Aug 2026· ACS Applied Polymer Materials· 0 citations· 84 references
Abstract
This work reports an integrated experimental and theoretical study of polymeric nanogels as tunable colloidal platforms for selenite binding and controlled ion delivery. Three formulations (N600, N3000, and Nmix) form stable colloidal dispersions (120–260 nm) with structure and interfacial properties governed by polymer architecture and network composition. Performance is evaluated under foliar application in Eruca sativa as a proof-of-concept system, showing enhanced selenium uptake and reduced phytotoxicity compared to free selenite. N600 exhibits the most balanced behavior, combining moderate binding strength, efficient ion release, and high compatibility. Multitechnique characterization and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that selenite interaction with the polymer network is governed by coupled polymer–ion interactions, proton-transfer equilibria, and solvation effects. At pH 5.5, where HSeO3– predominates, binding is dynamic and reversible, enabling polymer-mediated selenium delivery. N3000 and Nmix show stronger stabilization via proton-transfer-assisted interactions, whereas N600 is dominated by weaker electrostatic association, consistent with polymer protonation state and pKa-dependent behavior. The results demonstrate that the balance between ion stabilization and mobility governs binding and release behavior. This study provides molecular-level insight into polymer–ion systems and establishes design principles for tunable colloidal platforms for controlled ion delivery.
Oleanolic acid is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid with broad preclinical promise in inflammation, oxidative stress, liver injury, metabolic disorders, cancer-related models, skin disease, and wound repair. Its further development, however, is constrained by poor aqueous solubility, low and variable bioavailability, limited barrier transport, crystallinity, and strong dependence of biological response on the formulation used. These properties make oleanolic acid a useful example of a hydrophobic natural compound whose pharmacological performance is inseparable from delivery design. This review examines polymeric nanocarriers and polymer-assisted delivery platforms developed for oleanolic acid delivery. Polymeric nanocarriers discussed in the review include biodegradable PLA/PLGA nanoparticles, PEGylated polymeric nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, nanogels, hyaluronic-acid-based nanoprodrugs, and selected polymer-assisted hybrid nanostructures. Hydrogels, polymeric fiber membranes, local depots, and microneedle systems are included as route-enabling delivery platforms when the polymeric matrix directly contributes to OA incorporation, carrier stabilization, local retention, barrier bypass, or release control. Non-polymeric delivery systems are discussed only as comparators or when their performance depends on integration with a polymeric component. Rather than treating these carriers only as solubility enhancers, the review evaluates how polymer composition, carrier architecture, drug physical state, release behavior, and route of administration affect oleanolic acid exposure. Particular attention is given to controlled release, local retention, disease-oriented delivery, and critical quality attributes such as particle size, loading, encapsulation efficiency, solid-state form, stability, residual solvent, sterility, and batch-to-batch reproducibility. Representative quantitative data on carrier size, drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, release, stability, tissue exposure, and biological outcomes are compared to illustrate both formulation-specific performance and the substantial methodological heterogeneity of the available studies. The available evidence indicates that increased apparent solubility, increased biological exposure, and improved therapeutic response should be treated as related but distinct outcomes. The most realistic near-term opportunities may lie in local and tissue-targeted applications, including inflammatory skin disease, wound healing, dermal delivery, and osteoarthritis, where sustained target-site exposure may be more relevant than systemic bioavailability. Future progress will depend on demonstrating that each formulation provides reproducible, safe, and route-appropriate OA exposure, together with a measurable advantage over simpler delivery approaches.
Andrzej Günther, B. Bednarczyk-Cwynar· Micromachines· 0 citations
Results show that process parameters control the structure and transport properties of the network, which allows for tunable sustained release behavior.
Mhamed Berrada, Taha El Assimi, Abdelkarim Belasri et al.· Macromolecular materials and...· 0 citations
Water-soluble conjugated polymers (WSCPs) represent an important class of functional macromolecules that combine the electronic advantages of π-conjugated polymer backbones with aqueous processability, biocompatibility, and tunable biointerfacial behavior. Unlike conventional small-molecule photosensitizers or inorganic nanomaterials, WSCPs offer polymeric design flexibility through controlled backbone engineering, side-chain functionalization, amphiphilicity, charge density, molecular weight, and nanoparticle self-assembly. These structural parameters govern their optical absorption, fluorescence emission, exciton migration, reactive oxygen species generation, photothermal conversion, colloidal stability, cellular uptake, and interactions with biomolecules. This review discusses the fundamental polymeric principles underlying WSCP performance, including π-electron delocalization, light-harvesting amplification, Förster resonance energy transfer, electrostatic complexation, hydrophobic association, and stimulus-responsive conformational changes. Particular emphasis is placed on how charged, PEGylated, glycosylated, and amphiphilic side chains improve water solubility, reduce nonspecific interactions, and enable targeted interactions with nucleic acids, proteins, membranes, and tumor cells. The review further summarizes the use of WSCPs and conjugated polymer nanoparticles in photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, antimicrobial treatment, drug delivery, and gene delivery. In photodynamic and photothermal applications, WSCPs act as light-responsive therapeutic platforms by generating singlet oxygen or other reactive oxygen species, converting absorbed light into localized heat, or combining both effects for synergistic therapy. In drug and gene delivery, their hydrophobic conjugated domains, cationic functionalities, and intrinsic fluorescence enable payload encapsulation, nucleic acid condensation, real-time tracking, and triggered release. Overall, WSCPs provide a versatile polymer-based platform for theranostic medicine, where molecular structure, photophysics, and biofunctionality can be rationally integrated to improve imaging, therapeutic efficacy, and targeted delivery.
Sushipra Vats, Dhruval Milanbhai Shah, Akhtar Gul et al.· ACS Applied Bio Materials· 0 citations
Although chitosan (CS)- and essential oil (EO)-based packaging systems have been widely reviewed, a focused synthesis connecting nano-delivery design with interfacial regulation, film-network evolution, release behavior, and preservation performance in real food systems remains lacking. This review addresses that gap by examining CS-based nano-delivery systems for EOs in active food packaging, with an emphasis on how carrier design and multiscale organization govern functional performance. Major delivery strategies, including nanoemulsions, nanoparticles, nanogels, Pickering emulsions, nanofibrous systems, and nanocomposites, are discussed in relation to EO stabilization, dispersion uniformity, and controlled release. Their effects on film microstructure, mechanical and barrier properties, thermal stability, optical behavior, and antimicrobial and antioxidant activities are further evaluated alongside preservation outcomes in fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, and aquatic products. Particular attention is given to structure-function relationships across the carrier, interface, and film-network levels, and to the distinction between established active-packaging functions and emerging smart-packaging applications. Current challenges include EO compositional variability, limited cross-study comparability, sensory constraints, migration and regulatory concerns, and insufficiently scalable fabrication routes. Future work should prioritize mechanism-informed interfacial design, standardized evaluation frameworks, food-specific release-preservation correlations, and scalable green manufacturing.
Designing multifunctional nanocarriers that integrate controlled drug delivery, favorable protein interactions, and accelerated tissue repair remains a key challenge in nanomedicine. In this study, we have engineered a magnetically responsive, biocompatible Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticle functionalized with a bromocholine-based ionic liquid. This surface design enabled efficient encapsulation and sustained release of the hydrophobic anticancer drug quercetin over 72 h under physiological conditions. Given the critical role of plasma protein adsorption in determining nanomaterial fate, systematic interaction studies with human serum albumin (HSA) were investigated using spectroscopic analyses, molecular docking, and esterase-like activity assays. The results showed that the nanocarriers exhibited stable protein binding with minimal conformational perturbation and preserved enzymatic activity, indicating excellent biocompatibility. Further, in an in vivo wound healing model, topical application of quercetin-loaded nanocarriers at 500 ppm led to rapid wound closure, with significant wound reduction observed within 3 h. The magnetic core further offers potential for external guidance to wound sites. Overall, this bromocholine-functionalized platform combines tunable drug release, biointerfacial compatibility, and rapid healing efficacy, making it a promising candidate for advanced wound therapy.
The delivery of therapeutic short interfering RNA (siRNA) is hindered by biological barriers such as rapid degradation and poor cellular uptake. This study investigates peptide-based nanogels (NGs) as potential delivery platforms using three N-capped tripeptides, 2NapKFF, 2NapFKF, and 2NapFFK, designed to load siRNA via electrostatic interactions. The NGs were formulated through a "top-down approach" from pH-triggered hydrogels (HGs) and stabilized by surfactants. Biophysical characterization revealed that while all tripeptides achieved ∼99% siRNA encapsulation, the position of the lysine residue significantly influenced the stability and mechanical properties of the network. The 2NapFKF system emerged as the most suitable candidate, maintaining a size (∼200 nm) compatible with parenteral administration. Biological assays on Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK293) cells confirmed biocompatibility and cytoplasmic internalization through endocytic pathways. Furthermore, the treated cells maintained normal mitotic activity, indicating no impairment of cell proliferation. These findings demonstrate that lysine-modified tripeptide NGs are safe and effective tools for gene-silencing applications.
Mariangela Rosa, Fin Hallam Stewart, C. Diaferia et al.· Biomaterials Science· 0 citations
