Jul 2026· BioNatura Journal: Ibero-American Journal of Biotechnology and Life Sciences· 0 citations
TL;DR
Ionotropic gelation procedures were established to obtain reproducible and biocompatible microparticles through simultaneous gelation and sequential (two-step, core-shell) gelation, and constitute a versatile platform with potential for drug delivery applications, under simple and reproducible laboratory conditions.
Abstract
Polymeric chitosan-alginate microparticles represent a promising strategy for encapsulation and controlled release of bioactive compounds. Among different techniques used to produce polymer-based microstructures, ionotropic gelation is an affordable alternative when using molecules with charged chemical groups. In this work, ionotropic gelation procedures were established to obtain reproducible and biocompatible microparticles through simultaneous gelation and sequential (two-step, core-shell) gelation. Microscopical characterization confirmed controllable sizes, while ATR-FTIR analysis evidenced stable polyelectrolyte complexes with ionic interactions and hydrogen bonding. Core-shell microparticles exhibited 35–55% higher bromothymol blue encapsulation capacity compared to homogeneous systems, confirming the superiority of structural compartmentalization. In vitro biocompatibility and hemolysis assays revealed a dose-dependent profile and the absence of cytotoxicity at dilutions 1:20 and 1:200 (viability >90%, hemolysis <2%). The systems produced constitute a versatile platform with potential for drug delivery applications, under simple and reproducible laboratory conditions.
Hydrogel-based controlled release systems are widely used in pharmaceutical and agricultural fields. To achieve controlled release of hydrophilic drugs, which otherwise release rapidly through hydrated polymer networks, we developed a facile ferric ion co-crosslinking strategy to fabricate composite hydrogel beads. The highly porous composite hydrogel beads were prepared by blending recycled household formaldehyde adsorbent (RFA) with sodium alginate (Alg) at a 1:1 (w/w) ratio, followed by Fe3+-induced crosslinking and subsequent surface functionalization with tannic acid (TA). Through altering the Alg hydrogel structure, RFA enabled the hydrogel to synergistically restrict drug molecules, and coupled with the blocking function of MPC, this composite structure provided effective regulation of water-soluble drug molecule release. The carrier demonstrated pronounced swelling and disassembly of the metal-polyphenol microfilm, resulting in rapid GV release under alkaline pH conditions. In acidic environments, the conversion of ternary metal-polyphenol complexes into double or single complexes weakened the "on-off" effect, thereby accelerating GV release compared to neutral conditions. The release of GV was governed by combination of diffusion-controlled processes and progressive hydrogel bead relaxation. Additionally, the carrier exhibited no detectable toxicity in murine fibroblast cells and rice seed germination, indicating its favorable biosafety. These findings demonstrated that the controlled-release system had potential to be further explored for environmental protection and hazardous substance management.
Yubin Xiang, Jie Li, Tao Deng et al.· International Journal of Bio...· 0 citations
Novel anionic cross-linked hydrogel-based microparticles with controlled size, functionality, porosity, and morphology were synthesized via tailored precipitation polymerization of hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers in the presence of dimethacrylate as a cross-linking agent. The resulting hydrogel microparticles (HG5), with a size of 250 ± 50 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.079, were readily dispersible in water and formed stable suspensions at physiological pH (7.2–7.4). Their physicochemical properties were comprehensively characterized using FT-IR, NMR, DLS, SAXS, TEM, and turbidimetry. HG5 efficiently incorporated albumin as a model antigen with a loading efficiency of 95%, forming stable hydrogel–protein complexes that maintained their hydrodynamic size and colloidal stability over one month of storage. Biological evaluation demonstrated low toxicity toward pseudonormal cell lines, with cell viability remaining above 50% at concentrations up to 5 mg/mL and no detectable apoptotic effects in HEK293 cells. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were sensitive to HG5 exposure, exhibiting an IC50 of 0.52 mg/mL, while showing good hemocompatibility with hemolysis below 5%. HG5 significantly enhanced immunogenicity, increasing BSA-specific antibody levels by 1.9-fold compared to the immunization without adjuvant (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate the potential of HG5 as a versatile platform for protein delivery and vaccine adjuvant development.
S. Ceylan, N. Mitina, N. Finiuk et al.· Gels· 0 citations
Controlled drug delivery systems have been developed to overcome the challenges associated with conventional delivery systems. Among all drug carriers, hydrogels are considered one of the most promising due to their ease of fabrication and their structural similarity to the body’s extracellular matrix. In this work, a sodium alginate/gelatin (Alg/Gel)-based hydrogel composite system was developed by incorporating hydroxyapatite (HA) and monetite (Mon) as fillers to improve its biological and mechanical properties. A comparative analysis of both composites was performed to evaluate the pH-dependent drug release of ciprofloxacin (CP). The characterization of the prepared composite was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which confirmed that the presence of physical and non-covalent interactions within the composite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the prepared composites showed that the pristine hydrogel membrane surface was smooth, while the surface roughness increased with increasing filler concentration. A significant improvement in mechanical strength, hydrophilicity, and swelling ability was observed after the addition of HA and Mon to the Alg/Gel system. Both composite systems showed a slow and gradual release of the drug at different pH values (2, 7.4, and 10). The two polymer composites (Alg/Gel/HA/100 mg CP and Alg/Gel/Mon/100 mg CP) exhibited almost the same percentage drug release at pH 2 (acidic) and pH 10 (alkaline). However, Alg/Gel/HA/100 mg CP has the highest percentage drug release at pH 7.4 (physiological). The results suggest that the prepared hydrogel system could be used for a gradual, pH-dependent drug delivery.
Muzamil Ahmad Khan, Sadaf Batool, Saad Asim et al.· Materials Research Express· 0 citations
Objectives: The present study designed to prepare and evaluate valacyclovir hydrochloride-loaded hydrogel microbeads using a sodium alginate-xanthan gum polymeric system to get sustained drug release and potential for sustained delivery.
Methods: Microbeads were formulated by the ionic gelation technique using variable ratios of sodium alginate and xanthan gum, cross-linked with aluminum chloride (1% and 2% w/v). The formulations were tested using various evaluation methods, that is, percentage yield, particle size, swelling index, drug entrapment efficiency, surface morphology study by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), drug-polymer compatibility fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and in vitro drug release. Release kinetics were examined by means of various mathematical models.
Results: The microbeads were spherical with rough surfaces, as established by SEM, and exhibited no chemical incompatibility as per FTIR analysis. Particle size ranged from 661.67±10.65 μm to 713.67±12.33 μm, indicating uniformity. Percentage yield (79.80–88.11%) and drug entrapment efficiency (23.26–39.04%) exhibited higher values in alginate-rich formulations. Swelling index ranged between 217.00±20.60% and 304.00±16.77%, affected by polymer ratio along with cross-linking density. In vitro drug release studies confirmed a sustained release profile, with F1 presenting the highest release (40.08%) and F6 the lowest (28.91%) through 300 min. Drug release mainly followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, signifying a diffusion-controlled mechanism with polymer relaxation.
Conclusion: The study ensures that physical characteristics along with drug release behavior of the microbead were pointedly influenced by polymer composition in addition to cross-linking concentration. The prepared sodium alginate-xanthan gum system demonstrates potential as an active sustained drug delivery system for valacyclovir hydrochloride.
S. Bhunia, Dipankar Saha, Sudipta Das et al.· Asian Journal of Pharmaceuti...· 0 citations
Findings establish chitosan-coated, cholesterol-Tween niosomes as versatile, biocompatible carriers that provide sustained release and preserve bioactivity, with promising potential for ocular drug delivery and broader biomedical applications.
Sony Moni Das, Z. Fatima, P. Awat et al.· Physical Chemistry, Chemical...· 0 citations
Stable hydrogel formation with favorable porous architecture, swelling behavior, thermal stability, and homogeneous distribution of nanovesicles was well established and exhibited excellent biocompatibility, hemocompatibility, and enhanced cell-material interactions.
Rizos Evangelos Bikiaris, Ioanna Koumentakou, A. Niti et al.· ACS Applied Bio Materials· 0 citations