Search

Jan Sobieraj,* Katarzyna Strzelecka,* Marcin Sobczak, Ewa Oledzka Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Biomaterials, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-097, Poland*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Ewa Oledzka, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Biomaterials, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 1 Banacha Street, Warsaw, 02-097, Tel +48-22-572-07-55, Email eoledzka@wum.edu.plAbstract: Cannabinoids are compounds found in and derived from the Cannabis plants that have become increasingly recognised as significant modulating factors of physiological mechanisms and inflammatory reactions of the organism, thus inevitably affecting maintenance of homeostasis. Medical Cannabis popularity has surged since its legal regulation growing around the world. Numerous promising discoveries bring more data on cannabinoids’ pharmacological characteristics and therapeutic applications. Given the current surge in interest in the medical use of cannabinoids, there is an urgent need for an effective method of their administration. Surpassing low bioavailability, low water solubility, and instability became an important milestone in the advancement of cannabinoids in pharmaceutical applications. The numerous uses of cannabinoids in clinical practice remain restricted by limited administration alternatives, but there is hope when biodegradable polymers are taken into account. The primary objective of this review is to highlight the wide range of indications for which cannabinoids may be used, as well as the polymeric carriers that enhance their effectiveness. The current review described a wide range of therapeutic applications of cannabinoids, including pain management, neurological and sleep disorders, anxiety, and cancer treatment. The use of these compounds was further examined in the area of dermatology and cosmetology. Finally, with the use of biodegradable polymer-based drug delivery systems (DDSs), it was demonstrated that cannabinoids can be delivered specifically to the intended site while also improving the drug’s physicochemical properties, emphasizing their utility. Nevertheless, additional clinical trials on novel cannabinoids’ formulations are required, as their full spectrum therapeutical potential is yet to be unravelled. Keywords: cannabinoids, drug delivery systems, cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol, biodegradable polymers, nanomedicine

Carbon–carbon (C–C) composites are highly sought-after in aviation, automotive, and defense sectors due to their outstanding thermal and thermo-mechanical properties. These composites are highly valued for their exceptional thermal and thermo-mechanical properties, including remarkably low density and coefficient of thermal expansion, which are expected to surpass those of many alloys and other composites in the production of high-grade components. However, the current manufacturing methods for C–C composites are unable to meet market demands due to their high cost, low production speed, and labor-intensive processes, limiting their broader applications. This study presents an innovative approach by introducing a new extrusion-based 3D printing method using multiphase direct ink writing (MDIW) for C–C composite fabrication. The primary matrix utilized is a phenol-formaldehyde thermosetting resin, reinforced with silicon carbide (SiC) and graphite nanopowder (Gnp), focusing on achieving simple, scalable, and environmentally sustainable production of green parts with enhanced polymer matrix. This is followed by an inert carbonization process to obtain the final C–C composites. The research emphasizes the careful optimization of curing and rheological properties, including the use of suitable viscosity modifiers like carbon black (CB). Furthermore, the MDIW process demonstrates its capability to pattern dual nanoparticles within the composite structure in a well-ordered manner, leading to improved overall performance. Thermo-mechanical and thermo-electrical properties were thoroughly tested, showcasing the multifunctionality of the composite for diverse applications, from high-value industries like aerospace to broader uses such as heatsinks and electronic packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adam Kasiński, Monika Zielińska-Pisklak, Ewa Oledzka, Marcin Sobczak Department of Biomaterials Chemistry, Chair of Analytical Chemistry and Biomaterials, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw 02-097, PolandCorrespondence: Marcin Sobczak Tel +48-22-572-07-55Email marcin.sobczak@wp.plAbstract: Among modern drug formulations, stimuli-responsive hydrogels also called “smart hydrogels” deserve a special attention. The basic feature of this system is the ability to change their mechanical properties, swelling ability, hydrophilicity, bioactive molecules permeability, etc., influenced by various stimuli, such as temperature, pH, electromagnetic radiation, magnetic field and biological factors. Therefore, stimuli-responsive matrices can be potentially used in tissue engineering, cell cultures and technology of innovative drug delivery systems (DDSs), releasing the active substances under the control of internal or external stimuli. Moreover, smart hydrogels can be used as injectable DDSs, due to gel–sol transition connected with in situ cross-linking process. Innovative smart hydrogel DDSs can be utilized as matrices for targeted therapy, which enhances the effectiveness of tumor chemotherapy and subsequently limits systemic toxicity. External stimulus sensitivity allows remote control over the drug release profile and gel formation. On the other hand, internal factors provide drg accumulation in tumor tissue and reduce the concentration of active drug form in healthy tissue. In this report, we summarise the basic knowledge and chemical strategies for the synthetic smart hydrogel DDSs applied in antitumor therapy.Keywords: smart hydrogels, stimuli-responsive hydrogels, controlled release, drug delivery systems, anticancer drug delivery systems

Aleksander Kania,1 Rafał Krenke,2 Krzysztof Kuziemski,3 Małgorzata Czajkowska-Malinowska,4 Natalia Celejewska-Wójcik,1 Barbara Kuźnar-Kamińska,5 Małgorzata Farnik,6 Juliusz Bokiej,7 Marta Miszczuk,2 Iwona Damps-Konstańska,3 Marcin Grabicki,5 Marzena Trzaska-Sobczak,6 Krzysztof Sładek,1 Halina Batura-Gabryel,5 Adam Barczyk6 1Department of Pulmonology, II Chair of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland; 2Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Diseases and Allergy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland; 3Department of Allergology and Pneumonology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland; 4Department of Lung Diseases and Respiratory Failure, Regional Center of Pulmonology, Bydgoszcz, Poland; 5Department of Pulmonology, Allergology and Respiratory Oncology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland; 6Department of Pneumology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland; 7Department of Lung Diseases, Regional Hospital Center Jelenia Góra, Jelenia Góra, Poland Background: This study aimed to examine the distribution of predefined phenotypes, demographic data, clinical outcomes, and treatment of patients who were included in the Polish cohort of the Phenotypes of COPD in Central and Eastern Europe (POPE) study. Patients and methods: This was a sub-analysis of the data from the Polish cohort of the POPE study, an international, multicenter, observational cross-sectional survey of COPD patients in Central and Eastern European countries. The study included patients aged .40 years, with a confirmed diagnosis of COPD, and absence of exacerbation for at least 4 weeks before study inclusion. A total of seven Polish centers participated in the study. Results: Among the 430 Polish COPD patients enrolled in the study, 61.6% were non-exacerbators (NON-AE), 25.3% were frequent exacerbators with chronic bronchitis (AE CB), 7.9% were frequent exacerbators without chronic bronchitis (AE NON-CB), and 5.1% met the definition of asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS). There were statistically significant differences among these phenotypes in terms of symptom load, lung function, comorbidities, and treatment. Patients with the AE CB phenotype were most symptomatic with worse lung function, and more frequently reported anxiety and depression. Patients with the ACOS phenotype were significantly younger and were diagnosed with COPD earlier than those with other COPD phenotypes; those with the ACOS phenotype were also more often atopic and obese. Conclusion: There is significant heterogeneity among COPD patients in the Polish population in terms of phenotype and clinical outcome. The non-exacerbator phenotype is observed most frequently in Poland, while the frequent exacerbator with chronic bronchitis phenotype is the most symptomatic. Keywords: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma-COPD overlap syndrome, phenotypes

Joanna Kolmas,1 Kamil Pajor,1 Lukasz Pajchel,1 Agata Przekora,2 Grażyna Ginalska,2 Ewa Oledzka,3 Marcin Sobczak3 1Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy with Laboratory Medicine Division, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 2Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy with Medical Analytics Division, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, 3Department of Biomaterials Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy with Laboratory Medicine Division, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland Abstract: Nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite containing selenite ions (SeHA; 9.6 wt.% of selenium) was synthesized using wet method and subject to careful physicochemical analysis by powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. SeHA was then used to develop the selenium-containing hydroxyapatite/alginate (SeHA/ALG) composite granules. Risedronate sodium (RIS) was introduced to the obtained spherical microgranules of a size of about 1.1–1.5 mm in 2 ways: during the granules’ preparation (RIS solution added to a suspension of ALG and SeHA), and as a result of SeHA/ALG granules soaking in aqueous RIS solution. The analysis made using 13C and 31P cross-polarization magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance confirmed the presence of RIS and its interaction with calcium ions. Then, the release of selenium (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry) and RIS (high-performance liquid chromatography) from microgranules was examined. Moreover, cytotoxicity of fabricated granules was assessed by MTT test. Selenium release was biphasic: the first stage was short and ascribed to a “burst release” probably from a hydrated surface layer of SeHA crystals, while the next stage was significantly longer and ascribed to a sustained release of selenium from the crystals’ interior. The study showed that the method of obtaining microgranules containing RIS significantly affects its release profile. Performed cytotoxicity test revealed that fabricated granules had high antitumor activity against osteosarcoma cells. However, because of the “burst release” of selenium during the first 10 h, the granules significantly reduced viability of normal osteoblasts as well. Keywords: composites, nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite, drug release, cytotoxicity, antitumor activity, ionic substitutions, biomaterials, bisphosphonates

Laser spot thermography (LST) is a sub-domain method in active thermography that uses a laser as the heat source. The method allows for precise control of the beam shape, pulse duration, and delivered energy. Therefore, this technique can be applied, especially for delicate structures where testing conditions must be maintained precisely. The following work includes the introduction of a laser spot thermography technology demonstrator that was designed and constructed at AGH UST. The paper presents laser thermography laboratory experiments along with the developed procedure for automatic defect identification. The measurements were used to establish an automatic procedure and algorithm for automatic defect identification based on regression methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]