Drug delivery systems, including liposomes, gels, prodrugs, and so forth, are used to enhance the tissue benefit of a pharmaceutical drug or conventional substance at a specific diseased site with little toxicological impact. Nanotechnology can be a rapidly developing multidisciplinary science that enables the production of polymers at the manometer scale for different medical applications. The use of biopolymers in drug delivery systems provides compatibility, biodegradability and low immunogenicity biologically. Large‐scale and smaller‐than‐expected medication particles can be delivered using biopolymers such as silk fibroins, collagen, gelatine, and others that are easily formed into suspensions. These drug carrier systems are functional at improving drug delivery and can be used in intranasal, transdermal, dental, and ocular delivery systems. This study discusses the latest developments in drug delivery methods based on nanomaterials, mainly using biopolymers like proteins and polysaccharides.
This study investigated the potential of electrospun collagen/hyaluronic acid nanofibers for use in biomedicine and skincare. Needleless electrospinning technology employed in the production process resulted in nanofibers with consistent fiber diameters and improved mechanical properties. The composite nanofibers demonstrated impressive tensile strength and elongation capabilities, indicating a favorable interaction between collagen and hyaluronic acid (HA). Cellular assays revealed that the collagen/HA scaffolds facilitated superior cell adhesion and proliferation compared with the control scaffolds, indicating their biocompatibility and potential for tissue engineering. This biomaterial offers an environment‐friendly alternative to conventional skincare products by eliminating the need for preservatives and reducing waste. Although the initial costs are high, the long‐term benefits of material durability and active ingredient efficacy provide compelling cases for industrial adoption. Our findings suggest that collagen/HA nanofibers have the potential to be the next‐generation materials for regenerative medicine and skincare. Further research is required to optimize their production and assess the economic feasibility of skincare and tissue engineering applications.
3 February 2024 in Journal of Applied Polymer Science
This study investigates the efficacy of AHA–BHA infused nanofiber skin masks as a topical treatment for acne vulgaris. The skin is a vital organ that functions as a barrier to protect the body from external substances. In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on skin treatment research. Hyaluronic acids (HAs) are commonly used in cosmetic and drug formulations to regulate excessive skin cornification, making them promising candidates for acne treatment. The introduction of HAs in dermatology has revolutionized the field of skin care, and they are used to treat various skin disorders, such as acne, ichthyosis, keratoses, warts, psoriasis, and photoaged skin. The antiaging benefits of HA have gained considerable attention in cosmetic dermatology, resulting in a surge in cosmetic products and skin care systems that contain HA. The study found that AHA–BHA‐infused nanofiber skin masks are effective in treating acne vulgaris. The nanofiber masks were found to reduce inflammation, sebum production, and acne lesions. The study suggests that AHA–BHA‐infused nanofiber skin masks could be a promising topical treatment for acne vulgaris.
This study investigated the development of Pullulan/Collagen nanofiber scaffolds integrated with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to enhance chronic wound healing. The combination of these biopolymers aims to optimize the scaffold properties for cell growth, viability, and tissue regeneration. Materials and Methods: Pullulan, Collagen, and Pullulan/Collagen composite nanofibers were fabricated using electrospinning. The fibers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine the fiber diameter, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to assess the molecular interactions. Cell viability was evaluated using MSCs cultured on the scaffolds and apoptosis assays were conducted to assess cell health. Distilled water was used as the solvent to maximize biocompatibility. Results: SEM analysis revealed that Pullulan nanofibers exhibited a larger average diameter (274 ± 20 nm) compared to Collagen fibers (167.03 ± 40.04 nm), while the Pullulan/Collagen composite fibers averaged 280 ± 102 nm. FTIR confirmed the molecular interactions between Pullulan and Collagen. Regarding biocompatibility, the Pullulan/Collagen scaffold demonstrated superior cell viability at 99% compared to 91% for Pullulan alone. Apoptosis assays indicated significantly lower necrosis rates for the composite scaffold (1.29%) than for the Pullulan-only scaffolds (2.35%). Conclusion: The use of distilled water as a solvent played a critical role in increasing cell viability and facilitating healthy proliferation of MSCs without cellular damage. Additionally, the reduced platelet activation and macrophage activity (0.75-fold for both) further supported the biocompatibility of the Pullulan/Collagen scaffold, demonstrating its potential for tissue engineering and chronic wound healing applications.
Portable electrospinning technology has recently made significant advancements, offering promising applications for wound healing. These devices enable the in situ fabrication of nanofiber dressings directly onto wound sites, providing personalised and efficient treatment. Portable electrospinning devices can be categorised into handheld spinnerets, battery-powered systems, and generator-powered setups, each with distinct advantages and limitations. Handheld devices offer high portability for precise, small-scale applications, whilst battery-powered systems balance portability and operational duration. Generator-powered setups provide a consistent power supply to improve fibre quality. Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of portable electrospinning devices in producing antibacterial membranes, hydrogel-forming dressings, and accelerating wound closure. However, challenges persist in achieving consistent fibre deposition, adjustable voltages, and controlled delivery. Developing portable electrospinning devices requires interdisciplinary collaboration and careful consideration of safety measures, usability, and rapid prototyping. Despite these challenges, the potential of portable electrospinning technology for emergency wound treatment and personalised care is significant, particularly for complex conditions, such as epidermolysis bullosa. Further research and refinement are warranted to address these challenges and optimise portable electrospinning devices for clinical applications.
This article discusses the use of nanotechnology in the development of transdermal delivery systems for herbal extracts for dermatological therapeutics and skin care. Nanotechnology involves manipulating nanoscale materials to create nanoparticles that can penetrate the skin and deliver active ingredients more effectively. Natural products are commonly used in cosmetics because of their therapeutic properties and minimal side effects; however, the safety of nanoparticles in cosmetic products is a concern that requires further research. Chronic and nonhealing wounds pose a significant threat to patients’ lives, and there is a pressing need for novel materials and approaches to wound healing. Nanomaterials exhibit unique physicochemical properties owing to their distinct structures, resulting in small size, surface, and macroscopic quantum tunnelling effects, making them ideal for use in wound dressings. Herbal transdermal patches offer advantages such as better patient tolerance, minimal side effects, renewable sources of medication, extensive availability, and cost-effectiveness; however, they also have disadvantages such as slower growth in demand, testing difficulties, and limited availability. This article concludes that by following a regimen that includes both natural ingredients and over-the-counter treatments, consumers can improve their skin health and appearance.