Laponite-Based Nanocomposite Hydrogels for Drug Delivery Applications

Abstract

Hydrogels are widely used for therapeutic delivery applications due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to control release kinetics by tuning swelling and mechanical properties. However, their clinical utility is hampered by unfavorable pharmacokinetic properties, including high initial burst release and difficulty in achieving prolonged release, especially for small molecules (<500 Da). The incorporation of nanomaterials within hydrogels has emerged as viable option as a method to trap therapeutics within the hydrogel and sustain release kinetics. Specifically, two-dimensional nanosilicate particles offer a plethora of beneficial characteristics, including dually charged surfaces, degradability, and enhanced mechanical properties within hydrogels. The nanosilicate–hydrogel composite system offers benefits not obtainable by just one component, highlighting the need for detail characterization of these nanocomposite hydrogels. This review focuses on Laponite, a disc-shaped nanosilicate with diameter of 30 nm and thickness of 1 nm. The benefits of using Laponite within hydrogels are explored, as well as examples of Laponite–hydrogel composites currently being investigated for their ability to prolong the release of small molecules and macromolecules such as proteins. Future work will further characterize the interplay between nanosilicates, hydrogel polymer, and encapsulated therapeutics, and how each of these components affect release kinetics and mechanical properties.

Alkaline shear-thinning micro-nanocomposite hydrogels initiate endogenous TGFβ signaling for in situ bone regeneration

“…These excellent characteristics are derived from the intrinsic properties of LAP and gelatin. Laponite nanoplatelets are non-cytotoxic both in vivo and in vitro 48 , and in 20–50 days, they can naturally dissociate into osteogenesis-related ions (Li + , Mg 2+ , and silicates) in physiological environments 49 . It has been extensively reported that gelatin is highly biocompatible and biodegradable without toxicity and immunogenicity 50 .…”

pH-Sensitive Degradable Poly(ortho ester)-Polyesters As Injectable Viscous Fluid for Long-Acting Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

“…The entire release system was kept in a shaker at 37 °C and 100 rpm speed, and the sink condition was guaranteed during the test process. At the predetermined time intervals (1,3,12,24,48,72,96,120,144,168,192,216, and 240 h), 5 mL of dissolution medium was taken out, and an equivalent volume of fresh medium was added. To ensure the smooth dissolution of IND drugs, 50 mL of release media was renewed every 2 days.…”

“…Such a phenomenon would bring about short efficacy time for treatment and excessive drug absorption into the blood over the toxic dose. Moreover, hydrogel preparations often need freeze-drying or cold preservation to prevent polymer chains from hydrolysis. − …”

Enhanced Surface Immunomodification of Engineered Hydrogel Materials through Chondrocyte Modulation for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis

“…Smaller particle-sized substances exhibit enhanced cartilage penetration and cellular uptake, which are key for targeted therapy in OA [80]. Hydrogels can specifically target cartilage and directly deliver bioactive factors to lesion sites, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and growth factors targeting chondrocytes [81][82][83]. Li et al validated that intra-articular injections of biofactors directly to inflamed sites in an OA animal model promoted cartilage repair when combined with hydrogels [29].…”

“…The effects of drugs on cartilage and chondrocytes in OA are limited. Medications commonly used for OA include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), glucocorticoids, analgesics, and immunosuppressants [82][83][84][85][86][87][88][89][90]. For instance, the sustained release of dexamethasone, with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, by a hydrogel carrier enhances cartilage quality, alleviates arthritis symptoms, and promotes cartilage repair.…”