Design and Optimization of Pharmaceutical Gels

A special issue of Gels (ISSN 2310-2861). This special issue belongs to the section "Gel Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2023) | Viewed by 20256

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Special Issue Editors

College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
Interests: nanoparticles for pulmonary drug delivery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
Interests: inhalable nanomedicines; drug delivery; ferroptosis; protein corona; biological fate
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
Interests: drug delivery; pulmonary drug delivery system; nose–brain drug delivery system
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The efficacy of many bioactive agents, including drugs, food supplements and vaccines, is limited because of their poor chemical stability, low water solubility, and low oral bioavailability. For this reason, delivery vehicles are being developed to overcome these problems. Among them, because of their high drug loading efficiency, high biocompatibility, and low toxicity, gels have attracted much attention in the fields of drug delivery systems (DDS), such as sustained-release DDS, controlled-release DDS, targeting DDS, and local DDS.

Gels are three-dimensional, semi-solid systems consisting of polymeric matrices. The physicochemical properties of gels, such as physical strength, viscosity, and self-healing ability, can be changed to meet the specific requirements of applications in various fields, such as drug and cell delivery, bioscaffolds, and the modelling of extracellular matrices. In particular, novel gel-based delivery systems (such as intelligent hydrogels, in situ gels, emulsion gels, nanogels, vesicular gels and microgels) that have emerged in recent years can release drugs by specific biological or external stimuli, such as temperature, pH, enzymes, ultrasound, antigens, etc., to achieve precise and local drug delivery. Therefore, gels have broad clinical application prospects, and are anticipated to provide new, effective, and robust strategies for the theranostics of diseases.

The aims of this Special Issue are to shed light on gels of material development, system construction, structural characterization, and the effect for disease treatment, and research on gels with high translational potential is particularly sought after. Original research, reviews, mini-reviews, and perspective papers which reflect the status quo of this topic are warmly welcomed.

Dr. Ying Huang
Dr. Zhengwei Huang
Dr. Xuanjuan Zhang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Gels is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

  • gelation materials
  • novel gel-based delivery systems
  • intelligent hydrogels
  • in situ gels
  • emulsion gels
  • nanogels
  • vesicular gels
  • microgels
 

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

5 pages, 172 KiB  
Editorial
Editorial on Special Issue “Design and Optimization of Pharmaceutical Gels”
by Xuejuan Zhang, Ying Huang and Zhengwei Huang
Gels 2024, 10(1), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10010038 - 01 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1004
Abstract
The efficacy of many bioactive agents, including drugs, food supplements, and vaccines, is limited because of their poor chemical stability, low water solubility, and low oral bioavailability [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Optimization of Pharmaceutical Gels)

Research

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15 pages, 2454 KiB  
Article
Development of Efficient Sodium Alginate/Polysuccinimide-Based Hydrogels as Biodegradable Acetaminophen Delivery Systems
by Long Toan Trinh, Saebin Lim, Hyun Jong Lee and Il Tae Kim
Gels 2023, 9(12), 980; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9120980 - 14 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1094
Abstract
Efficient drug delivery systems are essential for improving patient outcomes. Acetaminophen (AP), which is a kind of oral administration, is a commonly used pain reliever and fever reducer. However, oral administration carries various health risks, especially overdose and frequent use; for instance, AP [...] Read more.
Efficient drug delivery systems are essential for improving patient outcomes. Acetaminophen (AP), which is a kind of oral administration, is a commonly used pain reliever and fever reducer. However, oral administration carries various health risks, especially overdose and frequent use; for instance, AP is administered approximately 4 times per day. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop an efficient delivery system for once-daily administration by combining sodium alginate and polysuccinimide (PSI) hydrogels to delay the release of analgesic AP. PSI is a biodegradable polymer that can be used safely and effectively in drug delivery systems because it is eliminated by hydrolysis in the intestine. The use of PSI also improves the mechanical properties of hydrogels and prolongs drug release. In this study, hydrogel characterizations such as mechanical properties, drug dissolution ability, and biodegradability were measured to evaluate the hydrolysis of PSI in the intestine. Based on the results, hydrogels could be designed to improve the structural mechanical properties and to allow the drug to be completely dissolved, and eliminated from the body through PSI hydrolysis in the intestines. In addition, the release profiles of AP in the hydrogels were evaluated, and the hydrogels provided continuous release of AP for 24 h. Our research suggests that sodium alginate/PSI hydrogels can potentially serve as biodegradable delivery systems for AP. These findings may have significant implications for developing efficient drug delivery systems for other classes of drugs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Optimization of Pharmaceutical Gels)
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19 pages, 4623 KiB  
Article
Design and Development of a Topical Nanogel Formulation Comprising of a Unani Medicinal Agent for the Management of Pain
by Amit Sah, Geeta Aggarwal, Gaurav K. Jain, Syed Mohammad Abbas Zaidi, Punnoth Poonkuzhi Naseef, Mohamed S. Kuruniyan and Foziyah Zakir
Gels 2023, 9(10), 794; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9100794 - 02 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1309
Abstract
The oil of the Unani medicinal herb Baboona (Matricaria chamomilla) has shown potential in the management of pain. However, predicaments such as poor skin penetration, skin sensitization, liable to degradation, and volatile nature restrict its use. Therefore, our group for the [...] Read more.
The oil of the Unani medicinal herb Baboona (Matricaria chamomilla) has shown potential in the management of pain. However, predicaments such as poor skin penetration, skin sensitization, liable to degradation, and volatile nature restrict its use. Therefore, our group for the first time has developed a carrier-based delivery system to facilitate the direct application of chamomile oil to the forehead. The developed nanogel was characterized for physical parameters such as compatibility, TEM, and stability studies. Further, it was also evaluated for pH, viscosity, spread ability, and extrudability, as well as through texture analyses, in vitro studies, and skin irritation tests. The formulation was successfully developed with all the necessary attributes. The in vitro studies revealed the enhanced skin penetration of chamomile oil nanogel. The in vivo studies were also performed in chemically induced pain models, mimicking migraine. The studies show significant improvement of the pain threshold for chamomile nanogel when compared to the positive control group and the results were comparable to marketed diclofenac formulations. Finally, the encapsulation into nanogel reduced the skin irritation property. The nanogel formulation showed promising effects in the pain management of migraine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Optimization of Pharmaceutical Gels)
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16 pages, 8486 KiB  
Article
Piperine-Loaded In Situ Gel: Formulation, In Vitro Characterization, and Clinical Evaluation against Periodontitis
by Poornima K. Gopalakrishna, Rajamma Abburu Jayaramu, Sateesha Shivally Boregowda, Shruthi Eshwar, Nikhil V. Suresh, Amr Selim Abu Lila, Afrasim Moin, Hadil Faris Alotaibi, Ahmad J. Obaidullah and El-Sayed Khafagy
Gels 2023, 9(7), 577; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9070577 - 14 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1183
Abstract
Periodontitis is an inflammatory disorder associated with dysbiosis and characterized by microbiologically related, host-mediated inflammation that leads to the damage of periodontal tissues including gingiva, connective tissues, and alveolar bone. The aim of this study was to develop an in situ gel consisting [...] Read more.
Periodontitis is an inflammatory disorder associated with dysbiosis and characterized by microbiologically related, host-mediated inflammation that leads to the damage of periodontal tissues including gingiva, connective tissues, and alveolar bone. The aim of this study was to develop an in situ gel consisting of piperine. Eight in situ gel formulations were designed by varying the concentration of deacylated gellan gum cross-linked with sodium tripolyphosphate, and poloxamer-407. The prepared gels were evaluated for gelation temperature, gelation time, viscosity, piperine-loading efficiency, and piperine release. Finally, the optimized formula was evaluated for anti-inflammatory effectiveness among human patients during a 14-day follow-up. The optimized in situ gel formulation exhibited a gelation temperature of 35 ± 1 °C, gelling of 36 ± 1 s, excellent syringeability, and piperine loading of 95.3 ± 2.3%. This formulation efficiently sustained in vitro drug release for up to 72 h. In vivo studies revealed an efficient sol-to-gel transformation of optimized in situ gel formulation at physiological conditions, permitting an efficient residence time of the formulation within a periodontitis pocket. Most importantly, a clinical study revealed that treatment with the optimized formulation elicited a significant reduction in the mean plaque score (p = 0.001), gingival index (p = 0.003), and pocket depth (p = 0.002), and exerted a potent anti-inflammatory potential, compared to the control group. Collectively, piperine-loaded in situ gel might represent a viable therapeutic approach for the management of gingival and periodontal diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Optimization of Pharmaceutical Gels)
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17 pages, 3294 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Osteogenesis Potential of MG-63 Cells through Sustained Delivery of VEGF via Liposomal Hydrogel
by Milton Hongli Tsai, Rohaya Megat Abdul Wahab, Shahrul Hisham Zainal Ariffin, Fazren Azmi and Farinawati Yazid
Gels 2023, 9(7), 562; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9070562 - 10 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1151
Abstract
The challenges of using VEGF to promote osteoblastic differentiation include a short half-life and a narrow therapeutic window. A carrier system combining hydrogel and liposomes may improve the therapeutic efficacy of VEGF for bone regeneration. This study aimed to investigate the effects of [...] Read more.
The challenges of using VEGF to promote osteoblastic differentiation include a short half-life and a narrow therapeutic window. A carrier system combining hydrogel and liposomes may improve the therapeutic efficacy of VEGF for bone regeneration. This study aimed to investigate the effects of delivery of VEGF via liposomal hydrogel on the osteogenesis of MG-63 cells. Liposomal hydrogel scaffold was fabricated and then characterized in terms of the morphological and chemical properties using FESEM and FTIR. In 2.5D analysis, the MG-63 cells were cultured on liposomal hydrogel + VEGF as the test group. The osteogenic effects of VEGF were compared with the control groups, i.e., hydrogel without liposomes + VEGF, osteogenic medium (OM) supplemented with a bolus of VEGF, and OM without VEGF. Cell morphology, viability, and differentiation and mineralization potential were investigated using FESEM, MTT assay, ALP activity, and Alizarin red staining. The characterization of scaffold showed no significant differences in the morphological and chemical properties between hydrogel with and without liposomes (p > 0.05). The final 2.5D culture demonstrated that cell proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization were significantly enhanced in the liposomal hydrogel + VEGF group compared with the control groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, liposomal hydrogel can be used to deliver VEGF in a sustained manner in order to enhance the osteogenesis of MG-63 cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Optimization of Pharmaceutical Gels)
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19 pages, 7763 KiB  
Article
Numerical Optimization of Prednisolone–Tacrolimus Loaded Ultraflexible Transethosomes for Transdermal Delivery Enhancement; Box–Behnken Design, Evaluation, Optimization, and Pharmacokinetic Study
by Munerah M. Alfadhel, Randa Mohammed Zaki, Basmah Nasser Aldosari and Ossama M. Sayed
Gels 2023, 9(5), 400; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9050400 - 10 May 2023
Viewed by 1236
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to formulate highly permeable carriers (i.e., transethosomes) for enhancing the delivery of prednisolone combined with tacrolimus for both topical and systemic pathological conditions. A Box–Behnken experimental design was implemented in this research. Three independent variables: surfactant [...] Read more.
The aim of the present study is to formulate highly permeable carriers (i.e., transethosomes) for enhancing the delivery of prednisolone combined with tacrolimus for both topical and systemic pathological conditions. A Box–Behnken experimental design was implemented in this research. Three independent variables: surfactant concentration (X1), ethanol concentration (X2), and tacrolimus concentration (X3) were adopted in the design while three responses: entrapment efficiency (Y1), vesicle size (Y2), and zeta potential (Y3) were investigated. By applying design analysis, one optimum formulation was chosen to be incorporated into topical gel formulation. The optimized transethosomal gel formula was characterized in terms of pH, drug content, and spreadability. The gel formula was challenged in terms of its anti-inflammatory effect and pharmacokinetics against oral prednisolone suspension and topical prednisolone–tacrolimus gel. The optimized transethosomal gel achieved the highest rate of rat hind paw edema reduction (98.34%) and highest pharmacokinetics parameters (Cmax 133.266 ± 6.469 µg/mL; AUC0-∞ 538.922 ± 49.052 µg·h/mL), which indicated better performance of the formulated gel. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Optimization of Pharmaceutical Gels)
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18 pages, 4414 KiB  
Article
Emulsion-Based Gel Loaded with Ibuprofen and Its Derivatives
by Adebukola Abiola Agboola, Anna Nowak, Wiktoria Duchnik, Łukasz Kucharski, Anna Story, Grzegorz Story, Łukasz Struk, Adrian Krzysztof Antosik and Paula Ossowicz-Rupniewska
Gels 2023, 9(5), 391; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9050391 - 08 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1258
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vehicle and chemical modifications of the structure of active compounds on the skin permeation and accumulation of ibuprofen (IBU). As a result, semi-solid formulations in the form of an emulsion-based gel loaded [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vehicle and chemical modifications of the structure of active compounds on the skin permeation and accumulation of ibuprofen (IBU). As a result, semi-solid formulations in the form of an emulsion-based gel loaded with ibuprofen and its derivatives, such as sodium ibuprofenate (IBUNa) and L-phenylalanine ethyl ester ibuprofenate ([PheOEt][IBU]), were developed. The properties of the obtained formulations were examined, including density, refractive index, viscosity, and particle size distribution. The parameters of release and permeability through the pig skin of the active substances contained in the obtained semi-solid formulations were determined. The results indicate that an emulsion-based gel enhanced the skin penetration of IBU and its derivatives compared to two commercial preparations in the form of a gel and a cream. The average cumulative mass of IBU after a 24 h permeation test from an emulsion-based gel formulation through human skin was 1.6–4.0 times higher than for the commercial products. Ibuprofen derivatives were evaluated as chemical penetration enhancers. After 24 h of penetration, the cumulative mass was 1086.6 ± 245.8 for IBUNa and 948.6 ± 87.5 µg IBU/cm2 for [PheOEt][IBU], respectively. This study demonstrates the perspective of the transdermal emulsion-based gel vehicle in conjunction with the modification of the drug as a potentially faster drug delivery system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Optimization of Pharmaceutical Gels)
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11 pages, 2387 KiB  
Article
Response Surface Methodology for Optimization of Hydrogel-Forming Microneedles as Rapid and Efficient Transdermal Microsampling Tools
by Jiraporn Leanpolchareanchai and Nantana Nuchtavorn
Gels 2023, 9(4), 306; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9040306 - 06 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1530
Abstract
Microneedles (MNs) have shown a great potential for the microsampling of dermal interstitial fluid (ISF) in a minimally invasive manner for point-of-care testing (POCT). The swelling properties of hydrogel-forming microneedles (MNs) allow for passive extraction of ISF. Surface response approaches, including Box-Behnken design [...] Read more.
Microneedles (MNs) have shown a great potential for the microsampling of dermal interstitial fluid (ISF) in a minimally invasive manner for point-of-care testing (POCT). The swelling properties of hydrogel-forming microneedles (MNs) allow for passive extraction of ISF. Surface response approaches, including Box-Behnken design (BBD), central composite design (CCD), and optimal discrete design, were employed for the optimization of hydrogel film by studying the effects of independent variables (i.e., the amount of hyaluronic acid, GantrezTM S-97, and pectin) on the swelling property. The optimal discrete model was selected to predict the appropriate variables, due to the good fit of the experimental data and the model validity. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the model demonstrated p-value < 0.0001, R2 = 0.9923, adjusted R2 = 0.9894, and predicted R2 = 0.9831. Finally, the predicted film formulation containing 2.75% w/w hyaluronic acid, 1.321% w/w GantrezTM S-97, and 1.246% w/w pectin was used for further fabrication of MNs (525.4 ± 3.8 µm height and 157.4 ± 2.0 µm base width), which possessed 1508.2 ± 66.2% swelling, with 124.6 ± 7.4 µL of collection volume, and could withstand thumb pressure. Moreover, almost 50% of MNs achieved a skin insertion depth of approx. 400 µm, with 71.8 ± 3.2% to 78.3 ± 2.6% recoveries. The developed MNs show a promising prospect in microsample collection, which would be beneficial for POCT. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Optimization of Pharmaceutical Gels)
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20 pages, 2903 KiB  
Article
Design and Evaluation of Paeonol-Loaded Liposomes in Thermoreversible Gels for Atopic Dermatitis
by Yu Wang, Yan Yue, Ruoyang Jia, Xinyi Liu, Zhiqing Cheng, Yongfeng Cheng, Yinxiang Xu, Zili Xie and Hongmei Xia
Gels 2023, 9(3), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9030198 - 05 Mar 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1533
Abstract
Paeonol (PAE) is a hydrophobic drug. In this study, we encapsulated paeonol in a lipid bilayer of liposomes (PAE-L), which delayed drug release and increased drug solubility. When PAE-L was dispersed in gels (PAE-L-G) based on a poloxamer matrix material for local transdermal [...] Read more.
Paeonol (PAE) is a hydrophobic drug. In this study, we encapsulated paeonol in a lipid bilayer of liposomes (PAE-L), which delayed drug release and increased drug solubility. When PAE-L was dispersed in gels (PAE-L-G) based on a poloxamer matrix material for local transdermal delivery, we observed amphiphilicity, reversible thermal responsiveness, and micellar self-assembly behavior. These gels can be used for atopic dermatitis (AD), an inflammatory skin disease, to change the surface temperature of the skin. In this study, we prepared PAE-L-G at an appropriate temperature for the treatment of AD. We then assessed the gel’s relevant physicochemical properties, in vitro cumulative drug release, and antioxidant properties. We found that PAE-loaded liposomes could be designed to increase the drug effect of thermoreversible gels. At 32 °C, PAE-L-G could change from solution state to gelatinous state at 31.70 ± 0.42 s, while the viscosity was 136.98 ± 0.78 MPa.S and the free radical scavenging rates on DPPH and H2O2 were 92.24 ± 5.57% and 92.12 ± 2.71%, respectively. Drug release across the extracorporeal dialysis membrane reached 41.76 ± 3.78%. In AD-like mice, PAE-L-G could also relieve skin damage by the 12th day. In summary, PAE-L-G could play an antioxidant role and relieve inflammation caused by oxidative stress in AD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Optimization of Pharmaceutical Gels)
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10 pages, 1724 KiB  
Article
pH Sensitive Drug Delivery Behavior of Palmyra Palm Kernel Hydrogel of Chemotherapeutic Agent
by Kummara-Madhusudana Rao, Kummari Subba Venkata Krishna Rao, Ramasubba-Reddy Palem, Uluvangada-Thammaiah Uthappa, Chang-Sik Ha and Sung-Soo Han
Gels 2023, 9(1), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9010038 - 02 Jan 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1576
Abstract
This study examined the gel behavior of naturally-occurring palmyra palm kernel (PPK). Due to the presence of polysaccharide in PPK hydrogels, they exhibit excellent swelling behavior in response to pH. Chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was encapsulated in these gels using an equilibrium swelling [...] Read more.
This study examined the gel behavior of naturally-occurring palmyra palm kernel (PPK). Due to the presence of polysaccharide in PPK hydrogels, they exhibit excellent swelling behavior in response to pH. Chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was encapsulated in these gels using an equilibrium swelling technique. It was found that 5-FU had an encapsulation efficiency of up to 62%. To demonstrate the drug stability in the gels, the PPK hydrogels were characterized using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction. The results showed that the PPK hydrogel matrix contained molecularly dispersed 5-FU drug. The PPK hydrogel exhibited a denser structure and a rough surface, according to images obtained by scanning electron microscopy. In vitro release tests were carried out at pH 1.2 (gastric fluid) and 7.4 (intestinal fluid). The efficacy of the encapsulation and the release patterns were influenced by the network topology of the PPK hydrogel. The release patterns showed that 5-FU was released gradually over a time internal of more than 12 h. The findings suggest that naturally-occurring PPK hydrogels loaded with chemotherapeutic drugs could be employed to treat colon cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Optimization of Pharmaceutical Gels)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

13 pages, 7361 KiB  
Review
Utilization of Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline Gels for Chronic Wound Management
by Peili Luo, Lei Shu, Zhengwei Huang, Ying Huang, Chuanbin Wu, Xin Pan and Ping Hu
Gels 2023, 9(9), 738; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9090738 - 12 Sep 2023
Viewed by 867
Abstract
Management of chronic wounds is becoming a serious health problem worldwide. To treat chronic wounds, a suitable healing environment and sustained delivery of growth factors must be guaranteed. Different therapies have been applied for the treatment of chronic wounds such as debridement and [...] Read more.
Management of chronic wounds is becoming a serious health problem worldwide. To treat chronic wounds, a suitable healing environment and sustained delivery of growth factors must be guaranteed. Different therapies have been applied for the treatment of chronic wounds such as debridement and photodynamic therapy. Among them, growth factors are widely used therapeutic drugs. However, at present, growth factor delivery systems cannot meet the demand of clinical practice; therefore new methods should be developed to meet the emerging need. For this reason, researchers have tried to modify hydrogels through some methods such as chemical synthesis and molecule modifications to enhance their properties. However, there are still a large number of limitations in practical use like byproduct problems, difficulty to industrialize, and instability of growth factor. Moreover, applications of new materials like lyotropic liquid crystalline (LLC) on chronic wounds have emerged as a new trend. The structure of LLC is endowed with many excellent properties including low cost, ordered structure, and excellent loading efficiency. LLC can provide a moist local environment for the wound, and its lattice structure can embed the growth factors in the water channel. Growth factor is released from the high-concentration carrier to the low-concentration release medium, which can be precisely regulated. Therefore, it can provide sustained and stable delivery of growth factors as well as a suitable healing environment for wounds, which is a promising candidate for chronic wound healing and has a broad prospective application. In conclusion, more reliable and applicable drug delivery systems should be designed and tested to improve the therapy and management of chronic wounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Optimization of Pharmaceutical Gels)
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24 pages, 3405 KiB  
Review
Enhancing Therapeutic Efficacy of Curcumin: Advances in Delivery Systems and Clinical Applications
by Hossein Omidian, Renae L. Wilson and Sumana Dey Chowdhury
Gels 2023, 9(8), 596; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9080596 - 25 Jul 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2097
Abstract
Curcumin, a potent active compound found in turmeric and Curcuma xanthorrhiza oil, possesses a wide range of therapeutic properties, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound healing activities. However, its clinical effectiveness is hindered by its low bioavailability and rapid elimination from the body. [...] Read more.
Curcumin, a potent active compound found in turmeric and Curcuma xanthorrhiza oil, possesses a wide range of therapeutic properties, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound healing activities. However, its clinical effectiveness is hindered by its low bioavailability and rapid elimination from the body. To overcome these limitations, researchers have explored innovative delivery systems for curcumin. Some promising approaches include solid lipid nanoparticles, nanomicelle gels, and transdermal formulations for topical drug delivery. In the field of dentistry, curcumin gels have shown effectiveness against oral disorders and periodontal diseases. Moreover, Pickering emulsions and floating in situ gelling systems have been developed to target gastrointestinal health. Furthermore, curcumin-based systems have demonstrated potential in wound healing and ocular medicine. In addition to its therapeutic applications, curcumin also finds use as a food dye, contraception aid, corrosion-resistant coating, and environmentally friendly stain. This paper primarily focuses on the development of gel compositions of curcumin to address the challenges associated with its clinical use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Optimization of Pharmaceutical Gels)
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17 pages, 3384 KiB  
Review
Pectin Based Hydrogels for Drug Delivery Applications: A Mini Review
by Sung Soo Han, Seong Min Ji, Min Jung Park, Maduru Suneetha and Uluvangada Thammaiah Uthappa
Gels 2022, 8(12), 834; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8120834 - 17 Dec 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3104
Abstract
Over the past few decades, hydrogel systems using natural polymers have been expansively employed in drug delivery applications. Among the various reported biopolymer-based hydrogel drug delivery systems, pectin (Pec) is an exceptional natural polymer due to its unique functionalities and excellent properties such [...] Read more.
Over the past few decades, hydrogel systems using natural polymers have been expansively employed in drug delivery applications. Among the various reported biopolymer-based hydrogel drug delivery systems, pectin (Pec) is an exceptional natural polymer due to its unique functionalities and excellent properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, low-cost, and simple gelling capability, which has received considerable interest in the drug delivery fields. Since there is an increasing need for biomaterials with unique properties for drug delivery applications, in this review, hydrogels fabricated from natural pectin polymers were thoroughly investigated. Additionally, the present mini review aims to bring collectively more concise ways such as sources, extraction, properties, and various forms of Pec based hydrogel drug delivery systems and their toxicity concerns are summarized. Finally, the potential objectives and challenges based on pectin-based hydrogel drug delivery systems are also discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Optimization of Pharmaceutical Gels)
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