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Polyphenols delivery by polymeric materials: challenges in cancer treatment
2017-2-3, Vittorio, Orazio, Curcio, Manuela, Cojoc, Monica, Goya, Gerardo F., Hampel, Silke, Iemma, Francesca, Dubrovska, Anna, Cirillo, Giuseppe
Nanotechnology can offer different solutions for enhancing the therapeutic efficiency of polyphenols, a class of natural products widely explored for a potential applicability for the treatment of different diseases including cancer. While possessing interesting anticancer properties, polyphenols suffer from low stability and unfavorable pharmacokinetics, and thus suitable carriers are required when planning a therapeutic protocol. In the present review, an overview of the different strategies based on polymeric materials is presented, with the aim to highlight the strengths and the weaknesses of each approach and offer a platform of ideas for researchers working in the field.
Release of Bioactive Molecules from Graphene Oxide-Alginate Hybrid Hydrogels: Effect of Crosslinking Method
2023, Madeo, Lorenzo Francesco, Curcio, Manuela, Iemma, Francesca, Nicoletta, Fiore Pasquale, Hampel, Silke, Cirillo, Giuseppe
To investigate the influence of crosslinking methods on the releasing performance of hybrid hydrogels, we synthesized two systems consisting of Graphene oxide (GO) as a functional element and alginate as polymer counterpart by means of ionic gelation (physical method, π»ππ΄βπΊπ) and radical polymerization (chemical method, π»πΆπ΄βπΊπ). Formulations were optimized to maximize the GO content (2.0 and 1.15% for π»ππ΄βπΊπ and π»πΆπ΄βπΊπ, respectively) and Curcumin (CUR) was loaded as a model drug at 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5% (by weight). The physico-chemical characterization confirmed the homogeneous incorporation of GO within the polymer network and the enhanced thermal stability of hybrid vs. blank hydrogels. The determination of swelling profiles showed a higher swelling degree for π»πΆπ΄βπΊπ and a marked pH responsivity due to the COOH functionalities. Moreover, the application of external voltages modified the water affinity of π»πΆπ΄βπΊπ, while they accelerated the degradation of π»ππ΄βπΊπ due to the disruption of the crosslinking points and the partial dissolution of alginate. The evaluation of release profiles, extensively analysed by the application of semi-empirical mathematical models, showed a sustained release from hybrid hydrogels, and the possibility to modulate the releasing amount and rate by electro-stimulation of π»πΆπ΄βπΊπ.