Browsing by Author "Al-Qadi, Sonia"
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- Chitosan and its derivatives as nanocarriers for siRNA deliveryPublication . Al-Qadi, Sonia; Grenha, Ana; Remuñán-López, CarmenThe ability to specifically silence genes using siRNA has enormous potential for treating genetic diseases. However, siRNA instability and biodistribution issues still need to be overcome, and adequate delivery vehicles have proven indispensable in conveying siRNA to its target. Chitosan is a promising biopolymer for siRNA delivery, its interest stemming from its safety, biodegradability, mucoadhesivity, permeation enhancing effect and cationic charge, as well as amenability to undergo chemical modifications. Chitosan and its derivatives can be readily arranged into complexes or nanoparticles able to entrap and carry siRNA. Specific strategies have been adopted to improve chitosan-based vectors with regard to transfectability. However, further efforts are required to verify their value and adapt them to enhance therapeutic output prior to clinical application. This review emphasizes the potential of chitosan and its derivatives to develop nanocarriers for siRNA delivery. The properties of chitosan that are significant for transfectability and the most relevant findings are assessed.
- Microspheres loaded with polysaccharide nanoparticles for pulmonary delivery: preparation, structure and surface analysisPublication . Al-Qadi, Sonia; Grenha, Ana; Remuñán-López, CarmenIn this work, we report the preparation of a nanoparticle-based dry powder for pulmonary administration. Hybrid chitosan/hyaluronic acid nanoparticles were produced by ionotropic gelation and characterized for their physicochemical properties, being further studied by solid nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Using mannitol as carrier, nanoparticles were microencapsulated by spray drying, resulting in a dry powder with appropriate aerodynamic properties for lung delivery. In order to investigate the nanoparticles distribution within the carrier matrix, several techniques were applied that permitted an in-depth analysis of the system structure and surface, such as confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in combination with time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (TOF-SIMS). Overall, the studies conducted revealed that nanoparticles are homogeneously distributed through mannitol microspheres, suggesting the success of the microencapsulation process. In the light of these findings, it was concluded that the developed delivery system holds great potential for lung delivery of macromolecules.
- The potential of chitosan for pulmonary drug deliveryPublication . Grenha, Ana; Al-Qadi, Sonia; Seijo, Begoña; Remuñán-López, CarmenThe administration of drugs through the pulmonary route offers great advantages, but also requires overcoming many challenges. There is a need to develop appropriate carriers for each active molecule to be delivered to the desired site in the lung, either for a local or a systemic effect. The polysaccharide chitosan is a very promising material for this purpose, given its demonstrated properties of biodegradability and biocompatibility, as well as mucoadhesivity and ability to enhance macromolecules permeation. In this review, the potential of chitosan to develop drug carriers for delivery to the lung will be discussed. The most important features that can support its selection will be explained. Besides, different approaches to increase its performance, especially concerning solubility, permeation-enhancing properties and gene transfection efficiency, will be presented. Special emphasis will be placed on information of different chitosan-based carriers, namely nanoparticles and microparticles, intended for pulmonary drug delivery.