard task to find a singular polymer with all the desirable properties to deliver the best performance, and combining two or more polymers in a blend has proven to be more convenient, efficient, and cost-effective. This review was carried out to assess the use of polymer blends as DDS. The search conducted in the databases of Pubmed and Scopus for specific terms revealed that although the physical combination of polymers is largely applied, the term polymer blend still has low compliance.

Hyaluronan-colistin conjugates: Synthesis, characterization, and prospects for medical applications

The development of nanotechnology-based antibiotic delivery systems (nanoantibiotics) is an important challenge in the effort to combat microbial multidrug resistance. These systems have improved biopharmaceutical characteristics by increasing local bioavailability and reducing systemic toxicity and the number and frequency of drug side effects. Conjugation of low -molecular -weight antibacterial agents with natural polysaccharides is an effective strategy for developing optimal targeted delivery systems with programmed release and reduced cytotoxicity. This study describes the synthesis of conjugates of colistin (CT) and hyaluronic acid (HA) using carbodiimide chemistry to conjugate the amino groups of CT with the carboxyl groups of HA. The obtained polysaccharide carriers had a degree of substitution (DS) with CT molecules of 3-10 %, and the CT content was 129-377 μg/mg. The size of the fabricated particles was 300-600 nm; in addition, there were conjugates in the form of single macromolecules (30-50 nm). The ζ-potential of developed systems was about -20 mV. In vitro release studies at pH 7.4 and pH 5.2 showed slow hydrolysis of amide bonds, with a CT release of 1-5 % after 24 h. The conjugates retained antimicrobial activity depending on the DS: at DS 8 %, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the conjugate corresponded to the MIC of free CT. The resulting systems also reduced CT nephrotoxicity by 20-50 %. These new conjugates of CT with HA are promising for the development of nanodrugs for safe and effective antimicrobial therapy.

Toxicity Assessment of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles upon Intravenous Injection in Mice: Implications for Drug Delivery

Nanoparticles are popular tools utilized to selectively deliver drugs and contrast agents for identification and treatment of disease. To determine the usefulness and translational potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), further evaluations of toxicity are required. MSNs are among the most utilized nano-delivery systems due to ease of synthesis, pore structure, and functionalization. This study aims to elucidate toxicity as a result of intravenous injection of 25 nm MSNs coated with chitosan (C) or polyethylene glycol (PEG) in mice. Following acute and chronic injections, blood was evaluated for standard blood chemistry and complete blood count analyses. Blood chemistry results primarily indicated that no abnormalities were present following acute or chronic injections of MSNs, or C/PEG-coated MSNs. After four weekly administered treatments, vital organs showed minor exacerbation of pre-existing lesions in the 35KPEG-MSN and moderate exacerbation of pre-existing lesions in uncoated MSN and 2KPEG-MSN treatment groups. In contrast, C-MSN treatment groups had minimal changes compared to controls. This study suggests 25 nm MSNs coated with chitosan should elicit minimal toxicity when administered as either single or multiple intravenous injections, but MSNs coated with PEG, especially 2KPEG may exacerbate pre-existing vascular conditions. Further studies should evaluate varying sizes and types of nanoparticles to provide a better overall understanding on the relation between nanoparticles and in vivo toxicity.

Injectable Self-Crosslinkable Thiolated Hyaluronic Acid for Stem Cell Therapy of Atopic Dermatitis

Stem cell therapies offer great promise in regenerative medicine to reinstate the normal function of diseased tissue, thereby avoiding the need for replacement. In stem cell therapies, damaged cells are replaced or restored by regulating inflammation and the immune system. However, the low survival rate and local retention of transplanted cells pose a significant challenge. In this study, injectable self-crosslinkable hydrogels using thiol-functionalized hyaluronic acid (HA-SH) were developed to improve the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for treating atopic dermatitis (AD)-related inflammatory lesions. The gelation kinetics and mechanical properties of HA-SH hydrogels were easily tuned by varying the concentration of the polymer in the precursor solution before injection. The MSC-laden HA-SH hydrogels exhibited high cell viability (>80%) for 1 week and good in vivo biocompatibility after implantation beneath the mouse skin. Moreover, the MSC-laden HA-SH hydrogel showed increased expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines, which can alleviate the immune response. In an AD animal model, a reduction in epidermal thickness and mast cell infiltration was achieved by applying a self-crosslinkable HA-SH solution including MSCs. This HA-based injectable hydrogel represents a potential carrier of stem cells, and its strong immunomodulation capabilities can be utilized for treating inflammation-related diseases.

Design of an Emulgel for Psoriasis Focused on Patient Preferences

Adherence to topical treatments is low and is known to be influenced by the vehicle properties. Betamethasone dipropionate (BD) is an anti-inflammatory steroid, used in psoriasis treatment in the form of an ointment, cream, or solution. The aim of this work was to develop a new vehicle for BD, focusing on the preferences of patients with psoriasis as a strategy to improve treatment adherence. Two vehicles with an aqueous external phase were explored: an emulgel and a hydrogel based on a cyclodextrin inclusion complex used to improve the aqueous solubility of BD. Since BD solubilization was not fully achieved in the hydrogel, only the emulgel was selected for further characterization. This new vehicle (emulgel) is characterized by its white, shiny appearance and good spreading properties. In comparison with petrolatum, a lower residue, higher evaporation rate, lower stickiness, and reduced ability to stain polyester fabric were observed. This vehicle also showed shear thinning behavior. The impact of this new vehicle on adherence to topical treatments should be further confirmed in clinical settings.

Anti-photoaging effects of flexible nanoliposomes encapsulated Moringa oleifera Lam. isothiocyanate in UVB-induced cell damage in HaCaT cells

Skin photoaging is premature skin aging damage that occurs after repeated exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Although isothiocyanates extracted from the moringa tree (Moringa oleifera Lam.) (MITC) exhibit excellent effects against skin photoaging, its application is restricted because of its characteristics, such as extremely low water solubility, bioavailability, and easy degradation. Currently, flexible nanoliposomes have gained increasing interest as a biocompatible polymer for applications such as transdermal drug delivery. We prepare amphiphilic hyaluronic acid (HA) conjugated with ceramide (CE) to modify nanoliposomes for MITC (HACE/MITC NPs) delivery. The HACE/MITC nanoparticles (NPs) are prepared and characterized for entrapment efficiency, particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, in vitro release, in vivo skin permeation, and in vitro protective effect of photoaging. The zeta potential of MITC NPs and HACE/MITC NPs is −24.46 mV and −24.93 mV, respectively. After modification of HACE, the entrapment efficient of MITC liposome increased from 62.54% to 70.67%, and the particle size decreased from 266.1 nm to 192.8 nm. In vivo skin permeation, permeated drug increased from 49.42 to 71.40%. Moreover, the results showed that the entrapment of MITC in nanoliposomes improves its stability, efficacy, and skin permeation. Further, HACE/MITC NPs are favorable for uptake by HaCaT cells without requiring changes in cell morphology, which significantly improves the activities of antioxidant enzymes, scavenges UVB-induced reactive oxygen species, protects skin from damage, and reduces MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9 expression caused by radiation-induced photoaging. Our results strongly suggest that flexible nanoliposomes successfully improved the cell membrane permeation of MITC, and that anti-photoaging and HACE/MITC NPs can potentially be used as candidates for photoaging therapy.

Chitosan/hyaluronan nanogels co-delivering methotrexate and 5-aminolevulinic acid: A combined chemo-photodynamic therapy for psoriasis

Psoriasis does not respond adequately to the monotherapy, tailoring combined strategies for synergistical treatment remains challenging. We fabricated chitosan/hyaluronan nanogels to co-load methotrexate (MTX) and 5-aminoleavulinic acid (ALA), i.e., MTX-ALA NGs, for a combined chemo-photodynamic therapy for psoriasis. Compared with MTX-ALA suspension, the NGs enhanced the penetration and retention of MTX and ALA through and into the skin in vitro and in vivo (p < 0.001). NGs enhanced the cellular uptake (p < 0.001), protoporphyrin IX conversion (p < 0.001), and reactive oxygen species generation (3.93-fold), subsequently exerted the synergistical anti-proliferation and apoptosis on lipopolysaccharide-irritated HaCaT cells with the apoptosis rate of 78.6%. MTX-ALA NGs efficiently ameliorated the skin manifestations and down-regulated the proinflammatory cytokines of TNF-α and IL-17A in imiquimod-induced psoriatic mice (p < 0.001). Importantly, MTX-ALA NGs reduced the toxicities of oral MTX to the liver and kidney. The results support that MTX-ALA NG is a convenient, effective, and safe combined chemo-photodynamic strategy for psoriasis treatment.

Hyaluronan-coated Prussian blue nanoparticles relieve LPS-induced peritonitis by suppressing oxidative species generation in tissue-resident macrophages

Excessive inflammatory response during sepsis causes irreversible damage to healthy tissues and results in multi-organ failure. During infection, bacterial endotoxin-triggered inflammatory responses in macrophages facilitate the recruitment of circulating leukocytes,...

Screening of the Chemical Composition and Identification of Hyaluronic Acid in Food Supplements by Fractionation and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Hyaluronic acid, together with collagen, vitamins or plant extracts, is a part of many cosmetic and food preparations. For example, this polysaccharide is used in formulation of many food supplements due to its protective effects on human health. In this work, the screening of the chemical composition of three chosen dietary supplements (powder, tablets and capsules) containing hyaluronic acid was carried out using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Because of the low amount of analyte in all these samples, it was isolated or concentrated prior to the analysis using a suitable sequential fractionation protocol. Individual isolation procedures were established for each sample based on their declared composition. Firstly, the major components such as collagen or vitamins were removed to obtain polysaccharide fractions by the enzymatic treatment and/or washing out with the appropriate solvents. In some cases, the water insoluble part was removed from the rest dissolved in water. Then, hyaluronic acid was precipitated with copper(II) cations and thus separated from the other polysaccharides. Finally, the analyte was identified in the enriched fractions by the characteristic vibrational bands. The amount of hyaluronic acid in the purified fractions was determined in three ways: gravimetrically, spectrophotometrically, and using isotachophoresis. The combination of the appropriate preparative and analytical steps led to the successful evaluation of chemical composition, finding and quantification of hyaluronic acid in all the studied samples.