Saline-tolerant PISA synthesis is developed, to generate poly(vinyl alcohol) based nanoparticles, which are potent ice recrystallisation inhibitors.

Graphical abstract

Towards the development of novel drug carriers for oral delivery of poorly soluble drugs mesoporous aerogel carbons (CAs), namely CA10 and CA20 with different pore sizes (10 and 20nm, respectively), were evaluated. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory lipophilic compound ibuprofen was incorporated via passive loading. The drug loaded carbon aerogels were systemically investigated by means of High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM), Nitrogen physisorption studies, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray photon electron spectroscopy (XPS) and ζ-potential studies. In vitro release studies were performed in simulated intestinal fluids reflecting both fasted (FaSSIF) and fed (FeSSIF) state conditions. Cytotoxicity studies were conducted with human intestinal cells (Caco-2). Drug was in an amorphous state in the pores of the carbon carrier as shown from the physicochemical characterization studies. The results showed marked differences in the release profiles for ibuprofen from the two aerogels in the media tested whereas in vitro toxicity profiles appear to be compatible with potential therapeutic applications at low concentrations.

Electrospun poly-ε-caprolactone fibers were employed as hosts for hydroxypatite and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) ibuprofen (IBU) and indomethacin (INDO) (separately). The fibers (size range between 400 and 20 µm) were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The physicochemical characterization of the fibers indicated that the drugs are associated with the fibers in an amorphous state. The release of IBU and INDO was monitored in PBS pH 7.4. A rapid release was observed for both drugs. Finally, bioactivity studies in simulated body fluid revealed the formation of hydroxyapatite, indicating that the fibers could be further utilized as materials for coupled (or multipurpose) biomedical and biomaterial engineering applications.