Structure-Based Varieties of Polymeric Nanocarriers and Influences of Their Physicochemical Properties on Drug Delivery Profiles

An albumin-prodrug injectable formulation for synergistic cancer immunotherapy

The emergence of immunotherapy has significantly transformed cancer therapy, and achieved promising outcomes. However, low patient response rates and the potential immune-related adverse events remain critical challenges, warranting extensive research. In this study, we developed an albumin-prodrug injection formulation (PIF) to enhance cancer immunotherapy. The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonist MSA-2 was esterified with the Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) inhibitor NLG919 to synthesize the prodrug MSA-NLG. Subsequently, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was employed to prepare the anti-tumor injection formulation MSA-NLG@BSA, which effectively prolonged the circulation time of the prodrug, improved pharmacokinetic properties, and promoted tumor aggregation and penetration. This strategy ensures that the drug remains inactive in normal tissues, thereby reducing immune activation-induced damage. The prodrug was dissociated into MSA-2 and NLG919 within tumor cells overexpressing esterase. The MSA-2 molecule stimulates immune cells to secrete cytotoxic cytokines, triggering an anti-tumor immune response and reshaping immune cell population. Meanwhile, NLG919 regulates the recognition and killing of tumor cells by immune cells, effectively blocking the immunosuppression caused by IDO overexpression. This study highlights the potential of a tumor environment-responsive prodrug strategy to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy, demonstrating the promising clinical translation of the novel MSA-NLG@BSA (PIF) formulation.

A Comparative Study of Quercetin/Rutin Loaded PEG Polymeric Nanoparticles: Controlled Drug Release and Its Biological Activity

Flavonoids are natural polyphenolic compounds that primarily possess antioxidant properties and play a significant role in opposing various diseases. Current chemotherapeutic approaches are largely ineffective, thus calling for the development of alternative strategies to combat this disease. In this regard, numerous studies have reported the anticancer effect of flavonoids in different types of cancer. To enhance its therapeutic value, polymeric nanoparticles (PEG NPs) represent an ideal delivery system. Further, surface modification of NPs with PEG holds tremendous potential for improving the bioavailability and circulation time of native drugs in the blood. The present study aimed to develop Quercetin/Rutin-loaded PEG polymeric NPs (Qu-PEG/Ru-PEG NPs) with enhanced encapsulation efficiency and sustained drug release. The synthesized Qu-PEG NPs & Ru-PEG NPs were characterized by UV-Vis Spectroscopy, FTIR spectrum, NMR, and XRD and SEM analysis. In-vitro drug release study exhibited a cumulative release of Quercetin & rutin for 24 h at pH 7.4. Further, the polymeric nano-formulations of Quercetin & Rutin showed enhanced antioxidant activity, leading to defense against oxidative stress. In-vitro cellular studies demonstrated that Qu-PEG NPs and Ru-PEG NPs significantly inhibit KB cell proliferation compared to free drugs alone. The current study also showed that Qu-PEG NPs & Ru-PEG NPs enhance intracellular ROS generation compared to the drug alone. Hence, our research findings revealed that successful encapsulation of Quercetin & Rutin in PEG NPs targets the tumor microenvironment and enhances the efficacy of drugs. Based on these preliminary results, flavonoid-loaded polymeric-based NPs might be potential therapeutic molecules against cancer in the future.

Harnessing Folate Receptors: A Comprehensive Review on the Applications of Folate-Adorned Nanocarriers for the Management of Melanoma

The advancement in exclusively tailored therapeutic delivery systems has escalated a great deal of interest in targeted delivery to augment therapeutic efficacy and to lessen adverse effects. The targeted delivery approach promisingly helps to surmount the unmet clinical needs of conventional therapies, including chemoresistance, limited penetration, and side effects. In the case of melanoma, various receptors were overexpressed on the tumor site, among which folate receptor (FR) targeting is considered to be a progressive approach for managing melanoma. FRs are the macromolecules of the glycosyl phosphatidylinositol-attached protein that possess globular assembly with a greater affinity toward specific ligands. So, the functional ligands can be utilized to design targeted nanocarriers (NCs) that can effectively bind to overexpressed FRs. Hence, folate-adorned NCs (FNCs) offer various benefits such as site-specific targeting, cargo protection, and minimizing toxicity. This review focuses on the insights and implications of FRs, targeting FRs, and mechanisms, challenges, and advantages of FNCs. Further, the applications of various FNCs, such as liposomes, polymeric NCs, albumin nanoparticles, inorganic NCs, liquid crystalline nanoparticles, and nanogels, have been elaborated for melanoma therapy. Likewise, the potential of FNCs in immunotherapy, photodynamic therapy, chemotherapy, gene therapy, photothermal therapy, and tumor imaging has been exhaustively discussed. Furthermore, translational hurdles and potential solutions are discussed in detail. The present review is expected to give thoughtful ideas to researchers, industry stakeholders, and formulation scientists for the efficacious development of FNCs.

Harnessing interfacial entropic effects in polymer grafted nanoparticle composites for tailoring their thermo-mechanical and separation properties

Nanocomposites based on polymeric materials have been extensively studied to understand and control the thermodynamics, flow, and mechanical properties of the underlying matrix as well to create new materials with diverse optical, electrical, magnetic, separation, catalytic, and biomedical properties. In the form of thin films or membranes, such materials can impart remarkable improvements in various properties of the underlying substrates. Using nanoparticles with grafted polymer chains usually overcomes a major hurdle in achieving enhancements in various properties by enabling better dispersion in the matrix while at the same time introducing a new parameter - interfacial entropy - leading to the emergence of new parameter space for tuning dispersion, flow and thermal properties. In this article, we highlight how this interfacial entropic effect can be harnessed to control various properties in thin films and membranes of grafted nanoparticle composites, in particular their thermo-mechanical properties, viscosity, fragility, glass transition temperature (Tg), and dynamic heterogeneity as well as their ability to act as highly selective gas separation and water desalination membranes. We discuss the application of a range of experimental techniques as well as molecular dynamics simulation to extract these properties and obtain microscopic insight into how the interplay of various surface and interfacial effects lies at the centre of these significant property improvements and enhanced functionality. Finally, we provide an outlook on future opportunities for designing sustainable PNCs, emphasizing their potential in environmental, energy, and biomedical applications, with advanced experiments and modelling driving further innovations.

GSH-Triggered Nitric Oxide Release from Polyurethane Nanocarriers for Gas-Photothermal Synergistic Therapy of Bacterial-Infected Wounds

Wound bacterial infections pose a significant challenge to global public health. Nitric oxide (NO), an endogenous gaseous molecule, shows great potential in antibacterial therapy. However, efficient NO delivery remains a critical challenge. Photothermal therapy (PTT) offers a noninvasive and highly localized treatment for bacterial infections. Leveraging the advantages of both approaches, this study developed a polymer-based nanocarrier to achieve synergistic NO delivery and PTT. For the first time, an amphiphilic polyurethane PEG-PNU-PEG containing dinitrate NO donors were synthesized, which further self-assembled into polymeric nanomicelles loaded with a NIR emitting conjugated polymer. In the bacterial microenvironment, elevated glutathione (GSH) triggered NO release. Simultaneously, the conjugated polymer enabled effective photothermal therapy, further promoting NO release for gas therapy. Experimental results demonstrated that the synergistic NO and PTT treatment effectively eradicated bacteria, eliminating 69.93% ± 2.79% of S. aureus biofilm, a > 4.5-fold improvement compared to NO treatment alone (14.8% ± 2.92%). The in vitro antibacterial assay showed an inhibition rate exceeding 99.0%, while in vivo studies on infected skin wounds revealed a bacterial clearance rate of 95.0% ± 1.95%. Furthermore, this system suppressed inflammatory cytokines, promoted collagen deposition, and accelerated skin regeneration, providing an effective strategy for broad-spectrum antibacterial therapy and wound healing.

Enhanced delivery of azithromycin using asymmetric polyethersulfone membrane modified with KIT-6 mesoporous material: Optimization and mechanistic studies

This study presents the development of a novel drug delivery system designed for improving the release profile and sustained delivery of azithromycin (AZI), particularly aimed at applications requiring localized infection control and improved tissue compatibility. The system employs an asymmetric polyethersulfone (PES) membrane modified with KIT-6 mesoporous material, offering improved drug release performance and biocompatibility over conventional delivery platforms. Membrane optimization was achieved by systematically varying parameters such as thickness (150-600 µm), drug concentration (500-1500 mg/L), polymer content (13-21 % PES), pore maker percentage (0-4 % polyvinylpyrrolidone), and KIT-6 modifier percentage (0.5-2 %). Characterization included scanning electron microscopy, water contact angle measurements, porosity, tensile strength evaluation, and comprehensive bioactivity testing (cytotoxicity, antimicrobial efficacy, blood compatibility, and a novel tissue integrity assay). The optimized formulation (17 % PES, 2 % PVP, 1 % KIT-6) achieved a controlled and sustained release profile with improved drug availability (464 mg/L) compared to unmodified membranes (252 mg/L), with a sustained release profile governed by the Higuchi model. Additionally, the membrane demonstrated superior biocompatibility (-90 % cell viability, low hemolysis at 1.2 %) and preserved tissue integrity better than unmodified counterparts, as evidenced by in vitro and ex vivo studies. Notably, the system showed robust reusability over prolonged use, indicating its potential as an effective, sustainable, and biocompatible solution for localized AZI delivery. These advantages position this system as a promising alternative for medical applications requiring precise drug release and minimal tissue disruption.

A review on polysaccharide-based tumor targeted drug nanodelivery systems

The tumor-targeted drug delivery system (TTDNS) uses nanocarriers to transport chemotherapeutic agents to target tumor cells or tissues precisely. This innovative approach considerably increases the effective concentration of these drugs at the tumor site, thereby enhancing their therapeutic efficacy. Many chemotherapeutic agents face challenges, such as low bioavailability, high cytotoxicity, and inadequate drug resistance. To address these obstacles, TTDNS comprising natural polysaccharides have gained increasing popularity in the field of nanotechnology owing to their ability to improve safety, bioavailability, and biocompatibility while reducing toxicity. In addition, it enhances permeability and allows for controlled drug delivery and release. This review focuses on the sources of natural polysaccharides and their direct and indirect mechanisms of anti-tumor activity. We also explored the preparation of various polysaccharide-based nanocarriers, including nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, nanohydrogels, nanoliposomes, nanocapsules, nanomicelles, nanocrystals, and nanofibers. Furthermore, this review delves into the versatile applications of polysaccharide-based nanocarriers, elucidating their capabilities for in vivo targeting, controlled release, and responsiveness to endogenous and exogenous stimuli, such as pH, reactive oxygen species, glutathione, light, ultrasound, and magnetic fields. This sophisticated design substantially enhances the chemotherapeutic efficacy of the encapsulated drugs at tumor sites and provides a basis for preclinical and clinical research. However, the in vivo stability, drug loading, and permeability of these preparations into tumor tissues still need to be improved. Most of the currently developed biomarker-sensitive polysaccharide nanocarriers are still in the laboratory stage, more innovative delivery mechanisms and clinical studies are needed to develop commercial nanocarriers for medical use.

Nanopore-Functionalized Hybrid Lipid-Block Copolymer Membranes Allow Efficient Single-Molecule Sampling and Stable Sensing of Human Serum

Biological nanopores are powerful tools for single-molecule detection, with promising potential as next-generation biosensors. A major bottleneck in nanopore analysis is the fragility of the supporting lipid membranes, that easily rupture after exposure to biological samples. Membranes comprising PMOXA-PDMS-PMOXA (poly(2-methyloxazoline-b-dimethylsiloxane-b-2-methyloxazoline)) or PBD-PEO (poly(1,2-butadiene)-b-poly(ethylene oxide)) polymers may form robust alternatives, but their suitability for the reconstitution of a broad range of nanopores has not yet been investigated. Here, PBD-PEO membranes are found to be highly robust toward applied voltages and human serum, while providing a poor environment for nanopore reconstitution. However, hybrid membranes containing a similar molar ratio of PBD11PEO8 polymers and diphytanoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPhPC) lipids show the best of both worlds: highly robust membranes suitable for the reconstitution of a wide variety of nanopores. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that lipids form ≈12 nm domains interspersed by a polymer matrix. Nanopores partition into these lipid nanodomains and sequester lipids, possibly offering the same binding strength as in a native bilayer. Nanopores reconstituted in hybrid membranes yield efficient sampling of biomolecules and enable sensing of high concentrations of human serum. This work thus shows that hybrid membranes functionalized with nanopores allow single-molecule sensing, while forming robust interfaces, resolving an important bottleneck for novel nanopore-based biosensors.

Bioactivity and biomedical applications of pomegranate peel extract: a comprehensive review

Pomegranate peel is a by-product generated during the processing of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit, accounting for approximately 50% of the total mass of the fruit. Although pomegranate peel is usually regarded as waste, it is rich in various bioactive metabolites such as polyphenols, tannins, and flavonoids, demonstrating significant medicinal and nutritional value. In recent years, Pomegranate peel extract (PPE) has shown broad application prospects in the biomedical field due to its multiple effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-apoptotic properties, and promotion of cell regeneration. This review consolidates the major bioactive metabolites of PPE and explores its applications in biomedical materials, including nanodrug carriers, hydrogels, and tissue engineering scaffolds. By synthesizing the existing literature, we delve into the potential value of PPE in biomedicine, the challenges currently encountered, and the future directions for research. The aim of this review is to provide a scientific basis for optimizing the utilization of PPE and to facilitate its broader application in the biomedical field.

Citrate-Assisted Regulation of Protein Stability and Secretability from Synthetic Amyloids

The mammalian endocrine system uses functional amyloids as dynamic depots to store and release protein hormones into the bloodstream. Such depots, acting as secretory granules within the microscale, are formed in specialized cells by the coordination between the ionic, divalent form of zinc (Zn2+) and the imidazole ring from accessible His residues. The reversibility of such cross-linking events allows for the release of monomeric or oligomeric forms of the functional protein for biological activity. In vitro, and mimicking such a natural coordination process, synthetic amyloidal granules with secretory properties can be fabricated using selected therapeutic proteins as building blocks. Then, these microparticles act as delivery systems for endocrine-like, sustained protein release, with proven applicability in vaccinology, cancer therapy, regenerative medicine, and as antimicrobial agents. While the temporal profile in which the protein is leaked from the material might be highly relevant to clinically oriented applications, the fine control of such parameters remains unclear. We have explored here how the kinetics of protein release can be regulated by intervening in the storage formulation of the granules, through the concentration of citrate not only as a buffer component and protein stabilizer but also as a chelating agent. The citrate-assisted, time-prolonged regulatable release of proteins, in their functional form, opens a spectrum of possibilities to adjust the preparation of synthetic secretory granules to specific clinical needs.

Topology-Oriented Lymph Node Drainage of Dendritic Polymer-TLR Agonist Conjugates to Enhance Vaccine Immunogenicity

Strategically targeting lymph nodes (LNs) to orchestrate the initiation and regulation of adaptive immune responses is one of the most pressing challenges in the context of vaccination. Herein, a series of polymer-TLR agonist conjugates (PTACs) is developed to investigate the impact of dendritic-topological characteristics on their LN targeting activity in vivo, and their molecular weight (MW) on their pharmacokinetics in support of their LN homing. Notably, the dendritic 6-arm PTAC with a MW of 60 kDa (6A-PTAC-60k) rapidly delivered cargo to draining LNs after administration to peripheral tissues. Specifically, this topologic structure ameliorated the targeting behavior within lymphatic vessels and LNs, including an elevated amount of TLR7/8 agonist delivered to the LNs, an improved distribution pattern among barrier cells and immune cells, increased permeability, and prolonged retention. Furthermore, the 6A-PTAC-60k formulation induced broad antibody and T cell responses, enhancing vaccine immunogenicity and suppressing tumor growth. The results revealed that both the topology and MW of polymers are crucial factors for immunoadjuvant distribution and their functional activity in the draining LNs, which, in turn, enhanced the immunogenicity of the vaccine formulation. This study may provide a chemical and structural basis for optimizing the design of immunoadjuvant delivery systems.

Emerging strategies against accelerated blood clearance phenomenon of nanocarrier drug delivery systems

Nanocarrier drug delivery systems (NDDS) have gained momentum in the field of anticancer or nucleic acid drug delivery due to their capacity to aggrandize the targeting efficacy and therapeutic outcomes of encapsulated drugs. A disadvantage of NDDS is that repeated administrations often encounter an obstacle known as the "accelerated blood clearance (ABC) phenomenon". This phenomenon results in the rapid clearance of the secondary dose from the bloodstream and markedly augmented liver accumulation, which substantially undermines the accurate delivery of drugs and the therapeutic effect of NDDS. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism of this phenomenon has not been elucidated and there is currently no effective method for its eradication. In light of the above, the aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of the underlying mechanism and potential countermeasures of the ABC phenomenon, with a view to rejuvenating both the slow-release property and expectation of NDDS in the clinic. In this paper, we innovatively introduce the pharmacokinetic mechanism of ABC phenomenon to further elucidate its occurrence mechanism after discussing its immunological mechanism, which provides a new direction for expanding the mechanistic study of ABC phenomenon. Whereafter, we conducted a critical conclusion of potential strategies for the suppression or prevention of the ABC phenomenon in terms of the physical and structural properties, PEG-lipid derivatives, dosage regimen and encapsulated substances of nanoformulations, particularly covering some novel high-performance nanomaterials and mixed modification methods. Alternatively, we innovatively propose a promising strategy of applying the characteristics of ABC phenomenon, as the significantly elevated hepatic accumulation and activated CYP3A1 profile associated with the ABC phenomenon are proved to be conducive to enhancing the efficacy of NDDS in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Collectively, this review is instructive for surmounting or wielding the ABC phenomenon and advancing the clinical applications and translations of NDDS.

Frontier applications of retinal nanomedicine: progress, challenges and perspectives

The human retina is a fragile and sophisticated light-sensitive tissue in the central nervous system. Unhealthy retinas can cause irreversible visual deterioration and permanent vision loss. Effective therapeutic strategies are restricted to the treatment or reversal of these conditions. In recent years, nanoscience and nanotechnology have revolutionized targeted management of retinal diseases. Pharmaceuticals, theranostics, regenerative medicine, gene therapy, and retinal prostheses are indispensable for retinal interventions and have been significantly advanced by nanomedical innovations. Hence, this review presents novel insights into the use of versatile nanomaterial-based nanocomposites for frontier retinal applications, including non-invasive drug delivery, theranostic contrast agents, therapeutic nanoagents, gene therapy, stem cell-based therapy, retinal optogenetics and retinal prostheses, which have mainly been reported within the last 5 years. Furthermore, recent progress, potential challenges, and future perspectives in this field are highlighted and discussed in detail, which may shed light on future clinical translations and ultimately, benefit patients with retinal disorders.

Presenting Antimicrobial Peptides on Poly(ethylene glycol): Star-Shaped vs Comb-Like Architectures

Conjugating antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to nonlinear polymers is a promising strategy to overcome the translational challenges of AMPs toward treating infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Nonlinear polymers, and therefore conjugates, can be prepared with various architectures (e.g., star-shaped, comb-like, hyperbranched, etc.), however, the effects of polymer architecture on antimicrobial performance and related properties, like size and morphology in solution and secondary structure, are not yet well-understood. Here, we compare conjugates of the human chemokine-derived AMP stapled P9 with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) prepared in two of the major nonlinear architectures: star-shaped and comb-like. At comparable molecular weights and compositions (peptide wt %), comb-like conjugates afford increased helicity, solubility, antimicrobial activity, and proteolytic stability compared to star-shaped analogs. We then leveraged the expansive design space of comb-like architectures to prepare conjugates with different backbone lengths and PEG side chain lengths, with shorter PEG side chains leading to increased helicity, yet potentially less shielding from proteolytic degradation and the longest backbone lengths furnishing the most potent antimicrobial activity. Both comb-like and star-shaped conjugates display high zeta potential, indicating that the cationic AMPs were accessible for electrostatic interactions with bacterial membranes. Yet, the comb-like conjugates showed a higher fraction of unimolecular structures indicative of a lower propensity for supramolecular assembly that could be encumbering the desired AMP-bacteria interactions in the star-shaped conjugates. Together, our work shows comb-like AMP-polymer conjugates to outperform analogous star-shaped conjugates, while adding design flexibility to access an expansive range of monomer chemistries, monomer distributions, and backbone lengths to modulate performance-determining properties and ultimately furnish an effective suite of AMP-polymer materials as alternatives to conventional antibiotics for combatting bacterial infections.

Amphiphilic Poly(ethylene glycol)-Cholesterol Conjugate: Stable Micellar Formulation for Efficient Loading and Effective Intracellular Delivery of Curcumin

A biodegradable and biocompatible micellar-based drug delivery system was developed using amphiphilic methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)-cholesterol (C1) and poly(ethylene glycol)-S-S-cholesterol (C2) conjugates and applied to the tumoral release of the water-insoluble drug curcumin. These synthesized surfactants C1 and C2 were found to form stable micelles (CMC ∼ 6 μM) and an average hydrodynamic size of around 20-25 nm. The curcumin-encapsulated C1 micelle was formulated by a solvent evaporation method. A very high drug encapsulation efficiency (EE) of ∼88% and a drug loading (DL) capacity of ∼9% were determined for both the micelles. From the reduced rate of curcumin degradation and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, the stability of the curcumin-loaded C1 micelle was found to be higher than that of the unloaded micelle, which confirmed a more compact structural arrangement in the presence of hydrophobic curcumin. A pH-sensitive release of curcumin (faster release with decrease in pH) was observed for the curcumin-loaded C1 micelle, attributed to the diffusion and relaxation/erosion of micellar aggregates. To achieve reduction environment-sensitive drug release, a disulfide (S-S) chemical linkage-incorporated mPEG-cholesterol conjugate (C2) was synthesized, which was found to show glutathione-responsive faster release of curcumin. The in vitro experiments carried out in SCC9 oral cancer cell lines showed that the blank C1 and C2 micelles were noncytotoxic at lower concentrations (<50 μM), while curcumin-loaded C1 and C2 micelles inhibited the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis. An increased in vitro cytotoxicity was observed for curcumin-loaded micelles compared to that of curcumin itself, demonstrating a better cell penetration efficacy of the micelle. These results were further supplemented by the in vivo anticancer analysis of the curcumin-loaded C1 and C2 micellar formulations using the mice xenograft model. Notably, curcumin-loaded C2 micelles showed a significantly stronger apoptotic effect in xenograft mice compared to curcumin-loaded C1 micelles, indicating the GSH environment-sensitive drug release and improved bioavailability. In conclusion, the mPEG-cholesterol C1 and C2 micellar system with the advantages of small size, high encapsulation efficiency, high drug loading, simple preparing technique, biocompatibility, and good in vitro and in vivo performance may have the potential to be used as a drug carrier for sustained and stimuli-responsive release of the hydrophobic drug curcumin.

Nanoparticle-based flavonoid therapeutics: Pioneering biomedical applications in antioxidants, cancer treatment, cardiovascular health, neuroprotection, and cosmeceuticals

Flavonoids, a type of natural polyphenolic molecule, have garnered significant research interest due to their ubiquitous nature and diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects, making them appealing to various scientific disciplines. In this regard, the use of a flavonoid nanoparticle delivery system is to overcome low bioavailability, bioactivity, poor aqueous solubility, systemic absorption, and intensive metabolism. Therefore, this review summarizes the classification of nanoparticles (liposomes, polymeric, and solid lipid nanoparticles) and the advantages of using nanoparticle-flavonoid formulations to boost flavonoid bioavailability. Moreover, this review illustrated the pioneering biomedical applications of nanoparticle-based flavonoid therapeutics, as well as safety and toxicity considerations of using a flavonoid nanoparticle delivery system.

Deep-insights: Nanoengineered gel-based localized drug delivery for arthritis management

Arthritis is an inflammatory joint disorder that progressively impairs function and diminishes quality of life. Conventional therapies often prove ineffective, as oral administration lacks specificity, resulting in off-target side effects like hepatotoxicity and GIT-related issues. Intravenous administration causes systemic side effects. The characteristic joint-localized symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and inflammation make the localized drug delivery suitable for managing arthritis. Topical/transdermal/intra-articular routes have become viable options for drug delivery in treating arthritis. However, challenges with those localized drug delivery routes include skin barrier and cartilage impermeability. Additionally, conventional intra-articular drug delivery also leads to rapid clearance of drugs from the synovial joint tissue. To circumvent these limitations, researchers have developed nanocarriers that enhance drug permeability through skin and cartilage, influencing localized action. Gel-based nanoengineered therapy employs a gel matrix to incorporate the drug-encapsulated nanocarriers. This approach combines the benefits of gels and nanocarriers to enhance therapeutic effects and improve patient compliance. This review emphasizes deep insights into drug delivery using diverse gel-based novel nanocarriers, exploring their various applications embedded in hyaluronic acid (biopolymer)-based gels, carbopol-based gels, and others. Furthermore, this review discusses the influence of nanocarrier pharmacokinetics on the localization and therapeutic manipulation of macrophages mediated by nanocarriers. The ELVIS (extravasation through leaky vasculature and inflammatory cell-mediated sequestration) effect associated with arthritis is advantageous in drug delivery. Simply put, the ELVIS effect refers to the extravasation of nanocarriers through leaky vasculatures, which finally results in the accumulation of nanocarriers in the joint cavity.

Size-controlled antimicrobial peptide drug delivery vehicles through complex coacervation

Due to the escalating threat of the pathogens' capability of quick adaptation to antibiotics, finding new alternatives is crucial. Although antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are highly potent and effective, their therapeutic use is limited' as they are prone to enzymatic degradation, are cytotoxic and have low retention. To overcome these challenges, we investigate the complexation of the cationic AMP colistin with diblock copolymers poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(methacrylic acid) (PEO-b-PMAA) forming colistin-complex coacervate core micelles (colistin-C3Ms). We present long-term stable kinetically controlled colistin-C3Ms that can be prepared from several block lengths of PEO-b-PMAA polymers, where the polymerisation degree governs the overall micellar size. To achieve precise control over size and polydispersity, which are crucial for drug delivery applications, we investigate the hybridisation of PEO-b-PMAA polymers with varying chain lengths or PMAA homopolymers in ternary complex coacervation systems with colistin. This results in size-tunable colistin-C3Ms, ranging, depending on the mixing ratios, from micellar sizes of 26 nm to 100 nm. With size tunability at rather narrow size distributions and high stability, ternary colistin-C3Ms offer potential advancements in C3M drug delivery, paving the way for more effective and targeted treatments for bacterial infections in precision medicine.

Nanocarriers Made of Natural Fatty Acids: Modulation of Their Release Profiles through Photo-Crosslinking

Natural fatty acids are attractive carrier materials for drug delivery, but their rapid dissolution and degradation in vivo calls for new strategies to enhance their stability. Here we report a simple and versatile method capable of photo-crosslinking carriers made of natural fatty acids for drug delivery under controlled release. By optimizing the crosslinking density, the nanoscale carriers show a high drug loading efficiency, together with a stable network structure for minimal degradation in a body fluid mimic. Fluorescence microscopy analysis also reveals the exceptional intracellular stability of the crosslinked network, resulting in negligible cytotoxicity toward A549 cells up to 24 h when loaded with a potent anticancer drug. We further extend this strategy to microscale carriers fabricated using electrospray. Upon photo-crosslinking, the carriers show a retarded release of nerve growth factor, resulting in slower neurite outgrowth from dorsal root ganglion. This work holds promise for addressing the efficacy and safety issues critical to nanomedicine and related applications.

Polymer-based antimicrobial strategies for periodontitis

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition driven by plaque-associated microorganisms, where uncontrolled bacterial invasion and proliferation impair host immune responses, leading to localized periodontal tissue inflammation and bone destruction. Conventional periodontal therapies face challenges, including incomplete microbial clearance and the rise of antibiotic resistance, limiting their precision and effectiveness in managing periodontitis. Recently, nanotherapies based on polymeric materials have introduced advanced approaches to periodontal antimicrobial therapy through diverse antimicrobial mechanisms. This review explored specific mechanisms, emphasizing the design of polymer-based agents that employ individual or synergistic antimicrobial actions, and evaluated the innovations and limitations of current strategies while forecasting future trends in antimicrobial development for periodontitis.

Nanoformulated phytochemicals in skin anti-aging research: an updated mini review

Skin aging is characterized by progressive loss of functionality and regenerative potential of the skin, resulting in the appearance of wrinkles, irregular pigmentation, a decrease of elasticity, dryness, and rough texture. Damage to the skin caused by oxidative stress could substantially be slowed down by the use of phytochemicals that function as natural antioxidants. Although phytochemicals have immense potential as anti-aging medicines, their effectiveness as therapeutic agents is restricted by their poor solubility, biodistribution, stability, and hydrophilicity. Given their improved stability, solubility, efficacy, and occlusive properties, nanoformulations have emerged as promising drug delivery platforms for phytochemicals to achieve anti-aging effects. The efficacy of these nanoformulated phytochemicals in suppressing enzymes that accelerate skin aging, such as collagenase, tyrosinase and hyaluronidase, as well as enhancing superoxide dismutase, catalase, and collagen levels to improve skin appearance during aging has been demonstrated.

A shielded cascade of targeted nanocarriers spanning multiple microenvironmental barriers for inflammatory disease therapy

BACKGROUND

The multi-biological barriers present in the inflammatory microenvironment severely limit the targeted aggregation of anti-inflammatory drugs in the lesion area. However, conventional responsive drug carriers inevitably come into contact with several pro-responsive stimulatory mediators simultaneously, leading to premature drug release and loss of most therapeutic effects. Breaking through the multi-level barriers of the inflammatory microenvironment is essential to improve the enrichment and bioavailability of drugs.

RESULTS

In this study, we propose a novel two-stage structural strategy to build shielded cascades of targeted nanocarriers (FA-PTP@Que) through inflammatory mediators, using cascade structures to cross multiple environmental barriers. The cascade structure of FA-PTP@Que is responsive to inflammatory mediators and exhibits ideal pathological microenvironmental response and drug release properties. FA-PTP@Que has shown good macrophage regulation and anti-inflammatory effects by efficiently targeting macrophages, scavenging intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and down-regulating the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors. Significantly, in mice with arthritis and colitis, FA-PTP@Que enriches and targets macrophages at the sites of arthritis and colitis, showing significant anti-inflammatory effects.

CONCLUSION

FA-PTP@Que combines active chemotaxis of nanocarriers to inflammatory tissues and active targeting of effector cells, acting precisely at each barrier level in different microenvironments by responding to inflammatory mediators and overcoming the multiple barriers in the inflammatory microenvironment. This innovative strategy can effectively break through various inflammatory microenvironments and has the potential application to other inflammatory diseases.

Disulfiram-Loaded Nanoparticles Inhibit Long-Term Proliferation on Preadipocytes

Introduction

Disulfiram (DSF) reduces insulin resistance and weight gain in obese mice. However, the effect on adipose tissue is unexplored due to their high instability under physiological conditions, limiting clinical applications. Thus, it is meaningful to develop a DSF carrier for sustained release to adipose tissue. We optimized the synthesis of poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with DSF and analyzed their effect on adipose tissue cells in vitro.

Methods

The NPs were synthesized by nanoprecipitation method, varying its solvent, either acetone or acetone/dichloromethane (60:40) (v/v), and ratio PCL:DSF (w/w) 1:2, 1:1, 2:1 and, 1:0; finding the best condition was obtained with acetone/dichloromethane solvent mixture and 2:1 PCL:DSF. Then, NPs toxicity was analyzed on adipose cells (preadipocytes, white-like adipocytes, and macrophages) assessing association and internalization, cell viability, and cell death mechanism.

Results

NPs were spherical with a particle size distribution of 203.2 ± 29.33 nm, a ζ-potential of -20.7 ± 4.58 mV, a PDI of 0.296 ± 0.084, and a physical drug loading of 18.6 ± 5.80%. Sustained release was observed from 0.5 h (10.94 ± 2.38%) up to 96 h (91.20 ± 6.03%) under physiological conditions. NPs internalize into macrophages, white-like adipocytes and preadipocytes without modifying cell viability on white-like adipocytes and macrophages. Preadipocytes reduce cell viability, inducing mitochondrial damage, increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, leading to effector caspases 3/7 cleaved, resulting in apoptosis. Finally, long-term proliferation inhibition was observed, highlighting the bioequivalent effect of PCL-DSF NPs compared to free DSF.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrated the biological interaction of PCL NPs with adipose cells in vitro. The selective cytotoxicity of DSF towards preadipocytes resulted in milder effects when it was delivered nanoencapsulated compared to the free drug. These results suggest promising pharmacological alternatives for DSF long-term delivery on adipose tissue.

Pathophysiology-Driven Approaches for Overcoming Nanomedicine Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer

Tumor heterogeneity poses a significant challenge in cancer therapy. To address this, we analyze pharmacotherapeutic challenges by categorizing them into static and dynamic barriers, reframing these challenges to improve drug delivery, efficacy, and the development of controlled-release nanomedicines (CRNMs). This pathophysiology-driven approach facilitates the design of novel therapeutics tailored to overcome obstacles in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) using nanotechnology. Advanced biomaterials in nanodrug delivery systems offer innovative solutions by combining controlled release, stimuli sensitivity, and smart design strategies. CRNMs are engineered to modulate spatiotemporal signaling and control drug release in PDAC, where resistance to conventional therapies is particularly high. This review explores pharmacokinetic considerations for nanomedicine design, RNA interference (RNAi) for stromal modulation, and the development of targeted nanomedicine strategies. Additionally, we highlight the limitations of current animal models in capturing the complexities of PDAC and discuss notable clinical failures, such as PEGylated hyaluronidase (Phase III HALO 109-301 trial) and evofosfamide (TH-302) with gemcitabine (MAESTRO trial), underscoring the need for improved models and treatment strategies. By targeting pathways like Notch and Hedgehog and incorporating stimuli-sensitive and pathway-modulating agents, CRNMs offer a promising avenue to enhance drug penetration and efficacy, reshaping the paradigm of pancreatic cancer treatment.

Multiplexed Quantitative Screening of the Cellular Uptake of Proteins Delivered by Polymeric Nanocarriers

Proteins are important therapeutic agents, yet better methods are needed to deliver them inside of cells. Polymeric nanocarriers (PNCs) are versatile materials for this purpose, and to enhance their development, it is necessary to quantify protein delivery efficiency into cells by numerous PNC designs at the same time. Current strategies for screening PNC systems are qualitative and mostly serial. Here, we describe a multiplexed approach that uses metal-coded mass tags (MMTs) to quantify the delivery of protein into cells by several different PNC designs simultaneously. Our approach will facilitate the development of more potent delivery systems by improving precision and reducing costs, effort, and time.

Ionic co-aggregates based intravenous drug delivery: Evaluation on kinetics and distribution of the drug payloads and nanocarriers

Surfactants are crucial in formulating poorly soluble drugs but lead to serious side effects due to PEG chains. Novel supra-amphiphiles consisting of fatty acids and choline are developed, which spontaneously form ionic co-aggregates (ICAs) in water and exhibit strong solubilizing capacity. Paclitaxel (PTX) is adopted as a model drug here to evaluate the feasibility of choline oleate-based ICAs in the intravenous delivery of poorly soluble drugs by comparing the kinetics and distribution of payloads and nanocarriers. Choline oleate presents a maximum 10-fold enhancement in solubilizing capacity to PTX than Cremophor EL (CreEL), enabling a one-tenth use level in the formulation. Aggregation-caused quenching probes are utilized to evaluate the kinetics and biodistribution of ICAs or CreEL-based micelles (MCs). A huge gap is found between the pharmacokinetic and particokinetic curves of either nanocarrier, indicating fast leakage. ICAs lead to faster PTX leakage in blood circulation but higher PTX distribution to organs than MCs. MCs present a longer circulation in blood but a slower distribution to organs than ICAs. ICAs do not arise adverse reactions in rats following repeated injections, while MCs cause pathological changes in varying degrees. In conclusion, choline oleate-based ICAs provide an alternative to surfactants in formulating poorly soluble drugs.

Phage-liposome nanoconjugates for orthopedic biofilm eradication

Infection by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria has become one of the biggest threats to public health worldwide. One reason for the difficulty in treatment is the lack of proper delivery strategies into MDR bacterial biofilms, where the thick extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) layer impedes the penetration of antibiotics and nanoparticles. Here, we propose a novel bioactive nanoconjugate of drug-loaded liposomes and bacteriophages for targeted eradication of the MDR biofilms in orthopedic infections. Phage Sb-1, which has the ability to degrade EPS, was conjugated with antibiotic-loaded liposomes. Upon encountering the biofilm, phage Sb-1 degrades the EPS structure, thereby increasing the sensitivity of bacteria to antibiotics and allowing the antibiotics to penetrate deeply into the biofilm. As a result, effective removal of MDR bacterial biofilm was achieved with low dose of antibiotics, which was proved in this study by both in vitro and in vivo investigations. Notably, in the rat prosthetic joint infection (PJI) model, we found that the liposome-phage nanoconjugates could effectively decrease the bacterial load in the infected area and significantly promote osteomyelitis recovery. It is therefore believed that the conjugation of bacteriophage and liposomes could open new possibilities for the treatment of orthopedic infections, possibly other infections in the deep tissues.

Insights into the Biological Activity and Bio-Interaction Properties of Nanoscale Imine-Based 2D and 3D Covalent Organic Frameworks

Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) emerged as versatile materials with promising potential in  biomedicine. Their customizable functionalities and tunable pore structures make them valuable for various biomedical applications such as biosensing, bioimaging, antimicrobial activity, and targeted drug delivery. Despite efforts made to create nanoscale COFs (nCOFs) to enhance their interaction with biological systems, a comprehensive understanding of their inherent biological activities remains a significant challenge. In this study, a thorough investigation is conducted into the biocompatibility and anti-neoplastic properties of two distinct imine-based nCOFs. The approach involved an in-depth analysis of these nCOFs through in vitro experiments with various cell types and in vivo assessments using murine models. These findings revealed significant cytotoxic effects on tumor cells. Moreover, the activation of multiple cellular death pathways, including apoptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis is determined, supported by evidence at the molecular level. In vivo evaluations exhibited marked inhibition of tumor growth, associated with the elevated spontaneous accumulation of nCOFs in tumor tissues and the modulation of cell death-related protein expression. The research contributes to developing a roadmap for the characterization of the intricate interactions between nCOFs and biological systems and opens new avenues for exploiting their therapeutic potential in advanced biomedical applications.

Solubilization techniques used for poorly water-soluble drugs

About 40% of approved drugs and nearly 90% of drug candidates are poorly water-soluble drugs. Low solubility reduces the drugability. Effectively improving the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs is a critical issue that needs to be urgently addressed in drug development and application. This review briefly introduces the conventional solubilization techniques such as solubilizers, hydrotropes, cosolvents, prodrugs, salt modification, micronization, cyclodextrin inclusion, solid dispersions, and details the crystallization strategies, ionic liquids, and polymer-based, lipid-based, and inorganic-based carriers in improving solubility and bioavailability. Some of the most commonly used approved carrier materials for solubilization techniques are presented. Several approved poorly water-soluble drugs using solubilization techniques are summarized. Furthermore, this review summarizes the solubilization mechanism of each solubilization technique, reviews the latest research advances and challenges, and evaluates the potential for clinical translation. This review could guide the selection of a solubilization approach, dosage form, and administration route for poorly water-soluble drugs. Moreover, we discuss several promising solubilization techniques attracting increasing attention worldwide.

Develop Targeted Protein Drug Carriers through a High-Throughput Screening Platform and Rational Design

Protein-based drugs offer advantages, such as high specificity, low toxicity, and minimal side effects compared to small molecule drugs. However, delivery of proteins to target tissues or cells remains challenging due to the instability, diverse structures, charges, and molecular weights of proteins. Polymers have emerged as a leading choice for designing effective protein delivery systems, but identifying a suitable polymer for a given protein is complicated by the complexity of both proteins and polymers. To address this challenge, a fluorescence-based high-throughput screening platform called ProMatch to efficiently collect data on protein-polymer interactions, followed by in vivo and in vitro experiments with rational design is developed. Using this approach to streamline polymer selection for targeted protein delivery, candidate polymers from commercially available options are identified and a polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB)-based system for delivering proteins to white adipose tissue as a treatment for obesity is developed. A branched polyethylenimine (bPEI)-based system for neuron-specific protein delivery to stimulate optic nerve regeneration is also developed. The high-throughput screening methodology expedites identification of promising polymer candidates for tissue-specific protein delivery systems, thereby providing a platform to develop innovative protein-based therapeutics.

Bioengineered carbohydrate polymers for colon-specific drug release: Current trends and future prospects

The worldwide health burden of colorectal cancer is still substantial, and traditional chemotherapeutic drugs sometimes have poor selectivity, which can result in systemic toxicity and unfavorable side effects. For colon-specific medication delivery, bioengineered carbohydrate polymers have shown promise as carriers. They may enhance treatment effectiveness while minimizing systemic exposure and associated side effects. The unique properties of these manufactured or naturally occurring biopolymers, such as hyaluronic acid, chitosan, alginate, and pectin, enable targeted medicine release. These qualities can be changed to meet the physiological needs of the colon. In the context of colorectal cancer therapy, this article provides a comprehensive overview of current developments and prospective future directions in the field of bioengineered carbohydrate polymer synthesis for colon-specific drug delivery. We discuss numerous techniques for achieving colon-targeted drug release, including enzyme-sensitive polymers, pH-responsive devices, and microbiota-activated processes. To increase tumor selectivity and cellular uptake, we also examine the inclusion of active targeting approaches, such as conjugating specific ligands. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of combination treatment strategies, which use the coadministration of numerous therapeutic medications to target multiple pathways implicated in cancer growth and address drug resistance mechanisms. We address recent biomimetic advances that potentially improve the biocompatibility, cellular uptake, and tumor penetration of carbohydrate polymer-based nanocarriers. These methods involve protein corona engineering and cell membrane coating. Furthermore, we look at the possibility of intelligent and sensitive systems that may adjust their behaviors in response to certain inputs or feedback loops, allowing for precise and regulated drug distribution.

"Enhancing Oral Drug Absorption: Overcoming Physiological and Pharmaceutical Barriers for Improved Bioavailability"

The oral route stands out as the most commonly used method for drug administration, prized for its non-invasive nature, patient compliance, and easy administration. Several elements influence the absorption of oral medications, including their solubility, permeability across mucosal membranes, and stability within the gastrointestinal (GI) environment. Research has delved into comprehending physicochemical, biochemical, metabolic, and biological obstacles that impact the bioavailability of a drug. To improve oral drug absorption, several pharmaceutical technologies and delivery methods have been studied, including cyclodextrins, micelles, nanocarriers, and lipid-based carriers. This review examines both traditional and innovative drug delivery methods, as well as the physiological and pharmacological barriers influencing medication bioavailability when taken orally. Additionally, it describes the challenges and advancements in developing formulations suitable for oral use.

Nanoparticles constructed from natural polyphenols are used in acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a severe clinical syndrome characterized by rapid deterioration of renal function caused by a variety of pathogeneses. Natural polyphenols have been considered to have potential in the treatment of AKI due to their powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, but their low bioavailability in vivo limits their efficacy. Polyphenol nanoparticles based on a nano-delivery system show good effects in reducing kidney injury, improving renal function and promoting renal tissue repair, and brings new hope and possibility for the treatment of AKI. This review provides an overview of the common characteristics, treatments, and associated adverse effects of AKI. The classification and bioavailability of polyphenols as well as their therapeutic role in AKI and potential possible effects are outlined. The potential therapeutic effects of polyphenol-based nanoparticles on AKI and the underlying mechanisms are discussed.

Recent Applications of PLGA in Drug Delivery Systems

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a widely used biodegradable and biocompatible copolymer in drug delivery systems (DDSs). In this article, we highlight the critical physicochemical properties of PLGA, including its molecular weight, intrinsic viscosity, monomer ratio, blockiness, and end caps, that significantly influence drug release profiles and degradation times. This review also covers the extensive literature on the application of PLGA in delivering small-molecule drugs, proteins, peptides, antibiotics, and antiviral drugs. Furthermore, we discuss the role of PLGA-based DDSs in the treating various diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, pain, and inflammation. The incorporation of drugs into PLGA nanoparticles and microspheres has been shown to enhance their therapeutic efficacy, reduce toxicity, and improve patient compliance. Overall, PLGA-based DDSs holds great promise for the advancement of the treatment and management of multiple chronic conditions.

The Tiny Big Difference: Nanotechnology in Photoprotective Innovations - A Systematic Review

UV radiation causes long- and short-term skin damage, such as erythema and skin cancer. Therefore, the use of sunscreens is extremely important. However, concerns about UV filter safety have prompted exploration into alternative solutions, with nanotechnology emerging as a promising avenue. This systematic review identified 23 experimental studies utilizing nanocarriers to encapsulate sunscreens with the aim of enhancing their efficacy and safety. Polymeric and lipid nanoparticles are frequently employed to encapsulate both organic and inorganic UV filters along with natural antioxidants. Nanocarriers have demonstrated benefits including reduced active ingredient usage, increased sun protection factor, and mitigated photoinstability. Notably, they also decreased the skin absorption of UV filters. In summary, nanocarriers represent a viable strategy for improving sunscreen formulations, offering enhanced physicochemical properties and bolstered photoprotective effects, thereby addressing concerns regarding UV filter safety and efficacy in cosmetic applications.

Antivirulence activities of Rutin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles against pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus

BACKGROUND

Staphylococcus aureus is an infectious bacterium that is frequently found in healthcare settings and the community. This study aimed to prepare rutin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (Rut-CS NPs) and assess their antibacterial activity against pathogenic strains of S. aureus.

RESULTS

The synthesized Rut-CS NPs exhibited an amorphous morphology with a size ranging from 160 to 240 nm and a zeta potential of 37.3 mV. Rut-CS NPs demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus strains. Following exposure to Rut-CS NPs, the production of staphyloxanthin pigment decreased by 43.31-89.63%, leading to increased susceptibility of S. aureus to hydrogen peroxide. Additionally, visual inspection of cell morphology indicated changes in membrane integrity and permeability upon Rut-CS NPs exposure, leading to a substantial increase (107.07-191.08%) in cytoplasmic DNA leakage in the strains. Furthermore, ½ MIC of Rut-CS NPs effectively inhibited the biofilm formation (22.5-37.5%) and hemolytic activity (69-82.59%) in the S. aureus strains.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showcases that Rut-CS NPs can serve as a novel treatment agent to combat S. aureus infections by altering cell morphology and inhibiting virulence factors of S. aureus.

Tissue Ablation: Applications and Perspectives

Tissue ablation techniques have emerged as a critical component of modern medical practice and biomedical research, offering versatile solutions for treating various diseases and disorders. Percutaneous ablation is minimally invasive and offers numerous advantages over traditional surgery, such as shorter recovery times, reduced hospital stays, and decreased healthcare costs. Intra-procedural imaging during ablation also allows precise visualization of the treated tissue while minimizing injury to the surrounding normal tissues, reducing the risk of complications. Here, the mechanisms of tissue ablation and innovative energy delivery systems are explored, highlighting recent advancements that have reshaped the landscape of clinical practice. Current clinical challenges related to tissue ablation are also discussed, underlining unmet clinical needs for more advanced material-based approaches to improve the delivery of energy and pharmacology-based therapeutics.

Nanosized Complexes of the Proteolytic Enzyme Serratiopeptidase with Cationic Block Copolymer Micelles Enhance the Proliferation and Migration of Human Cells

In this study, we describe the preparation of the cationic block copolymer nanocarriers of the proteolytic enzyme serratiopeptidase (SER). Firstly, an amphiphilic poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-b-poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA9-b-PCL35-b-PDMAEMA9) triblock copolymer was synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Then, cationic micellar nanocarriers consisting of a PCL hydrophobic core and a PDMAEMA hydrophilic shell were formed by the solvent evaporation method. SER was loaded into the polymeric micelles by electrostatic interaction between the positively charged micellar shell and the negatively charged enzyme molecules. The particle size, zeta potential, and colloid stability of complexes as a function of SER concentration were investigated by dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering. It was found that SER retained its proteolytic activity after immobilization in polymeric carriers. Moreover, the complexes have a concentration-dependent enhancing effect on the proliferation and migration of human keratinocyte HaCaT and gingival fibroblast HGF cells.

Stimuli-responsive polymer-based nanosystems for cardiovascular disease theranostics

Stimulus-responsive polymers have found widespread use in biomedicine due to their ability to alter their own structure in response to various stimuli, including internal factors such as pH, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and enzymes, as well as external factors like light. In the context of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), stimulus-response polymers have been extensively employed for the preparation of smart nanocarriers that can deliver therapeutic and diagnostic drugs specifically to inflammatory lesions. Compared with traditional drug delivery systems, stimulus-responsive nanosystems offer higher sensitivity, greater versatility, wider applicability, and enhanced biosafety. Recent research has made significant contributions towards designing stimulus-responsive polymer nanosystems for CVDs diagnosis and treatment. This review summarizes recent advances in this field by classifying stimulus-responsive polymer nanocarriers according to different responsiveness types and describing numerous stimuli relevant to these materials. Additionally, we discuss various applications of stimulus-responsive polymer nanomaterials in CVDs theranostics. We hope that this review will provide valuable insights into optimizing the design of stimulus-response polymers for accelerating their clinical application in diagnosing and treating CVDs.

Novel amphiphilic (AB)3‐type star block polymer: Synthesis and micellization study

An amphiphilic three‐armed star polymer was synthesized through the polar cycloaddition reaction of a polyethylene glycol‐based macro‐triazide with an Yne‐terminated polycaprolactone in a molar ratio of 1:3 (click chemistry). Thus, each arm is itself a di‐block copolymer branched from the core, which is a 1,3,5‐triazine ring. The attachment of the pre‐synthesized hydrophobic segments to the hydrophilic segments in each arm leads to the creation of a 1,2,3‐triazole ring in the structure. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (H‐NMR) spectroscopies were used to verify the structures. The micellization process of the prepared amphiphilic polymer was investigated in aqueous medium. For this purpose, the critical micelle concentration (CMC) was specified by the fluorometric method. Using the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique, it was observed that spherical self‐assemblies with a mean diameter of <100 nm are formed from the aggregation of the amphiphilic macromolecules. In addition, the hydrodynamic diameter (H) of the polymeric micelles and their size distribution were examined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique.

Recent Update on Nanocarrier(s) as the Targeted Therapy for Breast Cancer

Despite ongoing advances in cancer therapy, the results for the treatment of breast cancer are not satisfactory. The advent of nanotechnology promises to be an essential tool to improve drug delivery effectiveness in cancer therapy. Nanotechnology provides an opportunity to enhance the treatment modality by preventing degradation, improving tumour targeting, and controlling drug release. Recent advances have revealed several strategies to prevent cancer metastasis using nano-drug delivery systems (NDDS). These strategies include the design of appropriate nanocarriers loaded with anti-cancer drugs that target the optimization of physicochemical properties, modulate the tumour microenvironment, and target biomimetic techniques. Nanocarriers have emerged as a preferential approach in the chemotropic treatment for breast cancer due to their pivotal role in safeguarding the therapeutic agents against degradation. They facilitate efficient drug concentration in targeted cells, surmount the resistance of drugs, and possess a small size. Nevertheless, these nanocarrier(s) have some limitations, such as less permeability across the barrier and low bioavailability of loaded drugs. To overcome these challenges, integrating external stimuli has been employed, encompassing infrared light, thermal stimulation, microwaves, and X-rays. Among these stimuli, ultrasound-triggered nanocarriers have gained significant attention due to their cost-effectiveness, non-invasive nature, specificity, ability to penetrate tissues, and capacity to deliver elevated drug concentrations to intended targets. This article comprehensively reviews recent advancements in different nanocarriers for breast cancer chemotherapy. It also delves into the associated hurdles and offers valuable insights into the prospective directions for this innovative field.

Assessing the efficacy of mesotherapy products: Ultra Exo Booster, and Ultra S Line Plus in hair growth: An ex vivo study

In this study, scalp tissues from Korean adults between 20 and 80 without skin disease were used. Scalp tissues were processed, and hair follicles were isolated and cultured with different treatments (including Bioscalp, Ultra Exo Booster, and Ultra S Line Plus) from Ultra V company. Over 12 days, observations and measurements of hair follicle characteristics were recorded at intervals (Days 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12). The study assessed the impact of these substances on hair follicle growth and morphology. Bioscalp, combined with Ultra Exo Booster and Ultra S Line Plus, showed significant hair elongation in ex vivo. Preservation of hair bulb diameter was observed, indicating potential for sustained hair growth by exosome-based products. The hair growth cycle analysis suggested a lower transition to the catagen stage in test products from Ultra V compared to non-treated groups. The research findings indicated that the tested formulations, especially the combination of Bioscalp, Ultra Exo Booster, and Ultra S Line Plus, demonstrated significant effectiveness in promoting hair growth, maintaining the integrity of the hair bulb, and reducing the transition to the catagen stage. The study suggests promising alternative treatments for hair loss, illustrating results that were as good as those of the conventional testing product groups.

Recent Advances in Nanomedicine for Ocular Fundus Neovascularization Disease Management

As an indispensable part of the human sensory system, visual acuity may be impaired and even develop into irreversible blindness due to various ocular pathologies. Among ocular diseases, fundus neovascularization diseases (FNDs) are prominent etiologies of visual impairment worldwide. Intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs remains the primary therapy but is hurdled by common complications and incomplete potency. To renovate the current therapeutic modalities, nanomedicine emerged as the times required, which is endowed with advanced capabilities, able to fulfill the effective ocular fundus drug delivery and achieve precise drug release control, thus further improving the therapeutic effect. This review provides a comprehensive summary of advances in nanomedicine for FND management from state-of-the-art studies. First, the current therapeutic modalities for FNDs are thoroughly introduced, focusing on the key challenges of ocular fundus drug delivery. Second, nanocarriers are comprehensively reviewed for ocular posterior drug delivery based on the nanostructures: polymer-based nanocarriers, lipid-based nanocarriers, and inorganic nanoparticles. Thirdly, the characteristics of the fundus microenvironment, their pathological changes during FNDs, and corresponding strategies for constructing smart nanocarriers are elaborated. Furthermore, the challenges and prospects of nanomedicine for FND management are thoroughly discussed.

Self-Assembled Nanocarrier Delivery Systems for Bioactive Compounds

Although bioactive compounds (BCs) have many important functions, their applications are greatly limited due to their own defects. The development of nanocarriers (NCs) technology has gradually overcome the defects of BCs. NCs are equally important as BCs to some extent. Self-assembly (SA) methods to build NCs have many advantages than chemical methods, and SA has significant impact on the structure and function of NCs. However, the relationship among SA mechanism, structure, and function has not been given enough attention. Therefore, from the perspective of bottom-up building mechanism, the concept of SA-structure-function of NCs is emphasized to promote the development of SA-based NCs. First, the conditions and forces for occurring SA are introduced, and then the SA basis and molecular mechanism of protein, polysaccharide, and lipid are summarized. Then, varieties of the structures formed based on SA are introduced in detail. Finally, facing the defects of BCs and how to be well solved by NCs are also elaborated. This review attempts to describe the great significance of constructing artificial NCs to deliver BCs from the aspects of SA-structure-function, so as to promote the development of SA-based NCs and the wide application of BCs.

Advances in local drug delivery technologies for improved rheumatoid arthritis therapy

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by an inflammatory microenvironment and cartilage erosion within the joint cavity. Currently, antirheumatic agents yield significant outcomes in RA treatment. However, their systemic administration is limited by inadequate drug retention in lesion areas and non-specific tissue distribution, reducing efficacy and increasing risks such as infection due to systemic immunosuppression. Development in local drug delivery technologies, such as nanostructure-based and scaffold-assisted delivery platforms, facilitate enhanced drug accumulation at the target site, controlled drug release, extended duration of the drug action, reduced both dosage and administration frequency, and ultimately improve therapeutic outcomes with minimized damage to healthy tissues. In this review, we introduced pathogenesis and clinically used therapeutic agents for RA, comprehensively summarized locally administered nanostructure-based and scaffold-assisted drug delivery systems, aiming at improving the therapeutic efficiency of RA by alleviating the inflammatory response, preventing bone erosion and promoting cartilage regeneration. In addition, the challenges and future prospects of local delivery for clinical translation in RA are discussed.

A new strategy for the treatment of middle ear infection using ciprofloxacin/amoxicillin-loaded ethyl cellulose/polyhydroxybutyrate nanofibers

A middle ear infection occurs due to the presence of several microorganisms behind the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and is very challenging to treat due to its unique location and requires a well-designed treatment. If not treated properly, the infection can result in severe symptoms and unavoidable side effects. In this study, excellent biocompatible ethyl cellulose (EC) and biodegradable polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) biopolymer were used to fabricate drug-loaded nanofiber scaffolds using an electrospinning technique to overcome antibiotic overdose and insufficient efficacy of drug release during treatment. PHB polymer was produced from Halomonas sp., and the purity of PHB was found to around be 90 %. Additionally, ciprofloxacin (CIP) and amoxicillin (AMX) are highly preferable since both drugs are highly effective against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria to treat several infections. Obtained smooth nanofibers were between 116.24 and 171.82 nm in diameter and the addition of PHB polymer and antibiotics improved the morphology of the nanofiber scaffolds. Thermal properties of the nanofiber scaffolds were tested and the highest Tg temperature resulted at 229 °C. The mechanical properties of the scaffolds were tested, and the highest tensile strength resulted in 4.65 ± 6.33 MPa. Also, drug-loaded scaffolds were treated against the most common microorganisms that cause the infection, such as S.aureus, E.coli, and P.aeruginosa, and resulted in inhibition zones between 10 and 21 mm. MTT assay was performed by culturing human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAD MSCs) on the scaffolds. The morphology of the hAD MSCs' attachment was tested with SEM analysis and hAD MSCs were able to attach, spread, and live on each scaffold even on the day of 7. The cumulative drug release kinetics of CIP and AMX from drug-loaded scaffolds were analysed in phosphate-buffered saline (pH: 7.4) within different time intervals of up to 14 days using a UV spectrophotometer. Furthermore, the drug release showed that the First-Order and Korsmeyer-Peppas models were the most suitable kinetic models. Animal testing was performed on SD rats, matrix and collagen deposition occurred on days 5 and 10, which were observed using Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome staining. At the highest drug concentration, a better repair effect was observed. Results were promising and showed potential for novel treatment.

Coumarin-Modified Starch Fluorescent Nanoparticles as Sensor of Fe3+ and Zn2+ ions Utilizing Dynamic Quenching and Chelation Mechanisms

Zinc and iron are two essential trace minerals that play a pivotal role in maintaining optimal health and well-being in the human body. Despite being required in relatively small quantities, their significance can be understated as they participate in a wide array of critical physiological processes such as oxygen transport, DNA synthesis, controlling nutrient availability, etc. Understanding the distribution and behavior of these ions in natural water bodies is essential for assessing water quality, studying ecological processes, and managing environmental impacts. In this study, we have developed a dual fluorescence probe using starch which was functionalized with coumarin derivatives, for efficient detection of Fe3+ and Zn2+ ions. This structure led a self-assembled starch/coumarin (SC) fluorescent nanoparticles with strong fluorescence intensity under ultraviolet light (365 nm). The quenching effect of Fe3+ on the SC fluorescent probe enabled efficient specific detection of Fe3+. Furthermore, Zn2+ ions increased fluorescence intensity of coumarin compounds (λemission = 459). This phenomenon occurs when the coumarin compound forms a complex or interacts with the zinc ion, resulting in enhanced fluorescence emission. In summary, the developed fluorescent probe offered a promising approach for sensitive and specific detection of iron and zinc ions in aqueous solutions.

Polymeric Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery

The recent emergence of nanomedicine has revolutionized the therapeutic landscape and necessitated the creation of more sophisticated drug delivery systems. Polymeric nanoparticles sit at the forefront of numerous promising drug delivery designs, due to their unmatched control over physiochemical properties such as size, shape, architecture, charge, and surface functionality. Furthermore, polymeric nanoparticles have the ability to navigate various biological barriers to precisely target specific sites within the body, encapsulate a diverse range of therapeutic cargo and efficiently release this cargo in response to internal and external stimuli. However, despite these remarkable advantages, the presence of polymeric nanoparticles in wider clinical application is minimal. This review will provide a comprehensive understanding of polymeric nanoparticles as drug delivery vehicles. The biological barriers affecting drug delivery will be outlined first, followed by a comprehensive description of the various nanoparticle designs and preparation methods, beginning with the polymers on which they are based. The review will meticulously explore the current performance of polymeric nanoparticles against a myriad of diseases including cancer, viral and bacterial infections, before finally evaluating the advantages and crucial challenges that will determine their wider clinical potential in the decades to come.

Morphological Transformation and Surface Engineering of Glycovesicles Driven by Bioinspired Hydrogen Bonds of Nucleobases

Glycopolymer-based supramolecular glycoassemblies with signal-driven cascade morphological deformation and accessible surface engineering toward bioinspired functional glycomaterials have attracted much attention due to their diverse applications in fundamental and practical scenarios. Herein, we achieved the cascade morphological transformation and surface engineering of a nucleobase-containing polymeric glycovesicle through exploiting the bioinspired complementary multiple hydrogen bonds of complementary nucleobases. First, the synthesized thymine-containing glycopolymers (PGal30-b-PTAm249) are capable of self-assembling into well-defined glycovesicles. Several kinds of amphiphilic adenine-containing block copolymers with neutral, positive, and negative charges were synthesized to engineer the glycovesicles through the multiple hydrogen bonds between adenine and thymine. A cascade of morphological transformations from vesicles to ruptured vesicles with tails, to worm-like micelles, and finally to spherical micelles were observed via continuously adding the adenine-containing polymer into the thymine-containing glycovesicles. Furthermore, the surface charge properties of these glyconano-objects can be facilely regulated through incorporating various adenine-containing polymers. This work demonstrates the potential application of a unique bioinspired approach to precisely engineer the morphology and surface properties of glycovesicles for boosting their biological applications.