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Drug Delivery Systems Based on Polysaccharides

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A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Macromolecular Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 28802

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Marcel Popa

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“Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environment Protection, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University, Iasi, Romania
Interests: polysaccharide modification; bioactive polymers; biomaterials; hydrogels; interpenetrated networks; micro- and nanoparticles (spheres and capsules); hybrid and functionalized nanoparticles for drug targeting; drug delivery; polymer–drug conjugates
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Prof. Dr. Leonard Ionut Atanase

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Faculty of Medical Dentistry, “Apollonia” University of Iasi, Romania-11, Pacurari Street, 700511 Iasi, Romania
Interests: block and graft copolymers; micelles; colloids; emulsions; drug delivery; polysaccharides
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The use of polysaccharides in biomedical applications, and especially for obtaining systems capable of encapsulating, transporting, and delivering drugs in a sustained/controlled manner, is an area that has been intensely explored in recent decades, though remains far from being exhausted. Polysaccharides, and also in large part their derivatives, are ideal supports for these applications, given their biocompatibility with living organisms, being of natural origin themselves. This Special Issue aims to present the latest aspects regarding the realization of polymer-biologically active principle systems in different formats—e.g., films, hydrogels, particles, capsules, implants, inserts, etc.—that use polysaccharides and their derivatives as supports. A complementary field of interest is the creation of nanoparticles/nanocapsules for drug delivery, which are, respectively, particles functionalized on the surface with ligands recognizable by receptors that are well expressed in the cell membranes of different organs as well as hybrid particles containing magnetic nanoparticles encapsulated in polymeric matrices that are capable of active targeting after systemic administration by intravenous injection. Drug-carrying liposomes, stabilized by coating with polysaccharides, as well as their derivatives or copolymers with synthetic polymers, are also of interest to this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Marcel Popa
Prof. Dr. Leonard Ionut Atanase
Guest Editors

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Keywords

polysaccharides
polysaccharide derivatives
hydrogels
micro- and nanoparticles (spheres and capsules)
hybrid nanoparticles
functionalized nanoparticles for drug targeting
micelles based on amphiphilic polysaccharides
drug delivery

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Drug Delivery Systems Based on Polysaccharides: Second Edition in Molecules (3 articles)

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 9268 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immobilization and Release Studies of Triazole Derivatives from Grafted Copolymer Based on Gellan-Carrying Betaine Units

by Nicolae Baranov, Stefania Racovita, Silvia Vasiliu, Ana Maria Macsim, Catalina Lionte, Valeriu Sunel, Marcel Popa, Jacques Desbrieres and Corina Cheptea

Molecules 2021, 26(11), 3330; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26113330 - 1 Jun 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3146

Abstract

New polymer-bioactive compound systems were obtained by immobilization of triazole derivatives onto grafted copolymers and grafted copolymers carrying betaine units based on gellan and N-vinylimidazole. For preparation of bioactive compound, two new types of heterocyclic thio-derivatives with different substituents were combined in a single molecule to increase the selectivity of the biological action. The 5-aryl-amino-1,3,4 thiadiazole and 5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole derivatives, each containing 2-mercapto-benzoxazole nucleus, were prepared by an intramolecular cyclization of thiosemicarbazides-1,4 disubstituted in acidic and basic medium. The structures of the new bioactive compounds were confirmed by elemental and spectral analysis (FT-IR and ¹H-NMR). The antimicrobial activity of 1,3,4 thiadiazoles and 1,2,4 triazoles was tested on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The triazole compound was chosen to be immobilized onto polymeric particles by adsorption. The Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin–Radushkevich adsorption isotherm were used to describe the adsorption equilibrium. Also, the pseudo-first and pseudo-second models were used to elucidate the adsorption mechanism of triazole onto grafted copolymer based on N-vinylimidazole and gellan (PG copolymer) and grafted copolymers carrying betaine units (PGB1 copolymer). In vitro release studies have shown that the release mechanism of triazole from PG and PGB1 copolymers is characteristic of an anomalous transport mechanism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery Systems Based on Polysaccharides)

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14 pages, 2596 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of the Addition of Alginate and/or Tetracycline on Brushite Cement Properties

by Claudia Morilla, Elianis Perdomo, Ana Karla Hernández, Ramcy Regalado, Amisel Almirall, Gastón Fuentes, Yaima Campos Mora, Timo Schomann, Alan Chan and Luis J. Cruz

Molecules 2021, 26(11), 3272; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26113272 - 28 May 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3686

Abstract

Calcium phosphate cements have the advantage that they can be prepared as a paste that sets in a few minutes and can be easily adapted to the shape of the bone defect, which facilitates its clinical application. In this research, six formulations of brushite (dicalcium phosphate dihydrated) cement were obtained and the effect of the addition of sodium alginate was analyzed, such as its capacity as a tetracycline release system. The samples that contain sodium alginate set in 4 or 5 min and showed a high percentage of injectability (93%). The cements exhibit compression resistance values between 1.6 and 2.6 MPa. The drug was released in a range between 12.6 and 13.2% after 7 days. The antimicrobial activity of all the cements containing antibiotics was proven. All samples reached values of cell viability above 70 percent. We also observed that the addition of the sodium alginate and tetracycline improved the cell viability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery Systems Based on Polysaccharides)

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30 pages, 6833 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Hydrogel Films Based on Chitosan and Oxidized Carboxymethylcellulose Optimized for the Controlled Release of Curcumin with Applications in Treating Dermatological Conditions

by Mohamed Dellali, Camelia Elena Iurciuc (Tincu), Corina Lenuța Savin, Nawel Spahis, M’hamed Djennad and Marcel Popa

Molecules 2021, 26(8), 2185; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26082185 - 10 Apr 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4108

Abstract

Cross-linked chitosan (CS) films with aldehyde groups obtained by oxidation of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) with NaIO₄ were prepared using different molar ratios between the CHO groups from oxidized carboxymethyl cellulose (CMCOx) and NH₂ groups from CS (from 0.25:1 to 2:1). Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy demonstrated the aldehyde groups’ presence in the CMCOx. The maximum oxidation degree was 22.9%. In the hydrogel, the amino groups’ conversion index value increased when the -CHO/-NH₂ molar ratio, cross-linking temperature, and time increased, while the swelling degree values decreased. The hydrogel films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and FTIR analysis. The curcumin encapsulation efficiency decreases from 56.74% to 16.88% when the cross-linking degree increases. The immobilized curcumin release efficiency (R_Ef%) and skin membrane permeability were evaluated in vitro in two different pH solutions using a Franz diffusion cell, and it was found to decrease when the molar ratio -CH=O/NH₂ increases. The curcumin R_Ef% in the receptor compartment was higher at pH = 7.4 (18%- for the sample with a molar ratio of 0.25:1) than at pH = 5.5 (16.5%). The curcumin absorption in the skin membrane at pH = 5.5 (47%) was more intense than at pH = 7.4 (8.6%). The curcumin-loaded films’ antioxidant activity was improved due to the CS presence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery Systems Based on Polysaccharides)

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16 pages, 4106 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

A Theoretical Model for Release Dynamics of an Antifungal Agent Covalently Bonded to the Chitosan

by Luminita Marin, Marcel Popa, Alexandru Anisiei, Stefan-Andrei Irimiciuc, Maricel Agop, Tudor-Cristian Petrescu, Decebal Vasincu and Loredana Himiniuc

Molecules 2021, 26(7), 2089; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26072089 - 6 Apr 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2521

Abstract

The aim of the study was to create a mathematical model useful for monitoring the release of bioactive aldehydes covalently bonded to the chitosan by reversible imine linkage, considered as a polymer–drug system. For this purpose, two hydrogels were prepared by the acid condensation reaction of chitosan with the antifungal 2-formyl-phenyl-boronic acid and their particularities; influencing the release of the antifungal aldehyde by shifting the imination equilibrium to the reagents was considered, i.e., the supramolecular nature of the hydrogels was highlighted by polarized light microscopy, while scanning electron microscopy showed their microporous morphology. Furthermore, the in vitro fungicidal activity was investigated on two fungal strains and the in vitro release curves of the antifungal aldehyde triggered by the pH stimulus were drawn. The theoretical model was developed starting from the hypothesis that the imine-chitosan system, both structurally and functionally, can be assimilated, from a mathematical point of view, with a multifractal object, and its dynamics were analyzed in the framework of the Scale Relativity Theory. Thus, through Riccati-type gauges, two synchronous dynamics, one in the scale space, associated with the fungicidal activity, and the other in the usual space, associated with the antifungal aldehyde release, become operational. Their synchronicity, reducible to the isomorphism of two SL(2R)-type groups, implies, by means of its joint invariant functions, bioactive aldehyde compound release dynamics in the form of “kink–antikink pairs” dynamics of a multifractal type. Finally, the theoretical model was validated through the experimental data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery Systems Based on Polysaccharides)

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20 pages, 4203 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Grafted Copolymers Carrying Betaine Units Based on Gellan and N-Vinylimidazole as Precursors for Design of Drug Delivery Systems

by Stefania Racovita, Nicolae Baranov, Ana Maria Macsim, Catalina Lionte, Corina Cheptea, Valeriu Sunel, Marcel Popa, Silvia Vasiliu and Jacques Desbrieres

Molecules 2020, 25(22), 5451; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25225451 - 20 Nov 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2583

Abstract

New grafted copolymers possessing structural units of 1-vinyl-3-(1-carboxymethyl) imidazolium betaine were obtained by graft copolymerization of N-vinylimidazole onto gellan gum followed by the polymer-analogous reactions on grafted polymer with the highest grafting percentage using sodium chloroacetate as the betainization agent. The grafted copolymers were prepared using ammonium persulfate/N,N,N′,N′ tetramethylethylenediamine in a nitrogen atmosphere. The grafting reaction conditions were optimized by changing one of the following reaction parameters: initiator concentration, monomer concentration, polymer concentration, reaction time or temperature, while the other parameters remained constant. The highest grafting yield was obtained under the following reaction conditions: c_i = 0.08 mol/L, c_m = 0.8 mol/L, c_p = 8 g/L, t_r = 4 h and T = 50 °C. The kinetics of the graft copolymerization of N-vinylimidazole onto gellan was discussed and a suitable reaction mechanism was proposed. The evidence of the grafting reaction was confirmed through FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, ¹H-NMR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The grafted copolymer with betaine structure was obtained by a nucleophilic substitution reaction where the betainization agent was sodium chloroacetate. Preliminary results prove the ability of the grafted copolymers to bind amphoteric drugs (cefotaxime) and, therefore, the possibility of developing the new sustained drug release systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery Systems Based on Polysaccharides)

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23 pages, 5925 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Chitin Source and Polymorphism on Powder Compression and Compaction: Application in Drug Delivery

by Linda Al-Hmoud, Deeb Abu Fara, Iyad Rashid, Babur Z. Chowdhry and Adnan A. Badwan

Molecules 2020, 25(22), 5269; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25225269 - 12 Nov 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2217

Abstract

The objective of the research reported herein is to compare the compaction properties of three different chitin extracts from the organisms most used in the seafood industry; namely crabs, shrimps and squids. The foregoing is examined in relation to their polymorphic forms as well as compression and compaction behavior. Chitin extracted from crabs and shrimps exhibits the α-polymorphic form whilst chitin extracted from squid pins displays a β-polymorphic form. These polymorphs were characterized using FTIR, X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Pore diameter and volume differ between the two polymorphic powder forms. The β form is smaller in pore diameter and volume. Scanning electron microscopy of the two polymorphic forms shows clear variation in the arrangement of chitin layers such that the α form appears more condensed due to the anti-parallel arrangement of the polymer chains. True, bulk and tapped densities of these polymorphs and their mixtures indicated poor flowability. Nevertheless, compression and compaction properties obtained by applying Heckle and Kawakita analyses indicated that both polymorphs are able to be compacted with differences in the extent of compaction. Chitin compacts, regardless of their origin, showed a very high crushing strength with very fast dissolution which makes them suitable for use as fast mouth dissolving tablets. Moreover, when different chitin powders are granulated with two model drugs, i.e., metronidazole and spiramycin they yielded high crushing strength and their dissolution profiles were in accordance with compendial requirements. It is concluded that the source of chitin extraction is as important as the polymorphic form when compression and compaction of chitin powders is carried out. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery Systems Based on Polysaccharides)

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Review

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14 pages, 916 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Progress in Transdermal Nanocarriers and Their Surface Modifications

by Zhixi Yu, Xinxian Meng, Shunuo Zhang, Yunsheng Chen, Zheng Zhang and Yixin Zhang

Molecules 2021, 26(11), 3093; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26113093 - 21 May 2021

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3519

Abstract

Transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) is an attractive method for drug delivery with convenient application, less first-pass effect, and fewer systemic side effects. Among all generations of TDDS, transdermal nanocarriers show the greatest clinical potential because of their non-invasive properties and high drug delivery efficiency. However, it is still difficult to design optimal transdermal nanocarriers to overcome the skin barrier, control drug release, and achieve targeting. Hence, surface modification becomes a promising strategy to optimize and functionalize the transdermal nanocarriers with enhanced penetration efficiency, controlled drug release profile, and targeting drug delivery. Therefore, this review summarizes the developed transdermal nanocarriers with their transdermal mechanism, and focuses on the surface modification strategies via their different functions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery Systems Based on Polysaccharides)

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22 pages, 2216 KiB

Open AccessReview

Polysaccharide-Based Drug Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Periodontitis

by Nicolae Baranov, Marcel Popa, Leonard Ionut Atanase and Daniela Luminita Ichim

Molecules 2021, 26(9), 2735; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092735 - 6 May 2021

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 5414

Abstract

Periodontal diseases are worldwide health problems that negatively affect the lifestyle of many people. The long-term effect of the classical treatments, including the mechanical removal of bacterial plaque, is not effective enough, causing the scientific world to find other alternatives. Polymer–drug systems, which have different forms of presentation, chosen depending on the nature of the disease, the mode of administration, the type of polymer used, etc., have become very promising. Hydrogels, for example (in the form of films, micro-/nanoparticles, implants, inserts, etc.), contain the drug included, encapsulated, or adsorbed on the surface. Biologically active compounds can also be associated directly with the polymer chains by covalent or ionic binding (polymer–drug conjugates). Not just any polymer can be used as a support for drug combination due to the constraints imposed by the fact that the system works inside the body. Biopolymers, especially polysaccharides and their derivatives and to a lesser extent proteins, are preferred for this purpose. This paper aims to review in detail the biopolymer–drug systems that have emerged in the last decade as alternatives to the classical treatment of periodontal disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery Systems Based on Polysaccharides)

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