Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
08:44
Assembly and Characterization of Polyelectrolyte Complex Micelles
Published on: March 2, 2020
11.3K
Nanoparticle-directed and ionically forced polyphosphate coacervation: a versatile and reversible core-shell system
Werner E G Müller1, Emad Tolba2, Shunfeng Wang2
1ERC Advanced Investigator Grant Research Group at the Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Duesbergweg 6, 55128, Mainz, Germany. wmueller@uni-mainz.de.
Scientific Reports
|October 14, 2020
Summary
This study introduces a novel core-shell nanoparticle system for drug delivery, utilizing calcium ion migration and polyphosphate for controlled release. The system shows promise for bone, cartilage, and wound healing applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Development of advanced drug encapsulation and delivery systems is crucial for targeted therapeutic interventions.
- Polyphosphate (polyP) and calcium ions (Ca2+) play significant roles in biological processes and material science.
- Existing drug delivery systems often face challenges with stability, controlled release, and biocompatibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel core-shell nanoparticle system based on intra-particle calcium ion migration for drug encapsulation and delivery.
- To investigate the fabrication, characterization, and in vitro efficacy of these polyP-based core-shell particles.
- To evaluate the potential of this system for applications in bone, cartilage, and wound healing.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of core-shell nanoparticles using polyphosphate (polyP) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) at alkaline pH.
- Incorporation of dexamethasone into the core and ascorbic acid into the shell during particle formation.
- Characterization using EDX analysis and electron microscopy; in vitro assessment of osteogenic activity and drug release kinetics.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized core-shell nanoparticles with a Ca2+-enriched core and a polyP-based shell, demonstrating Ca2+ migration.
- Particles exhibited significant osteogenic activity in vitro, attributed to the combined action of polyP, dexamethasone, and ascorbic acid.
- pH-responsive drug release was observed, with nearly complete release within 10 days upon exposure to serum, converting particles to a coacervate.
Conclusions:
- The novel polyP-based core-shell nanoparticles represent a promising pH-responsive drug delivery system.
- The system demonstrates potential for enhanced cell growth, viability, and mineralization, particularly for bone and cartilage regeneration.
- This technology offers a versatile platform for targeted drug delivery in regenerative medicine and wound healing.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Drug Delivery: Overview
610
The selection of a drug's delivery route depends upon its physicochemical properties, including lipid or water solubility and ionization, as well as the therapeutic requirement, such as immediate or sustained effect. These routes can be divided into three primary categories: enteral, parenteral, and topical.
Enteral delivery involves administering drugs directly through swallowing, sublingual placement, or buccal application. Orally administered drugs predominantly navigate the...
Enteral delivery involves administering drugs directly through swallowing, sublingual placement, or buccal application. Orally administered drugs predominantly navigate the...
610
01:17Pore Transport and Ion-Pair Transport
972
Pore transport and ion-pair formation are critical mechanisms for the absorption and distribution of drugs in the body.
Pore transport, also known as convective transport, is a process where small molecules like urea, water, and sugars rapidly cross cell membranes as though there were channels or pores in the membrane. Although direct microscopic evidence is limited but the concept of pores or channels is widely accepted based on physiological evidence. Despite the lack of direct...
Pore transport, also known as convective transport, is a process where small molecules like urea, water, and sugars rapidly cross cell membranes as though there were channels or pores in the membrane. Although direct microscopic evidence is limited but the concept of pores or channels is widely accepted based on physiological evidence. Despite the lack of direct...
972
01:29Drug Delivery: Parenteral Route
1.3K
The parenteral route is a critical method of drug administration. It delivers compounds directly into the systemic circulation and bypasses the gastrointestinal tract. This approach is particularly advantageous for drugs that exhibit poor absorption or instability when administered orally.
There are three primary parenteral routes: intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC). The IV route introduces the drug directly into the bloodstream, ensuring immediate action. The IM route...
There are three primary parenteral routes: intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC). The IV route introduces the drug directly into the bloodstream, ensuring immediate action. The IM route...
1.3K
01:22Drug Delivery: Miscellaneous Routes
633
Drug delivery methods like oral inhalation, nasal sprays, transdermal patches, eye drops, intravitreal injection, and rectal administration provide localized effects with reduced toxicity.
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs...
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs...
633
01:27Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Permeability Enhancement
104
Body:After oral administration, poor permeability often limits the rate at which drugs are absorbed through the intestinal epithelium. Enhancing drug permeability is crucial for effective therapy, and several strategies have been developed to overcome this challenge.One effective strategy involves the use of lipid-based formulations. These formulations enhance dissolution and solubility, targeting physiological mechanisms to increase drug absorption. This includes stimulating bile salt...
104
01:27Pharmaceutical Alternatives: Polymorphic Form-Related and Particle Size-Related Therapeutic Nonequivalence
90
Changes in polymorphic forms can significantly influence the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. Although the FDA defines pharmaceutical equivalence based on having the same active ingredient, dosage form, and route of administration, it does not automatically disqualify products with different polymorphic forms. This means two products with different polymorphs can still be deemed pharmaceutically equivalent. However, polymorphic differences can affect properties like wettability,...
90