Hypromellose-, Gelatin- and Gellan Gum-Based Gel Films with Chlorhexidine for Potential Application in Oral Inflammatory Diseases.

The oral cavity is constantly exposed to contact with an external environment. Pathogens can easily access and colonize it, causing a number of medical conditions that are usually accompanied by inflammation, which in turn require medical intervention and cause the deterioration of wellbeing. The aim of this study was to obtain polymer films that could be a carrier for chlorhexidine, an active substance used in the treatment of inflammation in the oral cavity, and at the same time act as a dressing for the application on the mucous membrane. Combinations of three biocompatible and biodegradable polymers were used to prepare the films. The obtained samples were characterized by assessing their water loss after drying, swelling ability, hygroscopicity and tensile strength. It was shown that the mixture of HPMC and gellan gum or gelatin could be used to prepare transparent, flexible polymer films with chlorhexidine. All tested films showed high hygroscopicity and swelling ability. However, it was observed that the composition containing gellan gum was more suitable for obtaining films with prolonged stay at the site of administration, which predisposes it to the role of a local dressing.

3D-printed solid oral dosage forms for mental and neurological disorders: recent advances and future perspectives.

INTRODUCTION: 3D printing (3DP) applications in medicine are intensively investigated, creating an opportunity to provide patient-tailored therapy by delivering a drug with an accurate dose and release profile. Moving away from the 'one size fits all' paradigm, it could be beneficial for treating mental and neurological disorders, improving the efficiency and safety of the therapy. The aim of this critical review is to assess recent advances and identify gaps regarding 3DP in this important and challenging field, by focusing on recent research examples. AREAS COVERED: Applications of the 3DP techniques for solid dosage forms in mental and neurological disorders have been covered and discussed, together with recent advantages, limitations, and future directions. EXPERT OPINION: The personalize treatment, which is considered as the most significant advantage of the 3DP technique, can be beneficial in mental and neurological disorders therapy, where the dose should be adjusted to the patient. Printing of medicines enables creating the structure modifications and thus controlling the drug release or combining multiple drugs into one tablet, simplifying the dose regimen. Medications printed on-demand, in health-care facilities, could address the special needs of pediatric patients and help avoid interruptions in the supply chain. Despite promising advances, the described methods have limitations and need further investigation before being scaled-up to an industrial manufacturing environment. There is also a need to establish protocols for the preparation and registration of 3DP dosage forms.

Alginate-Based Materials Loaded with Nanoparticles in Wound Healing.

Alginate is a naturally derived polysaccharide widely applied in drug delivery, as well as regenerative medicine, tissue engineering and wound care. Due to its excellent biocompatibility, low toxicity, and the ability to absorb a high amount of exudate, it is widely used in modern wound dressings. Numerous studies indicate that alginate applied in wound care can be enhanced with the incorporation of nanoparticles, revealing additional properties beneficial in the healing process. Among the most extensively explored materials, composite dressings with alginate loaded with antimicrobial inorganic nanoparticles can be mentioned. However, other types of nanoparticles with antibiotics, growth factors, and other active ingredients are also investigated. This review article focuses on the most recent findings regarding novel alginate-based materials loaded with nanoparticles and their applicability as wound dressings, with special attention paid to the materials of potential use in the treatment of chronic wounds.

Microneedle-based ocular drug delivery systems - recent advances and challenges.

Eye diseases and injuries constitute a significant clinical problem worldwide. Safe and effective delivery of drugs to the eye is challenging mostly due to the presence of ocular barriers and clearance mechanisms. In everyday practice, the traditional eye drops, gels and ointments are most often used. Unfortunately, they are usually not well tolerated by patients due to the need for frequent use as well as the discomfort during application. Therefore, novel drug delivery systems with improved biopharmaceutical properties are a subject of ongoing scientific investigations. Due to the developments in microtechnology, in recent years, there has been a remarkable advance in the development of microneedle-based systems as an alternative, non-invasive form for administering drugs to the eye. This review summarizes the latest achievements in the field of obtaining microneedle ocular patches. In the manuscript, the most important manufacturing technologies, microneedle classification, and the research studies related to ophthalmic application of microneedles are presented. Finally, the most important advantages and drawbacks, as well as potential challenges related to the unique anatomy and physiology of the eye are summarized and discussed.

Ionotropic Gelation and Chemical Crosslinking as Methods for Fabrication of Modified-Release Gellan Gum-Based Drug Delivery Systems.

Hydrogels have a tridimensional structure. They have the ability to absorb a significant amount of water or other natural or simulated fluids that cause their swelling albeit without losing their structure. Their properties can be exploited for encapsulation and modified targeted drug release. Among the numerous natural polymers suitable for obtaining hydrogels, gellan gum is one gaining much interest. It is a gelling agent with many unique features, and furthermore, it is non-toxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable. Its ability to react with oppositely charged molecules results in the forming of structured physical materials (films, beads, hydrogels, nanoparticles). The properties of obtained hydrogels can be modified by chemical crosslinking, which improves the three-dimensional structure of the gellan hydrogel. In the current review, an overview of gellan gum hydrogels and their properties will be presented as well as the mechanisms of ionotropic gelation or chemical crosslinking. Methods of producing gellan hydrogels and their possible applications related to improved release, bioavailability, and therapeutic activity were described.