Polymer-Based Delivery System

A special issue of Pharmaceutics (ISSN 1999-4923). This special issue belongs to the section "Drug Delivery and Controlled Release".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2025 | Viewed by 11647

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
Interests: targeting drug delivery; stem cells; wound healing; transdermal permeation; tissue regeneration; nano-size preparations; biomaterials

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Guest Editor
Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
Interests: nanotechnology; ocular drug delivery; anti-tumor therapy; targeted drug delivery

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymer-based delivery systems have shown considerable promise due to their physicochemical properties, composition, and versatility. The systems are suitable for chemical drugs, gene/peptides delivery and phytomedicine combination. Additionally, polymer-based delivery systems enhance bioactive compounds' stability and provide controlled release at the site of action, as well as acceptable biocompatibility. Bioresponsive polymeric carriers, as a new branch of carriers, are designed to release drugs on-demand based on specific scenarios. The strategy of application of polymers in drug delivery systems could reduce systemic toxicity and decrease drug resistance.

This Special Issue aims to collect a plethora of papers that cover the use of polymers in the pharmaceutical industry for theragnostic applications.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews that highlight recent advances and the state of the art in the field of polymers are welcome. Research areas may include (but not limited to) the following: polymer therapeutics, diagnostic tolls, targeting delivery, drug combination, bioresponsive carriers, controlled release, stability and bioavailability, and stimuli-responsive materials.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Jianqing Gao
Prof. Dr. Jing Zhang
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • polymer therapeutics
  • diagnostic tolls
  • targeting delivery
  • drug combination
  • bioresponsive carriers
  • controlled release
  • stability and bioavailability
  • stimuli-responsive materials

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 3026 KiB  
Article
Stable Polymer-Lipid Hybrid Nanoparticles Based on mcl-Polyhydroxyalkanoate and Cationic Liposomes for mRNA Delivery
by Sergey M. Shishlyannikov, Ilya N. Zubkov, Vera V. Vysochinskaya, Nina V. Gavrilova, Olga A. Dobrovolskaya, Ekaterina A. Elpaeva, Mikhail A. Maslov and Andrey Vasin
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(10), 1305; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16101305 - 7 Oct 2024
Viewed by 864
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The development of polymer–lipid hybrid nanoparticles (PLNs) is a promising area of research, as it can help increase the stability of cationic lipid carriers. Hybrid PLNs are core–shell nanoparticle structures that combine the advantages of both polymer nanoparticles and liposomes, especially in [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The development of polymer–lipid hybrid nanoparticles (PLNs) is a promising area of research, as it can help increase the stability of cationic lipid carriers. Hybrid PLNs are core–shell nanoparticle structures that combine the advantages of both polymer nanoparticles and liposomes, especially in terms of their physical stability and biocompatibility. Natural polymers such as polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) can be used as a matrix for the PLNs’ preparation. Methods: In this study, we first obtained stable cationic hybrid PLNs using a cationic liposome (CL) composed of a polycationic lipid 2X3 (1,26-bis(cholest-5-en-3β-yloxycarbonylamino)-7,11,16,20-tetraazahexacosane tetrahydrochloride), helper lipid DOPE (1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine), and the hydrophobic polymer mcl-PHA, which was produced by the soil bacterium Pseudomonas helmantisensis P1. Results: The new polymer-lipid carriers effectively encapsulated and delivered model mRNA-eGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein mRNA) to BHK-21 cells. We then evaluated the role of mcl-PHA in increasing the stability of cationic PLNs in ionic solutions using dynamic light scattering data, electrophoretic mobility, and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Conclusions: The results showed that increasing the concentration of PBS (phosphate buffered saline) led to a decrease in the stability of the CLs. At high concentrations of PBS, the CLs aggregate. In contrast, the presence of isotonic PBS did not result in the aggregation of PLNs, and the particles remained stable for 120 h when stored at +4 °C. The obtained results show that PLNs hold promise for further in vivo studies on nucleic acid delivery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Delivery System)
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26 pages, 3627 KiB  
Article
Unveiling the Performance of Co-Assembled Hybrid Nanocarriers: Moving towards the Formation of a Multifunctional Lipid/Random Copolymer Nanoplatform
by Efstathia Triantafyllopoulou, Diego Romano Perinelli, Aleksander Forys, Pavlos Pantelis, Vassilis G. Gorgoulis, Nefeli Lagopati, Barbara Trzebicka, Giulia Bonacucina, Georgia Valsami, Natassa Pippa and Stergios Pispas
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(9), 1204; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16091204 - 13 Sep 2024
Viewed by 718
Abstract
Despite the appealing properties of random copolymers, the use of these biomaterials in association with phospholipids is still limited, as several aspects of their performance have not been investigated. The aim of this work is the formulation of lipid/random copolymer platforms and the [...] Read more.
Despite the appealing properties of random copolymers, the use of these biomaterials in association with phospholipids is still limited, as several aspects of their performance have not been investigated. The aim of this work is the formulation of lipid/random copolymer platforms and the comprehensive study of their features by multiple advanced characterization techniques. Both biomaterials are amphiphilic, including two phospholipids (1,2-dioctadecanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC), 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC)) and a statistical copolymer of oligo (ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (OEGMA) and 2-(diisopropylamino) ethyl methacrylate (DIPAEMA). We examined the design parameters, including the lipid composition, the % comonomer ratio, and the lipid-to-polymer ratio that could be critical for their behavior. The structures were also probed in different conditions. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that P(OEGMA-co-DIPAEMA)/lipid hybrid colloidal dispersions have been investigated from a membrane mechanics, biophysical, and morphological perspective. Among other parameters, the copolymer architecture and the hydrophilic to hydrophobic balance are deemed fundamental parameters for the biomaterial co-assembly, having an impact on the membrane’s fluidity, morphology, and thermodynamics. Exploiting their unique characteristics, the most promising candidates were utilized for methotrexate (MTX) loading to explore their encapsulation capability and potential antitumor efficacy in vitro in various cell lines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Delivery System)
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18 pages, 4995 KiB  
Article
Curcumin-Loaded RH60/F127 Mixed Micelles: Characterization, Biopharmaceutical Characters and Anti-Inflammatory Modulation of Airway Inflammation
by Xinli Wang, Yanyan Wang, Tao Tang, Guowei Zhao, Wei Dong, Qiuxiang Li and Xinli Liang
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(12), 2710; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15122710 - 30 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1123
Abstract
Curcumin’s ability to impact chronic inflammatory conditions, such as metabolic syndrome and arthritis, has been widely researched; however, its poor bioavailability limits its clinical application. The present study is focused on the development of curcumin-loaded polymeric nanomicelles as a drug delivery system with [...] Read more.
Curcumin’s ability to impact chronic inflammatory conditions, such as metabolic syndrome and arthritis, has been widely researched; however, its poor bioavailability limits its clinical application. The present study is focused on the development of curcumin-loaded polymeric nanomicelles as a drug delivery system with anti-inflammatory effects. Curcumin was loaded in PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil and puronic F127 mixed nanomicelles (Cur-RH60/F127-MMs). Cur-RH60/F127-MMs was prepared using the thin film dispersion method. The morphology and releasing characteristics of nanomicelles were evaluated. The uptake and permeability of Cur-RH60/F127-MMs were investigated using RAW264.7 and Caco-2 cells, and their bioavailability and in vivo/vitro anti-inflammatory activity were also evaluated. The results showed that Cur-RH60/F127-MMs have regular sphericity, possess an average diameter smaller than 20 nm, and high encapsulation efficiency for curcumin (89.43%). Cur-RH60/F127-MMs significantly increased the cumulative release of curcumin in vitro and uptake by cells (p < 0.01). The oral bioavailability of Cur-RH60/F127-MMs was much higher than that of curcumin-active pharmaceutical ingredients (Cur-API) (about 9.24-fold). The treatment of cell lines with Cur-RH60/F127-MMs exerted a significantly stronger anti-inflammatory effect compared to Cur-API. In addition, Cur-RH60/F127-MMs significantly reduced OVA-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in an in vivo experimental asthma model. In conclusion, this study reveals the possibility of formulating a new drug delivery system for curcumin, in particular nanosized micellar aqueous dispersion, which could be considered a perspective platform for the application of curcumin in inflammatory diseases of the airways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Delivery System)
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Review

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23 pages, 6399 KiB  
Review
Smart Responsive and Controlled-Release Hydrogels for Chronic Wound Treatment
by Xintao Jia, Zixuan Dou, Ying Zhang, Fanqin Li, Bin Xing, Zheming Hu, Xin Li, Zhongyan Liu, Wenzhuo Yang and Zhidong Liu
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(12), 2735; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15122735 - 6 Dec 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2163
Abstract
Chronic wounds are a major health challenge that require new treatment strategies. Hydrogels are promising drug delivery systems for chronic wound healing because of their biocompatibility, hydration, and flexibility. However, conventional hydrogels cannot adapt to the dynamic and complex wound environment, which involves [...] Read more.
Chronic wounds are a major health challenge that require new treatment strategies. Hydrogels are promising drug delivery systems for chronic wound healing because of their biocompatibility, hydration, and flexibility. However, conventional hydrogels cannot adapt to the dynamic and complex wound environment, which involves low pH, high levels of reactive oxygen species, and specific enzyme expression. Therefore, smart responsive hydrogels that can sense and respond to these stimuli are needed. Crucially, smart responsive hydrogels can modulate drug release and eliminate pathological factors by changing their properties or structures in response to internal or external stimuli, such as pH, enzymes, light, and electricity. These stimuli can also be used to trigger antibacterial responses, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation to enhance wound healing. In this review, we introduce the synthesis and principles of smart responsive hydrogels, describe their design and applications for chronic wound healing, and discuss their future development directions. We hope that this review will inspire the development of smart responsive hydrogels for chronic wound healing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Delivery System)
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20 pages, 1774 KiB  
Review
Hyaluronic Acid Nanogels: A Promising Platform for Therapeutic and Theranostic Applications
by Su Sundee Myint, Chavee Laomeephol, Sirikool Thamnium, Supakarn Chamni and Jittima Amie Luckanagul
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(12), 2671; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15122671 - 25 Nov 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3334
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA) nanogels are a versatile class of nanomaterials with specific properties, such as biocompatibility, hygroscopicity, and biodegradability. HA nanogels exhibit excellent colloidal stability and high encapsulation capacity, making them promising tools for a wide range of biomedical applications. HA nanogels can [...] Read more.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) nanogels are a versatile class of nanomaterials with specific properties, such as biocompatibility, hygroscopicity, and biodegradability. HA nanogels exhibit excellent colloidal stability and high encapsulation capacity, making them promising tools for a wide range of biomedical applications. HA nanogels can be fabricated using various methods, including polyelectrolyte complexation, self-assembly, and chemical crosslinking. The fabrication parameters can be tailored to control the physicochemical properties of HA nanogels, such as size, shape, surface charge, and porosity, enabling the rational design of HA nanogels for specific applications. Stimulus-responsive nanogels are a type of HA nanogels that can respond to external stimuli, such as pH, temperature, enzyme, and redox potential. This property allows the controlled release of encapsulated therapeutic agents in response to specific physiological conditions. HA nanogels can be engineered to encapsulate a variety of therapeutic agents, such as conventional drugs, genes, and proteins. They can then be delivered to target tissues with high efficiency. HA nanogels are still under development, but they have the potential to become powerful tools for a wide range of theranostic or solely therapeutic applications, including anticancer therapy, gene therapy, drug delivery, and bioimaging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Delivery System)
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85 pages, 8256 KiB  
Review
Polypeptide-Based Systems: From Synthesis to Application in Drug Delivery
by Mariia Stepanova, Alexey Nikiforov, Tatiana Tennikova and Evgenia Korzhikova-Vlakh
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(11), 2641; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15112641 - 20 Nov 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2695
Abstract
Synthetic polypeptides are biocompatible and biodegradable macromolecules whose composition and architecture can vary over a wide range. Their unique ability to form secondary structures, as well as different pathways of modification and biofunctionalization due to the diversity of amino acids, provide variation in [...] Read more.
Synthetic polypeptides are biocompatible and biodegradable macromolecules whose composition and architecture can vary over a wide range. Their unique ability to form secondary structures, as well as different pathways of modification and biofunctionalization due to the diversity of amino acids, provide variation in the physicochemical and biological properties of polypeptide-containing materials. In this review article, we summarize the advances in the synthesis of polypeptides and their copolymers and the application of these systems for drug delivery in the form of (nano)particles or hydrogels. The issues, such as the diversity of polypeptide-containing (nano)particle types, the methods for their preparation and drug loading, as well as the influence of physicochemical characteristics on stability, degradability, cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, hemolysis, and immunogenicity of polypeptide-containing nanoparticles and their drug formulations, are comprehensively discussed. Finally, recent advances in the development of certain drug nanoformulations for peptides, proteins, gene delivery, cancer therapy, and antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory systems are summarized. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Delivery System)
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