Stimulus-Responsive, Biodegradable, Biocompatible, Covalently Cross-Linked Hydrogel Based on Dextrin and Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) for in Vitro/in Vivo Controlled Drug Release.

A novel stimulus-sensitive covalently cross-linked hydrogel derived from dextrin, N-isopropylacrylamide, and N,N'-methylene bis(acrylamide) (c-Dxt/pNIPAm), has been synthesized via Michael type addition reaction for controlled drug release application. The chemical structure of c-Dxt/pNIPAm has been confirmed through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and (1)H and (13)C NMR spectral analyses. The surface morphology of the hydrogel has been studied by field emission scanning electron microscopic (FE-SEM) and environmental scanning electron microscopic (E-SEM) analyses. The stimulus responsiveness of the hydrogel was studied through equilibrium swelling in various pH media at 25 and 37 °C. Rheological study was performed to measure the gel strength and gelation time. Noncytotoxicity of c-Dxt/pNIPAm hydrogel has been studied using human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The biodegradability of c-Dxt/pNIPAm was confirmed using hen egg lysozyme. The in vitro and in vivo release studies of ornidazole and ciprofloxacin imply that c-Dxt/pNIPAm delivers both drugs in a controlled way and would be an excellent alternative for a dual drug carrier. The FTIR, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-vis-near infrared (NIR) spectra along with the computational study predict that the drugs remain in the matrix through physical interaction. A stability study signifies that the drugs (ornidazole ∼97% and ciprofloxacin ∼98%) are stable in the tablet formulations for up to 3 months.

Single step synthesis of carbon dot embedded chitosan nanoparticles for cell imaging and hydrophobic drug delivery.

The florescent carbon dot conjugated chitosan nanoparticles are developed for the cellular imaging and delivery of poorly water soluble drug telmisartan (TEL). In this work, the florescent chitosan nanoparticles are synthesized in a single step. The presence of surface functional groups and conjugation of the nanoparticles are investigated by FTIR spectroscopy. Dynamic light scattering and TEM analysis are performed to determine the size of the nanoparticles. To investigate the surface morphology FESEM analysis is also performed. The cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles is examined by MTT assay using normal lymphocytes and KG1A cancer cell lines. The intracellular cellular uptake is studied by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry analysis. The interactions between the nanoparticles and the drug are investigated by Gaussian 09 and visualized by GaussView 5 program package.

Vanadium complexes having [VO]2+, [VO]3+ and [VO2]+ cores with hydrazones of 2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenol: synthesis, characterization, reactivity, and catalytic potential.

The Schiff bases H3dfmp(L)2 obtained by the condensation of 2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenol and hydrazones [L = isonicotinoylhydrazide (inh), nicotinoylhydrazide (nah) and benzoylhydrazide (bhz)] are prepared and characterized. By reaction of [V(IV)O(acac)2] and the H3dfmp(L)2 in methanol the V(IV)O-complexes [V(IV)O{Hdfmp(inh)2}(H2O)] (1), [V(IV)O{Hdfmp(nah)2}(H2O)] (2) and [V(IV)O{Hdfmp(bhz)2}(H2O)] (3) were obtained. Upon their aerial oxidation in methanol [V(V)O(OMe)(MeOH){Hdfmp(inh)2}] (4), [V(V)O(OMe)(MeOH){Hdfmp(nah)2}] (5) and [V(V)O(OMe)(MeOH){Hdfmp(bhz)2}] (6) were isolated. In the presence of KOH, oxidation of 1-3 results in the formation of [V(V)O2{H2dfmp(inh)2}]n·5H2O (7), K[V(V)O2{Hdfmp(nah)2}] (8) and K[V(V)O2{Hdfmp(bhz)2}] (9). All compounds are characterized in the solid state and in solution, namely by spectroscopic techniques (IR, UV-Vis, EPR, (1)H, (13)C and (51)V NMR), and DFT is also used to calculate the V(IV) hyperfine coupling constants of V(IV)-compounds and (51)V NMR chemical shifts of several V(V)-species and assign them to those formed in solution. Single crystal X-ray analysis of [V(V)O(OMe)(MeOH){Hdfmp(bhz)2}] (6) and [V(V)O2{H2dfmp(inh)2}]n·5H2O (7) confirm the coordination of the ligand in the dianionic (ONO(2-)) enolate tautomeric form, one of the hydrazide moieties remaining non-coordinated. In the case of 7 the free N(pyridine) atom of the inh moiety coordinates to the other vanadium center yielding a polynuclear complex in the solid state. It is also demonstrated that the V(V)O2-complexes are catalyst precursors in the oxidative bromination of styrene by H2O2, therefore acting as functional models of vanadium dependent haloperoxidases. Plausible intermediates involved in the catalytic process are established by UV-Vis, (51)V NMR and DFT studies.