β-Cyclodextrin-Based Nanosponges Functionalized with Drugs and Gold Nanoparticles

Abstract

Drugs are widely used as therapeutic agents; however, they may present some limitations. To overcome some of the therapeutic disadvantages of drugs, the use of β-cyclodextrin-based nanosponges (βCDNS) constitutes a promising strategy. βCDNS are matrices that contain multiple hydrophobic cavities, increasing the loading capacity, association, and stability of the included drugs. On the other hand, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are also used as therapeutic and diagnostic agents due to their unique properties and high chemical reactivity. In this work, we developed a new nanomaterial based on βCDNS and two therapeutic agents, drugs and AuNPs. First, the drugs phenylethylamine (PhEA) and 2-amino-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-thiazole (AT) were loaded on βCDNS. Later, the βCDNS–drug supramolecular complexes were functionalized with AuNPs, forming the βCDNS–PhEA–AuNP and βCDNS–AT–AuNP systems. The success of the formation of βCDNS and the loading of PhEA, AT, and AuNPs was demonstrated using different characterization techniques. The loading capacities of PhEA and AT in βCDNS were 90% and 150%, respectively, which is eight times higher than that with native βCD. The functional groups SH and NH2 of the drugs remained exposed and allowed the stabilization of the AuNPs, 85% of which were immobilized. These unique systems can be versatile materials with an efficient loading capacity for potential applications in the transport of therapeutic agents.

Evaluation and Characterization of Curcumin-β-Cyclodextrin and Cyclodextrin-Based Nanosponge Inclusion Complexation

“…Cyclodextrin nanosponge was synthesized by utilizing a solvent-free melting method [ 62 ]. Briefly, accurately weighed amounts of β-cyclodextrin and DPC cross-linker were melted inside a round-bottom flask heated inside a paraffin oil bath on a hot plate at 90 °C, with continuous magnetic stirring for five hours.…”

Cyclodextrin-Based Nanosponges: Overview and Opportunities

“…Different crosslinkers and the crosslinking degree allow the construction of polymeric structures of distinct polarity and dimension, leading to macromolecules (CDNSs) with unique properties ( Rubin Pedrazzo et al, 2022 ). The existence of lipophilic cavities in the building units (CDs) and the hydrophilic network in CDNSs, depending on the crosslinker’s nature, make these materials ideal candidates to increase the stability of sensitive and volatile compounds, as well as the solubility of lipophilic or lipophobic analytes ( Asela et al, 2021 ; Guineo-Alvarado et al, 2021 ; Rezaei et al, 2021 ). Furthermore, the variety of synthetic methods used for the preparation of CDNSs also leads to polymers with distinct properties:…”

Cyclodextrin-Modified Nanomaterials for Drug Delivery: Classification and Advances in Controlled Release and Bioavailability

“…An interesting strategy proposes the interaction of these systems with other therapeutic agents to control the release of stimuli [2][3][4]109]. An example of this is the work done by Asela et al [110]. They report the loading of phenylethylamine and 2-amino-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-thiazole on nanosponges with a loading capacity of 90% and 150%, respectively; this resulted in an eight-fold increase in the amount of drugs that can be carried by these nanosystems.…”