Core-Shell and Core-Amphiphilic Branched Shell Nanocarriers Based on Biodegradable Hyperbranched Polymers as Potential Drug Delivery Systems

    Stefano De Stefani
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    Studysummary This study found that novel biodegradable nanocarriers with highly hydrophobic cores significantly increased the solubility and sustained release of hydrophobic drugs and dyes, showing promise for drug delivery applications.
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    The study focused on developing novel biodegradable nanocarriers with core-shell and core-amphiphilic branched shell architectures using hyperbranched polymers for potential drug delivery applications. These nanocarriers were synthesized with hydrophobic cores and tested for their ability to encapsulate and release hydrophobic dyes and drugs, such as pyrene, dexamethasone, and finasteride. The research demonstrated that these carriers could achieve a controlled release of over 80% of encapsulated pyrene in 16 days under enzymatic conditions, with no significant release in the absence of enzymes. The study also explored the synthesis of more hydrophobic variants to enhance drug loading capacity, achieving a 40% increase in loading capacity for hydrophobic molecules. Cytotoxicity tests on human keratinocyte cells showed no toxicity at 0.05 mg/mL, and initial skin penetration tests indicated an eleven-fold increase in transporting model therapeutic agents into the epidermis compared to traditional creams.
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