Functions of Bioactive and Intelligent Natural Polymers in the Optimization of Drug Delivery

Abstract

Bioactive polymers, by their structural confi guration and conformation, possess the ability to exert biological activities and consequently elicit responses from cells and tissues. Intelligent polymers are smart polymers which respond to internal and external stimuli in order to propel the release or modify the release of drugs. Natural polymers are biogenic, biocompatible, biodegradable, and safe for consumption. Consequently, they present as suitable materials that the human body can identify with and not treat as foreign bodies, thereby reducing the complications encountered when dealing with synthetic polymers. Natural polymers have been shown to be bioactive, exhibiting biological activities such as antitumor, anticoagulant, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiulcer, anti-infl ammatory, and antirheumatic. In addition, natural polymers are meritorious materials for the fabrication of selfregulated or externally regulated drug delivery systems. These systems respond to the state of the environment for effi cacious therapy. Drug delivery technology is shifting from the controlled release of drugs over time to the release of drugs when and where needed, especially for chronic diseases. Indeed, intelligent polymers are choice polymers for such delivery systems. Their synthetic counterparts were actually synthesized to mimic these natural polymers which further buttress the need to revert to nature for intelligent and bioactive polymers. The contexts of natural bioactive and intelligent polymers have unique applications in drug delivery, embracing nanobiotechnology. This would ultimately benefi t drug delivery systems in benchmarking new drug formulations.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms and Their Bioactive Immunoregulatory Products

“…Specifically, lentinan showed immunomodulatory properties against gastric cancer while schizophyllan was effective against head and neck cancer. Both products have been licensed and approved in Japan since 1986 for clinical use, in combination with chemotherapy against the two respective cancers [ 19 , 20 ].…”

Strengths and weaknesses of the aniline-blue method used to test mushroom (1→3)-β-d-glucans obtained by microwave-assisted extractions

“…Considering that β-D-glucans are able to complex with sirofluor and Cantharellus species did not show fluorescence, it is possible that polysaccharides containing xylose and mannose (present in high amounts in these species) may influence the β-D-glucans 3D conformation present in Cantharellus PEFs. These types of polysaccharides were also previously pointed as indirect scavengers of smaller molecules because of their gelling properties so, they could partially attach to sirofluor provoking a lower fluorescence emission(Ngwuluka, Ochekpe, & Aruoma, 2016). Furthermore, M. conica showed low fluorescence and its HSQC spectrum presented more intense glycogen signals than signals of β-D-glucans in comparison to the other species, indicating that glycogen might also interfere the proper binding of the fluorochrome to the β-D-glucans structures.Hence, the fluorimetric method seemed to be sensitive enough for the detection of small amounts of (1→3)-β-D-glucans in polysaccharide mixtures such a MAE extracts, with limits of detection bellow 2 g/mL.…”

Multifunctional Biological Properties and Topical Film Forming Spray Base on Auricularia polytricha as a Natural Polysaccharide Containing Brown Agaricus bisporus Extract for Skin Hydration

“…Polysaccharides derived from edible mushrooms are gaining attention for their several bio-activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and photoprotective effects [8]. Accordingly, edible mushroom polysaccharides are potential sources of natural bioactive polymers exhibiting a hydration effect due to hyaluronic acid and collagen [9].…”