Polymeric and lipid membranes : from spheres to flat membranes and vice versa

Membranes are important components in a number of systems, where separation and control of the flow of molecules is desirable. Controllable membranes represent an even more coveted and desirable entity and their development is considered to be the next step of development. Typically, membranes are considered on flat surfaces, but spherical capsules possess a perfect infinite or fully suspended membranes. Similarities and transitions between spherical and flat membranes are discussed, while applications of membranes are also emphasized

Nanoparticles in polyelectrolyte multilayer layer-by-layer (LbL) films and capsules : key enabling components of hybrid coatings

Originally regarded as auxiliary additives, nanoparticles have become important constituents of polyelectrolyte multilayers. They represent the key components to enhance mechanical properties, enable activation by laser light or ultrasound, construct anisotropic and multicompartment structures, and facilitate the development of novel sensors and movable particles. Here, we discuss an increasingly important role of inorganic nanoparticles in the layer-by-layer assembly—effectively leading to the construction of the so-called hybrid coatings. The principles of assembly are discussed together with the properties of nanoparticles and layer-by-layer polymeric assembly essential in building hybrid coatings. Applications and emerging trends in development of such novel materials are also identified

Nanoparticles in Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Layer-by-Layer (LbL) Films and Capsules—Key Enabling Components of Hybrid Coatings

Originally regarded as auxiliary additives, nanoparticles have become important constituents of polyelectrolyte multilayers. They represent the key components to enhance mechanical properties, enable activation by laser light or ultrasound, construct anisotropic and multicompartment structures, and facilitate the development of novel sensors and movable particles. Here, we discuss an increasingly important role of inorganic nanoparticles in the layer-by-layer assembly—effectively leading to the construction of the so-called hybrid coatings. The principles of assembly are discussed together with the properties of nanoparticles and layer-by-layer polymeric assembly essential in building hybrid coatings. Applications and emerging trends in development of such novel materials are also identified

Microfluidic Synthesis and Analysis of Bioinspired Structures Based on CaCO3 for Potential Applications as Drug Delivery Carriers

Naturally inspired biomaterials such as calcium carbonate, produced in biological systems under specific conditions, exhibit superior properties that are difficult to reproduce in a laboratory. The emergence of microfluidic technologies provides an effective approach for the synthesis of such materials, which increases the interest of researchers in the creation and investigation of crystallization processes. Besides accurate tuning of the synthesis parameters, microfluidic technologies also enable an analysis of the process in situ with a range of methods. Understanding the mechanisms behind the microfluidic biomineralization processes could open a venue for new strategies in the development of advanced materials. In this review, we summarize recent advances in microfluidic synthesis and analysis of CaCO3-based bioinspired nano- and microparticles as well as core-shell structures on its basis. Particular attention is given to the application of calcium carbonate particles for drug delivery

Nanoparticles in Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Layer-by-Layer (LbL) Films and Capsules—Key Enabling Components of Hybrid Coatings

Originally regarded as auxiliary additives, nanoparticles have become important constituents of polyelectrolyte multilayers. They represent the key components to enhance mechanical properties, enable activation by laser light or ultrasound, construct anisotropic and multicompartment structures, and facilitate the development of novel sensors and movable particles. Here, we discuss an increasingly important role of inorganic nanoparticles in the layer-by-layer assembly—effectively leading to the construction of the so-called hybrid coatings. The principles of assembly are discussed together with the properties of nanoparticles and layer-by-layer polymeric assembly essential in building hybrid coatings. Applications and emerging trends in development of such novel materials are also identified

Microfluidic Synthesis and Analysis of Bioinspired Structures Based on CaCO₃ for Potential Applications as Drug Delivery Carriers

Naturally inspired biomaterials such as calcium carbonate, produced in biological systems under specific conditions, exhibit superior properties that are difficult to reproduce in a laboratory. The emergence of microfluidic technologies provides an effective approach for the synthesis of such materials, which increases the interest of researchers in the creation and investigation of crystallization processes. Besides accurate tuning of the synthesis parameters, microfluidic technologies also enable an analysis of the process in situ with a range of methods. Understanding the mechanisms behind the microfluidic biomineralization processes could open a venue for new strategies in the development of advanced materials. In this review, we summarize recent advances in microfluidic synthesis and analysis of CaCO3-based bioinspired nano- and microparticles as well as core-shell structures on its basis. Particular attention is given to the application of calcium carbonate particles for drug delivery

Hollow silver alginate microspheres for drug delivery and surface enhanced Raman scattering detection

Multifunctional silver alginate hydrogel microspheres are assembled via a template assisted approach using calcium carbonate cores. Sodium alginate is immobilized into the highly porous structure of calcium carbonate microspheres followed by cross-linking in the presence of silver ions. The simultaneous processes of the growth of silver nanoparticles in the alginate matrix and the removal of the calcium carbonate template are triggered by ascorbic acid. The abundance of silver nanoparticles and their interparticular junctions in the alginate network allow for the detection of solutes using Raman spectroscopy using the surface of the plasmonic microspheres. Rhodamine B was used to illustrate the potential applications of such multifunctional plasmonic alginate hydrogel microspheres for sensing at low concentrations. A proof of principle for using such particles for the quick identification of microorganisms is then demonstrated using the Escherichia coli bacterium

Laser-induced remote release in vivo in C. elegans from novel silver nanoparticles-alginate hydrogel shells

Non-destructive, controllable, remote light-induced release inside cells enables studying time- and space-specific processes in biology. In this work we demonstrate the remote release of tagged proteins in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) worms using a near-infrared laser light as a trigger from novel hydrogel shells functionalized with silver nanoparticles responsive to laser light. A new type of hydrogel shells was developed capable of withstanding prolonged storage in the lyophilized state to enable the uptake of the shell by worms, which takes place on an agar plate under standard culture conditions. Uptake of the shells by C. elegans was confirmed using confocal laser scanning microscopy, while release from alginate shells in C. elegans and the laser effect on the shells on a substrate in air was followed using fluorescence microscopy. In addition, Raman microscopy was used to track the localization of particles to avoid the influence of autofluorescence. Hierarchical cluster spectral analysis is used to extract information about the biochemical composition of an area of a nematode containing the hydrogel shells, whose Raman signal is enhanced by the SERS (Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering) effect due to hot spots formed by silver nanoparticles present in the shells. The in vivo release demonstrated here can be used to study intestinal microbiota and probiotic compounds as well as a possible future strategy for gene delivery in the worms, other insects and other organisms

A simple non-invasive approach toward efficient transdermal drug delivery based on biodegradable particulate system

Transdermal administration via skin appen- dages enables both localized and systemic drug delivery, as well as minimizes incidental toxicity. However, the design of an appropriate effective method for clinical use remains challenging. Here, we introduce calcium carbonate-based carriers for the transdermal transportation of bioactive substances. The proposed system presents easily manufactur- able biodegradable particles with a large surface area enabling a high payload ability. Topical application of submicron porous CaCO3 particles in rats followed by the therapeutic ultrasound treatment results in their deep penetration through the skin along with plentiful filling of the hair follicles. Exploiting the loading capacity of the porous particles, we demonstrate efficient transportation of a fluorescent marker along the entire depth of the hair follicle down the bulb region. In vivo monitoring of the carrier degradation reveals the active dissolution/ recrystallization of CaCO3 particles, resulting in their total resorption within 12 days. The proposed particulate system serves as an intrafollicular depot for drug storage and prolonged in situ release over this period. The urinary excretion profile proves the systemic absorption of the fluorescent marker. Hence, the elaborated transdermal delivery system looks promising for medical applications. The drug delivery to different target regions of the hair follicle may contribute to regenerative medicine, immunomodulation, and treatment of various skin disorders. In the meantime, the systemic uptake of the transported drug opens an avenue for prospective delivery routes beyond the scope of dermatolog