The use of TPGS in drug delivery systems to overcome biological barriers

Background A lot of environmental concerns have been caused by the non-degradation of plastic packaging materials. In addition, consumer's preferences for safe, healthy, convenient and high-quality products necessitate the emergence of innovative food packaging systems to maintain the quality of packed food. Sustainable active films provide functionalities that address these demands and provide more protection with a single barrier to the external environment, simultaneously avoiding damage to the environment. Scope and approach The active agents are blended directly into the film and its active function will be affected by environmental factors and lose its efficacy. Nanoencapsulation techniques can be used for entrapment of active agents to maintain their original characteristics during processing and to improve their physiochemical properties. And it is important to control the release rate of active agents so that they migrate from the packaging material to the product at an appropriate rate. This paper reviews the role of film forming matrices, loading of active agents into biopolymeric nanocarriers, the factors affecting the controlled release properties of active films as well as their underlying mechanisms. The existing applications of active films in the food and pharmaceutical industries are used to prove its application effect. Future trends with active films in the field of material chemistry are also discussed. Key findings and conclusions Active agents may provide the films with antioxidant and/or antimicrobial properties. The controlled release of biofilms can be achieved by preparing biopolymeric nanocarriers to encapsulate the active agents. Microstructure, molecular interaction and the environment film all affect the controlled release of active film. It has been reported that applications of active films have extended shelf life of perishable products. Active films also offer a large potential in drug delivery.

A comprehensive review on natural bioactive films with controlled release characteristics and their applications in foods and pharmaceuticals

Today, due to the prevalence of various diseases such as the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), diabetes, central nervous system diseases, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and so on, extensive studies have been conducted on therapeutic properties of natural and synthetic agents. A literature review on herbal medicine and commercial products in the global market showed that curcumin (Cur) has many therapeutic benefits compared to other natural ingredients. Despite the unique properties of Cur, its use in clinical trials is very limited. The poor biopharmaceutical properties of Cur such as short half-life in plasma, low bioavailability, poor absorption, rapid metabolism, very low solubility (at acidic and physiological pH), and the chemical instability in body fluids are major concerns associated with the clinical applications of Cur. Recently, nanoformulations are emerging as approaches to develop and improve the therapeutic efficacy of various drugs. Many studies have shown that Cur nanoformulations have tremendous therapeutic potential against various diseases such as SARS-CoV-2, cancer, inflammatory, osteoporosis, and so on. These nanoformulations can inhibit many diseases through several cellular and molecular mechanisms. However, successful long-term clinical results are required to confirm their safety and clinical efficacy. The present review aims to update and explain the therapeutic potential of Cur nanoformulations.

A comprehensive review of the therapeutic potential of curcumin nanoformulations.

Combination of nano-hydroxyapatite and curcumin in a biopolymer blend matrix: Characteristics and drug release performance of fibrous composite material systems

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved polymer used in humans in the forms of resorbable sutures, drug carriers, and bone regeneration materials. Recently, PLGA-based conjugates have been extensively investigated for cancer, which is the second leading cause of death globally. This article presents an account of the literature on PLGA-based conjugates, focusing on their chemistries, biological activity, and functions as targeted drug carriers or sustained drug controllers for common cancers (e.g., breast, prostate, and lung cancers). The preparation and drug encapsulation of PLGA nanoparticles and folate-decorated poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (FA-PEG-PLGA) conjugates are discussed, along with several representative examples. Particularly, the reactions used for preparing drug-conjugated PLGA and FA-PEG-PLGA are emphasized, with the associated chemistries involved in the formation of structures and their biocompatibility with internal organs. This review provides a deeper understanding of the constituents and interactions of PLGA-conjugated materials to ensure successful conjugation in PLGA material design and the subsequent biomedical applications.

Progress in the drug encapsulation of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and folate-decorated poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) conjugates for selective cancer treatment.

S. Malathi

Papers

Fabrication of nanopatterned PLGA films of curcumin and TPGS for skin cancer.