Novel Core–Shell Aerogel Formulation for Drug Delivery Based on Alginate and Konjac Glucomannan: Rational Design Using Artificial Intelligence Tools
This study explores novel alginate–konjac glucomannan core–shell aerogel particles for drug delivery systems fabricated via air-assisted coaxial prilling. A systematic approach is needed for the optimization of this method due to the numerous processing variables involved. This study investigated th...
| Autores: | , , |
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| Tipo de documento: | artigo |
| Data de publicação: | 2025 |
| País: | España |
| Recursos: | Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (USC) |
| Repositório: | Minerva. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Santiago de Compostela |
| Idioma: | inglês |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:minerva.usc.gal:10347/45764 |
| Acesso em linha: | https://hdl.handle.net/10347/45764 |
| Access Level: | Acceso aberto |
| Palavra-chave: | Aerogels Porous particles Konjac glucomannan Alginate Supercritical CO2 Artificial intelligence tools Coated particles |
| Resumo: | This study explores novel alginate–konjac glucomannan core–shell aerogel particles for drug delivery systems fabricated via air-assisted coaxial prilling. A systematic approach is needed for the optimization of this method due to the numerous processing variables involved. This study investigated the influence of six variables: alginate and konjac glucomannan concentrations, compressed airflow, liquid pump pressures, and nozzle configuration. A hybrid software using Artificial Neural Networks and genetic algorithms was used to model and optimize the hydrogel formation, achieving a 100% desirable solution. The optimal formulation identified resulted in particles displaying a log-normal size distribution (R2 = 0.967) with an average diameter of 1.57 mm. Supercritical CO2 drying yielded aerogels with macropores and mesopores and a high specific surface area (201 ± 10 m2/g). The loading of vancomycin hydrochloride (Van) or a dexamethasone base (DX) into the aerogel cores during the process was tested. The aerogels exhibited appropriate structural characteristics, and both drugs showed burst release profiles with ca. 80% release within 10 min for DX and medium-dependent release for Van. This study demonstrates the feasibility of producing konjac aerogel particles for delivery systems and the high potential of AI-driven optimization methods, highlighting the need for coating modifications to achieve the desired release profiles. |
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