Browsing by Author "Sheetal Jaiswal"

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A non-covalently cross-linked self-healing hydrogel for drug delivery: characterization, mechanical strength, and anti-cancer potential
(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2024) Sheetal Jaiswal; Sandeep Kumar; Paramjeet Yadav; Krishtan Pal; Shere Afgan; Arvind Acharya; Ravi Prakash; Pralay Maiti; Rajesh Kumar
This research article introduced a novel one-pot method for synthesizing hydrogels, utilizing iron ions (Fe3+) and guar gum succinate (GGS) as cross-linkers. These hydrogels were characterized as cross-linked networks, with hydrogen bonds forming a sacrificial network and coordination bonds serving as the primary network. The reversible nature of these networks was attributed to the hydrogels’ exceptional toughness and remarkable self-healing properties. The hydrogel's chemical structure was confirmed through FTIR spectroscopy. XRD analysis highlighted the disruption of the crystalline nature of GGS upon cross-linking with Fe3+. By controlling the Fe3+ concentration, the hydrogels’ mechanical properties were tailored. Rheological measurements demonstrated mechanical and self-healing properties, while swelling studies revealed pH-dependent behavior. In vitro studies showed the hydrogels’ significant anti-proliferative effect against U-87MG (human glioblastoma) cancer cells, while remaining biocompatible with normal cell lines (HEK-293). These results indicated the potential application of these hydrogels in advancing cancer treatment strategies. © 2024 The Royal Society of Chemistry.
Allylthiourea-mediated self-healing hydrogels based on poly(vinyl alcohol): Enhanced cell viability/biocompatibility and sustained drug release
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2024) Paramjeet Yadav; Shere Afgan; Krishtan Pal; Sheetal Jaiswal; Pooja Goswami; Ravi Prakash; Rajesh Kumar; Biplob Koch; Pralay Maiti
Hydrogel-based materials represent promising candidates for drug delivery. In our research, we synthesized a series of hydrogels—PVATU-1 (2:1), PVATU-2 (1:1), and PVATU-3 (0.5:1)—by adjusting the poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) ratio while maintaining a constant ratio of allylthiourea (ATU) monomer and glutaraldehyde cross-linker, aiming to understand their impacts on gelation. These PVATU hydrogels displayed impressive swelling in neutral conditions and exhibited visible self-healing capabilities. Notably, PVATU-1 shows superior mechanical strength among the variants. Surface analysis using AFM and SEM unveiled porous structures within the hydrogels, while thermal stability tests indicated their resilience up to 200°C. DSC analysis revealed minimal variation in glass transition temperatures (Tg), affirming stability. A distinct endothermic peak around 250–350°C across all hydrogels confirmed their semi-crystalline nature, corroborated by powder XRD. Noteworthy, PVATU-1 demonstrated optimal loading and releasing efficiency for levofloxacin, with 74.5% loading and 82.8% releasing efficiency within 18 h. Biocompatibility assessments on HeLa cells affirmed the nontoxicity of PVATU hydrogel treatments. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Biomedical Applications of Aerogels: Therapeutic Potential, Safety, and Future Research Directions
(John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2024) Sheetal Jaiswal; Paramjeet Yadav; Rajesh Kumar
Aerogels are garnering considerable attention in biomedical fields due to their unique physicochemical properties. These materials are noted for their low density, high porosity, and customizable pore structures, making them highly suitable for applications such as drug delivery, regenerative medicine, and wound healing. They provide excellent platforms for loading drugs and active biomolecules. Consequently, research into the therapeutic potential of aerogels has surged, both in vitro and in vivo, reflecting an increased acknowledgment of their biomedical promise. Despite this growing body of research, detailed data on the in vivo performance and safety of aerogels remain sparse. While polymer-based, silica-based, and hybrid aerogels are generally deemed safe, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding their acute, subacute, and chronic toxicity. This review presents a thorough examination of the biomedical applications of aerogels, exploring both conventional uses and innovative applications like decontamination. We assess the biological impacts of aerogels on cells and organisms, focusing on their therapeutic effectiveness and safety. Through this detailed review, we aim to highlight the current state of aerogel research in the biomedical field and pinpoint key areas where further investigation is needed to ensure their safe and effective use in medical applications. © 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Chitosan-based self-healing hydrogel mediated by poly(acrylic-methacrylic acid) exhibiting high biocompatibility and anti-tumor activity
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2024) Krishtan Pal; Sandeep Kumar; Paramjeet Yadav; Sheetal Jaiswal; Rajesh Kumar; Arbind Acharya
Multi-responsive, self-healing hydrogels were developed utilizing positively charged polysaccharides, chitosan, and water-soluble chitosan. This fabrication employed free-radical synthesized polyacrylic acid and polymethacrylic acid along with the cross-linker FeCl3, resulting in the generation of polyelectrolyte metal complexes, which enhances the properties of the chitosan-based hydrogels, particularly their mechanical strength, self-healing ability, thermal stability, swelling behavior, porous structure, cell viability, and even anticancer activity. Characterization and stability assessment of the hydrogels were performed using FT-IR, nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography, scanning electron microscopy, rheometer, x-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, DSC, and UV spectroscopy. FT-IR measurements indicated that the facile complexation of the cross-linker's metal ions (Fe3+) with the carboxylate (COO−), amino (NH), and hydroxyl (OH) groups of the polymers and chitosan chains facilitated rapid gelation. Furthermore, the sustained release of the drug levofloxacin (up to 80%) was observed to increase with increasing pH due to the hydrogels' anionic nature. Biocompatibility and cytotoxicity tests were conducted using the MTT assay on splenocytes and Dalton Lymphoma cancer cell lines. These tests demonstrated the promising potential of these hydrogels for drug delivery applications. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Development of a Self-Healing, Tissue-Adhesive, and Bacteriostatic Guar Gum-Based Hydrogel for Enhanced Wound Healing and Tissue Regeneration
(American Chemical Society, 2025) Sheetal Jaiswal; Vijay K. Sharma; Deepak Kumar; Paramjeet Yadav; Biplob Koch; Satish K. Verma; Mayank Varshney; Rajesh Rakesh Kumar
A guar gum (GG)-grafted-(polydimethylamino-co-polyacrylamido sulfonic acid) [GG-g-(PDMAEA-co-PAMPS)] hydrogel was developed as a promising material for wound dressings. The hydrogel was synthesized by grafting poly(dimethylaminoethacrylate) (PDMAEA) and poly(acrylamidopropyl sulfonic acid) (PAMPS) onto guar gum (GG), and its structure was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. Rheological assessments demonstrated its mechanical robustness and self-healing properties while swelling studies revealed pH-sensitive behavior. Biocompatibility was confirmed through cell viability assays, showing minimal cytotoxicity and the hydrogel exhibited a bacteriostatic effect against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis. In a rat full-thickness chronic wound model, the hydrogel significantly accelerated wound healing, enhanced collagen deposition, reduced inflammation, and promoted angiogenesis. These results underscored the potential of the GG-g-(PDMAEA-co-PAMPS) hydrogel as an effective solution for chronic wound management. © 2025 American Chemical Society.
Development of chitosan towards the self-healing and mechanically stronger biocompatible hydrogel
(Elsevier B.V., 2022) Shere Afgan; Paramjeet Yadav; Sheetal Jaiswal; Krishtan Pal; Rajesh Kumar; Virendra Singh; Biplob koch
Nontoxic, self-healing and biocompatible Chitosan grafted poly (maleic anhydride) based hydrogel (CSHG) have been developed by using Chitosan (CS) and maleic anhydride (MAH) having reasonable mechanical strength with biocompatibility. The self-healing arises due to the presence of free primary amine group and carboxyl group in grafted chitosan either dynamic imine covalent interaction or non-covalent (H-bonding) interactions. In addition to this, the hydrogel showed tremendous swelling at various pH values viz. - 2, 7 and 9, and morphological study reveals the porous nature of the synthesized CSHG hydrogel. The cell viability (MTT) of CS and CSHG was performed on MCF-7 (breast cancer cell line), and phase contrast (cell imaging) of CS and CSHG was taken at 1:5, 1:10, 1:50 and 1:100 ratios in both cases which do not induce any significant changes in cellular morphology thus makes it biocompatible and can be used as biological applications. © 2022 Indian Chemical Society
Exploring the potential of andrographis paniculata and its bioactive compounds in the management of liver diseases: A comprehensive food chemistry perspective
(Elsevier Ltd, 2024) Sunil Kumar; Kshirod Kumar Ratha; Sheetal Jaiswal; Meda Mruthyumjaya Rao; Rabinarayan Acharya
Background: Andrographis paniculata (AP) is a plant used in traditional medicines worldwide for its medicinal properties, and for liver disorders. Despite numerous studies on its efficacy, the precise mode of action responsible for its hepatoprotective potential remains unclear. Methods: In this review, traditional uses, bioactive compounds, and pharmacological activity of AP for hepatoprotection were investigated using ten databases and keywords such as Andrographis paniculata, Hepatoprotection of AP, and AP in liver disorders and results between 2000 and 2023. Results: The review found that AP has the potential to treat liver disorders, including cancer, and established its anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-fibrotic, antiviral potential, and hepatic protection activity through experimental and clinical studies. The review also discussed its safety aspects. Conclusion: AP can potentially treat liver disorders and the findings highlight the need for further research to elucidate the mode of action responsible for AP's hepatoprotective potential and validate its rational use in liver disorders. © 2024
Generation of multicellular tumor spheroids via 3D cell culture utilizing a hydrogel comprising chitosan and allylthiourea
(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2023) Paramjeet Yadav; Shere Afgan; Virendra Singh; Krishtan Pal; Sheetal Jaiswal; Rajesh Kumar; Biplob Koch
Hydrogels made with chitosan (CS) biopolymer can undergo mechanical and chemical modifications that can lead to new properties and functions in the biomedical field, which can be used for 3D cell culture as well as the formation of tumor spheroids that mimic the microenvironment of a tissue or organ. Chitosan-poly(allylthiourea) (CSATU)-based hydrogels were synthesized, which exhibit self-healing properties, biocompatibility, nontoxicity, and reasonable mechanical strength. The ratio of chitosan was varied to synthesize a series of CSATU hydrogels viz. CSATU-1 containing (CS : ATU) in a (2 : 1) ratio, CSATU-2 containing (CS : ATU) in a (1 : 1) ratio, and CSATU-3 containing (CS : ATU) in a (1 : 2) ratio. The swelling of all CSATU hydrogels was found to be maximum in a neutral medium. The maximum mechanical strength was demonstrated by the CSATU-1 hydrogel among all hydrogels. The surface morphology of the hydrogels was analyzed using AFM and SEM, while the thermal stability was determined using TGA, revealing that the hydrogels were stable up to 200 °C, and the Tg values of CS and ATU were observed at approximately 97 °C and 74 °C, respectively. Although there is minimal variation among the Tg values of each hydrogel, a significant endothermic peak was observed at around 60-70 °C for all hydrogels, and the semi-crystalline nature was analyzed using powder XRD. However, the CSATU hydrogels were characterized using FT-IR spectroscopy. Furthermore, the CSATU hydrogels have been explored to investigate the biocompatibility of the cells. Our results revealed that the CSATU hydrogels were nontoxic to the T-cell lymphoma and MCF-7 cells. Additionally, all three hydrogels have successfully established the formation of multicellular tumor spheroids. Overall, our present study demonstrated that the synthesized CSATU hydrogels can be used as a promising platform for spheroid development, which has potential applications in tissue engineering and drug development. © 2023 The Royal Society of Chemistry.
Multi-Responsive Hydrogel Based on Sodium Alginate With Acrylic Acid and Methacrylic Acid: Impact on Normal and Cancerous Cells
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2025) Krishtan Pal; Sheetal Jaiswal; Paramjeet Yadav; Rajesh Rakesh Kumar; Tarun Minocha; Sanjeev Kumar Yadav
The application of sodium alginate (SA) in the field of hydrogels has attracted much attention. However, it remains challenging to fabricate sodium alginate-based biocompatible hydrogels with improved strength, high elasticity, porosity, and extraordinary adhesiveness. Herein, a hydrogel is constructed by SA and a copolymer of acrylic acid (AA) and meth acrylic acid (MAA), was synthesized via a free-radical polymerization (FRP) and reinforced by using dynamic cross-linker (Fe2+/Fe3+) with their carboxylate groups (COO−) like a chelating complex. The XPS validates the presence of dynamic Fe2+ (711 eV)/Fe3+ (714 eV) ions in the hydrogel scaffold. Porous structure contributes to improving the swelling rate (400%) which assists in drug delivery (80%) applications. The hydrogel has a well-interconnected network with a crossover point (G′ = G″) at 120 Pa with 8.52% strain and various factors viz. frequency temperature and time sweep study affect the gelation. The hydrogel exhibits a substantial surface area (25m2/g), pore depth size up to 350 nm, and height distribution histogram average size of 394 nm. The poly(AA-co-MAA) copolymer found actively targeting breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells and exhibited biocompatibility against HEK-293 cells and useful in water soluble controlled drug delivery. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Polysaccharide-based Self-healing hydrogels and their diverse Applications
(Association of Carbohydrate Chemists and Technologists, 2021) Shere Afgan; Paramjeet Yadav; Sheetal Jaiswal; Rajesh Kumar
Self-healing or shape-memory is one of the most ultimate characteristics of living tissues. ‘Self-healing hydrogels’ are three-dimensionally cross-linked polymeric materials that have played an important role in numerous fields because of their property to recover itself spontaneously after being damaged. In recent years, the researcher has particularly focused on self-healing hydrogels based on natural polysaccharides due to their promising properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and their ability to self-repair. This self-repair property inspired in nature gives them the possibility of maintaining their integrity even after damage, owing to specific physical interactions or dynamic covalent bonds that provide reversible linkages. In this review, we have covered the different types of polysaccharides based on self-healing hydrogels and their formation mechanism is offered together with the potential applications in the various fields. © 2021. Trends In Carbohydrate Research. All Rights Reserved.
RAFT Synthesis of Self-Assembled Poly(Acrylic Acid)-b-poly(N-Acryloyl-L-Tryptophan) Polymer: Investigating Micelle Formation and Biocompatibility
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2025) Megha Keshari; Sheetal Jaiswal; Baishakhi Mahapatra; Rakesh Kumar Singh; Rajesh Rakesh Kumar
Purpose: This study aims to synthesize and evaluate the physicochemical and biological properties of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and its block copolymer with N-acryloyl-L-tryptophan (PNALT), specifically focusing on their suitability for biomedical applications. Methods: PAA and PAA-b-PNALT were synthesized via RAFT polymerization using benzyl dodecyl trithiocarbonate (BDTTC) as the chain transfer agent (CTA). Kinetic studies were performed using 1H NMR to monitor acrylic acid (AA) conversion. Molecular weight evolution and polymer dispersity were analysed by GPC. Thermal behaviour was evaluated by TGA and DSC, while micelle formation was assessed using DLS and TEM. Cytotoxicity was evaluated on RAW 264.7 and MCF-7 cell lines via MTT assay. Results: The polymerization followed pseudo-first-order kinetics with a linear increase in molar mass and narrow PDI. PAA-b-PNALT exhibited enhanced thermal stability compared to PAA, as shown by TGA. No distinct Tg was observed in DSC, suggesting stability between 25–130°C. DLS and TEM confirmed self-assembly of PAA-b-PNALT into spherical micelles (80–220 nm). MTT assays demonstrated good cytocompatibility of both polymers, with PAA-b-PNALT showing improved biocompatibility, particularly at 50 µM on MCF-7 cells. Conclusion: PAA-b-PNALT exhibits desirable features such as controlled molar mass, thermal stability, self-assembly into micelles, and enhanced cytocompatibility. These properties position it as a promising candidate for applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and related biomedical technologies. © 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH.
Synthesis & characterization of amino acid-based acrylamide derived amphiphilic block copolymer using a new xanthate and its influence on cell cytotoxicity & cell viability
(Elsevier Ltd, 2023) Shere Afgan; Krishtan Pal; Arti Srivastava; Koushik Nandy; Paramjeet Yadav; Sheetal Jaiswal; Rajan Singh; Rakesh K. Singh; Rajesh Kumar
The development of amino acid-based polymers was due to their unique properties and structures like of biocompatible polymers having sensitive effects for numerous medicinal and biological actions like biochemical sensing and controlled release of drugs. To achieve this, poly (N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PNVP) and its block copolymer poly (N-vinylpyrrolidone)-b-poly (N-acryloyl-L-phenylalanine) (PNVP-b-PNALP) were synthesized by using a xanthate i.e., ethyl 2-((isopropoxycarbonothioyl)thio)-2-methylpropanoate (IPX), which exhibits good control RAFT polymerization. The plot between molar mass and conversion yields a linear line which confirms the pseudo-first-order kinetics, and molar mass distribution (Ðm) was found between (1.50–1.24). Both polymers were characterized by 1H NMR, FTIR, DSC, TGA-DTA, GPC, and XRD analysis. TEM and DLS study of the aqueous solution of the block copolymer (PNVP-b-PNALP) exhibited self-assembly (119–160 nm with a few smaller particles of 91 nm). Different concentrations of polymers (200–0.75 μM) were evaluated for their toxicities on macrophages (RAW 264.7) and cancer (MCF7) cell lines. The polymers were found to be nontoxic as we did not observe any significant changes in the rate of proliferation of both cells even at higher concentrations (up to 100 μM). However, the polymers were found to induce apoptosis-like changes in the cancer cells up to 100 μM, albeit not significant. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd
Synthetic and natural polymer hydrogels: A review of 3D spheroids and drug delivery
(Elsevier B.V., 2024) Paramjeet Yadav; Shiwani Singh; Sheetal Jaiswal; Rajesh Kumar
This review centers on the synthesis and characterization of both natural and synthetic hydrogels, highlighting their diverse applications across various fields. We will delve into the evolution of hydrogels, focusing on the importance of polysaccharide-based and synthetic variants, which have been particularly chosen for 3D spheroid development in cancer research and drug delivery. A detailed background on the research and specific methodologies, including the in-situ free radical polymerization used for synthesizing these hydrogels, will be extensively discussed. Additionally, the review will explore various applications of these hydrogels, such as their self-healing properties, swelling ratios, pH responsiveness, and cell viability. A comprehensive literature review will support this investigation. Ultimately, this review aims to clearly outline the objectives and significance of hydrogel synthesis and their applications. © 2024
Temperature-Tunable Adsorption of Methylene Blue by Poly(AAc-Co-AAm) Hydrogels: Swelling Behavior, Kinetics, and Isotherm Studies
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2025) Pratibha Mandal; Kawale Ashlesha Purushottam; Nishant Shekhar; Arti Srivastava; Sheetal Jaiswal; Manoj Kumar Bharty; Rajesh Rakesh Kumar
In this study, poly(acrylic acid-co-acrylamide) [poly(AAc-co-AAm)] hydrogels were synthesized via free radical polymerization using acrylic acid (AAc), acrylamide (AAm), and N, N′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinker. The synthesized hydrogels were characterized by FTIR, 1H-NMR, TGA, and SEM to confirm structural integrity, crosslinking, and thermal stability. Swelling behavior was evaluated at varying temperatures (30°C, 35°C, and 45°C) and pH (3.0–8.0). Maximum equilibrium swelling was observed for poly(AAc-co-AAm)3 due to higher hydrophilic group content, reaching saturation within 3 h. Swelling increased with both temperature and pH due to hydrogen bond disruption and ionic repulsion. TGA demonstrated a three-step decomposition, indicating stability up to ~180°C. Adsorption studies were performed by using methylene blue (100 mg/L) with 12 mg of hydrogel at pH 8.0. Optimal dye uptake occurred within 8 h. Adsorption increased with increase in dye concentration (20–100 mg/L), and the hydrogel showed enhanced adsorption at higher pH due to deprotonation of carboxylic groups. Kinetic analysis confirmed the pseudo-second-order model (R2 > 0.995) best described the process, indicating chemisorption. Freundlich isotherm (R2 = 0.998) best fit equilibrium data, suggesting multilayer adsorption on a heterogeneous surface. These findings validate the hydrogels as efficient, pH-sensitive, and thermo-responsive adsorbents for dye removal applications. © 2025 Wiley Periodicals LLC.