The publications of the members of the research group.
2026
Raffaella De Piano; Francesco Barra; Diego Caccavo; Anna Angela Barba; Gaetano Lamberti
Design of pH‑sensitive alginate–carbopol hydrogel patches for wound healing applications Journal Article
In: International Journal of Pharmaceutics, vol. 688, 2026.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Hydrogel, Hydrogel Characterization, Hydrogel Modeling
@article{nokey,
title = {Design of pH‑sensitive alginate\textendashcarbopol hydrogel patches for wound healing applications},
author = {Raffaella {De Piano} and Francesco Barra and Diego Caccavo and Anna Angela Barba and Gaetano Lamberti},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378517325013067?via%3Dihub},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijpharm.2025.126469},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-01-20},
urldate = {2026-01-20},
journal = {International Journal of Pharmaceutics},
volume = {688},
abstract = {Smart wound dressings capable of responding to environmental stimuli of biological origin offer a promising strategy for infection management and accelerated healing. In this work, pH-sensitive hydrogel patches composed of alginate and Carbopol were developed for controlled release of a model antiseptic ingredient, the methylene blue agent. The systems were designed aiming to remain stable under acidic conditions (pH 5), favorable to wound healing, and to undergo swelling, erosion, and drug release under alkaline conditions (pH 8), which are typically associated with bacterial infection. Experimental characterization included swelling, erosion, and release studies under static (constant pH) and dynamically changing pH conditions. The realized composite patches showed minimal release at pH 5 and a rapid, complete release of methylene blue at pH 8, driven by pHinduced erosion. Then, a mathematical model was developed to describe the system’s behavior and successfully reproduced experimental data using a minimal set of adjustable parameters. The mathematical modeling approach adopted in this study was able to describe the experimental release kinetics with good accuracy when all kinetic rate constants were optimally fitted to the data confirming the erosion controlled release. These results highlight the potential of Carbopol\textendashalginate composites as effective pH-responsive wound dressings demonstrating controlled pH-triggered release behavior.},
keywords = {Hydrogel, Hydrogel Characterization, Hydrogel Modeling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Smart wound dressings capable of responding to environmental stimuli of biological origin offer a promising strategy for infection management and accelerated healing. In this work, pH-sensitive hydrogel patches composed of alginate and Carbopol were developed for controlled release of a model antiseptic ingredient, the methylene blue agent. The systems were designed aiming to remain stable under acidic conditions (pH 5), favorable to wound healing, and to undergo swelling, erosion, and drug release under alkaline conditions (pH 8), which are typically associated with bacterial infection. Experimental characterization included swelling, erosion, and release studies under static (constant pH) and dynamically changing pH conditions. The realized composite patches showed minimal release at pH 5 and a rapid, complete release of methylene blue at pH 8, driven by pHinduced erosion. Then, a mathematical model was developed to describe the system’s behavior and successfully reproduced experimental data using a minimal set of adjustable parameters. The mathematical modeling approach adopted in this study was able to describe the experimental release kinetics with good accuracy when all kinetic rate constants were optimally fitted to the data confirming the erosion controlled release. These results highlight the potential of Carbopol–alginate composites as effective pH-responsive wound dressings demonstrating controlled pH-triggered release behavior.
Raffaele Mancino; Diego Caccavo; Anna Angela Barba; Gaetano Lamberti
Raft-forming systems in GERD therapies: Formulation guidelines Journal Article
In: Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, vol. 115, 2026.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Hydrogel, Hydrogel Characterization
@article{nokey,
title = {Raft-forming systems in GERD therapies: Formulation guidelines},
author = {Raffaele Mancino and Diego Caccavo and Anna Angela Barba and Gaetano Lamberti },
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1773224725012110},
doi = {10.1016/j.jddst.2025.107808},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology},
volume = {115},
abstract = {Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects nearly 1 billion people globally and poses major health and economic challenges. While proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the mainstay of treatment, their long-term use raises safety concerns. Alginate-based raft-forming systems offer a non-systemic alternative, creating a floating gel barrier that prevents reflux by displacing the postprandial acid pocket. However, their efficacy varies with formulation, highlighting the need for a quantitative approach to design.
This study tested raft formulations combining two types of sodium alginates with varying amounts of sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate, using a factorial experimental design. Four key parameters were measured: raft strength, reflux resistance, pH buffering, and wet mass. Results showed that both alginate type and carbonate/bicarbonate ratios strongly affect raft performance.
Guidelines emerged: use alginates with strong gel-forming ability; optimize calcium carbonate (0.9\textendash1.0 mg/mg alginate) and sodium bicarbonate (0.4\textendash0.5 mg/mg); and maintain a balanced carbonate/bicarbonate ratio. Evaluating both mechanical and chemical properties is essential.
These findings support a rational, data-driven strategy for developing effective, personalized raft-forming therapies for GERD.},
keywords = {Hydrogel, Hydrogel Characterization},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects nearly 1 billion people globally and poses major health and economic challenges. While proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the mainstay of treatment, their long-term use raises safety concerns. Alginate-based raft-forming systems offer a non-systemic alternative, creating a floating gel barrier that prevents reflux by displacing the postprandial acid pocket. However, their efficacy varies with formulation, highlighting the need for a quantitative approach to design.
This study tested raft formulations combining two types of sodium alginates with varying amounts of sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate, using a factorial experimental design. Four key parameters were measured: raft strength, reflux resistance, pH buffering, and wet mass. Results showed that both alginate type and carbonate/bicarbonate ratios strongly affect raft performance.
Guidelines emerged: use alginates with strong gel-forming ability; optimize calcium carbonate (0.9–1.0 mg/mg alginate) and sodium bicarbonate (0.4–0.5 mg/mg); and maintain a balanced carbonate/bicarbonate ratio. Evaluating both mechanical and chemical properties is essential.
These findings support a rational, data-driven strategy for developing effective, personalized raft-forming therapies for GERD.
This study tested raft formulations combining two types of sodium alginates with varying amounts of sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate, using a factorial experimental design. Four key parameters were measured: raft strength, reflux resistance, pH buffering, and wet mass. Results showed that both alginate type and carbonate/bicarbonate ratios strongly affect raft performance.
Guidelines emerged: use alginates with strong gel-forming ability; optimize calcium carbonate (0.9–1.0 mg/mg alginate) and sodium bicarbonate (0.4–0.5 mg/mg); and maintain a balanced carbonate/bicarbonate ratio. Evaluating both mechanical and chemical properties is essential.
These findings support a rational, data-driven strategy for developing effective, personalized raft-forming therapies for GERD.
2023
Raffaella De Piano; Diego Caccavo; Anna Angela Barba; Gaetano Lamberti
Hydrogel: pH Role on Polyelectrolyte Behaviour in Aqueous Media Journal Article
In: Chemical Engineering Transactions, vol. 100, pp. 397-402, 2023, ISSN: 22839216.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Hydrogel, Polyelectrolyte Behaviour
@article{Piano}2023,
title = {Hydrogel: pH Role on Polyelectrolyte Behaviour in Aqueous Media},
author = {Raffaella {De Piano} and Diego Caccavo and Anna Angela Barba and Gaetano Lamberti},
doi = {10.3303/CET23100067},
issn = {22839216},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-06-30},
journal = {Chemical Engineering Transactions},
volume = {100},
pages = {397-402},
abstract = {Polyelectrolytes are a class of polymer whose swelling depends on the external condition of pH. The dissociation of the ionizable groups is strongly depended on the concentration of the H+ ions in solution and this leads to different swelling behaviour changing the external pH. Since these materials are versatile and used in various fields, an in-depth knowledge of their behaviour becomes important to use them appropriately. The present work aims to offer an overview of the behaviour of these materials in solution through an experimental and a steady state modelling part. The results serve as a fundamental basis to understand the behaviour of these systems, including transient periods, leading to a comprehensive and predictable description.},
keywords = {Hydrogel, Polyelectrolyte Behaviour},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Polyelectrolytes are a class of polymer whose swelling depends on the external condition of pH. The dissociation of the ionizable groups is strongly depended on the concentration of the H+ ions in solution and this leads to different swelling behaviour changing the external pH. Since these materials are versatile and used in various fields, an in-depth knowledge of their behaviour becomes important to use them appropriately. The present work aims to offer an overview of the behaviour of these materials in solution through an experimental and a steady state modelling part. The results serve as a fundamental basis to understand the behaviour of these systems, including transient periods, leading to a comprehensive and predictable description.
2020
Anna Angela Barba; Annalisa Dalmoro; Sabrina Bochicchio; Veronica De Simone; Diego Caccavo; Marco Iannone; Gaetano Lamberti
Engineering approaches for drug delivery systems production and characterization Journal Article
In: International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2020.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: drug delivery, Hydrogel, Innovation in Europe, Microvectors, Modeling, Nanovectors
@article{Barba2020,
title = {Engineering approaches for drug delivery systems production and characterization},
author = {Anna Angela Barba and Annalisa Dalmoro and Sabrina Bochicchio and Veronica {De Simone} and Diego Caccavo and Marco Iannone and Gaetano Lamberti},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378517320302519},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119267},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-03-31},
urldate = {2020-03-31},
journal = {International Journal of Pharmaceutics},
abstract = {To find and to test the therapeutic effectiveness (and the limited adverse effects) of a new drug is a long and expensive process. It has been estimated a period of ten years and an expense of the order of one billion USD are required. Meanwhile, even if a promising molecule has been identified, there is the need for operative methods for its delivery. The extreme case is given by gene therapy, in which molecules with tremendous in-vitro efficacy cannot be used in practice because of the lack in useful vector systems to deliver them. Most of the recent efforts in pharmaceutical sciences are focused on the development of novel drug delivery systems (DDSs).
In this review, the work done recently on the development and testing of novel DDSs, with particular emphasis on the results obtained by European research, is summarized. In the first section of the review the DDSs are analyzed accordingly with their scale-size: starting from nano-scale (liposomes, nanoparticles), up to the micro-scale (microparticles), until the macroscopic world is reached (granules, matrix systems). In the following two sections, non-conventional testing methods (mechanical methods and bio-relevant dissolution methods) are presented; at last, the importance of mathematical modeling to describe drug release and related phenomena is reported.},
keywords = {drug delivery, Hydrogel, Innovation in Europe, Microvectors, Modeling, Nanovectors},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
To find and to test the therapeutic effectiveness (and the limited adverse effects) of a new drug is a long and expensive process. It has been estimated a period of ten years and an expense of the order of one billion USD are required. Meanwhile, even if a promising molecule has been identified, there is the need for operative methods for its delivery. The extreme case is given by gene therapy, in which molecules with tremendous in-vitro efficacy cannot be used in practice because of the lack in useful vector systems to deliver them. Most of the recent efforts in pharmaceutical sciences are focused on the development of novel drug delivery systems (DDSs).
In this review, the work done recently on the development and testing of novel DDSs, with particular emphasis on the results obtained by European research, is summarized. In the first section of the review the DDSs are analyzed accordingly with their scale-size: starting from nano-scale (liposomes, nanoparticles), up to the micro-scale (microparticles), until the macroscopic world is reached (granules, matrix systems). In the following two sections, non-conventional testing methods (mechanical methods and bio-relevant dissolution methods) are presented; at last, the importance of mathematical modeling to describe drug release and related phenomena is reported.
In this review, the work done recently on the development and testing of novel DDSs, with particular emphasis on the results obtained by European research, is summarized. In the first section of the review the DDSs are analyzed accordingly with their scale-size: starting from nano-scale (liposomes, nanoparticles), up to the micro-scale (microparticles), until the macroscopic world is reached (granules, matrix systems). In the following two sections, non-conventional testing methods (mechanical methods and bio-relevant dissolution methods) are presented; at last, the importance of mathematical modeling to describe drug release and related phenomena is reported.