Purpose The purpose of the study was initial evaluation of applicability of metal organic framework (MOF) Fe-MIL-101-NH₂ as a theranostic carrier of antituberculous drug in terms of its functionality, i.e. drug loading, drug dissolution, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast and cytotoxic safety. Methods Fe-MIL-101-NH₂ was characterized using X-ray powder diffraction, FTIR spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy. The particle size analysis was determined using laser diffraction. Magnetic resonance relaxometry and MRI were carried out on phantoms of the MOF system suspended in polymer solution. Drug dissolution studies were conducted using Franz cells. For MOF cytotoxicity, commercially available fibroblasts L929 were cultured in Eagle’s Minimum Essential Medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. Results MOF particles were loaded with 12% of isoniazid. The particle size (3.37–6.45 μm) depended on the micronization method used. The proposed drug delivery system can also serve as the MRI contrast agent. The drug dissolution showed extended release of isoniazid. MOF particles accumulated in the L929 fibroblast cytoplasmic area, suggesting MOF release the drug inside the cells. The cytotoxicity confirmed safety of MOF system. Conclusions The application of MOF for extended release inhalable system proposes the novel strategy for delivery of standard antimycobacterial agents combined with monitoring of their distribution within the lung tissue.

The theranostic approach to local tuberculosis treatment allows drug delivery and imaging of the lungs for a better control and personalization of antibiotic therapy. Metal-organic framework (MOF) Fe-MIL-101-NH2 nanoparticles were loaded with isoniazid. To optimize their functionality a 2³ factorial design of spray-drying with poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and leucine was employed. Powder aerodynamic properties were assessed using a twin stage impinger based on the dose emitted and the fine particle fraction. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast capabilities were tested on porous lung tissue phantom and ex vivo rat lungs. Cell viability and uptake studies were conducted on murine macrophages RAW 246.9. The final product showed good aerodynamic properties, modified drug release, easier uptake by macrophages in relation to raw isoniazid-MOF, and MRI contrast capabilities. Starting from raw MOF, a fully functional inhalable theranostic system with a potential application in personalized tuberculosis pulmonary therapy was developed.

Evaluation of macromolecular polymers used as excipients for the preparation of hydrodynamically balanced systems (HBS) was carried out. Hard gelatine capsules were filled with polymeric substances belonging to various chemical groups (chitosan, sodium alginate, hydroxypropylmethycellulose—HPMC). The following properties of the HBS were investigated: density, hydration, erosion and floating force. The solvent penetration process into the HBS was visualized using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique. Densities of the HBS in hydrochloric acid (0.1 M) ranged from 0.37 g/cm3 to 0.71 g/cm3. Each polymer demonstrated different hydration/erosion abilities and floating properties. The maximum floating force (Ffloat max) for capsules size 0, ranged from 26.7 mN (sodium alginate) to 64.7 mN (chitosan). HBS formulations also varied in time to reach maximum floating force (Tfloat max). HPMC and sodium alginate formulation reached Ffloat max within half an hour after immersion, while in the case of chitosan form...

Objectives: Hydrogels produced using the freeze–thaw method have demonstrated significant potential for wound management applications. However, their production requires precise control over critical factors including freezing temperature and the choice of matrix-forming excipients, for which no consensus on the optimal conditions currently exists. This study aimed to address this gap by evaluating the effects of the above-mentioned variables on cryogel performance. Methods: Mechanical properties, absorption capacity, and microstructure were assessed alongside advanced analyses using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry (LF TD NMR). Results: The results demonstrated that fully hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with a molecular weight above 61,000 g/mol is essential for producing high-performance cryogels. Among the tested formulations, an 8% (w/w) PVA_56–98 solution (Mw~195,000; DH = 98.0–98.8%) with 10% (w/w) propylene glycol (PG) provided the best balance of stretchability, durability, and low adhesion. Notably, while −25 °C is often used for cryogel preparation, freezing the gel precursor at −80 °C yielded superior results, producing materials with more open, interconnected structures and enhanced mechanical strength and elasticity—deviating from conventional practices. Conclusions: The designed cryogel prototypes exhibited functional properties comparable to or even surpassing commercial wound dressings, except for absorption capacity, which remained lower. Despite this, the cryogel prototypes demonstrated potential as wound dressings, particularly for use in dry or minimally exuding wounds. All in all, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the physicochemical and functional properties of PVA cryogels, establishing a strong foundation for the development of advanced wound dressing systems.

Purpose The purpose of the study was to present a methodology for the processing of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data for the quantification of the dosage form matrix evolution during drug dissolution. The results of the study were verified by comparison with other approaches presented in literature. Methods A commercially available, HPMC-based quetiapine fumarate tablet was studied with a 4.7T MR system. Imaging was performed inside an MRI probe-head coupled with a flow-through cell for 12 h in circulating water. The images were segmented into three regions using threshold-based segmentation algorithms due to trimodal structure of the image intensity histograms. Results Temporal evolution of dry glassy, swollen glassy and gel regions was monitored. The characteristic features were observed: initial high expansion rate of the swollen glassy and gel layers due to initial water uptake, dry glassy core disappearance and maximum area of swollen glassy region at 4 h, and subsequent gel layer thickness increase at the expense of swollen glassy layer. Conclusions The temporal evolution of an HPMC-based tablet by means of noninvasive MRI integrated with USP Apparatus 4 was found to be consistent with both the theoretical model based on polymer disentanglement concentration and experimental VIS/FTIR studies.