Plasma Modification Techniques for Natural Polymer-Based Drug Delivery Systems

Abstract

Natural polymers have attracted significant attention in drug delivery applications due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and versatility. However, their surface properties often limit their use as drug delivery vehicles, as they may exhibit poor wettability, weak adhesion, and inadequate drug loading and release. Plasma treatment is a promising surface modification technique that can overcome these limitations by introducing various functional groups onto the natural polymer surface, thus enhancing its physicochemical and biological properties. This review provides a critical overview of recent advances in the plasma modification of natural polymer-based drug delivery systems, with a focus on controllable plasma treatment techniques. The review covers the fundamental principles of plasma generation, process control, and characterization of plasma-treated natural polymer surfaces. It discusses the various applications of plasma-modified natural polymer-based drug delivery systems, including improved biocompatibility, controlled drug release, and targeted drug delivery. The challenges and emerging trends in the field of plasma modification of natural polymer-based drug delivery systems are also highlighted. The review concludes with a discussion of the potential of controllable plasma treatment as a versatile and effective tool for the surface functionalization of natural polymer-based drug delivery systems.

Plasma Gel Matrix as a Promising Carrier of Epigallocatechin Gallate for Regenerative Medicine

“…Evidence from this study indicates that this methodology not only facilitates sustained EGCG release but also simulates a proteolytic environment akin to physiological conditions, potentially elevating the therapeutic applica-bility of PG matrices in mitigating oxidative stress-related cellular damage. In addition, this research expands the possibilities for EGCG delivery systems and emphasizes the importance of convenient and cost-effective drug-delivery methods in current and future pharmaceutical research [18,19].…”

The Ageing of μPlasma-Modified Polymers: The Role of Hydrophilicity

“…To overcome this challenge and improve the versatility of polymeric materials in applications that require adhesive bonding, various surface modification techniques are commonly employed. Numerous studies have shown that plasma treatments are some of the most promising surface modification methods [ 9 , 10 ]. These techniques are capable of altering the physical and chemical properties of a material surface, thereby significantly enhancing the surface wettability and adhesion properties without influencing the bulk properties of the material [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ].…”

Effect of the Formation of Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic–Hydrophilic Associates on the Behavior of Copolymers of N-Vinylpyrrolidone with Methyl Acrylate in Aqueous Solutions

“…This issue is not only of academic [ 3 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ], but also of direct applied interest. In particular, the question of using polymers undergoing phase transitions to create drug delivery systems has been repeatedly raised in the literature [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. It was also proposed to use phase transitions, which are expressed in in the form of sharp solution turbidity, for the creation of information display systems [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ].…”