The use of convalescent plasma in the treatment of COVID-19 may lead to a milder course of infection and has been associated with improved outcomes. Determining optimal treatments in high risk populations is crucial, as is the case in those with hematological malignancies. We analyzed a cohort of 23 patients with hematological malignancies and COVID-19 who had received plasma 48–72 h after the diagnosis of infection and compared it with a historical group of 22 patients who received other therapy. Overall survival in those who received convalescent plasma was significantly higher than in the historical group (p = 0.03460). The plasma–treated group also showed a significantly milder course of infection (p = 0.03807), characterized by less severe symptoms and faster recovery (p = 0.00001). In conclusion, we have demonstrated that convalescent plasma is an effective treatment and its early administration leads to clinical improvement, increased viral clearance and longer overall survival in patients with hematological malignancies and COVID-19. To our knowledge, this is the first report to analyze the efficacy of convalescent plasma in a cohort of patients with hematological malignancies.

Silica nanoparticles were applied as the carrier of chloramphenicol (2,2-dichloro-N-[(1R,2R)-1,3-dihydroxy-1-(4-nitrophenyl)propan-2-yl]acetamide), and were loaded in a 1% carbopol-based gel (poly(acrylic acid)), which allowed obtainment of an upgraded drug form. The samples of silica materials were obtained by means of modified Stöber synthesis, and their morphological properties were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, elemental analysis (EA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), analysis of the specific surface properties, X-ray diffraction study (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) methods, which permitted the selection of the drug carrier. The two obtained silica carriers were coated with chloramphenicol and loaded into 1% carbopol gel. The release studies were then performed. The release results were evaluated using mathematical models as well as model-independent analysis. It was found that the modification of the synthesis of the silica by the sol-gel method to form a product coated with chloramphenicol and further grinding of the silica material influenced the release of the active substance, thus allowing the modification of its pharmaceutical availability. The change in the parameters of silica synthesis influenced the structure and morphological properties of the obtained silica carrier. The grinding process determined the way of adsorption of the active substance on its surface. The studies showed that the proper choice of silica carrier has a considerable effect on the release profile of the prepared hydrogel formulations.

A transdermal drug delivery system capable of transporting the active substance through skin is alternative path for drug delivery for different purposes. In an attempt to demonstrate the permeability of the active substance through the skin layers of the rats, the amphiphilic MTC-Y carrier was combined with fluorochromes of different chemical properties. After extraction, the skin material was subjected histological examination under fluorescence microscope Nikon Eclipse 80i UV-2A filter (EX330-380, DM-400, BA-420). Moreover, histological slides routinely stained with haematoxylin were analysed. Results indicate that use of the MTC-Y carrier seems to be very promising compound for drug delivery both locally and systematically

Background Nanocarriers for antibacterial drugs became hopeful tools against the increasing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics. This work focuses on a comprehensive study of the applicability and therapeutic suitability of dermal carbopol-based hydrogels containing chloramphenicol carried by various nanoparticles (AuNPs and SiNPs). Methods The different forms of carbopol-based drugs for dermal use were obtained. Five different concentrations of chloramphenicol and two types of nanoparticles (silica and gold) in carbopol-based ointments were tested. The influence of different carbopol formulations with nanocarriers on the rheological properties as well as the release profile of active substances and bacteriostatic activity on five reference strains were determined. Results The properties of the obtained hydrogels were compared to a commercial formulation, and finally it was possible to obtain a formulation that allowed improved antimicrobial activity over a commercially available detreomycin ointment while reducing the concentration of the antibiotic. Conclusion The work indicates that it is possible to reduce the concentration of chloramphenicol by four times while maintaining its bacteriostatic activity, which can improve the patient’s safety profile while increasing the effectiveness of the therapy. Graphical abstract

Nanotechnology is a fast-growing field of science that dates back to the late 1950s. Nanoparticles can be divided into organic, inorganic, and carbon-based. An example of inorganic nanoparticles, in which relatively high hopes for the development of both pharmacy and medicine are placed, are gold nanoparticles. They possess beneficial properties, such as small size (ranging from several to several hundred nanometers), a large specific surface area to volume, and characteristic optical properties, as well they are relatively easy to synthesize with the ability to control the parameters of the final product to obtain desired sizes and shapes. Moreover, they exhibit high biocompatibility and low toxicity, which is especially important when administered internally (per os, i. v.). Several methods for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been described in the literature, including chemical, physical, and biological methods. Microorganisms such as fungi, plants, and algae are used to produce gold nanoparticles. Due to their particle size and ability to penetrate cell membranes, gold nanoparticles are being considered as drug carriers. Many attempts have been made to attach gold nanoparticles to drugs, focusing mainly on antimicrobial and anticancer drugs. Treatment with these drugs in combination with nanoparticles is more effective than applying free drugs without the carrier. AuNPs have also been used with great success in the photothermal therapy of cancer. Additionally, work is underway to use them in diagnostics to prepare flow assays, increasing the sensitivity and specificity of the tests. Due to a large amount of scientific data on nanogold, this review focuses on presenting methods for obtaining gold nanoparticles and approximating their applications in areas of medical science.