Search Results (533)

Wound healing is frequently compromised by excessive oxidative stress, prolonged inflammation, and inadequate tissue regenerative capacity. To address these challenges, a thermosensitive and injectable composite hydrogel based on Pluronic F127 (F127), phosphatidylcholine (PC), and L-lysine (Lys) was developed for the sustained delivery of sinomenine–gallic acid nanoparticles (SGNPs) and the acceleration of wound repair. The hydrogel undergoes a rapid sol–gel transition at physiological temperatures through physical interactions, enabling excellent injectability and in situ gelation. The optimized composite hydrogel exhibited improved mechanical properties, enhanced structural stability, and a uniform porous microarchitecture. The F127−Lys−PCF127−Lys−PC@SGNPs hydrogel showed superior overall stability and hemocompatibility while enabling the sustained release of SGNPs for up to 24 h. Benefiting from the incorporation of SGNPs, the composite hydrogel displayed enhanced antioxidant activity, effectively scavenging free radicals and alleviating cellular oxidative stress. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the hydrogel promoted keratinocyte migration and proliferation. Furthermore, in a murine full-thickness skin wound model, treatment with F127−Lys−PCF127−Lys−PC@SGNPs significantly accelerated wound closure and facilitated re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition. Collectively, this multifunctional thermosensitive hydrogel provides a promising platform for advanced wound dressings that integrate sustained delivery, antioxidant protection, and tissue regeneration. Full article

A novel co-encapsulation platform based on curcumin-loaded liposomes (Cur-Lip) incorporated into thermosensitive hydrogels (TSH) was developed to address the physicochemical and biological limitations of topical curcumin (Cur) delivery. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to optimize Pluronic^® F-127, glycerol, and alginate concentrations with respect to gelation time and viscosity. The optimized formulation (22% Pluronic^® F-127, 5% glycerol, and 0.5% alginate) exhibited rapid time sol–gel transition (~86 s), suitable viscosity (~377 mPa·s), excellent model fitting (R² = 0.99) and prediction accuracy. Three formulations (TSH, Cur-TSH, and Cur-Lip-TSH) were subsequently prepared and displayed appropriate thermoresponsive behavior. The Cur-Lip system showed high encapsulation efficiency (~78%). Upon incorporation into the TSH, Cur-Lip-TSH displayed increased viscosity and mechanical strength at physiological temperature. In vitro studies confirmed its cytocompatibility toward human keratinocytes, significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and no irritation potential as assessed by the Hen’s Egg Test on the Chorioallantoic Membrane assay (HET-CAM). Overall, Cur-Lip-TSH represents a safe and robust thermosensitive platform that provides a foundation for future studies on controlled curcumin release and topical performance. Full article

Background: Diabetes mellitus is common and associated with numerous complications including diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), which affect a third of patients and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. There are limited pharmacologic treatment options available with mixed efficacy. We have developed a novel therapeutic targeting inflammation and oxidative stress by conjugating microRNA-146a to cerium oxide nanoparticles to create CNP-miR146a and have found that injectable CNP-miR146a is associated with improved wound healing in a diabetic murine model. We hypothesized that a topical formulation of CNP-miR146a would be associated with equivalent improvements in wound healing. Methods: Release tests of CNP conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate were performed to determine the optimal gel base for sustained release. Diabetic (db/db) mice were cutaneously wounded and treated with topical CNP-miR146a, empty gel, injectable CNP-miR146a, or injectable phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Wound healing over time was compared between groups. Histological samples were collected and analyzed for CD45 and CD31 positivity at multiple timepoints. Results: CNP-miR146a in a topical pluronic lecithin organogel (PLO) base was associated with significantly improved wound healing compared to empty gel or injected PBS and equivalent to injected CNP-miR146a. Treatment with CNP-miR146a was also associated with decreased CD45 positivity and increased CD31 positivity, suggesting decreased inflammation and improved angiogenesis. Conclusions: Topical delivery of CNP-miR46a in a PLO base holds significant promise as a potential therapeutic for DFU and may improve patient compliance due to ease of delivery. Full article

Background/Objectives: Keratitis is an ocular disease caused by microbial infection or by non-infectious damage due to UV light exposure, chemical exposure, or eye injuries. Methods: Moxifloxacin-loaded ufasomes (MOX-UFAs) were optimized using a full factorial design (1².2³) after being prepared by the vortex mixing method. The study evaluated the effects of the oleic acid amount, surface active agent (SAA) amount, and SAA type as independent factors on the entrapment efficiency percent (EE%), particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), and the amount released after 6 h (Q6h%). Results: The optimized ufasomes (UFAs) formulation was spherical, with an EE% of 78.37 ± 3.91%, PS of 203.13 ± 20.31 nm, PDI of 0.334 ± 0.016, and ZP of −25.42 ± 1.27 mV. The in vitro release of moxifloxacin (MOX) from the UFAs was maintained for more than 6 h in the range of 40.0–75.0%. The optimum MOX-UFAs formulation was incorporated into an in situ gel (Pluronic F-127/HPMC K4M). The ex vivo studies (corneal permeation and confocal laser scanning microscopy) proved the successful retention of the MOX-UFAs-laden in situ gel. Furthermore, the in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial studies revealed their significant antimicrobial effect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In addition, the Draize test proved the tolerability of MOX-UFAs-laden in situ gel in animals. Conclusions: The incorporation of MOX-UFAs into Pluronic F-127/HPMC K4M in situ gel could successfully provide sustained ocular delivery and improve the bioavailability of MOX for the management of keratitis. Full article

Tendinopathy is a common musculoskeletal disorder that increases the risk of tendon rupture if not properly treated. Current local injection therapies require frequent administration, and no fully effective drug is yet available. Curcumin (Cur) exhibits excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, but its poor water solubility and low stability limit its clinical application. To overcome these challenges, this study encapsulated Cur into pluronic F127-based nanomicelles (Cur-F127) to improve its aqueous solubility and stability. Subsequently, the micelles were incorporated into a hydrogel network (Cur-F127&gel) formed by oxidized hyaluronic acid (oxi-HA) and adipic acid dihydrazide (ADH) to achieve sustained release. The resulting Cur-F127 micelles had a particle size of 20.14 ± 0.287 nm, an encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of 89.95 ± 0.60%, and a drug loading (DL%) of 5.57 ± 0.05%. The composite hydrogel possessed a loose, porous three-dimensional network, excellent biocompatibility, and favorable degradation behavior. The system enabled sustained release of Cur for over 20 days without an initial burst. In a rat model of tendinopathy, Cur-F127&gel significantly promoted tendon repair, as evidenced by reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, improved collagen fiber alignment, restored expression of key mitochondrial-related proteins (Ndufs3, Uqcrq, Uqcr10, Atp5mc3), and alleviated oxidative stress damage demonstrated by increased SOD activity and decreased MDA content in tendon tissue, thereby suppressing disease progression. This injectable sustained-release hydrogel system for poorly soluble drugs provides an effective approach for the local, long-acting delivery of Cur and long-term repair of tendinopathy, highlighting its potential value for clinical application. Full article

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease for which current chemotherapeutic options are limited by systemic toxicity (such as hepato-nephrotoxicity, arrhythmia, nausea, vomiting) and difficult administration regimens. Pentamidine (PTM), although effective, exhibits severe dose-limiting adverse effects. Polymeric micelles based on Pluronic^® F127 (F127) offer an attractive strategy to improve PTM delivery by enhancing solubility, reducing cytotoxicity, and enabling controlled release. Here, we developed PTM-loaded F127 polymeric micelles and performed a multidisciplinary evaluation combining physicochemical characterization, in vitro biological assays, and gene expression profiling. Dynamic light scattering, UV–visible absorption, fluorescence spectroscopy, and NMR confirmed micelle formation, PTM–polymer interactions, and temperature-dependent assembly. PTM-loaded micelles exhibited biorelevant nanoscale dimensions and preserved stability under physiological conditions. Biological assays demonstrated that F127 micelles markedly reduced PTM cytotoxicity in RAW264.7 macrophages while maintaining potent antileishmanial activity against Leishmania major promastigotes. RT-qPCR analysis revealed modulation of key pathways involved in redox homeostasis, oxidative stress, calcium regulation, apoptosis-like responses, and drug resistance, suggesting that micellar encapsulation influences both PTM bioavailability and parasite stress responses. Overall, PTM-loaded F127 micelles significantly improved the therapeutic index of PTM in vitro. These findings support the potential of F127 polymeric micelles as a promising nanocarrier platform for safer and more effective CL therapy. Full article

Background: Combating antimicrobial resistance and developing dressings that match all aspects of wound healing will always be challenging. Methods: In this study, hydrogel membranes composed of sodium alginate (SA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and Pluronic-f-127 (F-127) loaded with colistin (C) were formulated. The formulations were divided into two groups: group 1 (SA-PVA-C) and group 2 (SA-PVA-F127-C). Results: The membranes were characterized using multiple techniques, which confirmed component compatibility, physical cross-linking, an amorphous structure, and suitable surface morphology with acceptable porosity. Mechanical testing showed that both groups were suitable for wound-dressing applications. Differences in drug release across media (water, normal saline, and phosphate) were non-significant (p value > 0.05). Drug-loaded membranes (n = 3) from both groups showed antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ZOI = 20.33 ± 2.51 mm, 21.66 ± 2.08 mm). Conclusions: Overall, the developed hydrogel membranes (both group 1 and group 2) demonstrated promising in vitro potential as colistin delivery systems for wound infection management. Full article

Background: Resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene, RVT) is one of the most extensively studied natural polyphenols, with numerous health benefits documented in the literature. One of its most characterized biological properties is the strong antioxidant capacity. However, its poor biopharmaceutical properties limit its in vivo applicability. In this study, we conducted a detailed comparative analysis of the antioxidant and protective capacity of pure and loaded into Pluronic micelles resveratrol. Methods: Various in vitro antioxidant assays, such as DPPH, ABTS, superoxide anion radical scavenging, ferric (FRAP), and copper-reducing power assay (CUPPRAC), and iron-induced lipid peroxidation were performed. In addition, the in vitro 6-OHDA model of neurotoxicity in brain synaptosomes and the in vivo scopolamine (Sco)-induced model of cognitive impairment in rats were also employed. The main antioxidant biomarkers—the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and total glutathione (GSH), as well as activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase—were measured in the cortex and hippocampus. Results: The results from the in vitro tests demonstrated better ferric-reducing power activity and better neuroprotective capacity of the micellar resveratrol (mRVT), as evidenced by preserved synaptosomal viability and maintained GSH levels in a concentration-dependent manner in 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity. Regarding the in vivo results, mRVT (10 µM concentration) was the most effective treatment in supporting recognition memory formation in dementia rats. Further, mRVT demonstrated better LPO protective capacity in the hippocampus and GSH preserving activity in the cortex than the pure drug. Conclusions: The incorporation of resveratrol in polymeric micelles could enhance its antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. Full article

Alginate aerogels are attractive candidates for biomedical scaffolds because they combine high mesoporosity with biocompatibility and can be processed into open, interconnected macroporous networks suitable for tissue engineering. Here, we systematically investigate how CO₂-induced foaming parameters govern the hierarchical pore structure of alginate aerogels produced by subsequent supercritical CO₂ drying. Sodium alginate–CaCO₃ suspensions are foamed in a CO₂ atmosphere at 50 or 100 bar, depressurization rates of 50 or 0.05 bar·s⁻¹, temperatures of 5 or 25 °C, and, optionally, under pulsed pressure or with Pluronic F-68 as a surfactant. The resulting gels are dried using supercritical CO₂ and characterized by micro-computed tomography and N₂ sorption. High pressure combined with slow depressurization (100 bar, 0.05 bar·s⁻¹) yields a homogeneous macroporous network with pores predominantly in the 200–500 µm range and a mesoporous texture with 15–35 nm pores, whereas fast depressurization promotes bubble coalescence and the appearance of large (>2100 µm) macropores and a broader mesopore distribution. Lowering the temperature, applying pulsed pressure, and adding surfactant enable further tuning of macropore size and connectivity with a limited impact on mesoporosity. Interpretation in terms of Peclet and Deborah numbers links processing conditions to non-equilibrium mass transfer and gel viscoelasticity, providing a physically grounded map for designing hierarchically porous alginate aerogel scaffolds for biomedical applications. Full article

Temperature-responsive hydrogels are sophisticated stimuli-responsive biomaterials that undergo rapid, reversible sol–gel phase transitions in response to subtle thermal stimuli, most notably around physiological temperature. This inherent thermosensitivity enables non-invasive, precise spatiotemporal control of material properties and bioactive payload release, rendering them highly promising for advanced biomedical applications. This review critically surveys recent advances in the design, synthesis, and translational potential of thermo-responsive hydrogels, emphasizing nanoscale and hybrid architectures optimized for superior tunability and biological performance. Foundational systems remain dominated by poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm), which exhibits a sharp lower critical solution temperature near 32 °C, alongside Pluronic/Poloxamer triblock copolymers and thermosensitive cellulose derivatives. Contemporary developments increasingly exploit biohybrid and nanocomposite strategies that incorporate natural polymers such as chitosan, gelatin, or hyaluronic acid with synthetic thermo-responsive segments, yielding materials with markedly enhanced mechanical robustness, biocompatibility, and physiologically relevant transition behavior. Cross-linking methodologies—encompassing covalent chemical approaches, dynamic physical interactions, and radiation-induced polymerization are rigorously assessed for their effects on network topology, swelling/deswelling kinetics, pore structure, and degradation characteristics. Prominent applications include on-demand drug and gene delivery, injectable in situ gelling systems, three-dimensional matrices for cell encapsulation and organoid culture, tissue engineering scaffolds, self-healing wound dressings, and responsive biosensing platforms. The integration of multi-stimuli orthogonality, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence-guided materials discovery is anticipated to deliver fully programmable, patient-specific hydrogels, establishing them as pivotal enabling technologies in precision and regenerative medicine. Full article

CeO₂-ZnO nanocrystalline powders were prepared using Pluronic-assisted precipitation, followed by calcination at 500 °C. Different amounts of tri-block Pluronic copolymer (P123—2.5 g (P2.5), 5 g (P5), and 0 g (P0)) were used. PXRD, XPS, TEM, EDS, DRS, EPR, FT-IR spectroscopy, and the BET method were performed to determine the physicochemical characteristics of the prepared samples. They showed that the increased amount of P123 leads to an increased degree of crystallinity and polarity. The addition of the polymer in appropriate quantity plays a role as a structure-directing agent, thus preventing agglomeration processes and leading to changes in the structural features of the composites, which result in an increase in the band gap values. The adsorption edges of P0, P2.5, and P5 are 389.5 nm, 386.2 nm, and ~385.3 nm, which prove a blue shift. The photocatalytic discoloration of the Reactive Black 5 dye in the presence of all powders under UV-A illumination was studied. The P5 powder possessed the highest degree of discoloration (86% for 2 h illumination). These results could be assigned to the increased band gap value, polarity, and degree of crystallinity, as well as the increased quantity of Ce³⁺, oxygen vacancies, and hydroxyl groups of the Pluronic-modified powders. Full article

The long-term conservation of Prunus persica (peach), a crop of significant agronomic and genetic value, remains challenging due to its recalcitrance to conventional cryopreservation methods. Low tolerance to dehydration and cryoprotectant toxicity often results in poor survival and regrowth, thereby limiting the reliability of germplasm storage. This study evaluated whether combining an alginate hydrogel matrix with Pluronic F-68 improves vitrification efficiency and post-thaw regeneration of peach shoot tips by enhancing dehydration dynamics and reducing cryo-injury. Shoot tips were immobilized in thin sodium alginate layers on aluminum foil strips, with the hydrogel providing mechanical stabilization and moderating water loss during exposure to PVS3 and subsequent liquid nitrogen immersion. To further mitigate cryoinjury, Pluronic F-68, a non-ionic surfactant with membrane-stabilizing properties, was incorporated into the system. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed that the hydrogel reached complete vitrification after 120 min in PVS3, whereas encapsulated shoot tips required 150 min for full suppression of crystallization. The optimized system achieved 71% post-cryopreservation survival and 40% regrowth, compared with 25% and 9% in non-encapsulated controls. PF-68 accelerated vitrification kinetics, lowered crystallization enthalpies, and improved post-thaw viability. These findings demonstrate that engineered hydrogel–surfactant matrices can stabilize the microenvironment during vitrification and offer a promising approach for the long-term cryopreservation of peach germplasm. Full article

Luteolin is a naturally occurring flavonoid with growing interest for its senolytic properties. However, its poor water solubility and low bioavailability limit clinical application. This study aimed to develop and compare two types of nanocarriers, liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles, for the efficient delivery of luteolin in senolytic therapies. Liposomes with luteolin were prepared using the lipid film hydration method, followed by sonication and extrusion. Polymeric nanoparticles were developed via the nanoprecipitation method using pullulan acetate, a hydrophobic derivative obtained by chemical functionalization of pullulan. Pullulan was biosynthesized over 72 h using the microorganism Aureobasidium pullulans ICCF 36 (from CMII–INCDCF-ICCF). The formulation used a polymer-to-luteolin ratio of 10:1 (g/g) and Pluronic F127 as a stabilizer. Nanoprecipitation was carried out under controlled conditions: stirring at 700 rpm and dropwise addition at 0.5 mL/min. Luteolin was successfully encapsulated in both delivery systems. Liposomes showed an encapsulation efficiency of 85.07 ± 0.09% and nanoscale diameter. Polymeric nanoparticles demonstrated an encapsulation efficiency of 74.87 ± 0.05%, nanometric size and a formulation yield of 73.29 ± 0.09%. Both liposomal and polymeric nanoparticle systems effectively encapsulated luteolin, with high efficiency and yield. The formulations present promising potential for use in senolytic therapies, targeting age-related cellular dysfunction. Further studies will assess their release kinetics, biological activity, and senolytic effects in vitro and in vivo. Full article

Background/Objectives: Conventional solidification methods for liquid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems face significant limitations. This includes complex manufacturing processes, high costs, and environmental concerns. This study aimed to develop and optimize a thermoresponsive self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (T-SNEDDS) for dapagliflozin as a sustainable alternative solidification technique. Methods: Oil and surfactant were selected based on solubility and emulsification studies. The Box–Behnken approach was used to examine the impacts of three independent variables (pluronic F127, propylene glycol, and dapagliflozin concentrations) on liquefying temperature and time. Optimized T-SNEDDS was characterized in terms of particle size, zeta potential, and dissolution performance. Stability assessment included centrifugation testing and a six-month storage evaluation. The green pharmaceutical performance was comparatively evaluated against five conventional solidification methods using ten adapted parameters. Results: Imwitor 308 and Cremophor EL were selected as optimal excipients for SNEDDS formulation. In addition, Pluronic F127 and propylene glycol were used to induce solidification during storage. The optimized formulation (8.60% w/w Pluronic F127, 10% w/w propylene glycol, and 5% w/w dapagliflozin) exhibited a liquefying temperature of 33.5 °C with a liquefying time of 100.3 s and a particle size of 96.64 nm. T-SNEDDS significantly enhanced dissolution efficiency of dapagliflozin (95.7%) compared to raw drug (42.4%) and marketed formulation (91.3%). Green pharmaceutical evaluation revealed that T-SNEDDS achieved the highest score compared to conventional approaches. Conclusions: T-SNEDDS represents a superior sustainable approach for SNEDDS solidification that offers enhancement in drug dissolution while addressing manufacturing, environmental, and economic challenges through its solvent-free and single-step preparation process with excellent scalability potential. Full article

In today’s chemistry, greener and more energy-efficient ways of making new materials are becoming increasingly important. In this work, two types of (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane-grafted silica were synthesized using a one-pot method with two different porogens: Pluronic P123 and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, and then modified with silver nanoparticles. Both syntheses produced amorphous silica with crystalline silver. EDX and EDX elemental mapping confirmed that the modification with silver nanoparticles was successful, and an even distribution of silver on the silica surface with an average silver load of around 16% was determined. After silver nanoparticle modification, silica synthesized using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as a porogen was mesoporous, whereas silica synthesis using Pluronic P123 as a porogen yielded a nonporous product. The synthesized silicas exhibited surface areas of 345 ± 2 and 8.80 ± 0.05 m²/g for samples prepared using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and Pluronic P123 as porogens, respectively, and both silicas were stable below 250 °C. Full article