The quest for biocompatible drug-delivery devices that could be able to open new administration routes is at the frontier of biomedical research. In this contribution, porous polysaccharide-based microsponges based on crosslinked alginate polymers were developed and characterized by optical spectroscopy and nanoscopic microscopy techniques. We show that macropores with a size distribution ranging from 50 to 120 nm enabled efficient loading and delivery of a therapeutic peptide (CIGB814), presently under a phase 3 clinical trial for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Alginate microsponges showed 80% loading capacity and sustained peptide release over a few hours through a diffusional mechanism favored by partial erosion of the polymer scaffold. The edible and biocompatible nature of alginate polymers open promising perspectives for developing a new generation of polysaccharide-based carriers for the controlled delivery of peptide drugs, exploiting alternative routes with respect to intravenous administration.

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to develop a novel nanotechnological slow-release drug delivery platform based on hyaluronic acid Microsponge (MSP) for the subcutaneous administration of methotrexate (MTX) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation and damage, while MTX is a common disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), the conventional use of which is limited by adverse effects and the lack of release control. Methods: MSP were synthesized as freeze-dried powder to increase their stability and allow for a facile reconstitution prior to administration and precise MTX dosing. Results: A highly stable and rounded-shaped micrometric MSP, characterized by an open porosity inner structure, achieved both a high MTX loading efficiency and a slow release of MTX after injection. Our drug release assays indeed demonstrated a characteristic drug release profile consisting of a very limited burst release in the first few hours, followed by a slow release of MTX sustained for over a month. By means of a preclinical rat model of RA, the administration of MTX-loaded MSP proved to nearly double the therapeutic efficacy compared to sole MTX, according to a steep reduction in arthritic score compared to control groups. The preclinical study was replicated twice to confirm this improvement in performance and the safety profile of the MSP. Conclusions: This study suggests that the MSP drug delivery platform holds significant potential for clinical use in improving RA therapy by enabling the sustained slow release of MTX, thereby enhancing therapeutic outcomes and minimizing side effects associated with conventional burst-release drug administration.

An innovative ionic liquid–organic hybrid electrolyte technology was developed to obtain safer and more reliable sodium-ion battery (SIB) systems. The formulation is based on the 1-ethyl-3-methyl-imidazolium bis(flurosulfonyl)imide (EMIFSI) ionic liquid combined with the Diglyme cosolvent, which showed good performance in SIBs. The hybrid electrolyte formulation was qualified in terms of thermal and ion transport properties and electrochemical stability. The results, reported and discussed in the present manuscript, showed how it is feasible to improve conductivity without decreasing the safety and electrochemical stability of ionic liquid-based electrolytes.

This study aimed to develop a novel nanotechnological slow-release drug delivery platform based on hyaluronic acid Microsponge (MSP) for the subcutaneous administration of methotrexate (MTX) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation and damage, while MTX is a common disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), the conventional use of which is limited by adverse effects and the lack of release control. In this work, MSP were synthesized as freeze-dried powder to increase their stability and allow for a facile reconstitution prior to administration and precise MTX dosing. These MSP exhibited stable, rounded shapes, with a signature open porosity structure, and achieved a high MTX loading efficiency, with a slow release after injection. Our drug release studies demonstrated indeed an initial burst, followed by sustained release over a month. Remarkably, by means of a (collagen induced - CIA) rat model of RA, the MTX-loaded MSP almost doubled the therapeutic efficacy, by significantly reducing arthritic scores compared to controls. The pre-clinical study was replicated twice to confirm this marked improvement in performance and the safety profile of MSP. The results show the potential of MSP mediated therapy to enhance MTX efficacy in RA treatment by enabling sustained slow-release while minimizing side effects. This study therefore suggests that the MSP platform may be considered in clinical practice for improving the MTX delivery in RA therapy.

Sodium-ion batteries (NIBs) represent a promising alternative to lithium-ion technology due to the greater abundance and sustainability of sodium. However, the choice of suitable electrolytes is a major limiting factor for performance, safety, and operational life. Conventional organic electrolytes provide high ionic conductivity but suffer from flammability, volatility, and limited thermal stability. In this context, ionic liquids (ILs) emerge as promising alternatives due to their very or extremely high flame-retardant properties, very low vapor pressure, good to high power solvent, and wide electrochemical/thermal window. Despite these advantages, the use of ionic liquids in NIBs is hampered by their high intrinsic viscosity due to strong ion interactions. These characteristic limits the mobility of Na⁺ cations and reduces ionic conductivity, especially in low-temperature conditions, resulting in increased internal resistance and worsened performance at high current rates. To overcome these limitations, different strategies have been proposed based on the target selection of cation/anion pairs, the use of additives, and blending with low-content organic compounds, as well as the optimization of the electrolyte-electrode interface. Thus, the intent of authors in this review is to highlight the progress performed in the last decade, trying to realize a coherent and linear discussion on strategies in the use of ionic liquids for sodium-ion batteries.