Astaxanthin-loaded alginate-chitosan gel beads activate Nrf2 and pro-apoptotic signalling pathways against oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress (OS) plays a crucial role in disease development. Astaxanthin (ATX), a valuable natural compound, may reduce OS and serve as a treatment for diseases like neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) regulates antioxidant enzymes and OS management. We evaluated ATX's antioxidant activity via Alg-CS/ATX gel beads in vitro. ATX-encapsulated alginate-chitosan (Alg-CS/ATX) gel beads were synthesized and structurally/morphologically characterized by SEM, FT-IR, and XRD. Their biological effects were examined in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with H2O2 through MTT assay, Annexin V/PI, cell cycle studies, and western blotting. Alg-CS effectively carried ATX, with high capacity and reduced pore size. Alg-CS/ATX displayed an 84% encapsulation efficiency, maintaining stability for 30 days. In vitro studies showed a 1.4-fold faster release at pH 5.4 than at neutral pH, improving ATX's therapeutic potential. HUVECs treated with Alg-CS/ATX showed enhanced viability via increased Nrf2 expression. Alg-CS gel beads exhibit significant potential as a biocompatible vehicle for delivering ATX to combat OS with considerable opportunity for clinical applications.

Label-free electrochemical microfluidic biosensors: futuristic point-of-care analytical devices for monitoring diseases.

The integration of microfluidics with electrochemical analysis has resulted in the development of single miniaturized detection systems, which allows the precise control of sample volume with multianalyte detection capability in a cost- and time-effective manner. Microfluidic electrochemical sensing devices (MESDs) can potentially serve as precise sensing and monitoring systems for the detection of molecular markers in various detrimental diseases. MESDs offer several advantages, including (i) automated sample preparation and detection, (ii) low sample and reagent requirement, (iii) detection of multianalyte in a single run, (iv) multiplex analysis in a single integrated device, and (v) portability with simplicity in application and disposability. Label-free MESDs can serve an affordable real-time detection with a simple analysis in a short processing time, providing point-of-care diagnosis/detection possibilities in precision medicine, and environmental analysis. In the current review, we elaborate on label-free microfluidic biosensors, provide comprehensive insights into electrochemical detection techniques, and discuss the principles of label-free microfluidic-based sensing approaches.

Use of serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in pediatrics.

OBJECTIVE: To review the current literature on the efficacy and safety of serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the pediatric population. DATA SOURCES: A literature search from 1996 to August 2013 was conducted using MEDLINE, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases. Search terms included attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, pediatric attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, venlafaxine, duloxetine, desvenlafaxine, milnacipran, and nefazodone. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Relevant articles on duloxetine and venlafaxine for the treatment of pediatric ADHD were reviewed; 5 studies on venlafaxine and 1 study on duloxetine were evaluated. Studies included open-label and randomized, double-blind trials. Case studies in pediatric populations and all studies in adult populations were excluded. DATA SYNTHESIS: Patients 6 to 17 years old were evaluated in the venlafaxine and duloxetine studies. Trials on venlafaxine, ranging from 2 to 6 weeks, showed patient improvement as measured by the Conners Rating Scale and ADHD Rating Scale. Venlafaxine was initiated at 12.5 to 25 mg/d and titrated up to 1.4 to 3.8 mg/kg/d to a maximum of 150 mg/d. Duloxetine showed minimal efficacy in treating ADHD symptoms at doses of 60 mg/d at 6 weeks. The most common side effects for venlafaxine and duloxetine included drowsiness and decreased appetite, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Data for venlafaxine and duloxetine are limited. However, venlafaxine may be considered as an alternative agent when patients cannot tolerate or fail stimulants, tricyclic antidepressants, or bupropion. Duloxetine has been studied in children; however, with only 1 study available, it is difficult to recommend.

Effect of interface on mechanical properties and biodegradation of PCL HAp supramolecular nano-composites.

This research explores the correlation between the structural properties of supramolecular biocomposites and their mechanical strength. Hybrid biocomposites composed of surface-modified hydroxyapatite nano-particles and supramolecular polycaprolactone (SP PCL), were prepared at different compositions, and their mechanical, thermal and viscoelastic properties as well as biodegradability, biocompatibility and cytotoxicity were evaluated in vitro. The results were compared with those for SP PCL/naked hydroxyapatite nano-composites. We show that surface modification of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles resulted in outstanding improvement of tensile strength and modulus up to 3.6 and 2.2-fold, respectively. At above 10 wt% HAp and 20 wt% HApUPy, heterogeneous nano-composites with inferior mechanical properties were obtained. Based on rheological (in steady shear mode) and small/wide angle X-ray scattering measurements, unusual improved mechanical properties were ascribed to the formation of supramolecular clusters around nanoparticles. In-vitro degradation of the supramolecular nano-composites was also studied to investigate the overall product biodegradation as well as toxicity of the degradation product(s).

Synergizing blockchain and artificial intelligence to enhance healthcare.

This perspective paper explores the synergistic potential of blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming healthcare. It begins with an overview of blockchain's role in healthcare data management, security, the pharmaceutical supply chain, clinical trials, and health insurance. The discussion then shifts to the impact of AI on healthcare, followed by an examination of integrated AI-blockchain platforms and their benefits. Technical challenges, limitations, and solutions related to these technologies are scrutinized. The paper addresses regulatory compliance and ethical considerations, and proposes future directions for their implementation. It concludes with research and implementation guidelines, offering a roadmap for harnessing blockchain and AI to enhance healthcare outcomes.

Three-Dimensional Printing Strategies for Enhanced Hydrogel Applications.

This study explores the dynamic field of 3D-printed hydrogels, emphasizing advancements and challenges in customization, fabrication, and functionalization for applications in biomedical engineering, soft robotics, and tissue engineering. It delves into the significance of tailored biomedical scaffolds for tissue regeneration, the enhancement in bioinks for realistic tissue replication, and the development of bioinspired actuators. Additionally, this paper addresses fabrication issues in soft robotics, aiming to mimic biological structures through high-resolution, multimaterial printing. In tissue engineering, it highlights efforts to create environments conducive to cell migration and functional tissue development. This research also extends to drug delivery systems, focusing on controlled release and biocompatibility, and examines the integration of hydrogels with electronic components for bioelectronic applications. The interdisciplinary nature of these efforts highlights a commitment to overcoming material limitations and optimizing fabrication techniques to realize the full potential of 3D-printed hydrogels in improving health and well-being.

Swellable Microneedles in Drug Delivery and Diagnostics.

This manuscript explores the transformative potential of swellable microneedles (MNs) in drug delivery and diagnostics, addressing critical needs in medical treatment and monitoring. Innovations in hydrogel-integrated MN arrays facilitate controlled drug release, thereby expanding treatment options for chronic diseases and conditions that require precise dosage control. The review covers challenges, such as scalability, patient compliance, and manufacturing processes, as well as achievements in advanced manufacturing, biocompatibility, and versatile applications. Nonetheless, limitations in physiological responsiveness and long-term stability remain, necessitating further research in material innovation and integration with digital technologies. Future directions focus on expanding biomedical applications, material advancements, and regulatory considerations for widespread clinical adoption.

Long-Acting Gel Formulations: Advancing Drug Delivery across Diverse Therapeutic Areas.

This multifaceted landscape of long-acting gels in diverse medical fields, aims to enhance therapeutic outcomes through localized treatment and controlled drug release. The objective involves advancements spanning cancer treatment, immunotherapy, diabetes management, neuroendocrine disorders, ophthalmic applications, contraception, HIV/AIDS treatment, chronic diseases, wound care, and antimicrobial treatments. It explores the potential of long-acting gels to offer sustained and extended drug release, targeted therapy, and innovative administration routes while addressing limitations such as scalability challenges and regulatory hurdles. Future directions focus on personalized therapies, biodegradability, combination therapies, interdisciplinary innovation, regulatory considerations, and patient-centric development. This comprehensive review highlights the pivotal role of long-acting gels in transforming therapeutic approaches and improving patient outcomes across various medical conditions.

Quantum Dot Research in Breast Cancer: Challenges and Prospects.

The multifaceted role of quantum dots (QDs) in breast cancer research highlights significant advancements in diagnostics, targeted therapy, and drug delivery systems. This comprehensive review addresses the development of precise imaging techniques for early cancer detection and the use of QDs in enhancing the specificity of therapeutic delivery, particularly in challenging cases like triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The paper also discusses the critical understanding of QDs' interactions with cancer cells, offering insights into their potential for inducing cytotoxic effects and facilitating gene therapy. Limitations such as biocompatibility, toxicity concerns, and the transition from laboratory to clinical practice are critically analyzed. Future directions emphasize safer, non-toxic QD development, improved targeting mechanisms, and the integration of QDs into personalized medicine, aiming to overcome the current challenges and enhance breast cancer management.

Lipid Nanoparticles in Lung Cancer Therapy.

This manuscript explores the use of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) in addressing the pivotal challenges of lung cancer treatment, including drug delivery inefficacy and multi-drug resistance. LNPs have significantly advanced targeted therapy by improving the precision and reducing the systemic toxicity of chemotherapeutics such as doxorubicin and paclitaxel. This manuscript details the design and benefits of various LNP systems, including solid lipid-polymer hybrids, which offer controlled release and enhanced drug encapsulation. Despite achievements in reducing tumor size and enhancing survival, challenges such as manufacturing complexity, biocompatibility, and variable clinical outcomes persist. Future directions are aimed at refining targeting capabilities, expanding combinatorial therapies, and integrating advanced manufacturing techniques to tailor treatments to individual patient profiles, thus promising to transform lung cancer therapy through interdisciplinary collaboration and regulatory innovation.

Advancements and Challenges in Self-Healing Hydrogels for Wound Care.

This manuscript explores self-healing hydrogels as innovative solutions for diverse wound management challenges. Addressing antibiotic resistance and tailored wound care, these hydrogels exhibit promising outcomes, including accelerated wound closure and tissue regeneration. Advancements in multifunctional hydrogels with controlled drug release, antimicrobial properties, and real-time wound assessment capabilities signal a significant leap toward patient-centered treatments. However, challenges such as scalability, long-term safety evaluation, and variability in clinical outcomes persist. Future directions emphasize personalized medicine, manufacturing innovation, rigorous evaluation through clinical trials, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This manuscript features the ongoing pursuit of effective, adaptable, and comprehensive wound care solutions to transform medical treatments and improve patient outcomes.

Advancements and Challenges in Hydrogel Engineering for Regenerative Medicine.

This manuscript covers the latest advancements and persisting challenges in the domain of tissue engineering, with a focus on the development and engineering of hydrogel scaffolds. It highlights the critical role of these scaffolds in emulating the native tissue environment, thereby providing a supportive matrix for cell growth, tissue integration, and reducing adverse reactions. Despite significant progress, this manuscript emphasizes the ongoing struggle to achieve an optimal balance between biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mechanical stability, crucial for clinical success. It also explores the integration of cutting-edge technologies like 3D bioprinting and biofabrication in constructing complex tissue structures, alongside innovative materials and techniques aimed at enhancing tissue growth and functionality. Through a detailed examination of these efforts, the manuscript sheds light on the potential of hydrogels in advancing regenerative medicine and the necessity for multidisciplinary collaboration to navigate the challenges ahead.

Injectable Biomimetic Gels for Biomedical Applications.

Biomimetic gels are synthetic materials designed to mimic the properties and functions of natural biological systems, such as tissues and cellular environments. This manuscript explores the advancements and future directions of injectable biomimetic gels in biomedical applications and highlights the significant potential of hydrogels in wound healing, tissue regeneration, and controlled drug delivery due to their enhanced biocompatibility, multifunctionality, and mechanical properties. Despite these advancements, challenges such as mechanical resilience, controlled degradation rates, and scalable manufacturing remain. This manuscript discusses ongoing research to optimize these properties, develop cost-effective production techniques, and integrate emerging technologies like 3D bioprinting and nanotechnology. Addressing these challenges through collaborative efforts is essential for unlocking the full potential of injectable biomimetic gels in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Hydrogels for Neural Regeneration: Exploring New Horizons.

Nerve injury can significantly impair motor, sensory, and autonomic functions. Understanding nerve degeneration, particularly Wallerian degeneration, and the mechanisms of nerve regeneration is crucial for developing effective treatments. This manuscript reviews the use of advanced hydrogels that have been researched to enhance nerve regeneration. Hydrogels, due to their biocompatibility, tunable properties, and ability to create a supportive microenvironment, are being explored for their effectiveness in nerve repair. Various types of hydrogels, such as chitosan-, alginate-, collagen-, hyaluronic acid-, and peptide-based hydrogels, are discussed for their roles in promoting axonal growth, functional recovery, and myelination. Advanced formulations incorporating growth factors, bioactive molecules, and stem cells show significant promise in overcoming the limitations of traditional therapies. Despite these advancements, challenges in achieving robust and reliable nerve regeneration remain, necessitating ongoing research to optimize hydrogel-based interventions for neural regeneration.

Advancements in Cellulose-Based Superabsorbent Hydrogels: Sustainable Solutions across Industries.

The development of superabsorbent hydrogels is experiencing a transformative era across industries. While traditional synthetic hydrogels have found broad utility, their non-biodegradable nature has raised environmental concerns, driving the search for eco-friendlier alternatives. Cellulose-based superabsorbents, derived from sustainable sources, are gaining prominence. Innovations include biodegradable polymer hydrogels, natural cellulose-chitosan variants, and cassava starch-based alternatives. These materials are reshaping agriculture by enhancing soil fertility and water retention, serving as potent hemostatic agents in medicine, contributing to pollution control, and providing eco-friendly construction materials. Cellulose-based hydrogels also offer promise in drug delivery and hygiene products. Advanced characterization techniques aid in optimizing their properties, while the shift towards circular economy practices further highlights sustainability. This manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of these advancements, highlighting their diverse applications and environmental benefits.

Chitosan Nanoparticles for Intranasal Drug Delivery.

This manuscript explores the use of nanostructured chitosan for intranasal drug delivery, targeting improved therapeutic outcomes in neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric care, pain management, vaccination, and diabetes treatment. Chitosan nanoparticles are shown to enhance brain delivery, improve bioavailability, and minimize systemic side effects by facilitating drug transport across the blood-brain barrier. Despite substantial advancements in targeted delivery and vaccine efficacy, challenges remain in scalability, regulatory approval, and transitioning from preclinical studies to clinical applications. The future of chitosan-based nanomedicines hinges on advancing clinical trials, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovating in nanoparticle design to overcome these hurdles and realize their therapeutic potential.

Prevalence and trends of cellulosics in pharmaceutical dosage forms.

CONTEXT: Many studies have shown that cellulose derivatives (cellulosics) can provide various benefits when used in virtually all types of dosage forms. Nevertheless, the popularity of their use in approved drug products is rather unknown. OBJECTIVE: This research reports the current prevalence and trends of use for 15 common cellulosics in prescription drug products. METHODS: The cellulosics were powdered and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), hypromellose (HPMC), HPMC phthalate, HPMC acetate succinate, cellulose acetate (CA), CA phthalate, sodium (Na) and calcium (Ca) carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), croscarmellose sodium (XCMCNa), methyl cellulose, and low substituted HPC. The number of brand drug products utilizing each cellulosics was determined using the online drug index Rxlist. RESULTS: A total of 607 brand products were identified having one or more of the cellulosics as an active or inactive ingredient. An array of various dosage forms was identified and revealed HPMC and MCC to be the most utilized cellulosics in all products followed by XCMCNa and HPC. Many products contained two or more cellulosics in the formulation (42% containing two, 23% containing three, and 4% containing 4-5). The largest combination occurrence was HPMC with MCC. The use of certain cellulosics within different dosage form types was found to contain specific trends. All injectables utilized only CMCNa, and the same with all ophthalmic solutions utilizing HPMC, and otic suspensions utilizing HEC. CONCLUSION: Popularity and trends regarding cellulosics use may occur based on many factors including functionality, safety, availability, stability, and ease of manufacturing.

Current approaches in tamper-resistant and abuse-deterrent formulations.

CONTEXT: The escalating abuse of prescription drugs has recently spawned the development of novel drug formulations resistant to various methods of tampering and misuse. OBJECTIVE: The intent of this paper is to provide an overview and classification system of formulation approaches, developed to produce what most refer to as abuse-deterrent or tamper-resistant dosage forms. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted within Embase™ and Medline using key words "abuse deterrentâ and "tamper resistantâ to identify relevant technologies. Only issued patents were examined using the phrase "abuse deterrent compositionâ searched through PatFT from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Current information from press releases and product innovator websites was obtained for additional data. RESULTS: Identified formulation approaches were organized into two categories, physical approaches and chemical approaches. Physical approaches were subcategorized into solids, gels or non-intentionals, while chemical approaches were further broken down into agonists/antagonists, aversives, or metabolics. Among issued patents specifying an abuse-deterrent method, nine diverse approaches were found. Most formulations under development combined approaches, and utilized proprietary technologies from pharmaceutical manufacturers. CONCLUSIONS: Prodrug and agonist/antagonist formulations are popular in marketed products, while solid and gel approaches are more recent additions. However, the inclusion of aversive agents or enzyme inhibitors in a product is proving to be more difficult to develop. Overall, detailed formulation and manufacturing methods still remain rather elusive to protect public health. Moreover, these innovative formulations are mostly untried in the general population and their abuse deterring effects has yet to be proven.

Exploring the Potential of Nanotechnology in Pediatric Healthcare: Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions.

The utilization of nanotechnology has brought about notable advancements in the field of pediatric medicine, providing novel approaches for drug delivery, disease diagnosis, and tissue engineering. Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of materials at the nanoscale, resulting in improved drug effectiveness and decreased toxicity. Numerous nanosystems, including nanoparticles, nanocapsules, and nanotubes, have been explored for their therapeutic potential in addressing pediatric diseases such as HIV, leukemia, and neuroblastoma. Nanotechnology has also shown promise in enhancing disease diagnosis accuracy, drug availability, and overcoming the blood-brain barrier obstacle in treating medulloblastoma. It is important to acknowledge that while nanotechnology offers significant opportunities, there are inherent risks and limitations associated with the use of nanoparticles. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the existing literature on nanotechnology in pediatric medicine, highlighting its potential to revolutionize pediatric healthcare while also recognizing the challenges and limitations that need to be addressed.

Thermoresponsive mucoadhesive hybrid gels in advanced drug delivery systems.

Thermoresponsive polymers have seen extensive use in the development of stimuli-responsive drug formulations for oral, buccal, nasal, ocular, topical, rectal, parenteral, and vaginal routes of administration. Despite their great potential, their use has been limited by various obstacles, such as undesirable high polymer concentration, wide gelation temperature, low gel strength, poor mucoadhesiveness, and short retention. Mucoadhesive polymers have been suggested to improve the mucoadhesive features of thermoresponsive gels, leading to increased drug bioavailability and efficacy. This article highlights the use of in-situ thermoresponsive mucoadhesive hydrogel blends or hybrids that have been developed and assessed in various routes of administration.