Aug 2026· Macromolecular materials and engineering (Print)· Vol 311· 0 citations· 58 references
TL;DR
Results show that process parameters control the structure and transport properties of the network, which allows for tunable sustained release behavior.
Abstract
Biopolymer‐based nanocarriers have become promising systems for sustained ion delivery due to the tunability of their polymeric network structure. In this study, crosslinked chitosan‐tripolyphosphate (CS‐TPP) nanocarriers were formulated and optimized using a Box‐Behnken design to test how different formulation parameters affect the properties of the nanoparticles. The improved formulation made nanoparticles that were less than 452 nm in size and had high entrapment efficiencies (>87%). FTIR, XRD, DSC, SEM‐EDX, and DLS all showed that a crosslinked polyelectrolyte network had formed and that divalent metal ions (Fe2+, Cu2+, Zn2+) had been successfully added. We used swelling analysis and release experiments to look into the connection between network structure and transport behavior. The nanocarriers showed a biphasic release pattern, with an initial burst followed by steady diffusion over eight days. Kinetic modeling with the Korsmeyer–Peppas equation showed that transport was controlled by Fickian diffusion (n < 0.45). The differences in release behavior were due to differences in the strength of the metal‐polymer interaction, which changes the network's compactness and diffusion pathways. These results show that process parameters control the structure and transport properties of the network, which allows for tunable sustained release behavior.
Cisplatin-loaded biopolymeric nanogels are promising carriers for sustained anticancer drug delivery; however, establishing physically interpretable links between formulation structure, transport behavior, and temperature-dependent release remains challenging. Here, mucilage-alginate-coated chitosan (MACC) nanogels were developed and evaluated using an integrated framework combining empirical kinetic analysis, mechanistic thermo-diffusive modeling, and complementary interfacial characterization. Basil seed mucilage was incorporated as a hydrophilic shell modifier to tune nanogel physicochemical behavior and release performance. The optimized MACC₂ formulation showed stable core-shell morphology, an average particle size of 75 ± 12 nm, and an encapsulation efficiency of 46.85%. In vitro assays demonstrated high compatibility with normal fibroblast cells and dose-dependent inhibition of MCF-7 breast cancer cells, supporting controlled cisplatin delivery. Drug release in PBS (pH 7.4) followed a biphasic profile with an initial burst stage and a sustained diffusion-dominated regime. Temperature-dependent studies at 35-39 °C showed accelerated release, with effective diffusion coefficients increasing from 2.0 × 10-21 to 3.6 × 10-21 m2 s-1, while Arrhenius analysis supported thermally activated transport within the hydrated polymeric matrix. Empirical kinetic modeling further indicated predominantly diffusion-controlled release with secondary polymer-relaxation contributions. Air-water interfacial tensiometry showed reduced interfacial activity for mucilage-containing nanogels, consistent with increased aqueous affinity and formulation-dependent physicochemical behavior. These measurements were interpreted as complementary descriptors rather than direct evidence of hydration or bulk diffusion. Overall, this integrated empirical-mechanistic-interfacial framework provides a physically interpretable approach for analyzing thermo-diffusive cisplatin transport in hydrated biopolymeric nanogels.
M. Lotfi, Mojtaba Shafiee, A. Sharipova et al.· Colloids and Surfaces B: Bio...· 0 citations
The synthesis of multifunctional biomaterials derived from polysaccharides is of great importance for biomedical applications, but challenges in achieving structural controls and targeted effects remain. In this study, we report the synthesis and optimization of three-dimensional (3D) cross-linked pectin microgels for the first time via reverse micelle microemulsion polymerization. The highly uniform, spherical, and porous structure of the synthesized microgels in the size range of 2-10 μm was revealed by electron microscopy. Cross-linking and incorporation of iron oxide nanoparticles into the microgel matrix were confirmed by characterization. Apart from the structural properties, the synthesized pectin microgels showed a potent antibacterial effect against E. coli with an inhibition zone of up to 24 mm and extract-based cytotoxicity evaluations revealed high biocompatibility with a viability rate of over 80% on NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells, although direct contact at high concentration reduced viability. Moreover, when analyzed as a drug delivery vehicle, it exhibited a controlled and pH-sensitive release profile over 7 days, making it a candidate for therapeutic applications. Kinetic modeling further indicated a predominantly diffusion-coupled, anomalous (non-Fickian) transport that shifted toward a relaxation-controlled mechanism at physiological/basic pH and upon covalent conjugation, consistent with the pH-responsive swelling of the network. Furthermore, accelerated degradation tests demonstrated a predictable mass loss of 35% over 6 months. These results show that this multifunctional pectin microgel offers significant potential for advanced biomedical applications, particularly as a versatile platform for pH-sensitive drug delivery with inherent antibacterial and magnetic properties.
Hatice Deveci, S. B. Sengel· International Journal of Bio...· 0 citations
Polymeric microneedles are introduced as a promising platform for minimally invasive drug delivery and molecular transport control. In the present study, hollow dissolving nanocomposite microneedles based on a mixture of high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HA) in a 40:60 ratio, including zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), have been created and evaluated as hydrated polymer transport matrices. Surface modification of ZnO nanoparticles using citric acid was proposed to improve dispersion by reducing agglomeration of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix. ZnO nanoparticles in concentrations ranging from 1 to 10% (w/w) were used to study the effects of the loading level of nanoparticles on the structure, mechanical response, and controlled diffusion behavior of hydrated polymer matrices. The created nanocomposites exhibited clear hollow structures with tip radius of 18–23 μm, height of 1500 μm, and aspect ratio of 5.7. Nanoscale surface organization and particle dispersion in the polymer matrix were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM). Low nanoparticle concentrations were favorable for maintaining high matrix homogeneity, while high concentrations resulted in increased surface roughness and nanoparticle agglomeration. Mechanical compression testing confirmed that hydrated HA/ZnO microneedles were characterized by elastic bending behavior until fracture. Diffusion experiments performed in Franz diffusion cells showed that nanoparticle concentration significantly impacted the cumulative transport and flux of molecules through the hydrated microneedle matrix. Formulations with 5% and 7% ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by a prolonged diffusion behavior attributed to ZnO-induced tortuous transport channels in the polymer matrix. In contrast, formulations with 10% ZnO nanoparticles exhibited accelerated heterogeneous transport due to ZnO-induced changes in structure and morphology. The experimental diffusion data correlated well with the Higuchi kinetic model, and anomalous transport was detected using the Korsmeyer–Peppas model, which indicated a synergistic effect of diffusion and polymer relaxation on molecular transport. As compared to coating and tip-loaded microneedle designs, the obtained HA/ZnO nanocomposite microneedles offered a simple approach for embedding Ciprofloxacin in the hydrated polymer matrix. This was achieved due to the direct creation of microneedles containing dissolved particles.
Kolawole S. Dada, R. Olekhnovich, Faliya F. Zaripova et al.· Macromol· 0 citations
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.
H. Andrada, Di Cai, Cristian Huck Iriart et al.· ACS Applied Polymer Material...· 0 citations
A polyaspartic acid derivative was synthesized as a crosslinking agent (AEA‐PSI), and its structure was analyzed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (
1
H NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A temperature‐ and pH‐responsive hydrogel based on sodium alginate (SA) and
N
‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm) was synthesized and characterized by FTIR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) to confirm its structure and thermal stability. The formulation was systematically optimized by varying SA content, NIPAm concentration, and crosslinker dosage, yielding hydrogels with tunable swelling capacity and network structure. Incorporating AEA‐PSI refined the three‐dimensional network without compromising its temperature‐ and pH‐responsive behavior. This tailored structure facilitated sustained drug release: the optimized hydrogel exhibited significantly higher 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) release in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, pH = 7.4, 90.19%) compared to simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH = 1.2), with release kinetics following the Ritger–Peppas model. Furthermore, the hydrogel demonstrated superior biodegradability in intestinal fluid and lysozyme solution, a functional advantage rarely achieved in conventional alginate‐based hydrogels. This work presents a successful valorization of natural and synthetic polymers into a tunable and biocompatible drug‐delivery platform, achieving a synergistic combination of responsiveness, sustained release, and biodegradability for the treatment of small intestine–related diseases.
Jiaxin Liu, Yuhua Gao, Zhi-Ce Xu et al.· Journal of Applied Polymer S...· 0 citations
The results indicate that PLGA nanoparticles offer superior therapeutic efficacy, prolonged drug release, and improved bioavailability as a carrier system for sustained ocular delivery of dexamethasone.
S. K. Panda, Keerthi Priya Mekala, Moholkar Aparark Vinayakrao et al.· International Journal of Dru...· 0 citations