ABSTRACT
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to address the need for efficient drug delivery with high drug encapsulation efficiency and sustained drug release. We aim to create nanoparticle-loaded microgels for potential applications in treatment development. Methods: We adopted the process of ionic gelation to generate microgels from sodium alginate and carboxymethyl cellulose. These microgels were loaded with doxorubicin-conjugated amine-functionalized zinc ferrite nanoparticles (AZnFe-NPs). The systems were characterized using various techniques. Toxicity was evaluated in MCF-7 cells. In vitro release studies were conducted at different pH levels at 37 oC, with the drug release kinetics being analyzed using various models. Results: The drug encapsulation efficiency of the created carriers was as high as 70%. The nanoparticle-loaded microgels exhibited pH-responsive behavior and sustained drug release. Drug release from them was mediated via a non-Fickian type of diffusion. Conclusion: Given their high drug encapsulation efficiency, sustained drug release and pH-responsiveness, our nanoparticle-loaded microgels show promise as smart carriers for future treatment applications. Further development and research can significantly benefit the field of drug delivery and treatment development.
Subject(s)
Delayed-Action Preparations , Doxorubicin , Drug Carriers , Drug Liberation , Ferric Compounds , Microgels , Doxorubicin/chemistry , Doxorubicin/pharmacokinetics , Doxorubicin/pharmacology , Doxorubicin/administration & dosage , Humans , Delayed-Action Preparations/chemistry , Delayed-Action Preparations/pharmacokinetics , Delayed-Action Preparations/pharmacology , MCF-7 Cells , Ferric Compounds/chemistry , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Microgels/chemistry , Drug Carriers/chemistry , Drug Carriers/pharmacokinetics , Alginates/chemistry , Amines/chemistry , Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium/chemistry , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Zinc/chemistry , Zinc Compounds/chemistry , Cell Survival/drug effectsABSTRACT
The frequent use of antibiotics against microbial infections may lead to the emergence of antibiotic resistant microbial strains. To overcome these microbial strains, we need to fabricate alternative materials which can handle them. It is for this reason, we have fabricated cellulose (CE) based filter paper (FP) composite scaffolds comprising of adsorbed chitosan (CS) and sliver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs). The AgNPs are incorporated in the CS layer of the composite scaffold. Prior to evaluate the efficacy of the scaffolds against gram positive and gram negative bacterial strains, the scaffolds were characterized for the presence of the Ag NPs with field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and x-ray diffractometer (XRD). These techniques confirmed the presence of Ag NPs in the composite scaffold. The biocompatibility of the scaffolds was assessed by subjecting pristine FP, CS adsorbed FP (CS-FP) and Ag loaded CS-FP (Ag-CS-FP) composite scaffolds to in vitro studies. From the data obtained, it was observed that NIH3T3 fibroblastic cells adhered and proliferated onto all the scaffolds. Furthermore, the scaffolds exhibited good antibacterial activity against both strains of bacteria. It is, therefore, concluded that these scaffolds could find potential application in biomedical field, particularly as a wound dressing agent.
