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Polymer-Based Drug Delivery Systems: Design and Characterization 119
(f) Dynamic light scattering (DLS) is another technique for the
determination of CMC. The scattered light in the DLS method is based on the molecular weight of the particles in micellar solutions.
Morphological Characterization
Physicochemical Characterization

4.3 Liposomes

Various microscopic techniques can be used for the morphological characterization of PMs. There are various microscopic imaging techniques for micelle characterization. AFM is a high-resolution microscopical technique that is useful for the analysis of the mor­phology and size of the micelles. It can also be used for the evalua­tion of redox or temperature-related morphological changes. Cryo­TEM is another powerful tool used to deter mine the morphology of micelles. Compared to normal TEM, cryo-TEM allows the evaluation of micelles in their solution state. As the liquid back­ground is important for micelles, cryo-TEM is preferred for micelle characterization [ logical characters [
60]. SEM is also used for the analysis of morpho-
61].
Structural aspects of the synthesized copolymer can be analyzed by employing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) [
62, 63]. Small-
angle neutron scattering (SANS) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) are two powerful tools used for the structural analysis of micelles.
Liposomes are spherical vesicles composed of phospholipids and cholesterol, arranged in a bilayer structure. They are also amphi­philic in nature, with an aqueous core surrounded by a lipid bilayer. Liposomes have an internal aqueous core suitable for encapsulating hydrophilic drugs. This core provides protection to the encapsulated drug and facilitates its delivery to target tissues. The phospholipid bilayer of liposomes encapsulates hydrophobic drugs, shielding them from the external environment and allowing con­trolled release over time. Surface modifications of liposomes, such as attaching dextran or PEG to the phospholipid bilayer, can enhance their circulation time in the blood stream and can also enhance the stability and pharmacokinetics of liposomal formula­tions. This modification helps evade detection by the immune system and prolongs the therapeutic effect of the encapsulated drugs (Fig.
3).
Liposomal formulations can be classified into two categories:
(i) Rigid vesicles liposomes—conventional liposomes and
niosomes
(ii) Elastic or
somes [
ultra-deformable vesicles—transferosomes and etho-
64]
120 Afroz Jahan et al.
Fig. 3 Schematic representation of different types of liposomes
4.3.1 Ethosome Ethosomes are novel lipid-based nano-carriers used in drug deliv-
ery systems. They are similar to liposomes but are specifically designed to improve the delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredi­ents (APIs), especially those with poor skin penetration due to their higher lipid content and ethanol presence.
The p
roduction o
f the ethosomal vesicles can be evaluated using photomicrographs, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs
65]. The formulation’s zeta potential can be determined using a
[ zeta meter [ depending on the ethanol and phospholipid concentrations [
66]. The reduction in mean vesicle diameter can vary
67– 69]. The transition temperature of the vesicular lipid systems can be
measured using differential scanning calorimetry, a method that can be used to detect ethanol-skin phospholipid interaction, a property connected to the fluidizing impact of ethanol on the phospholipid bilayers [
70]
.
The ultracentrifugation
method can be used to determine the ethosomes’ degree of entrapment. The high level of lamellarity and the presence of ethanol in the vesicles can be used to explain why ethosomes can effectively entrap hydrophilic and lipophilic medicines.
Polymer-Based Drug Delivery Systems: Design and Characterization 121
4.3.2 Transferosome
A transferosome is a type of vesicular delivery system used in transdermal drug delivery, which consists of phosphatidylcholine and an edge activator. It is a flexible, ultra-deformable liposome capable of passing through the tiny pores of the skin to deliver drugs directly into the bloodstream or target tissues.
Visualization of transferosomes can be performed using trans­mission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron micros­copy (SEM) [
71]. Particle size and size distribution can be
determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and photon correla­tion spectroscopy (PCS) [71, 72]. The drug entrapment efficiency by transferosomes can be measured by the ultracentrifugation tech­nique. Vesicle stability can be determined by assessing the size and structure of the vesicles over time, and drug content can be quan­tified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or spectrophotometric methods. In vitro drug release can be measured using a diffusion cell or a dialysis method [
4.3.3 Niosome Niosomes (non-ionic surfactant vesicles) are microscopic lamellar
73, 74].
structures formed by hydrating a mixture of non-ionic surfactants from the alkyl or dialkyl polyglycerol ether class and cholesterol. These vesicles are created in aqueous media due to the amphiphilic nature of the surfactants, which arrange themselves into closed bilayer structures when subjected to energy sources such as heat or physical agitation. The bilayer structure consists of the hydro­phobic tails of the surfactants facing inward, away from the aqueous solvent, while the hydrophilic heads faces outward, remaining in contact with the solvent. The formation of the bilayer vesicle requires energy input, such as heat or physical agitation.
Niosomes can be characterized by various methods to deter­mine their size, shape, bilayer formation, number of lamellae, membrane rigidity, and entrapment efficiency. These parameters are crucial for understanding the properties and potential applica­tions of niosomes in drug delivery systems.
1. Size and Shape: Niosomal vesicles are typically assumes spheri­cal shape. The mean diameter of niosomes can be determined using several techniques like laser light scattering method, electron microscopy, molecular sieve chromatography, ultra­centrifugation, photon correlation microscopy, optical micros­copy, freeze fracture electron microscopy [
75].
2. Bilayer Formation: The assembly of non-ionic surfactants into a bilayer vesicle is identified by observing an X-cross formation under light polarization microscopy [
3. Number of
Lamellae: The number of lamellae in niosomes can
76].
be determined using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spec­troscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, electron microscopy [
77].
122 Afroz Jahan et al.
4. Membrane Rigidity: Membrane rigidity is assessed by measur­ing the mobility of a fluorescence probe as a function of temperature [78].
5. Entrapment Efficiency: After preparing niosomal dispersion, unentrapped drug is separated, and the drug remained entrapped in niosomes is determined by complete vesicle dis­ruption using 50% n-propanol or 0.1% Triton X-100 and ana­lyzing the resultant solution by appropriate assay method for the drug [
79].

4.4 Polyplexes or Polymer-Drug Conjugates

One of the most commonly studied areas of polymer therapeutics is polymer-drug conjugates in which the low MW therapeutic and polymeric carrier are most often an anticancer agent and HPMA copolymer, respectively. This area was born from a landmark study by Ringsdorf in 1975 [
80] and then further pioneered in the 1980s
by Duncan & Kopecek, who designed the first targeted synthetic polymer-anticancer conjugates to progress to clinical trials
81, 82]. This work was comprehensively reviewed recently
[
83, 84].
[
In
contrast to free drugs, which usually distribute ran­domly throughout the body and thus exert deleterious side effects, attachment of the therapeutic to polymer carriers limits cellular uptake to endocytosis, extends circulation times to several hours, and facilitates passive targeting of tumors [
85]. The different types
of polymer drug conjugates, viz., dendrimers, polymer-protein conjugates, and polymeric nanoparticles, is discussed in detailed below.
4.4.1 Dendrimers The word “dendrimer” derives from a Greek phrase of “dendron,”
which means tree or meros or branch [
86]. As early as 1978,
Buhleir and coworkers synthesized and reported the first “cascade” and “nonskid-chain-like” molecules with molecular cavity topolo­gies, which later were recognized as the early forms of dendritic polymers [
87]. Dendrimers have emerged as an important group of
nanostructured carriers for the development of nanomedicine to treat various diseases. Because of structural diversity and adaptabil­ity, dendrimers have been used to deliver drugs and genes in many different ways. Dendrimer-drug conjugates could reduce systemic effects and increase efficacy at the targeted site compared with free drugs [
88, 89].
It is reported that the half-life of drugs can be increased by conjugating with dendrimers. PAMAM dendrimers are one of the most used dendrimers for drug delivery systems
90–92]. The dendrimer architecture has three main sites for
[ drug entrapment by using various mechanisms: (i) void spaces (by molecular entrapment), (ii) branching points (by hydrogen bonding), and (iii) outside surface groups (by charge–charge inter­actions) (Fig.
4).
Polymer-Based Drug Delivery Systems: Design and Characterization 123
Fig. 4 Schematic representation of dendrimer loaded with drug
Dendrimers can be characterized by various methods, viz., nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gel permeation chromatogra­phy (GPC), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Recently, electrophoretic and mass spectroscopy measurements have been developed to detect the mono-dispersity features and the effective charge of dendrimers
93, 94].
[
4.4.2 Polymer-Protein Conjugates
The concept of PEGylation, which involves the covalent attach­ment of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to peptides and proteins, was pioneered by Davis and colleagues in the late 1970s [95]. This technique has since become the preferred method to enhance the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of protein ther­apeutics [
96]. PEGylation helps in extending the circulation time of
protein therapeutics in the bloodstream, thereby maintaining drug
PEG is
concentrations at therapeutically relevant levels [
85].
non-immunogenic and non-antigenic, reducing the likelihood of immune responses against the therapeutic proteins. PEG is approved by the FDA for various pharmaceutical formulations, including injectable, topical, rectal, and nasal applications. The hydrophilic nature of PEG provides a protective shield around the protein, reducing recognition and clearance by the immune system [
97].
PEG can be synthesized to facilitate specific conjugation sites without crosslinking the protein, allowing the therapeutic to be released effectively. While PEGylation can protect proteins from degradation and immune responses, it can also reduce or alter the biological activity of the protein. PEG is not biodegradable, which can limit its long-term use and lead to potential accumulation in the body. Although the increased circulation time of PEGylated pro­teins can compensate for reduced activity, this balance must be carefully managed to ensure therapeutic efficacy. Despite its limita­tions, PEGylation remains a critical technique in the development
Ongoing research aims to
of polymer-protein conjugates [
97].
address these challenges by exploring alternatives to PEG that offer similar benefits with improved biodegradability and reduced impact on protein activity (Fig.
5).
124 Afroz Jahan et al.
Fig. 5 Schematic representation of polymer-protein conjugate
4.4.3 Polymeric Nanoparticles
Certain chemical entities are either rapidly degraded and/or meta­bolized after administration (peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids). This is the reason the idea that nanotechnologies may be employed to modify or even to control the drug distribution at the tissue, cellular, or sub-cellular levels has emerged. Thus, nanotechnology may be employed to modify or even to control the drug distribu­tion at the tissue, cellular, or sub-cellular compartment. Among the technologies utilized for drug targeting are polymer-based nano­particles, which have been developed since the early 1980s, when progress in polymer chemistry allowed the design of biodegradable and biocompatible materials. Nanoparticles may be defined as being submicron (<1 μm) colloidal systems generally composed of polymers. Thus, nanoparticles are colloidal systems with a size 7 to 70 times smaller than the red cells. They may be administered intravenously without any risk of embolization.
Based on the method of preparation, these can be nanocapsules or nanospheres. Nanospheres are matrix system in which the drug is dispersed within the polymer throughout the body of particle. Nanocapsules are vesicular systems in which cavity contains drug (oily/aqueous core) and is surrounded by a single ultrathin mem­brane of polymer (reservoir systems for controlled release of drug) as depicted in Fig.
6. Drugs are released from the nanosphere and
nanocapsule by diffusion through the polymer or by degradation of the polymer. Nanospheres and nanocapsules can be injected or taken orally [
21].
Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit diverse physical proper­ties such as composition, concentration, size, shape, surface proper­ties, crystallinity, and dispersion state. Thorough characterization of these properties is crucial for understanding the applicability of NPs, assessing nanotoxicology, ensuring health and safety in work­places, and controlling manufacturing processes. Several techniques are employed for comprehensive characterization.
The common characterization methods include:
(a) Electron Microscopy:
It includes scanning electron micros-
copy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
Polymer-Based Drug Delivery Systems: Design and Characterization 125
Fig. 6 Schematic representation of polymeric nanoparticle
for detailed morphology analysis. SEM provides high­resolution images of NP surfaces to study shape and size. TEM is capable of distinguishing between nanocapsules and nanospheres, and measuring nanocapsule wall thickness. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) provides three-dimensional, high-resolution images of surface morphology at a nanometric
98].
scale [
(b) Dynamic light scattering (DLS): Also known as photon corre-
lation spectroscopy (PCS), it is used to determine size distri­bution and zeta potential.
(c) Near-Infrared Spectroscopy: It is employed for assessing
chemical composition.
(d) Electrophoresis: It is used to measure surface charge and zeta
potential.
(e) Chromatography: I
purity [
99].
Chemically nanopar
t i
s used for analyzing composition and
ticle comprises of constituent elements along with native or formed functional groups. The measurement of the formed nanoparticle can be done using an ensemble or single-particle elemental analysis method. One of the most
126 Afroz Jahan et al.

5 Conclusion

common ensemble techniques used is atomic absorption spectros­copy which is based on the principle of atomic absorption, where ground state electrons of the atoms jump to an excited state by absorbing a certain quantity of energy from light at a specific wavelength [ chemical composition of a single particle is time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) that consists of ionizing small to large organic analytes into the gas phase with minimal fragmentation and their subsequent separation/detection using a time-of-flight mass analyzer [ nanoparticle may be organized into a be amorphous. Generally, crystal structure is determined using powder X-ray diffraction or selected area electron diffraction using a transmission electron microscope [
Research in polymer therapeutics has seen significant progress over the past few decades, demonstrating success in the safe and effective delivery of bioactive agents for treating a wide range of medical conditions. The initiatives reviewed show substantial promise in enhancing drug delivery by ensuring drugs are distributed specifi­cally to needed locations in therapeutically relevant quantities, thereby reducing reliance on patient dosing efforts. Moving for­ward, research should focus on better understanding the interac­tion between polymers and biological systems. Many recent studies have introduced novel chemical approaches for advanced drug delivery systems, but biocompatibility studies are often delayed until late in development. This oversight can lead to failures at later development stages. Early cellular and animal studies will help ensure that polymer-related innovations and in vitro successes translate into effective and safe drug delivery platforms.
100]. One of the techniques used to determine the
101]. The arrangement of elemental atoms in a
crystal structure or it may
102–104].

6 Future Prospects

1. Future treatments will require delivery vehicles capable of highly regulated and site-specific payload delivery to achieve therapeutically relevant concentrations in subcellular organelles.
2. Upcoming therapeutic indicative of specific diseases. Through unique triggering mechanisms, either physical or chemical, these systems will deliver therapeutic agents. The optimization of these systems will be significantly influenced by classical chemical engineering principles, particularly control theory.
systems will recognize key bioanalytes
Declaration

References

Polymer-Based Drug Delivery Systems: Design and Characterization 127
3. The blood–brain barrier, composed of tightly sealed endothe­lial cells, poses a significant challenge for the effective delivery of therapeutics for neurological and psychiatric disorders. PEG-grafted polymer nanoparticles show promise in facilitat­ing transport into deep brain areas without damaging the blood–brain barrier or other brain structures.
4. Targeted therapeutic delivery of high-potency drugs at rela­tively high payloads to specific sites, particularly tumor, is a major focus area. Advanced delivery systems will combine chemical and biological methods to achieve precise localization and therapy at targeted sites.
All the images are created by using BioRender free software.
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