Bacterial cellulose (BC) films modified by the in situ method with the addition of alginate (Alg) during the microbial cultivation of Gluconacetobacter hansenii under static conditions increased the loading of doxorubicin by at least three times. Biophysical analysis of BC-Alg films by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry, X-ray diffraction and FTIR showed a highly homogeneous interpenetrated network scaffold without changes in the BC crystalline structure but with an increased amorphous phase. The main molecular interactions determined by FTIR between both biopolymers clearly suggest high compatibility. These results indicate that alginate plays a key role in the biophysical properties of the hybrid BC matrix. BC-Alg scaffold analysis by nitrogen adsorption isotherms revealed by the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method an increase in surface area of about 84% and in pore volume of more than 200%. The Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) model also showed an increase of about 25% in the pore size compared to the BC film. Loading BC-Alg scaffolds with different amounts of doxorubicin decreased the cell viability of HT-29 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line compared to the free Dox from around 95-53% after 24h and from 63% to 37% after 48 h. Dox kinetic release from the BC-Alg nanocomposite displayed hyperbolic curves related to the different amounts of drug payload and was stable for at least 14 days. The results of the BC-Alg nanocomposites show a promissory potential for anticancer therapies of solid tumors.

The study of neglected diseases has not received much attention, especially from public and private institutions over the last years, in terms of strong support for developing treatment for these diseases. Support in the form of substantial amounts of private and public investment is greatly needed in this area. Due to the lack of novel drugs for these diseases, nanobiotechnology has appeared as an important new breakthrough for the treatment of neglected diseases. Recently, very few reviews focusing on filiarasis, leishmaniasis, leprosy, malaria, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, trypanosomiasis, and tuberculosis, and dengue virus have been published. New developments in nanocarriers have made promising advances in the treatment of several kinds of diseases with less toxicity, high efficacy and improved bioavailability of drugs with extended release and fewer applications. This review deals with the current status of nanobiotechnology in the treatment of neglected diseases and highlights how it provides key tools for exploring new perspectives in the treatment of a wide range of diseases.

Novel biopolymeric films based on bacterial cellulose (BC) modified with high methoxylated pectin (HMP) were developed for drug delivery. The ability of the films to incorporate an antibiotic, levofloxacin (Levo), was analyzed. Incorporation efficiencies were determined using films with different proportions of HMP (from 0.1% to 2.0%) with a maximum drug payload of 6.23 mg g⁻¹. Characterization studies revealed the existence of a cooperative network between both polymers and deep structural changes in the BC matrix. Besides, the presence of HMP decreased water loss in the BC films from 93% to 75% after 90 min. Additionally, the capacity of the films to incorporate macromolecules was studied using Human Serum Albumin (HSA) as a model protein. The presence of HMP enhanced by more than 3.5 times the encapsulation efficiency (EE) of HSA, and no pH dependence was observed. Release kinetics of both molecules showed hyperbolic profiles with sustained release. In independent experiments, the presence of HMP generated a decrease of around 50% in the release rates of both macromolecules. Additionally, the incorporation of HSA into the BC–HMP matrix modulated the Levo release profile. The antimicrobial activity of Levo released from the BC–HMP–HSA films was confirmed using Staphylococcus aureus. In vitro studies revealed no apparent cytotoxicity of the released compounds in mammalian CHO cells.