Fabrication and Preliminary In Vitro Evaluation of 3D-Printed Alginate Films with Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabigerol (CBG) Nanoparticles for Potential Wound-Healing Applications

Evaluation of the antibacterial activity and mechanism of cannabigerol against drug-resistant Streptococcus iniae in vitro

This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial effects and mechanism of cannabigerol against drug-resistant Streptococcus iniae. The determination of antibacterial activity was based on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), growth curve analysis, time-kill assay, biofilm inhibition and eradication assessments. The antibacterial mechanism was explored by DNA leakage assay, assessment of cell membrane permeability, evaluation of cell membrane integrity, measurement of membrane potential, determination of respiratory chain dehydrogenase activity, and examination by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results demonstrated that cannabigerol effectively inhibited the growth and biofilm formation of Streptococcus iniae in vitro. Mechanistically, cannabigerol induced DNA leakage, impaired cell membrane integrity, hyperpolarized membrane potential, and reduced respiratory chain dehydrogenase activity in S. iniae. In conclusion, these findings suggest that cannabigerol inhibited the growth of S. iniae by disrupting the cell membrane.

Exploring the Potential of Nonpsychoactive Cannabinoids in the Development of Materials for Biomedical and Sports Applications

This Perspective explores the potential of nonpsychoactive cannabinoids (NPCs) such as CBD, CBG, CBC, and CBN in developing innovative biomaterials for biomedical and sports applications. It examines their physicochemical properties, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective effects, and their integration into various biomaterials such as hydrogels, sponges, films, and scaffolds. It also discusses the current challenges in standardizing formulations, understanding long-term effects, and understanding their intrinsical regulatory landscapes. Further, it discusses the promising applications of NPC-loaded materials in bone regeneration, wound management, and drug delivery systems, emphasizing their improved biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and therapeutic efficacy demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. The review also addresses innovative approaches to enhance NPC delivery including the use of computational tools and explores their potential in both biomedical and sports science contexts. By providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of research, this review aims to outline future directions, emphasizing the potential of NPCs in biomaterial science and regenerative medicine.

Design of Aerated Oleogel-Hydrogel Mixtures for 3D Printing of Personalized Cannabis Edibles

Cannabis seed oil oleogel structured with Glycerol Monostearate (20% w/w) was mixed with xanthan gum hydrogel (2% w/w) at different ratios ranging from 0% w/w hydrogel to 75% w/w hydrogel, using a syringe-to-syringe apparatus, for the preparation of 3D-printable food inks. This process enabled the simultaneous blend of oleogel and hydrogel phases and the incorporation of air in a reproducible and accurate manner. The printability of bigel inks with different mass ratios was evaluated by using a conventional benchtop food 3D printer. The printability of the inks was found to be negatively affected by the presence of higher portions of the hydrogel phase, while the printing performance of pure cannabis seed oil oleogel was superior compared to the printing performance of the bigel inks. The physicochemical properties of hybrid gels were investigated with rheological studies, thermophysical studies (Differential Scanning Calorimetry), Polarized Light Microscopy, and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy. The microstructure of the aerated inks was affected by the presence of a higher oleogel fraction, in terms of air bubble shape and distribution. The addition of hydrogel at concentrations higher than 50% w/w had a strong negative effect on the mechanical properties of the inks leading to a partial collapse of the printed structures and subsequently to poor printing performance.

Harnessing Cannabis sativa Oil for Enhanced Skin Wound Healing: The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species Regulation

Cannabis sativa emerges as a noteworthy candidate for its medicinal potential, particularly in wound healing. This review article explores the efficacy of cannabis oil in reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the healing of acute and chronic wounds, comparing it to the standard treatments. ROS, produced from various internal and external sources, play a crucial role in wound development by causing cell and tissue damage. Understanding the role of ROS on skin wounds is essential, as they act both as signaling molecules and contributors to oxidative damage. Cannabis oil, recognized for its antioxidant properties, may help mitigate oxidative damage by scavenging ROS and upregulating antioxidative mechanisms, potentially enhancing wound healing. This review emphasizes ongoing research and the future potential of cannabis oil in dermatological treatments, highlighted through clinical studies and patent updates. Despite its promising benefits, optimizing cannabis oil formulations for therapeutic applications remains a challenge, underscoring the need for further research to realize its medicinal capabilities in wounds.

Bioactive Properties and In Vitro Digestive Release of Cannabidiol (CBD) from Tailored Composites Based on Carbon Materials

The use of carriers to improve cannabidiol (CBD) bioavailability during digestion is at the forefront of research. The main objective of this research was to evaluate CBD bioactivity and develop CBD composites based on tailored carbon support to improve availability under digestive conditions. The antioxidant capacity of CBD was evaluated using spectrophotometric methods, and anti-proliferative assays were carried out using human colon carcinoma cells (SW480). Twenty-four composites of CBD + carbon supports were developed, and CBD desorption tests were carried out under simulated digestive conditions. The antioxidant capacity of CBD was comparable to and superior to Butylhydrox-ytoluene (BHT), a commercial antioxidant. CBD reflected an IC-50 of 10,000 mg/L against SW480 cancer cells. CBD in biological systems can increase the shelf life of lipid and protein foods by 7 and 470 days, respectively. Finally, acid carbons showed major CBD adsorption related to electrostatic interactions, but basic carbons showed better delivery properties related to electrostatic repulsion. A tailored composite was achieved with a CBD load of 27 mg/g with the capacity to deliver 1.1 mg, 21.8 mg, and 4 mg to the mouth, stomach, and duodenum during 18 h, respectively. This is a pioneering study since the carriers were intelligently developed to improve CBD release.

Production of Biopolymeric Microparticles to Improve Cannabigerol Bioavailability

Cannabigerol's (CBG) therapeutic effects are limited by its poor water solubility and low dissolution rate. To improve these properties, supercritical CO2-assisted atomization (SAA) was applied to produce coprecipitates, i.e., CBG nanoparticles coprecipitated in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) microparticles. The experiments were performed by varying the CBG/PVP mass ratio (R) and the overall concentration of solutes CBG+PVP to study the influence of these parameters on particle morphology, particle size, and size distribution. Periodic dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis was performed at regular time intervals to measure the size of CBG nanoparticles in PVP microparticles. It showed that CBG nanoparticles down to 105 nm were successfully produced through SAA. Dissolution tests were used to verify that a reduction of CBG particle size significantly increased its dissolution rate. In the liquid medium adopted, untreated CBG powder was released in 210 min, whereas CBG nanoparticles of 105 nm were completely dissolved in only 15 min.

Enhancing the porosity of chitosan sponges with CBD by adding antimicrobial violacein

Given the growing interest in non-toxic materials with good anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial mechanical properties, this work focuses on preparing chitosan sponges with violacein and cannabis oil crosslinked with dialdehyde chitosan. The sponge was tested for its physicochemical and biological properties, presenting a high swelling rate, good thermal stability, and satisfactory mechanical properties. The obtained sponge's water vapor transmission rate was 2101 g/m2/day and is within the recommended values for ideal wound dressings. Notably, adding violacein favorably affected the material's porosity, which is essential for dressing materials. In addition, studies have shown that the designed material interacts with human serum albumin and exhibits good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The antibacterial properties of the prepared biomaterial were assessed using the Microtox test against A. fisherii (Gram-negative bacterium) and S. aureus (Gram-positive bacterium). The investigated material provides potential therapeutic benefits due to the synergistic action of chitosan, violacein, and cannabis oil so that it could be used as a dressing material. The natural origin of the substances could provide an attractive and sustainable alternative to traditional commercially available dressings.

Biopolymeric Insulin Membranes for Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Wound Healing Applications

Delayed wound healing increases the wound's vulnerability to possible infections, which may have lethal outcomes. The treatments available can be effective, but the urgency is not fully encompassed. The drug repositioning strategy proposes effective alternatives for enhancing medical therapies for chronic diseases. Likewise, applying wound dressings as biodegradable membranes is extremely attractive due to their ease of application, therapeutic effectiveness, and feasibility in industrial manufacturing. This article aims to demonstrate the pleiotropic effects during insulin repositioning in wound closure by employing a biopolymeric membrane-type formulation with insulin. We prepared biopolymeric membranes with sodium alginate cross-linked with calcium chloride, supported in a mixture of xanthan gum and guar gum, and plasticized with glycerol and sorbitol. Human insulin was combined with poloxamer 188 as a protein stabilizing agent. Our investigation encompassed physicochemical and mechanical characterization, antioxidant and biological activity through antibacterial tests, cell viability assessments, and scratch assays as an in vitro and in vivo wound model. We demonstrated that our biopolymeric insulin membranes exhibited adequate manipulation and suitable mechanical resistance, transparency, high swelling capability (1100%), and 30% antioxidant activity. Furthermore, they exhibited antibacterial activity (growth inhibition of S. aureus at 85% and P. aeruginosa at 75%, respectively), and insulin promoted wound closure in vitro with a 5.5-fold increase and 72% closure at 24 h. Also, insulin promoted in vivo wound closure with a 3.2-fold increase and 92% closure at 10 days compared with the groups without insulin, and this is the first report that demonstrates this therapeutic effect with two administrations of 0.7 IU. In conclusion, we developed a multifunctional insulin-loaded biopolymeric membrane in this study, with the main activity derived from insulin's role in wound closure and antioxidant activity, augmented by the antimicrobial effect attributed to the polymer poloxamer 188. The synergistic combination of excipients enhances its usefulness and highlights our innovation as a promising material in wound healing materials.

Cannabidiol and its application in the treatment of oral diseases: therapeutic potentials, routes of administration and prospects

Cannabidiol (CBD), one of the most important active ingredients in cannabis, has been reported to have some pharmacological effects such as antibacterial and analgesic effects, and to have therapeutic potential in the treatment of oral diseases such as oral cancer, gingivitis and periodontal diseases. However, there is a lack of relevant systematic research and reviews. Therefore, based on the etiology and clinical symptoms of several common oral diseases, this paper focuses on the therapeutic potential of CBD in periodontal diseases, pulp diseases, oral mucosal diseases, oral cancer and temporomandibular joint diseases. The pharmacological effects of CBD and the distribution and function of its receptors in the oral cavity are also summarized. In order to provide reference for future research and further clinical application of CBD, we also summarize several possible routes of administration and corresponding characteristics. Finally, the challenges faced while applying CBD clinically and possible solutions are discussed, and we also look to the future.

How Biodegradable Polymers Can be Effective Drug Delivery Systems for Cannabinoids? Prospectives and Challenges

Cannabinoids are compounds found in and derived from the Cannabis plants that have become increasingly recognised as significant modulating factors of physiological mechanisms and inflammatory reactions of the organism, thus inevitably affecting maintenance of homeostasis. Medical Cannabis popularity has surged since its legal regulation growing around the world. Numerous promising discoveries bring more data on cannabinoids' pharmacological characteristics and therapeutic applications. Given the current surge in interest in the medical use of cannabinoids, there is an urgent need for an effective method of their administration. Surpassing low bioavailability, low water solubility, and instability became an important milestone in the advancement of cannabinoids in pharmaceutical applications. The numerous uses of cannabinoids in clinical practice remain restricted by limited administration alternatives, but there is hope when biodegradable polymers are taken into account. The primary objective of this review is to highlight the wide range of indications for which cannabinoids may be used, as well as the polymeric carriers that enhance their effectiveness. The current review described a wide range of therapeutic applications of cannabinoids, including pain management, neurological and sleep disorders, anxiety, and cancer treatment. The use of these compounds was further examined in the area of dermatology and cosmetology. Finally, with the use of biodegradable polymer-based drug delivery systems (DDSs), it was demonstrated that cannabinoids can be delivered specifically to the intended site while also improving the drug's physicochemical properties, emphasizing their utility. Nevertheless, additional clinical trials on novel cannabinoids' formulations are required, as their full spectrum therapeutical potential is yet to be unravelled.

Acute and chronic cannabidiol treatment: In vitro toxicological aspects on human oral cells

Cannabidiol is gaining increasing interest for its potential anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antineoplastic effects. The purpose of this study is to investigate the biological effects of acute and chronic CBD administration on gingival fibroblasts and oral keratinocytes. Viability, morphology, migration, apoptosis and cell cycle, and expression of related genes (p53, BCL2, p21, and BAX) and of endocannabinoid system receptors (CB1, CB2 and GPR55) with real-time PCR and DNA damage with phospho-γ-H2AX immunofluorescence detection were analyzed. Concentrations between 100 μM and 0.001 μM were used: 50 μM (toxic dose), 25 μM (viability promoter), and 1 μM (nontoxic), were selected for subsequent chronic analysis. Acute treatment reveals significant effects than chronic, in particular in fibroblasts: concentrations ≥50 μM are highly cytotoxic, with increased apoptosis and reduced migration. Cell death correlates with increased p53 and BAX, followed by arrest in G0/G1 phase, with elevated p21 levels, suggesting a time- and dose-dependent damage. An increase in H2AX phosphorylation was observed with 25 μM and 50 μM, while 1 μM was biocompatible. Keratinocytes showed less cytotoxic effect than fibroblasts. Induced cell damage was dose- and time-related, with less damage after chronic treatment. Further investigations are needed with longer time frames to evaluate CBD dose- and time-dependent effects to identify an effective therapeutic dose.

Improving the water solubility of cannabidiol using a peptide carrier

Cannabidiol (CBD), nonpsychotropic cannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa, is a very promising drug candidate offering many differential effects such as sedative, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. Nevertheless, the therapeutic use of CBD is hindered by its lack of water solubility and relatively low bioavailability. Various carriers have been used to address the solubility issues of CBD and other highly lipophilic drugs so far. However, self-assembled peptide nanostructures as carrier have not been used to improve the water solubility of CBD yet. In this study, a self-assembling peptide micelle was demonstrated to be an effective vehicle for encapsulation of CBD and increased its aqueous solubility up to 2000-fold compared to CBD itself.

Studies on Loading Salicylic Acid in Xerogel Films of Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid

During the last decades, salicylic acid (SA) and hyaluronic acid (HA) have been studied for a wide range of cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. The current study investigated the drug loading potential of SA in HA-based crosslinked hydrogel films using a post-loading (osmosis) method of the unmedicated xerogels from saturated aqueous solutions of salicylic acid over a range of pH values. The films were characterized with Fourier-transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry in order to elucidate the drug loading profile and the films' integrity during the loading process. Additional studies on their weight loss (%), gel fraction (%), thickness increase (%) and swelling (%) were performed. Overall, the studies showed significant film disintegration at highly acidic and basic solutions. No drug loading occurred at neutral and basic pH, possibly due to the anionic repulsion between SA and HA, whereas at, pH 2.1, the drug loading was promising and could be detected via UV-Vis analysis of the medicated solutions, with the SA concentration in the xerogel films at 28% w/w.

3D-Printed Alginate/Pectin-Based Patches Loaded with Olive Leaf Extracts for Wound Healing Applications: Development, Characterization and In Vitro Evaluation of Biological Properties

Traditional wound dressings may lack suitability for diverse wound types and individual patient requirements. In this context, this study aimed to innovate wound care by developing a 3D-printed patch using alginate and pectin and incorporating Olive Leaf Extract (OLE) as an active ingredient. Different polymer-to-plasticizer ratios were systematically examined to formulate a printable ink with optimal viscosity. The resultant film, enriched with OLE, exhibited a substantial polyphenolic content of 13.15 ± 0.41 mg CAE/g, showcasing significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Notably, the film demonstrated potent scavenging abilities against DPPH, ABTS, and NO radicals, with IC50 values of 0.66 ± 0.07, 0.47 ± 0.04, and 2.02 ± 0.14 mg/mL, respectively. In vitro release and diffusion studies were carried out and the release profiles revealed an almost complete release of polyphenols from the patch within 48 h. Additionally, the fabricated film exhibited the capacity to enhance cell motility and accelerate wound healing, evidenced by increased collagen I expression in BJ fibroblast cells. Structural assessments affirmed the ability of the patch to absorb exudates and maintain the optimal moisture balance, while biocompatibility studies underscored its suitability for biomedical applications. These compelling findings endorse the potential application of the developed film in advanced wound care, with the prospect of tailoring patches to individual patient needs.

Fabrication and characterization of new levan@CBD biocomposite sponges as potential materials in natural, non-toxic wound dressing applications

Wound healing is a complex process; therefore, new dressings are frequently required to facilitate it. In this study, porous bacterial levan-based sponges containing cannabis oil (Lev@CBDs) were prepared and fully characterized. The sponges exhibited a suitable swelling ratio, proper water vapor transmission rate, sufficient thermal stability, desired mechanical properties, and good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The obtained Lev@CBD materials were evaluated in terms of their interaction with proteins, human serum albumin and fibrinogen, of which fibrinogen revealed the highest binding effect. Moreover, the obtained biomaterials exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as being non-hemolytic material as indicated by hemolysis tests. Furthermore, the sponges were non-toxic and compatible with L929 mouse fibroblasts and HDF cells. Most significantly, the levan sponge with the highest content of cannabis oil, in comparison to others, retained its non-hemolytic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties after prolonged storage in a climate chamber at a constant temperature and relative humidity. The designed sponges have conclusively proven their beneficial physicochemical properties and, at the preliminary stage, biocompatibility as well, and therefore can be considered a promising material for wound dressings in future in vivo applications.

Spray-Dried Powder Containing Cannabigerol: A New Extemporaneous Emulgel for Topical Administration

Cannabigerol (CBG), a cannabinoid from Cannabis sativa L., recently attracted noteworthy attention for its dermatological applications, mainly due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effectiveness similar to those of cannabidiol (CBD). In this work, based on results from studies of in vitro permeation through biomimetic membranes performed with CBG and CBD in the presence and in the absence of a randomly substituted methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD), a new CBG extemporaneous emulgel (oil-in-gel emulsion) formulation was developed by spray-drying. The powder (SDE) can be easily reconstituted with purified water, leading to a product with chemical-physical and technological characteristics that are comparable to those of the starting emulgels (E). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), attenuated total reflection-Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), x-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses demonstrated that the spray-drying treatment did not alter the chemical properties of CBG. This product can represent a metered-dosage form for the localized treatment of cutaneous afflictions such as acne and psoriasis.

Cannabidiol nanoemulsion for eye treatment - Anti-inflammatory, wound healing activity and its bioavailability using in vitro human corneal substitute

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the non-psychoactive component of the plant Cannabis sativa (L.) that has great anti-inflammatory benefits and wound healing effects. However, its high lipophilicity, chemical instability, and extensive metabolism impair its bioavailability and clinical use. Here, we report on the preparation of a human cornea substitute in vitro and validate this substitute for the evaluation of drug penetration. CBD nanoemulsion was developed and evaluated for stability and biological activity. The physicochemical properties of CBD nanoemulsion were maintained during storage for 90 days under room conditions. In the scratch assay, nanoformulation showed significantly ameliorated wound closure rates compared to the control and pure CBD. Due to the lower cytotoxicity of nanoformulated CBD, a higher anti-inflammatory activity was demonstrated. Neither nanoemulsion nor pure CBD can penetrate the cornea after the four-hour apical treatment. For nanoemulsion, 94 % of the initial amount of CBD remained in the apical compartment while only 54 % of the original amount of pure CBD was detected in the apical medium, and 7 % in the cornea, the rest was most likely metabolized. In summary, the nanoemulsion developed in this study enhanced the stability and biological activity of CBD.

Alginate-Based Materials Loaded with Nanoparticles in Wound Healing

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