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Sodium alginate (SA) is a polysaccharide biopolymer widely used in wound healing applications due to its beneficial role in the hemostatic, inflammatory, and proliferative phases of tissue repair. Its hydrophilic nature supports the wound healing process by enabling efficient absorption of wound exudate and maintaining a moist microenvironment conducive to tissue regeneration. Moreover, SA can form highly porous structures that promote oxygen diffusion and provide a suitable scaffold for neovascularization and new tissue formation. This review summarizes recent advances in the application of SA in wound dressings. A bibliometric analysis of Scopus data using the keywords "sodium alginate" AND "wound healing" reveals a growing number of publications in recent years, highlighting the increasing scientific interest in this field. The expanding utilization of SA in wound healing may be attributed to its favorable properties, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low toxicity.
Biofilm extracellular polymeric matrix (EPS) biomass plays a central role in bacterial resistance to carbapenems, especially imipenem (IPM), which poses a serious threat to public health. The present study aims to use ZnO NPs to improve the susceptibility of imipenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (IRKP) to imipenem (IPM) and to reduce biofilm extracellular polymeric matrix (EPS) biomass. Susceptibility to IPM and biofilm formation were evaluated in 20 uropathogenic K. pneumoniae isolates. ZnO NPs were prepared using an extract of Thymus vulgaris leaves. The effects of sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of IPM and ZnO NPs on biofilm formation were evaluated. The additive effect of sub-MICs of ZnO NPs on IRKP susceptibility to IPM and biofilm formation was assessed. The diameter of the prepared ZnO NPs was less than 50 nm. Biofilm formation negatively correlated with inhibition zone diameter (r = -0.819, p = 0.001) and positively with IPM MICs (r = 0.79, p = 0.001). Sub-MICs of IPM and ZnO NPs reduced biofilm formation on polystyrene in a concentration-dependent manner. The synergistic role of sub-MICs of ZnO NPs in decreasing the MICs of IPM against K. pneumoniae was observed, from 250 ± 50 μg/mL to 116.6 ± 14.4 μg/mL (at 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 MICs of ZnO NPs), while 1/16 MIC of ZnO NPs decreased the MICs of IPM to 125 ± 25 μg/mL. The 1/32 and 1/64 MICs of ZnO NPs reduced the MICs of IPM to 141.6 ± 14.4 μg/mL and 158.3 ± 80.36 μg/mL, respectively. The greatest reduction in biofilm extracellular polymeric matrix (EPS) formation was observed at the highest concentrations of the IPM/ZnO NP combination, while the lowest reduction was observed at the lowest concentrations of both materials (p < 0.05). The present study demonstrated a synergistic effect of sub-MIC ZnO NPs on the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of imipenem against K. pneumoniae (IRKP).
Conventional excipients used in pharmaceutical formulations often exhibit limitations such as uncontrolled drug release and adverse patient responses, highlighting the need for improved drug delivery systems. Sodium alginate beads have been widely investigated as biocompatible carriers due to their ability to form ionically crosslinked hydrogels; however, the influence of drug incorporation strategies on their structural and functional performance remains insufficiently understood. In this study, alginate beads were used as delivery systems for acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and acetaminophen (AP), comparing encapsulation during gelation with post-synthesis impregnation. The aim was to evaluate how these strategies affect morphology, drug loading, and release mechanisms. Encapsulation resulted in higher drug loading efficiencies (66.5% for AP and 81.8% for ASA) compared to impregnation (61.4% and 73.3%, respectively), as well as a more homogeneous drug distribution within the polymeric matrix. Morphological and structural analyses confirmed that encapsulated beads exhibited more uniform and compact structures, whereas impregnated systems showed heterogeneous drug localization and surface-associated deposits. In vitro release studies revealed that encapsulation promotes controlled and sustained release, while impregnation leads to faster release due to shorter diffusion pathways. Kinetic modeling indicated that AP release follows anomalous transport involving both diffusion and polymer relaxation, whereas ASA release is predominantly diffusion-controlled. These findings demonstrate that the drug incorporation strategy governs the internal structure of alginate beads and directly determines their release behavior, providing mechanistic insight into the rational design of polymeric drug delivery systems with tunable and predictable performance. The main objective of this study was to investigate sodium alginate beads as potential carriers for active pharmaceutical ingredients. Sodium alginate beads were prepared by ionotropic gelation and loaded with acetaminophen or acetylsalicylic acid either by encapsulation during gelation or by post-synthesis impregnation. The beads were characterized using FTIR, SEM, and XRD. Drug loading, swelling behavior, in vitro drug release, and release kinetics were also evaluated. Encapsulation produced beads with higher drug-loading efficiency and more homogeneous structures than impregnation. Consequently, encapsulated systems exhibited more controlled and sustained drug release, whereas impregnated beads showed faster release because of drug localization near the bead surface. Kinetic analysis indicated anomalous transport for acetaminophen and predominantly diffusion-controlled release for acetylsalicylic acid. This study indicates that the drug incorporation strategy is a key factor governing the structural, functional, and release properties of alginate-based delivery systems.
Microwave plasma generates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, making it popular in biomedical research. These species affect human cell shape, viability, and function. Plasma-induced biochemical changes affect lymphocytes, which regulate immunological responses. This study aims to investigate the effects of microwave plasma on lymphocyte cells to estimate how different exposure times affect their biological responses. Lymphocytes were exposed to microwave plasma for different time intervals. Healthy men aged 25-30 years provided 5 mL venous blood samples in sterile heparinized tubes. After stimulation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA), lymphocytes were grown in RPMI-1640 medium at 37°C for 72 h. After incubation, cells were centrifuged, red blood cells were lysed with a hypotonic solution, and fixed with methanol:acetic acid (3:1). The fixed cell suspension was air-dried and Giemsa-stained on glass slides. Studies have indicated that exposure to plasma alters the morphology and behavior of lymphocytes. Reactive species that interact with cell membranes and intracellular components may cause these alterations. Plasma has potential in biomedical applications, but exposure parameters must be carefully controlled. Short-term plasma exposure appears to boost cell proliferation in healthy lymphocytes, bolstering the immune response. In contrast, extended plasma exposure (≥25 min) may reduce pathological cell proliferation in diseased cells. Short-duration plasma treatment promotes normal cell function, while extended exposure times target diseased cells. Microwave plasma has 2 effects depending on exposure time. Plasma exerts different biological effects depending on exposure time. Short exposure boosts normal lymphocyte activity and proliferation, but long exposure suppresses aberrant cells. Thus, microwave plasma is attractive for biomedical applications when exposure parameters are well controlled.
This study presents the results of an investigation into the interactions between innovative ophthalmic formulations and commercially available low-density polyethylene (LDPE) containers. The newly developed formulations are self-emulsifying oils (SEOs) containing suspended drug particles, designed to form an emulsion immediately upon contact with tear fluid. Physicochemical and mechanical properties of the containers were evaluated. Interactions between 6 different LDPE containers and the SEO matrix (oil "O" and surfactant Tween 20 "T") were investigated, and the impact of the SEO formulations on the mechanical properties of the containers was assessed. The study aimed to identify potential interactions between SEO components and the packaging that may occur during storage under stress conditions, based on changes in morphology, structure, thermal behavior, and mechanical strength. The SEO carrier was prepared by mixing Miglyol® 812 with Tween® 20 at a concentration of 5% w/w, followed by sterile filtration. The suspensions were compounded aseptically using sterile, micronized sodium cefuroxime (CEF) and vancomycin hydrochloride (VAN) at a concentration of 5% w/w, along with sodium citrate (2% w/w). In accordance with stability testing guidelines, stress stability studies were conducted in a climatic chamber at 40°C/75% relative humidity and 60°C/75% relative humidity. To detect structural and physicochemical changes, advanced analytical techniques were employed, including Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for the assessment of structural alterations and potential degradation, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for thermal analysis, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) for evaluation of material crystallinity. The mechanical strength of packaging material fragments after contact with the formulations was evaluated using a TA.XTplus texture analyzer. The experiments indicated potential migration (e.g., of plasticizers and residual monomers), as well as adsorption or absorption of excipient components. Subtle interactions were observed, accompanied by negligible changes in the mechanical strength of the packaging material. The study confirmed the necessity of comprehensive compatibility testing between ophthalmic formulations and their packaging materials. A thorough understanding of these interactions is essential to ensure product stability, safety, and quality during storage and use.
Plastics play a major role in daily life, with unprecedented levels of usage. As anthropogenically produced polymers should be optimized with regard to biodegradability and biocompatibility, green chemistry strategies offer promising pathways. In this context, the symposium on sustainable polymers in Tübingen presented a comprehensive overview of recent advances in polymer research, addressing synthesis and degradation pathways along with environmentally benign catalysts. These developments benefit not only industrial efficiency but also resource conservation and environmental protection. Beyond these sustainability-driven concepts, innovative approaches to biocompatible biomaterials for medical applications and advanced polymer systems for therapeutic drug delivery were highlighted. This conference report presents current polymer research, including contributions from the medical, pharmacological, and ecological fields. To foster interdisciplinary exchange on sustainable polymers, the Tübingen Symposium was initiated by the interdisciplinary faculty College of Fellows: Center for Interdisciplinary and Intercultural Studies at Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg, on October 9, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Ernst von Sieglin Lecture Hall.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm polymer matrix formation contributes to antibiotic tolerance. The antibiofilm effects of sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of ceftriaxone (CTX), the molecular mechanisms by which these sub-MICs modulate biofilm polymer production and quorum sensing (QS), and the binding interactions of CTX with key biofilm regulatory proteins (LasR and RhlR QS receptors) have not been previously investigated. To determine the role of sub-MIC CTX in regulating biofilm polymer matrix formation, bacterial adhesion, QS gene expression (rhlR and lasR), and to perform molecular docking analysis of CTX interactions with LasR and RhlR QS receptor proteins and biofilm EPS polymer-associated targets. MICs and biofilm formation were determined. The effects of CTX sub-MICs on biofilm formation, adhesion to mouse bladder epithelial cells (BECs), and QS gene expression (rhlR and lasR, by qRT-PCR) were assessed. In silico molecular docking of CTX against the ligand-binding domains of LasR (PDB: 2UV0) and RhlR (PDB: 3T5K) was performed using AutoDock Vina. Interaction fingerprinting with biofilm EPS polymer-associated enzymes (AlgD and PelB) was also performed. CTX sub-MICs regulated biofilm formation in an isolate-dependent manner, reduced P. aeruginosa adhesion to mouse BECs, and downregulated the rhlR and lasR genes in a concentration-dependent manner. Molecular docking revealed that CTX binds favorably within the ligand-binding pockets of LasR (-8.3 kcal/mol) and RhlR (-7.1 kcal/mol) via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, suggesting competitive interference with QS autoinducer binding. CTX also exhibited affinity for AlgD (-7.6 kcal/mol), a key enzyme in alginate polymer biosynthesis. CTX sub-MICs modulate biofilm EPS polymer matrix formation and epithelial adhesion by downregulating QS regulatory genes. lasR was more responsive to CTX sub-MIC stress than rhlR. Molecular docking supports a direct molecular interaction mechanism through which CTX may interfere with QS receptor signaling and alginate polymer biosynthesis, providing a structural basis for its antibiofilm activity at sub-inhibitory concentrations.
This article aims to present the current state of knowledge on four major biotechnological antimicrobial strategies and to evaluate their potential clinical applications in the context of increasing antibiotic resistance. Approaches such as phage therapy, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, nanoparticles, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) may significantly contribute to limiting the spread of resistance genes. Particular attention is given to advances in genetic engineering that enable precise targeting and elimination of resistance determinants, as well as to the therapeutic potential of the microbiome. A literature review of studies published between 2010 and 2025 was conducted using the following keywords: antimicrobial resistance, phage therapy, CRISPR-Cas9, AMPs, and nanotechnology. Both review articles and original studies, including preclinical and clinical data, were considered. Phage therapy demonstrates high efficacy against antibiotic-resistant pathogens, particularly in the form of phage cocktails and genetically engineered phages. Antimicrobial peptides exhibit broad-spectrum activity and can be structurally optimized to improve stability and selectivity. CRISPR-Cas9 systems enable targeted elimination of resistance genes or direct disruption of pathogen genomes, while nanotechnology facilitates drug delivery, biofilm penetration, and bactericidal activity, particularly through metal-based nanoparticles. Notably, all approaches show potential for synergistic use with conventional antibiotics. Biotechnological treatment strategies may become a key component in combating antibiotic resistance. However, their clinical implementation requires further research, comprehensive safety evaluation, regulatory development, and integration into medical practice. Advances in these areas could significantly reduce the global burden of infectious diseases.
This review comprehensively describes the applications of biomaterials in gynecology, focusing on their role in treating gynecological disorders, reconstructive procedures and minimally invasive surgeries. It highlights the latest advancements, such as biocompatibility, innovative implants and biodegradable materials. This article also provides information about biomaterials used for vaginal and pelvic wall reconstruction in pelvic organ prolapse patients, as well as its use in minimally invasive surgical procedures and infertility treatment (including assisted reproductive technologies (ART)). The application of biomaterials in gynecological oncology is also discussed, as biomaterials - particularly those incorporating nanotechnology - enable selective drug delivery and targeted cancer therapy. We highlight the current clinical challenges and unmet needs while offering a forward-looking perspective on the potential of biomaterials in advancing regenerative medicine, personalized treatments and improving outcomes for women's health. We aim to provide some directions for future research and the development of novel biomaterials that can improve gynecological care.
Natural gums offer environmentally friendly, biodegradable and non-toxic alternatives to synthetic binders in pharmaceutical formulations. Cocoa pod gum (CPG), derived from cocoa pod husk (CPH), presents a sustainable and underexplored source for pharmaceutical application. This study investigates the potential of CPG as a natural binder in metronidazole tablet formulations, evaluating its physicochemical and compressional properties, mechanical strength, drug release behavior, and compatibility with the active pharmaceutical ingredient. The CPG was extracted from CPH and characterized alongside xanthan gum (XNG), a standard natural binder. Physicochemical analyses included pH, flow properties, viscosity, particle size, crystallinity, and thermal behavior. Compaction behavior was assessed using Heckel and Kawakita equations. Metronidazole tablets were formulated with varying concentrations (10-20% w/w) of both gums and evaluated for hardness, friability, disintegration time, and in vitro drug release. Compatibility was examined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Cocoa pod gum demonstrated better flow properties and swelling capacity, while XNG showed higher viscosity and plastic deformation, yield pressure (Py) and PK values. Tablets formulated with XNG had greater hardness and slower disintegration, resulting in more delayed drug release. Cocoa pod gum-based tablets disintegrated faster and showed rapid drug release, making them more suitable for immediate release formulations. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed no drug-excipient incompatibilities. Cocoa pod gum exhibits promising binder properties comparable to XNG and may serve as a cost-effective, sustainable and biocompatible alternative to conventional excipients in tablet formulations.
For several decades, conventional treatments for chronic and degenerative diseases have been constrained by technological limitations, particularly those related to the physicochemical properties, stability and bioavailability of therapeutic molecules, as well as the efficiency of their delivery systems. Medical polymers are widely used in drug delivery to enhance the solubility, stability and controlled release of therapeutic agents, and they can be engineered into nanoparticles (NPs) derived from either natural or synthetic materials. Toward the end of the 20th century, the use of plant viral capsids as supramolecular structures for the packaging and controlled release of therapeutic compounds emerged, introducing a versatile, sustainable and cost-effective strategy that has progressively gained scientific and clinical relevance. Capsid proteins (CPs) derived from plant viruses can act as nanocages for drug encapsulation and delivery, and they can be surface-modified or functionalized with a wide range of biomolecules, including peptides, carbohydrates, functional groups, proteins, and oligonucleotides, through either chemical conjugation or genetic engineering approaches. This review explores the historical development, current biomedical applications, inherent challenges, and future prospects of plant-derived virus-like particles (pVLPs).
Dental sealants are used to caulk fissures and pits in order to prevent caries development both in deciduous and permanent dentition. Loss of sealant integrity leads to the formation of marginal gaps, consequently increasing the risk of caries. This study aimed to compare the physicochemical and clinically relevant properties of 3 commercially available resin-based pit and fissure sealants: Arkona Fissure Sealant (AFS; Arkona, Nasutów, Poland), Flow-Color (FC; Arkona, Nasutów, Poland) and Flow-It ALC (FIA; Pentron, Orange, USA). After polymerization in dedicated molds, the materials were characterized using attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), surface free energy (SFE) measurements and micromechanical testing to evaluate structural and mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was employed to visualize sample morphology and determine elemental composition. An in vitro fluoride release study was conducted in artificial saliva at varying pH values (4.5, 5.5, 7.0, 7.5), with deionized water as a reference. Measurements were recorded at 1, 3, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, and then weekly for up to 7 weeks. AFS exhibited the highest values of SFE (38.4 mJ/m2), Vickers hardness (51.93 HV) and indentation modulus (11.93 kN/mm2). All sealants demonstrated cumulative fluoride release over the incubation period, with the highest release observed for AFS in artificial saliva at pH = 7.5 (0.772 ppm). FTIR spectra of all materials confirmed the presence of polymer backbones as declared by the manufacturers. Presented findings provide insight into material-dependent properties influencing adhesion, mechanical performance and ion release of resin-based dental sealants. Among the tested materials, AFS exhibited the most favorable overall profile, combining high filler content, optimized particle architecture, superior mechanical strength, elevated surface energy, and sustained fluoride release, which together support robust adhesion, resistance to occlusal forces and effective caries prevention.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) remains a developing modality in cancer treatment. It is a minimally invasive approach that employs a photosensitizing drug, activated by light, to induce localized cytotoxic effects. Initially introduced in oncology, PDT has proven effective for cancers such as skin malignancies and head and neck tumors, while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. Beyond oncology, its use has expanded to dermatology, ophthalmology and dentistry, and it shows promise in the management of chronic inflammatory conditions, pediatric nephrology and emerging applications in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Despite persistent challenges such as limited light penetration, advances in photosensitizers and integration with technologies including immunotherapy and polymeric nanocarriers underscore PDT's potential as a versatile tool in precision medicine. Recent studies suggest that PDT can also modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME) and stimulate anti-tumor immune responses, thereby enhancing its therapeutic impact. Consequently, it is increasingly being investigated in combination with other treatment modalities to overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes.
Polymeric surfactants play an important role in the research and development of drugs applied topically to the skin and mucous membranes. Their versatile properties include the ability to lower surface tension, thereby favorably contributing to the energetic balance of the emulsification process during the preparation of various dosage forms. In addition, they offer important structural advantages that enhance the stability of the resulting pharmaceutical or cosmetic products through electrostatic repulsion and steric effects. The influence of viscosity and density should also be taken into account when polymeric surfactants are considered as additives, as these are crucial components of various drug formulations. Emulsions used in ointments and creams are among the most relevant dosage forms affected by surface and interfacial tension phenomena. However, other dosage forms also require the use of surfactants, which may belong to the group of polymeric compounds.
Ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization is the most used sterilization method for disposable medical devices. Its popularity is based on the fact that it can be executed on industrial scale on full pallets of packed products and the fact that many materials are compatible with this sterilization technique. This article describes an introduction to EO as a sterilization technique and further studies on the compatibility of medical grade plastics with EO sterilization. Fourteen different healthcare polymer grades have been exposed to EO. This includes frequently used polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyesters, and polycarbonates. Their mechanical and optical properties before and after exposure with EO were determined. After both the statistical analysis and a comparison with the accuracy of the measurement system, it can be concluded that all tested polymers retained their mechanical properties as measured by tensile and Izod impact testing after 1 sterilization cycle. Optical measurements showed that only 2 of the polymer grades had a minor discoloration, while all other materials had a very limited color change. It has been shown that all families of plastics typically used in disposable medical products can be sterilized with EO without significant change in properties as determined on standardized test specimen.
Oral dissolving films are portable dosage forms that consist of active pharmaceutical ingredients incorporated into film-forming polymers such as starch. Starches obtain optimum filmogenic properties by gelatinization and blending with other polymers. The high starch content of bitter yam (Dioscorea dumetorum Pax) gives it yet unexplored potential for orodispersible films. This study aimed to investigate the effect of pregelatinization on the physicochemical properties of bitter yam starch. Additionally, our objective was to evaluate the potential of both native starch (NS) and pregelatinized starch (PS), incorporated into polymer blends, as biopolymeric materials for use in orally dissolving films (ODFs). Native and pregelatinized wild Dioscorea dumetorum Pax (bitter yam) starch were prepared and characterized using physicochemical, microscopic and rheological methods, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Oral dissolving films with varying hydroxylpropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC)-to-starch ratios (1:1, 1:2 and 2:1) were formulated and evaluated based on organoleptic properties, surface morphology, folding endurance, weight and thickness, pH, and disintegration time. Pregelatinization improved the swelling, solubility and hydration capacity of the starch. Although no changes were observed in the crystalline nature upon gelatinization, DSC analysis revealed remarkable changes in the thermal behavior of the NS after pregelatinization. Both NS and PS did not produce continuous films without HPMC. Flexibility of the starch increased with increasing HPMC concentration films, and PS-based films had higher folding endurance compared to NS films. Native starch-based films had smoother surfaces and higher thicknesses than PS films. All the starch films demonstrated disintegration times longer than 15 min, and slightly acidic pH values. Pregelatinization of bitter yam starch, followed by blending with HPMC at a 2:1 ratio, resulted in the most effective oral film formulation. Further studies focusing on optimizing disintegration rates and pH would help confirm the suitability of this starch for use in ODF formulations.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes long-term liver disease. Its capacity to influence the host immune system makes its pathogenesis more complicated. Targeting the IFITM3 gene presents a promising therapeutic strategy for treating HCV infections, as it blocks the virus from entering host cells. This study examines how HCV viral loads affect IFITM3 gene expression. This study included 100 patient samples diagnosed with HCV through serological methods and confirmed as positive. Then, viral and human RNA were extracted using commercial kits. The viral RNA was then quantified using one-step real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), enabling an accurate assessment of viral load in the blood. Following this, human RNA was converted to cDNA and quantified using qPCR to investigate IFITM3 gene expression. The distribution of blood groups among HCV-positive and HCV-negative samples showed that samples with the Oblood group had a significantly higher frequency of HCV positivity (18.4%) compared to the HCV-negative group (2.0%). Age analysis indicated a significant difference between HCV-positive and HCV-negative individuals with mean age of 37.8 ±1.48 years and 44.1 ±1.56 years, respectively. The expression levels of the IFITM3 gene were significantly higher in the HCV-positive group (4.21 ±1.17 fold) compared to the HCV-negative group (1.36 ±0.157 fold), with a p-value of 0.016. A correlation analysis between IFITM3 gene expression levels and HCV viral loads showed r-value of 0.343, indicating a moderate positive correlation, with p-value of 0.016. Strong correlations observed in this study show the need for a comprehensive understanding and management approach to HCV disease. These relationships should be studied longitudinally to verify causality and assess potential interventions. IFITM3 gene expression as a biomarker for HCV infection and disease progression warrants further investigation.
"Smart'" polymers with reversible responsiveness to temperature stimuli are among the most promising carriers for controlled drug delivery, as temperature is a critical physiological factor within the human body. The majority of studies on the coupling of polymers with active substances have employed the method of attaching the drug to the polymer after its synthesis. The direct addition of the drug during the polymerization process has not been attempted, primarily due to concerns about the potential degradation of the active substance under harsh reaction conditions, such as elevated temperature and the presence of free radicals. This study aimed to evaluate the stability of a selected model drug - naproxen sodium (NAP), under extreme synthesis conditions, thereby providing insights into its resilience in such an environment. The Thermo Scientific Dionex UltiMate 3000 system was utilized for the chromatographic analyses. The separations were carried out on a Phenomenex Kinetex 2.6 µm, C18 100A, 150 × 2.1 mm column at 30°C. A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay was carried out using gradient elution with a flow rate 0.4 mL/min and mobile phase of water 0.1% formic acid (A) and acetonitrile 0.1% formic acid (B) with the detector set at the wavelength of 254 nm. Chromatographic analysis showed new peaks indicating decomposition on NAP in ambient temperature in the presence of 2.2'-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AIBA). Our findings indicate that NAP cannot be combined with the polymer during the polymerization process in extreme conditions of synthesis, specifically at temperatures of 70°C and in the presence of radicals, without undergoing decomposition. Nevertheless, further trials and tests are necessary to substantiate this hypothesis. One potential avenue for further investigation would be trials with alternative radical initiators, such as potassium persulfate (KPS).
The results of numerous research studies published in recent years suggest that celecoxib (CEL) may be effective in the treatment of various skin disorders. However, to date, no semisolid product containing CEL has been launched. With a focus on the future development of topical products, we aimed to investigate the impact of different semisolid matrices on the in vitro performance of CEL. For this purpose, 1% (w/w) of the drug was suspended in 4 compounding vehicles available in Polish community pharmacies: Lekobaza (amphiphilic cream), Lekobaza Lux (hydrophobic cream), Celugel (hydrogel), and Oleogel (lipogel). Given their very different physicochemical properties, our goal was to analyze, for the first time, their influence on spreadability, viscoelastic properties and the release rate of CEL. It was found that all of the semisolid matrices were suitable as vehicles for the drug in terms of spreadability and rheological stability. The viscous properties predominated when Celugel was used as a vehicle, but when Lekobaza, Lekobaza Lux and Oleogel were tested, the elastic properties prevailed. The drug release rate was the highest when hydrophilic matrices, i.e., Celugel or Lekobaza were used, but when hydrophobic matrices such as Lekobaza Lux or Oleogel were examined, CEL was released slowly. These findings might be related not only to the properties of these matrices, but also to the design of the release study that was more suitable for evaluating the hydrophilic matrices. Celugel could be particularly useful as a vehicle for CEL for the therapy of large lesions with heavy exudation, but if there is a risk of skin drying out after using the hydrogel, the use of Lekobaza can be recommended.
Due to physiological and anatomical barriers, optometrists and drug delivery specialists have long faced challenges in administering medications to the eyes. These ocular barriers - both permanent and temporary - limit the entry of foreign substances and reduce the effective absorption of therapeutic agents. Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) provide advantages such as selective tissue targeting, improved drug bioavailability, stability, and controlled drug release. Their ability to overcome barriers like the precorneal film, cornea and intra-retinal regions depends on properties such as interfacial ligands, mucoadhesion, hydrophobicity, particle size, and surface charge. Careful design tailored to specific ocular tissues and diseases is essential. This study aims to explore the potential applications of polymeric NPs across various pharmaceutical categories in the treatment of ocular conditions.