Faster Release of Lumen-Loaded Drugs than Matrix-Loaded Equivalent in Polylactic Acid/Halloysite Nanotubes

Abstract

Nanocomposite-based drug delivery systems with intrinsic controlled release properties are of great interest in biomedical applications. We report a novel polylactic acid (PLA)/halloysite nanotube (HNT) nanocomposite-based drug delivery system. PLA/HNT nanocomposites have shown immense potential for use in biomedical applications due to their favorable cyto- and hemo-compatibility. The objective of this study was to evaluate the release of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) from PLA/HNT composites matrix and the effect of preloading the API into the lumen of the HNT on its release profile. Aspirin was used in this study as a model drug as it is a common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet agent widely used for various medical conditions. These two types of drug-loaded PLA/HNT nanocomposites were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), surface wettability and mechanical testing. Statistical analysis was conducted on numerical data. Drug entrapment and in vitro drug release studies were conducted using UV spectrophotometry. Results indicate that aspirin was successfully loaded into the lumen of HNT, which resulted in the sustained release of aspirin from the nanocomposites. Furthermore, the addition of HNT into the polymer matrix increased the mechanical properties, indicating its suitability as a drug-eluting reinforcing agent.

Multilevel Self-Healing Characteristics of Smart Polymeric Composite Coatings

“…On the other hand, HNTs’ chemical structure is Al 2 Si 2 O 5 ·(OH) 4 ·2­(H 2 O), which consists of many functional groups that are exhibited in Figure D in the spectra of HNTs and BTA-loaded HNTs, such as the stretching vibration bands of Al 2 OH at 3694 and 3621 cm –1 , the perpendicular and in-plane Si–O at 1000 cm –1 due to the S–O–S group majority on HNTs’ surface, and the bending Al–OH at 907 cm –1 . In addition, some new characteristic peaks have appeared in the BTA-loaded HNTs’ spectrum, which were similar to that of BTA at 1623, 1595 cm –1 as well as 1460, 1210 cm –1 , and finally, 739 cm –1 attributed to bending N–H, stretching aromatic CC, stretching vibration of NN, and bending C–H, respectively, indicating the successful loading of BTA into HNTs. − …”

Manufacturing and Characterization of Functionalized Aliphatic Polyester from Poly(lactic acid) with Halloysite Nanotubes

“…This particular structure allows growing nanotubes in the form of rolled silica-alumina layers. They are worldwide available at a competitive price and they can be selectively etched to increase their carrying capacity and above all, they are completely biocompatible [60,61]. HNTs have been loaded into different polymer matrices such as poly(lactic acid), N , N ′-ethylenebis(stearamide) (EBS), poly(propylene), poly(amide) 11, poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA), high impact poly(styrene) (HIPS) [62,63,64] and different loaded drugs such as insulin, thymol and PEG-hirudin [65,66].…”

Recent advancement in polymer/halloysite nanotube nanocomposites for biomedical applications

“…152 Many researchers have reported HNT as a crucial technology for drug deliveries. 52,96,[151][152][153][154] Massaro et al stated that HNT could be used as a natural nanocarrier for loaded active substances and nanocomposites thanks to its large surface area, high dispersion, hollow tubular structure, large cavity volumes, and flexible surface structure. Other attractive properties include non-toxic, hydrophilic, and low production costs.…”

“…[47][48][49][50] Also, the investigation of nanocomposites composed of HNTs and biodegradable polymers, specifically for biomedical applications, appears to be an area of intense research. [51][52][53] Based on the author's knowledge, different techniques and types of polymer/HNTs and their properties applied in the biomedical application have been recently reviewed. However, those reviews are limited to the HNTs' toxicity for drug delivery approaches.…”