Updates on Responsive Drug Delivery Based on Liposome Vehicles for Cancer Treatment

Core-shell hybrid liposomes: Transforming imaging diagnostics and therapeutic strategies

For the last few years, researchers and industry have intensified efforts to develop a diverse array of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to fight diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and viral infections. Among the emerging technologies, hybrid liposomes (HLs) stand out for their ability to address key limitations of conventional liposomes and deliver multifunctional solutions more effectively. While several novel nanosystems, including polymerlipid conjugates and inorganic nanoparticles (NPs), have shown great potential in the preclinical and clinical phases for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, particularly cancer, HLs can integrate the best of both worlds, combining drug delivery properties with imaging capabilities. HLs, particularly those with core-shell structures, can surpass conventional liposomes by offering improved physicochemical properties, multifunctionality, and the capacity to overcome critical delivery challenges. The integration of natural and synthetic polymers has rapidly emerged as a preferred strategy in the development of HLs, providing significant advantages, such as enhanced stability, stimuli-responsive drug release, prolonged circulation, and improved therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, the customizable structure of HLs allows the incorporation of diverse materials, such as metals, ligands, and functional lipids, improving diagnosis and enhancing targeted delivery and cellular uptake far beyond what conventional liposomes offer. This review provides a critical and updated analysis of core-shell structure exhibiting HLs, with a focus on their preparation, characterization, and functional enhancements. We also examine in vitro/in vivo outcomes in imaging diagnosis and drug delivery while addressing the current barriers to clinical translation and future prospects for these versatile nanoplatforms.

Innovations in Cancer Therapy: Endogenous Stimuli-Responsive Liposomes as Advanced Nanocarriers

Recent advancements in nanotechnology have revolutionized cancer therapy-one of the most pressing global health challenges and a leading cause of death-through the development of liposomes (L), lipid-based nanovesicles known for their biocompatibility and ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. More recent innovations have led to the creation of stimuli-responsive L that release their payloads in response to specific endogenous or exogenous triggers. Dual- and multi-responsive L, which react to multiple stimuli, offer even greater precision, improving therapeutic outcomes while reducing systemic toxicity. Additionally, these smart L can adjust their physicochemical properties and morphology to enable site-specific targeting and controlled drug release, enhancing treatment efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. This review explores the latest advancements in endogenous stimuli-responsive liposomal nanocarriers, as well as dual- and multi-responsive L that integrate internal and external triggers, with a focus on their design strategies, mechanisms, and applications in cancer therapy.

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.

The modification of conventional liposomes for targeted antimicrobial delivery to treat infectious diseases

Some of the most crucial turning points in the treatment strategies for some major infectious diseases including AIDS, malaria, and TB, have been reached with the introduction of antimicrobials and vaccines. Drug resistance and poor effectiveness are key limitations that need to be overcome. Conventional liposomes have been explored as a delivery system for infectious diseases bioactives to treat infectious diseases to provide an efficient approach to maximize the therapeutic outcomes, drug stability, targetability, to reduce the side-effects of antimicrobials, and enhance vaccine performance where necessary. However, as the pathological understanding of infectious diseases become more known, the need for more advanced liposomal technologies was born to continue having a profound effect on targeted chemotherapy for infectious diseases. This review therefore provides a concise incursion into the most recent and vogue liposomal formulations used to treat infectious diseases. An appraisal of immunological, stimuli-responsive, biomimetic and functionalized liposomes and other novel modifications to conventional liposomes is assimilated in sync with mutations of resistant pathogens.

Gold nanoparticles decorated FOLFIRINOX loaded liposomes for synergistic therapy of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is predicted to be the second highest cause of cancer deaths by 2030, with a mortality rate of 98 % and a 5-year survival rate of only 4-8 %. FOLFIRINOX which consists of four main ingredients has shown superior efficacy in treating patients with pancreatic cancer compared to other agents and combinations. However, toxicities have prevented full-dose use of FOLFIRINOX. In this study, we present the design of a liposome nanosystem that enables the sequential release of a drug combination that is called FOLFIRINOX using lipid-based nanosystem synergistic chemo/photothermal therapy approaches. The co-eccentric liposome allowed us to locate the drug molecules in different locations giving us the flexibility to release them in a selected order. Core liposome (L2) has a melting temperature of 53.63 °C, it was decorated by gold nanoparticle (L2@AuNP) to bring photothermal responsiveness. The outer liposome structure had a lower melting temperature, which facilitated the sequential release process. The efficacy of photothermal therapy for nanosystem was calculated. The results indicate that coating L2@AuNP nanostructure with L1 liposomes improves efficacy by stabilizing gold nanoparticles. FOLFIRINOX components are encapsulated in a concentric liposome structure according to the order of administration into the body. The concentric liposome structure enables the sequential release of multiple drugs due to the varying phase transition temperatures of the liposomes. The cytotoxic effect of these formulations was evaluated on Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cells; the lowest cell viability was obtained in 4 Liposome(L) under 5 min NIR irradiation. Combination therapy has a higher therapeutic efficacy (70.45 %) when compared to chemotherapy and photothermal therapy used separately. The study's results show the potential of combination therapies to improve therapeutic outcomes, providing a promising path for future research and clinical application.

Light Sensitive Liposomes: A Novel Strategy for Targeted Drug Delivery

Light-sensitive liposomes have emerged as a promising platform for drug delivery, offering the potential for precise control over drug release and targeted therapy. These lipid-based nanoparticles possess photoresponsive properties, allowing them to undergo structural changes or release therapeutic payloads upon exposure to specific wavelengths of light. This review presents an overview of the design principles, fabrication methods, and applications of light-sensitive liposomes in drug delivery. Further, this article also discusses the incorporation of light-sensitive moieties, such as azobenzene, spiropyran, and diarylethene, into liposomal structures, enabling spatiotemporal control over drug release. The utilization of photosensitizers and imaging agents to enhance the functionality and versatility of light-sensitive liposomes is also highlighted. Finally, the recent advances, challenges, and future directions in the field, emphasizing the potential for these innovative nanocarriers to revolutionize targeted therapeutics, are also discussed.

Liposomal Formulations: A Recent Update

Liposome-based drug delivery technologies have showed potential in enhancing medication safety and efficacy. Innovative drug loading and release mechanisms highlighted in this review of next-generation liposomal formulations. Due to poor drug release kinetics and loading capacity, conventional liposomes have limited clinical use. Scientists have developed new liposomal carrier medication release control and encapsulation methods to address these limits. Drug encapsulation can be optimized by creating lipid compositions that match a drug's charge and hydrophobicity. By selecting lipids and adding co-solvents or surfactants, scientists have increased drug loading in liposomal formulations while maintaining stability. Nanotechnology has also created multifunctional liposomes with triggered release and personalized drug delivery. Surface modification methods like PEGylation and ligand conjugation can direct liposomes to disease regions, improving therapeutic efficacy and reducing off-target effects. In addition to drug loading, researchers have focused on spatiotemporal modulation of liposomal carrier medication release. Stimuli-responsive liposomes release drugs in response to bodily signals. Liposomes can be pH- or temperature-sensitive. To improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce systemic toxicity, researchers added stimuli-responsive components to liposomal membranes to precisely control drug release kinetics. Advanced drug delivery technologies like magnetic targeting and ultrasound. Pro Drug, RNA Liposomes approach may improve liposomal medication administration. Magnetic targeting helps liposomes aggregate at illness sites and improves drug delivery, whereas ultrasound-mediated drug release facilitates on-demand release of encapsulated medicines. This review also covers recent preclinical and clinical research showing the therapeutic promise of next-generation liposomal formulations for cancer, infectious diseases, neurological disorders and inflammatory disorders. The transfer of these innovative liposomal formulations from lab to clinical practice involves key difficulties such scalability, manufacturing difficulty, and regulatory limits.

Advanced Drug Delivery Technologies for Enhancing Bioavailability and Efficacy of Risperidone

Multidisciplinary research has been conducted on novel drug delivery technologies to maximize therapeutic advantages while curtailing undesirable reactions. Drugs under BCS Class II often have a low bioavailability because the dissolution phase limits the absorption efficiency. In this review, risperidone was used as a pharmacological model to examine the impact of solubility enhancement at the primary administration site for such pharmaceuticals. For tackling drug-related pertains like disease diagnostics, therapy, and prophylactic measures at the cellular or molecular levels, implementing nanocarriers in therapeutics has significant potential. The comprehensive pharmaceutical compositions of risperidone nano-microparticles that have been developed to alleviate psychosis are highlighted in the study, which also illustrates potential future developments in such domains.

M. Advances in nanomaterials for precision drug delivery: Insights into pharmacokinetics and toxicity

By integrating the cutting-edge principles of nanotechnology with medical science, nanomedicine offers unprecedented opportunities to develop advanced drug delivery systems that surpass the limitations of conventional therapies. These nanoscale systems are designed to enhance treatments' efficacy, specificity, and safety by optimizing pharmacokinetics and biodistribution, ensuring that therapeutic agents reach their intended targets with minimal side effects. The article provides an in-depth analysis of nanomaterials' pivotal role in overcoming challenges related to drug delivery, including the ability to bypass biological barriers, improve bioavailability, and achieve controlled release of drugs. Despite these promising advancements, the transition of nanomedicine from research to clinical practice faces significant hurdles. The review highlights key obstacles such as patient heterogeneity, physiological variability, and the complex ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion) profiles of nanocarriers, which complicate treatment predictability and effectiveness. Moreover, the article addresses the issues of limited tissue penetration, variable patient responses, and the need for standardized protocols in nanomaterial characterization, all of which hinder the widespread clinical adoption of nanomedicine. Nevertheless, the potential of nanomedicine in revolutionizing personalized cancer therapy remains immense. The article advocates for increased translational research and international collaboration to overcome these challenges, paving the way for fully realizing nanomedicine's capabilities in precision oncology and beyond.

Transformative Impact of Nanocarrier‐Mediated Drug Delivery: Overcoming Biological Barriers and Expanding Therapeutic Horizons

Advancing therapeutic progress is centered on developing drug delivery systems (DDS) that control therapeutic molecule release, ensuring precise targeting and optimal concentrations. Targeted DDS enhances treatment efficacy and minimizes off‐target effects, but struggles with drug degradation. Over the last three decades, nanopharmaceuticals have evolved from laboratory concepts into clinical products, highlighting the profound impact of nanotechnology in medicine. Despite advancements, the effective delivery of therapeutics remains challenging because of biological barriers. Nanocarriers offer a solution with a small size, high surface‐to‐volume ratios, and customizable properties. These systems address physiological and biological challenges, such as shear stress, protein adsorption, and quick clearance. They allow targeted delivery to specific tissues, improve treatment outcomes, and reduce adverse effects. Nanocarriers exhibit controlled release, decreased degradation, and enhanced efficacy. Their size facilitates cell membrane penetration and intracellular delivery. Surface modifications increase affinity for specific cell types, allowing precise treatment delivery. This study also elucidates the potential integration of artificial intelligence with nanoscience to innovate future nanocarrier systems.

Soluble hyaluronic acid microneedle arrays mediated RGD-modified liposome delivery for pain relief during photodynamic therapy by blocking TRPV1

In photodynamic therapy (PDT), reactive oxygen species (ROS) are key products that induce cell death, and increasing amount of ROS is a crucial way to enhance PDT efficacy. However, the generated ROS stimulates the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 channel (TRPV1), which can be activated in the pain pathway and then exacerbate pain. Herein, we utilized arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) peptide-modified liposomes for encapsulation Chlorin e6 (Ce6) and capsazepine (Cz), a receptor antagonist of TRPV1, to prepare drug-loaded liposomes, RLCC. Soluble hyaluronic acid microneedle arrays (MNs), which possess sufficient skin penetration capability and excellent biosafety, was applied for in situ delivery of RLCC. With the aid of RGD peptides, the efficiency of intracellular liposomal uptake and the dispersion of drugs in tumor after delivery by MNs were significantly enhanced, showcasing tremendous potential for improving the PDT efficacy. Besides, through the analysis of sciatic nerve signals in mice during PDT, RLCC demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in alleviating pain by significantly reducing nerve impulses. Hence, RLCC demonstrated outstanding effectiveness in PDT and effectively alleviated the associated pain. Overall, this research highlights the potential of utilizing MNs for the in situ delivery of RLCC, facilitating effective PDT while addressing the issue of pain during the treatment.

Biomimetic Curcumin-Loaded Liposomes for the Treatment of Dry Eyes and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: An In Vivo Study

Background/Objectives: Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and dry eye syndrome (DES) are common eye diseases characterized by altered tear film stability and inflammation of the ocular surface, causing significant discomfort and possible visual impairment. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of curcumin-loaded liposomes (Lipo@Cur) compared to cyclosporine A-loaded liposomes (Lipo@CycA) in experimental rabbit models of MGD and DES, with a focus on their ability to improve tear film stability and reduce ocular surface inflammation. Methods: MGD and DES were induced using complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) and treated to evaluate the effect of liposomal formulations on tear break-up time (TBUT), clinical signs of inflammation (telangiectasia, conjunctival hyperemia, meibomian foramen occlusion), and corneal as well as conjunctival histological cells. Results: Lipo@Cur increased TBUT and reduced the signs of ocular surface inflammation, potentially approaching the effectiveness of clinically approved cyclosporine A encapsulated in liposomes (Lipo@CycA). Histological analysis suggested improvements in corneal epithelial thickness and goblet cell density in the treated groups, which may indicate a reversal of DES-induced damage to the ocular surface. Conclusions: Plant-originated curcumin encapsulated in liposomes offers a promising therapeutic strategy for the management of MGD and DES that may improve patient outcomes by addressing the underlying inflammatory mechanisms of these conditions.

Beyond aromatherapy: can essential oil loaded nanocarriers revolutionize cancer treatment?

Cancer, a complex global health burden, necessitates the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. While chemotherapy remains the primary treatment approach, its severe side effects and chemoresistance drive the search for novel alternatives. Essential oils (EOs), consisting of diverse bioactive phytochemicals, offer promise as anticancer agents. However, their limitations, such as instability, limited bioavailability, and non-specific targeting, hinder their therapeutic potential. These challenges were circumvented by utilizing nanoparticles and nanosystems as efficient delivery platforms for EOs. This review highlights the accumulating evidence based on loading EOs into several nanocarriers, including polymeric nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, nanofibers, lipid-based nanocapsules and nanostructures, niosomes, and liposomes, as effective anticancer regimens. It covers extraction and chemical composition of EOs, their mechanisms of action, and targeting strategies to various tumors. Additionally, it delves into the diverse landscape of nanocarriers, including their advantages and considerations for cancer targeting and EO encapsulation. The effectiveness of EO-loaded nanocarriers in cancer targeting and treatment is examined, highlighting enhanced cellular uptake, controlled drug release, and improved therapeutic efficacy. Finally, the review addresses existing challenges and future perspectives, emphasizing the potential for clinical translation and personalized medicine approaches.

Nanoplatform Based Intranasal Vaccines: Current Progress and Clinical Challenges

Multiple vaccine platforms have been employed to develop the nasal SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in preclinical studies, and the dominating pipelines are viral vectored as protein-based vaccines. Among them, several viral vectored-based vaccines have entered clinical development. Nevertheless, some unsatisfactory results were reported in these clinical studies. In the face of such urgent situations, it is imperative to rapidly develop the next-generation intranasal COVID-19 vaccine utilizing other technologies. Nanobased intranasal vaccines have emerged as an approach against respiratory infectious diseases. Harnessing the power of nanotechnology, these vaccines offer a noninvasive yet potent defense against pathogens, including the threat of COVID-19. The improvements made in vaccine mucosal delivery technologies based on nanoparticles, such as lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles etc., not only provide stability and controlled release but also enhance mucosal adhesion, effectively overcoming the limitations of conventional vaccines. Hence, in this review, we overview the evaluation of intranasal vaccine and highlight the current barriers. Next, the modern delivery systems based on nanoplatforms are summarized. The challenges in clinical application of nanoplatform based intranasal vaccine are finally discussed.

Strategic Developments in Polymer-Functionalized Liposomes for Targeted Colon Cancer Therapy: An Updated Review of Clinical Trial Data and Future Horizons

Liposomes, made up of phospholipid bilayers, are efficient nanocarriers for drug delivery because they can encapsulate both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. Conventional cancer treatments sometimes involve considerable toxicities and adverse drug reactions (ADRs), which limits their clinical value. Despite liposomes' promise in addressing these concerns, clinical trials have revealed significant limitations, including stability, targeted distribution, and scaling challenges. Recent clinical trials have focused on enhancing liposome formulations to increase therapeutic efficacy while minimizing negative effects. Notably, the approval of liposomal medications like Doxil demonstrates their potential in cancer treatment. However, the intricacy of liposome preparation and the requirement for comprehensive regulatory approval remain substantial impediments. Current clinical trial updates show continued efforts to improve liposome stability, targeting mechanisms, and payload capacity in order to address these issues. The future of liposomal drug delivery in cancer therapy depends on addressing these challenges in order to provide patients with more effective and safer treatment alternatives.

Recent Advances in the Use of Vitamin D Organic Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery

Nanotechnology, now established as a transformative technology, has revolutionized medicine by enabling highly targeted drug delivery. The use of organic nanocarriers in drug delivery systems significantly enhances the bioavailability of vitamins and their analogs, thereby improving cellular delivery and therapeutic effects. Vitamin D, known for its crucial role in bone health, also influences various metabolic functions, such as cellular proliferation, differentiation, and immunomodulation, and is increasingly explored for its anticancer potential. Given its versatile properties and biocompatibility, vitamin D is an attractive candidate for encapsulation within drug delivery systems. This review provides a comprehensive overview of vitamin D synthesis, metabolism, and signaling, as well as its applications in customized drug delivery. Moreover, it examines the design and engineering of organic nanocarriers that incorporate vitamin D and discusses advances in this field, including the synergistic effects achieved through the combination of vitamin D with other therapeutic agents. By highlighting these innovations, this review provides valuable insights into the development of advanced drug delivery systems and their potential to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Developments in radionanotheranostic strategies for precision diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Prostate Cancer (PCa) is the second most diagnosed urological cancer among men worldwide. Conventional methods used for diagnosis of PCa have several pitfalls which include lack of sensitivity and specificity. On the other hand, traditional treatment of PCa poses challenges such as long-term side effects and the development of multidrug resistance (MDR).

MAIN BODY

Hence, there is a need for novel PCa agents with the potential to lessen the burden of these adverse effects on patients. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach to support both early diagnosis and effective treatment of tumours by ensuring precise delivery of the drug to the targeted site of the disease. Most cancer-related biological processes occur on the nanoscale hence application of nanotechnology has been greatly appreciated and implemented in the management and therapeutics of cancer. Nuclear medicine plays a significant role in the non-invasive diagnosis and treatment of PCa using appropriate radiopharmaceuticals. This review aims to explore the different radiolabelled nanomaterials to enhance the specific delivery of imaging and therapeutic agents to cancer cells. Thereafter, the review appraises the advantages and disadvantages of these modalities and then discusses and outlines the benefits of radiolabelled nanomaterials in targeting cancerous prostatic tumours. Moreover, the nanoradiotheranostic approaches currently developed for PCa are discussed and finally the prospects of combining radiopharmaceuticals with nanotechnology in improving PCa outcomes will be highlighted.

CONCLUSION

Nanomaterials have great potential, but safety and biocompatibility issues remain. Notwithstanding, the combination of nanomaterials with radiotherapeutics may improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Advances in Transdermal Delivery of Antimicrobial Peptides for Wound Management: Biomaterial-Based Approaches and Future Perspectives

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), distinguished by their cationic and amphiphilic nature, represent a critical frontier in the battle against antimicrobial resistance due to their potent antimicrobial activity and a broad spectrum of action. However, the clinical translation of AMPs faces hurdles, including their susceptibility to degradation, limited bioavailability, and the need for targeted delivery. Transdermal delivery has immense potential for optimizing AMP administration for wound management. Leveraging the skin's accessibility and barrier properties, transdermal delivery offers a noninvasive approach that can circumvent systemic side effects and ensure sustained release. Biomaterial-based delivery systems, encompassing nanofibers, hydrogels, nanoparticles, and liposomes, have emerged as key players in enhancing the efficacy of transdermal AMP delivery. These biomaterial carriers not only shield AMPs from enzymatic degradation but also provide controlled release mechanisms, thereby elevating stability and bioavailability. The synergistic interaction between the transdermal approach and biomaterial-facilitated formulations presents a promising strategy to overcome the multifaceted challenges associated with AMP delivery. Integrating advanced technologies and personalized medicine, this convergence allows the reimagining of wound care. This review amalgamates insights to propose a pathway where AMPs, transdermal delivery, and biomaterial innovation harmonize for effective wound management.

Tailoring biomaterials for vaccine delivery

Biomaterials are substances that can be injected, implanted, or applied to the surface of tissues in biomedical applications and have the ability to interact with biological systems to initiate therapeutic responses. Biomaterial-based vaccine delivery systems possess robust packaging capabilities, enabling sustained and localized drug release at the target site. Throughout the vaccine delivery process, they can contribute to protecting, stabilizing, and guiding the immunogen while also serving as adjuvants to enhance vaccine efficacy. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the contributions of biomaterials to the advancement of vaccine development. We begin by categorizing biomaterial types and properties, detailing their reprocessing strategies, and exploring several common delivery systems, such as polymeric nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles, hydrogels, and microneedles. Additionally, we investigated how the physicochemical properties and delivery routes of biomaterials influence immune responses. Notably, we delve into the design considerations of biomaterials as vaccine adjuvants, showcasing their application in vaccine development for cancer, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, influenza, corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19), tuberculosis, malaria, and hepatitis B. Throughout this review, we highlight successful instances where biomaterials have enhanced vaccine efficacy and discuss the limitations and future directions of biomaterials in vaccine delivery and immunotherapy. This review aims to offer researchers a comprehensive understanding of the application of biomaterials in vaccine development and stimulate further progress in related fields.

Lipid Nanocarrier-Based mRNA Therapy: Challenges and Promise for Clinical Transformation

Due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus pneumonia, messenger RNA (mRNA) technology has attracted heated attention. A specific, safe, and efficient mRNA delivery system is needed. Lipid nanocarriers have become attractive carriers for mRNA delivery due to their high delivery efficiency, few side effects, and easy modification to change their structures and functions. To achieve the desired biological effect, lipid nanocarriers must reach the designated location for effective drug delivery. Therefore, the effects of the composition of lipid nanocarriers on their key properties are briefly reviewed. In addition, the progress of smart drug delivery by changing the composition of lipid nanocarriers is summarized, and the importance of component design and structure is emphasized. Subsequently, this review summarizes the latest progress in lipid nanocarrier-based mRNA technology and provides corresponding strategies for its current challenges, putting forward valuable information for the future design of lipid nanocarriers and mRNA.

Carrier Systems for Advanced Drug Delivery: Improving Drug Solubility/Bioavailability and Administration Routes

The disadvantages of some conventional drugs, including their low bioavailability, poor targeting efficiency, and important side effects, have led to the rational design of drug delivery systems. In particular, the introduction of drug delivery systems is a potential approach to enhance the uptake of therapeutic agents and deliver them at the right time and in the right amount of concentration at the required site, as well as open new strategies for effective illness treatment. In this review, we provide a basic understanding of drug delivery systems with an emphasis on the use of cyclodextrin-, polymer- and surfactant-based delivery systems. These systems are very attractive because they are biocompatible and biodegradable nanomaterials with multifunctional components. We also provide some details on their design considerations and their use in a variety of medical applications by employing several routes of administration.

Microfluidic production, stability and loading of synthetic giant unilamellar vesicles

In advanced drug delivery, versatile liposomal formulations are commonly employed for safer and more accurate therapies. Here we report a method that allows a straightforward production of synthetic monodisperse (~ 100 μm) giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) using a microfluidic system. The stability analysis based on the microscopy imaging showed that at ambient conditions the produced GUVs had a half-life of 61 ± 2 h. However, it was observed that ~ 90% of the calcein dye that was loaded into GUVs was transported into a surrounding medium in 24 h, thus indicating that the GUVs may release these small dye molecules without distinguishable membrane disruption. We further demonstrated the feasibility of our method by loading GUVs with larger and very different cargo objects; small soluble fluorescent proteins and larger magnetic microparticles in a suspension. Compared to previously reported microfluidics-based production techniques, the obtained results indicate that our simplified method could be equally harnessed in creating GUVs with less cost, effort and time, which could further benefit studying closed membrane systems.

Beyond Traditional Sunscreens: A Review of Liposomal-Based Systems for Photoprotection

Sunscreen products are essential for shielding the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a leading cause of skin cancer. While existing products serve this purpose, there is a growing need to enhance their efficacy while minimizing potential systemic absorption of UV filters and associated toxicological risks. Liposomal-based formulations have emerged as a promising approach to address these challenges and develop advanced photoprotective products. These vesicular systems offer versatility in carrying both hydrophilic and lipophilic UV filters, enabling the creation of broad-spectrum sunscreens. Moreover, their composition based on phospholipids, resembling that of the stratum corneum, facilitates adherence to the skin's surface layers, thereby improving photoprotective efficacy. The research discussed in this review underscores the significant advantages of liposomes in photoprotection, including their ability to limit the systemic absorption of UV filters, enhance formulation stability, and augment photoprotective effects. However, despite these benefits, there remains a notable gap between the potential of liposomal systems and their utilization in sunscreen development. Consequently, this review emphasizes the importance of leveraging liposomes and related vesicular systems as innovative tools for crafting novel and more efficient photoprotective formulations.

Encapsulation and release of calcein from herceptin-conjugated eLiposomes

Achieving an optimal therapeutic level is crucial in effectively eradicating cancer cells during treatment. However, conventional chemotherapy-associated systemic administration of anticancer agents leads to many side effects. To achieve the desired control over the target site, active targeting of HER2-positive breast cancer cells can be achieved by conjugating liposomal vesicles with Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER2) and inducing release of the encapsulated drug using ultrasound. To further enhance the delivery efficiency, nanoemulsion droplets exhibiting responsiveness to low-frequency ultrasound are encapsulated within these lipid vesicles. In this study, we prepared four different liposomal formulations, namely pegylated liposomes, emulsion liposomes (eLiposomes), HER-conjugated liposomes, and HER-conjugated eLiposomes, each loaded with calcein and subjected to a thorough characterization process. Their sizes, phospholipid concentration, and amount of antibody conjugation were compared and analyzed. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy was used to confirm the encapsulation of nanoemulsion droplets within the liposomes. The drug-releasing performance of Herceptin-conjugated eLiposomes was found to surpass that of other liposomal formulations with a notably higher calcein release and established it as a highly effective nanocarrier. The study showcases the efficacy of calcein-loaded and Herceptin-conjugated eLiposomes, which demonstrate rapid and efficient drug release among other liposomal formulations when subjected to ultrasound. This discovery paves the way for a more targeted, efficient, and humane approach to cancer therapy.

Nanomedicines: Emerging Platforms in Smart Chemotherapy Treatment-A Recent Review

Cancer continues to pose one of the most critical challenges in global healthcare. Despite the wide array of existing cancer drugs, the primary obstacle remains in selectively targeting and eliminating cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy ones, thereby reducing treatment side effects. The revolutionary approach of utilizing nanomaterials for delivering cancer therapeutic agents has significantly enhanced the efficacy and safety of chemotherapeutic drugs. This crucial shift is attributed to the unique properties of nanomaterials, enabling nanocarriers to transport therapeutic agents to tumor sites in both passive and active modes, while minimizing drug elimination from delivery systems. Furthermore, these nanocarriers can be designed to respond to internal or external stimuli, thus facilitating controlled drug release. However, the production of nanomedications for cancer therapy encounters various challenges that can impede progress in this field. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of nanomedication in cancer treatment. It explores a variety of nanomaterials, focusing on their unique properties that are crucial for overcoming the limitations of conventional chemotherapy. Additionally, the review delves into the properties and functionalities of nanocarriers, highlighting their significant impact on the evolution of nanomedicine. It also critically assesses recent advancements in drug delivery systems, covering a range of innovative delivery methodologies. Finally, the review succinctly addresses the challenges encountered in developing nanomedications, offering insightful perspectives to guide future research in this field.

Applications and Potentials of a Silk Fibroin Nanoparticle Delivery System in Animal Husbandry

Silk fibroin (SF), a unique natural polymeric fibrous protein extracted from Bombyx mori cocoons, accounts for approximately 75% of the total mass of silk. It has great application prospects due to its outstanding biocompatibility, biodegradability, low immunogenicity, and mechanical stability. Additionally, it is non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Nanoparticle delivery systems constructed with SF can improve the bioavailability of the carriers, increase the loading rates, control the release behavior of the deliverables, and enhance their action efficiencies. Animal husbandry is an integral part of agriculture and plays a vital role in the development of the rural economy. However, the pillar industry experiences a lot of difficulties, like drug abuse while treating major animal diseases, and serious environmental pollution, restricting sustainable development. Interestingly, the limited use cases of silk fibroin nanoparticle (SF NP) delivery systems in animal husbandry, such as veterinary vaccines and feed additives, have shown great promise. This paper first reviews the SF NP delivery system with regard to its advantages, disadvantages, and applications. Moreover, we describe the application status and developmental prospects of SF NP delivery systems to provide theoretical references for further development in livestock production and promote the high-quality and healthy development of animal husbandry.

Dual-loaded liposomal carriers to combat chemotherapeutic resistance in breast cancer

INTRODUCTION

The resistance to chemotherapy is a significant hurdle in breast cancer treatment, prompting the exploration of innovative strategies. This review discusses the potential of dual-loaded liposomal carriers to combat chemoresistance and improve outcomes for breast cancer patients.

AREAS COVERED

This review discusses breast cancer chemotherapy resistance and dual-loaded liposomal carriers. Drug efflux pumps, DNA repair pathways, and signaling alterations are discussed as chemoresistance mechanisms. Liposomes can encapsulate several medicines and cargo kinds, according to the review. It examines how these carriers improve medication delivery, cancer cell targeting, and tumor microenvironment regulation. Also examined are dual-loaded liposomal carrier improvement challenges and techniques.

EXPERT OPINION

The use of dual-loaded liposomal carriers represents a promising and innovative strategy in the battle against chemotherapy resistance in breast cancer. This article has explored the various mechanisms of chemoresistance in breast cancer, emphasizing the potential of dual-loaded liposomal carriers to overcome these challenges. These carriers offer versatility, enabling the encapsulation and precise targeting of multiple drugs with different modes of action, a crucial advantage when dealing with the complexity of breast cancer treatment.

Multifunctional Liposomes Co-Modified with Ginsenoside Compound K and Hyaluronic Acid for Tumor-Targeted Therapy

Liposomes show promise for anti-cancer drug delivery and tumor-targeted therapy. However, complex tumor microenvironments and the performance limitations of traditional liposomes restrict clinical translation. Hyaluronic acid (HA)-modified nanoliposomes effectively target CD44-overexpressing tumor cells. Combination therapy enhances treatment efficacy and delays drug resistance. Here, we developed paclitaxel (PTX) liposomes co-modified with ginsenoside compound K (CK) and HA using film dispersion. Compared to cholesterol (Ch), CK substantially improved encapsulation efficiency and stability. In vitro release studies revealed pH-responsive behavior, with slower release at pH 7.4 versus faster release at pH 5. In vitro cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that replacing Ch with CK in modified liposomes considerably decreased HCT-116 cell viability. Furthermore, flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy showed a higher cellular uptake of PTX-CK-Lip-HA in CD44-high cells, reflected in the lower half maximal inhibitory concentrations. Overall, CK/HA-modified liposomes represent an innovative, targeted delivery system for enhanced tumor therapy via pH-triggered drug release and CD44 binding.

Light-Responsive and Dual-Targeting Liposomes: From Mechanisms to Targeting Strategies

In recent years, nanocarriers have played an ever-increasing role in clinical and biomedical applications owing to their unique physicochemical properties and surface functionalities. Lately, much effort has been directed towards the development of smart, stimuli-responsive nanocarriers that are capable of releasing their cargos in response to specific stimuli. These intelligent-responsive nanocarriers can be further surface-functionalized so as to achieve active tumor targeting in a sequential manner, which can be simply modulated by the stimuli. By applying this methodological approach, these intelligent-responsive nanocarriers can be directed to different target-specific organs, tissues, or cells and exhibit on-demand controlled drug release that may enhance therapeutic effectiveness and reduce systemic toxicity. Light, an external stimulus, is one of the most promising triggers for use in nanomedicine to stimulate on-demand drug release from nanocarriers. Light-triggered drug release can be achieved through light irradiation at different wavelengths, either in the UV, visible, or even NIR region, depending on the photophysical properties of the photo-responsive molecule embedded in the nanocarrier system, the structural characteristics, and the material composition of the nanocarrier system. In this review, we highlighted the emerging functional role of light in nanocarriers, with an emphasis on light-responsive liposomes and dual-targeted stimuli-responsive liposomes. Moreover, we provided the most up-to-date photo-triggered targeting strategies and mechanisms of light-triggered drug release from liposomes and NIR-responsive nanocarriers. Lastly, we addressed the current challenges, advances, and future perspectives for the deployment of light-responsive liposomes in targeted drug delivery and therapy.

Advances in liposome-based delivery of RNA therapeutics for cancer treatment

Liposomal drug delivery systems stand as versatile therapeutic platforms for precisely targeting related elements in cancerous tissues owing to their intrinsic passive and acquired active targeting capabilities and exceptional compatibility with physiologic environments. When the capacity of liposomes as nanocarriers is combined with the revolutionary potential of RNA therapies in affecting undruggable targets, the outcome would be promising drug candidates as game-changers in the cancer treatment arena. However, optimizing liposome composition, physicochemical properties, and surface chemistry is paramount to maximizing their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic attributes. This review highlighted the potential of liposomes as nanovehicles for RNA therapeutics through a literature review and looked at the most recent preclinical and clinical advancements in utilizing liposomal RNA therapeutics for cancer management. Notably, the discovery of novel targets, advancements in liposome engineering, and organizing well-planned clinical trials would help uncover the incredible potential of these nanotherapeutics in cancer patients.

Intelligent Systems based on Cyclodextrins for the Treatment of Breast Cancer

The incidence of breast cancer has been increasing over the last four decades, although the mortality rate has decreased. Endocrine therapy and chemotherapy are the most used options for cancer treatment but several obstacles are still attributed to these therapies. Smart materials, such as nanocarriers for targeting, delivery and release of active ingredients, sensitive to intrinsic-stimuli (pH-responsive, redox-responsive, enzyme- responsive, and thermo-responsive) and extrinsic-stimuli (ultrasound-responsive, magnetic-responsive, light-responsive) have been studied as a novel strategy in breast cancer therapy. Cyclodextrins (CDs) are used in the design of these stimuli-responsive drug carrier and delivery systems, either through inclusion complexes with hydrophobic molecules or covalent bonds with large structures to generate new materials. The present work aims to gather and integrate recent data from in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies of CD-based stimuli- responsive systems to contribute to the research in treating breast cancer. All drug carriers showed high in vitro release rates in the presence of a stimulus. The stimuli-responsive nanoplatforms presented biocompatibility and satisfactory results of IC50, inhibition of cell viability and antitumor activity against several breast cancer cell lines. Additionally, these systems led to a significant reduction in drug dosages, which encouraged possible clinical studies for better alternatives to traditional antitumor therapies.

Liposomal Nano-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Breast Cancer Therapy: Recent Advances and Progresses

Breast cancer is a highly prevalent disease on a global scale, with a 30% incidence rate among women and a 14% mortality rate. Developing countries bear a disproportionate share of the disease burden, while countries with greater technological advancements exhibit a higher incidence. A mere 7% of women under the age of 40 are diagnosed with breast cancer, and the prevalence of this ailment is significantly diminished among those aged 35 and younger. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical intervention comprise the treatment protocol. However, the ongoing quest for a definitive cure for breast cancer continues. The propensity for cancer stem cells to metastasize and resistance to treatment constitute their Achilles' heel. The advancement of drug delivery techniques that target cancer cells specifically holds significant promise in terms of facilitating timely detection and effective intervention. Novel approaches to pharmaceutical delivery, including nanostructures and liposomes, may bring about substantial changes in the way breast cancer is managed. These systems offer a multitude of advantages, such as heightened bioavailability, enhanced solubility, targeted tumor destruction, and diminished adverse effects. The application of nano-drug delivery systems to administer anti-breast cancer medications is a significant subject of research. This article delves into the domain of breast cancer, conventional treatment methods, the incorporation of nanotechnology into managerial tactics, and strategic approaches aimed at tackling the disease at its core.

Cholesterol-linoleic acid liposomes induced extracellular vesicles secretion from immortalized adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells for in vitro cell migration

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small vesicles that are naturally released by cells and play a crucial role in cell-to-cell communication, tissue repair and regeneration. As naturally secreted EVs are limited, liposomes with different physicochemical properties, such as 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium propane (DOTAP) and linoleic acid (LA) with modifications have been formulated to improve EVs secretion for in vitro wound healing. Various analyses, including dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed to monitor the successful preparation of different types of liposomes. The results showed that cholesterol-LA liposomes significantly improved the secretion of EVs from immortalized adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) by 1.5-fold. Based on the cell migration effects obtained from scratch assay, both LA liposomal-induced EVs and cholesterol-LA liposomal-induced EVs significantly enhanced the migration of human keratinocytes (HaCaT) cell line. These findings suggested that LA and cholesterol-LA liposomes that enhance EVs secretion are potentially useful and can be extended for various tissue regeneration applications.

Empowering Precision Medicine: The Impact of 3D Printing on Personalized Therapeutic

This review explores recent advancements and applications of 3D printing in healthcare, with a focus on personalized medicine, tissue engineering, and medical device production. It also assesses economic, environmental, and ethical considerations. In our review of the literature, we employed a comprehensive search strategy, utilizing well-known databases like PubMed and Google Scholar. Our chosen keywords encompassed essential topics, including 3D printing, personalized medicine, nanotechnology, and related areas. We first screened article titles and abstracts and then conducted a detailed examination of selected articles without imposing any date limitations. The articles selected for inclusion, comprising research studies, clinical investigations, and expert opinions, underwent a meticulous quality assessment. This methodology ensured the incorporation of high-quality sources, contributing to a robust exploration of the role of 3D printing in the realm of healthcare. The review highlights 3D printing's potential in healthcare, including customized drug delivery systems, patient-specific implants, prosthetics, and biofabrication of organs. These innovations have significantly improved patient outcomes. Integration of nanotechnology has enhanced drug delivery precision and biocompatibility. 3D printing also demonstrates cost-effectiveness and sustainability through optimized material usage and recycling. The healthcare sector has witnessed remarkable progress through 3D printing, promoting a patient-centric approach. From personalized implants to radiation shielding and drug delivery systems, 3D printing offers tailored solutions. Its transformative applications, coupled with economic viability and sustainability, have the potential to revolutionize healthcare. Addressing material biocompatibility, standardization, and ethical concerns is essential for responsible adoption.

Capric Acid and Myristic Acid Permeability Enhancers in Curved Liposome Membranes

Liposomes are considered as advanced drug delivery systems for cancer treatment. A generation of pH-sensitive liposomes is being developed that use fatty acids (FAs) as a trigger for drug release in tumor tissues. However, FAs are also known to enhance permeability, and it is unclear whether FAs in liposomes may cause drug leakage or premature drug release. The passive permeability of the drug through the membrane of the liposome is thus a crucial factor for timely drug delivery. To investigate how the curvature and lipid composition of liposomes affect their passive permeability, coarse-grained molecular dynamics were performed. The permeability was determined with a counting method. Flat bilayers and three liposomes with varying diameters were studied, which had varying lipid compositions of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and deprotonated or neutral saturated FAs. The investigated permeants were water and two other small permeants, which have different free energy profiles (solubility) across the membrane. First, for the curvature effect, our results showed that curvature increases the water permeability by reducing the membrane thickness. The permeability increase for water is about a factor of 1.7 for the most curved membranes. However, a high curvature decreases permeability for permeants with free energy profiles that are a mix of wells and barriers in the headgroup region of the membrane. Importantly, the type of experimental setup is expected to play a dominant role in the permeability value, i.e., whether permeants are escaping or entering the liposomes. Second, for the composition effect, FAs decrease both the area per lipid (APL) and the membrane thickness, resulting in permeability increases of up to 55%. Cholesterol has a similar effect on the APL but has the opposite impact on membrane thickness and permeability. Therefore, FAs and cholesterol have opposing effects on permeability, with cholesterol's effect being slightly stronger in our simulated bilayers. As all permeability values were well within a factor of 2, and with liposomes usually being larger and less curved in experimental applications, it can be concluded that the passive drug release from a pH-sensitive liposome does not seem to be significantly affected by the presence of FAs.

Lipid bilayer-based biological nanoplatforms for sonodynamic cancer therapy

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has been developed as a promising alternative therapeutic modality for cancer treatment, involving the synergetic application of sonosensitizers and low-intensity ultrasound. However, the antitumor efficacy of SDT is significantly limited due to the poor performance of conventional sonosensitizers in vivo and the constrained tumor microenvironment (TME). Recent breakthroughs in lipid bilayer-based nanovesicles (LBBNs), including multifunctional liposomes, exosomes, and isolated cellular membranes, have brought new insights into the advancement of SDT. Despite their distinct sources and preparation methods, the lipid bilayer structure in common allows them to be functionalized in many comparable ways to serve as ideal nanocarriers against challenges arising from the tumor-specific sonosensitizer delivery and the complicated TME. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the recent advances in LBBN-based SDT, with particular attention on how LBBNs can be engineered to improve the delivery efficiency of sonosensitizers and overcome physical, biological, and immune barriers within the TME for enhanced sonodynamic cancer therapy. We anticipate that this review will offer valuable guidance in the construction of LBBN-based nanosonosensitizers and contribute to the development of advanced strategies for next-generation sonodynamic cancer therapy.

The translational potential of cholesterol-based therapies for neurological disease

Cholesterol is an important metabolite and membrane component and is enriched in the brain owing to its role in neuronal maturation and function. In the adult brain, cholesterol is produced locally, predominantly by astrocytes. When cholesterol has been used, recycled and catabolized, the derivatives are excreted across the blood-brain barrier. Abnormalities in any of these steps can lead to neurological dysfunction. Here, we examine how precise interactions between cholesterol production and its use and catabolism in neurons ensures cholesterol homeostasis to support brain function. As an example of a neurological disease associated with cholesterol dyshomeostasis, we summarize evidence from animal models of Huntington disease (HD), which demonstrate a marked reduction in cholesterol biosynthesis with clinically relevant consequences for synaptic activity and cognition. In addition, we examine the relationship between cholesterol loss in the brain and cognitive decline in ageing. We then present emerging therapeutic strategies to restore cholesterol homeostasis, focusing on evidence from HD mouse models.

Enhanced therapeutic efficacy of Piperlongumine for cancer treatment using nano-liposomes mediated delivery

Piperlongumine (PL) is a well-known bioactive alkaloid that has been reported as a potent anticancer molecule but has failed to provide potential activity in translational and clinical applications due to some drawbacks like low bioavailability, hydrophobicity, and rapid degradation. However, nano-formulation is a good choice to increase the bioavailability and enhance cellular uptake of PL. In this study, PL loaded nano-liposomes (NPL) were formulated using the thin-film hydration method and analyzed by Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in order to treat cervical cancer. The NPL were thoroughly characterized using particle size, PDI, zeta potential, drug loading capacity, encapsulation efficiency, SEM, AFM and FTIR. Different assays viz. MTT, AO/PI, DAPI, MMP, cell migration, DCFDA and apoptotic assay using Annexin V-FITC/PI were performed for anticancer potential of NPL in human cervical carcinoma cells (SiHa and HeLa). NPL showed enhanced cytotoxicity, diminished cell proliferation, reduced cell viability, enhanced nuclear condensation, reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential, inhibited cell migration, increased ROS level and promoted more apoptosis in both human cervical cancer cell lines. These findings demonstrated that NPL may be a potential therapeutic option for cervical cancer.

Stimuli-Responsive Design of Metal-Organic Frameworks for Cancer Theranostics: Current Challenges and Future Perspective

Scientific fraternity revealed the potential of stimuli-responsive nanotherapeutics for cancer treatment that aids in tackling the major restrictions of traditionally reported drug delivery systems. Among stimuli-responsive inorganic nanomaterials, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have transpired as unique porous materials displaying resilient structures and diverse applications in cancer theranostics. Mainly, it demonstrates tailorable porosity, versatile chemical configuration, tunable size and shape, and feasible surface functionalization, etc. The present review provides insights into the design of stimuli-responsive multifunctional MOFs for targeted drug delivery and bioimaging for effective cancer therapy. Initially, the concept of cancer, traditional cancer treatment, background of MOFs, and approaches for MOFs synthesis have been discussed. After this, applications of stimuli-responsive multifunctional MOFs-assisted nanostructures that include pH, light, ions, temperature, magnetic, redox, ATP, and others for targeted drug delivery and bioimaging in cancer have been thoroughly discussed. As an outcome, the designed multifunctional MOFs showed an alteration in properties due to the exogenous and endogenous stimuli that are beneficial for drug release and bioimaging. The several reported types of stimuli-responsive surface-modified MOFs revealed good biocompatibility to normal cells, promising drug loading capability, target-specific delivery of anticancer drugs into cancerous cells, etc. Despite substantial progress in this field, certain crucial issues need to be addressed to reap the clinical benefits of multifunctional MOFs. Specifically, the toxicological compatibility and biodegradability of the building blocks of MOFs demand a thorough evaluation. Moreover, the investigation of sustainable and greener synthesis methods is of the utmost importance. Also, the low flexibility, off-target accumulation, and compromised pharmacokinetic profile of stimuli-responsive MOFs have attracted keen attention. In conclusion, the surface-modified nanosized design of inorganic diverse stimuli-sensitive MOFs demonstrated great potential for targeted drug delivery and bioimaging in different kinds of cancers. In the future, the preference for stimuli-triggered MOFs will open a new frontier for cancer theranostic applications.

Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Amphiphilic N-Benzyl 1,4-Dihydropyridine Derivatives-Evaluation of Lipid Monolayer and Self-Assembling Properties

Liposomes and other nanoparticles have been widely studied as innovative nanomaterials because of their unique properties. Pyridinium salts, on the basis of 1,4-dihydropyridine (1,4-DHP) core, have gained significant attention due to their self-assembling properties and DNA delivery activity. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize original N-benzyl substituted 1,4-dihydropyridines and evaluate the influence on structure modifications on compound physicochemical and self-assembling properties. Studies of monolayers composed of 1,4-DHP amphiphiles revealed that the mean molecular areas values were dependent on the compound structure. Therefore, the introduction of N-benzyl substituent to the 1,4-DHP ring enlarged the mean molecular area by almost half. All nanoparticle samples obtained by ethanol injection method possessed positive surface charge and average diameter of 395-2570 nm. The structure of the cationic head-group affects the size of the formed nanoparticles. The diameter of lipoplexes formed by 1,4-DHP amphiphiles and mRNA at nitrogen/phosphate (N/P) charge ratios of 1, 2, and 5 were in the range of 139-2959 nm and were related to the structure of compound and N/P charge ratio. The preliminary results indicated that more prospective combination are the lipoplexes formed by pyridinium moieties containing N-unsubstituted 1,4-DHP amphiphile 1 and pyridinium or substituted pyridinium moieties containing N-benzyl 1,4-DHP amphiphiles 5a-c at N/P charge ratio of 5, which would be good candidates for potential application in gene therapy.

Chemokine-targeted nanoparticles: stimulation of the immune system in cancer immunotherapy

Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy are potential therapeutic choices for many malignant and metastatic cancers. Despite adverse side effects and pain, surgery and chemotherapy continue to be the most common cancer treatments. However, patients treated with immunotherapy had better cancer control than those who got other treatments. There are two methods to activate immunological pathways: systemically and locally. To modify the tumor microenvironment (TME), the former uses systemic cytokine/chemokine (CK) delivery, whilst the latter uses immunological checkpoints or small molecule inhibitors. Organic and inorganic nanomaterials (NMs) enhanced the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. NMs can transmit drugs, peptides, antigens, antibodies, whole cell membranes, etc. Surface-modified NMs precisely target and enter the tissues. The inner core of surface-modified NMs is composed of chemicals with limited bioavailability and biocompatibility, resulting in prolonged blood retention and decreased renal clearance. These platforms hinder or prevent many immune cell activities and modify the TME, enhancing the efficiency of cancer immunotherapy. By inhibiting CK/CK receptor signaling, cell migration and other immune responses could be controlled. Developing CK-targeted nanoparticles (NPs) that inhibit CK signaling or take advantage of the ligand-receptor connection is possible. Surface chemical modification of NMs with CKs or specific peptides has several medicinal applications, including tissue-specific drug delivery and limited cell migration in cancer-afflicted conditions. This review covers current developments in the role of different groups of CK-loaded NP in tumor therapy targeting immune cells and cancer. It also covers the role of NP targeting CK signaling which aids in immunogenic cell death (ICD) and induction of antitumor immunity. In addition, CK gene silencing and its capacity to prevent cancer metastasis as well as inhibition of immune cell migration to modulate the TME are discussed.

Systematic Study of Resveratrol Nanoliposomes Transdermal Delivery System for Enhancing Anti-Aging and Skin-Brightening Efficacy

Due to the stratum corneum barrier, resveratrol is difficult to be absorbed transdermally, limiting its anti-aging and skin-brightening effects. Furthermore, there is a lack of systematic studies on the efficacy of resveratrol in human skin, especially in three-dimensional skin models and clinical trials. To overcome the low transdermal delivery issue, we encapsulated resveratrol into nanoliposomes using the high-pressure homogenization method to develop an efficient transdermal drug delivery system, and systematically evaluated its anti-aging and skin-brightening efficacy via cell line models, a three-dimensional skin model and human skin. The resveratrol nanoliposomes effectively improved the transdermal penetration and retention of resveratrol and enhanced cellular uptake. In addition, compared to free resveratrol, resveratrol nanoliposomes remarkably enhanced the skin-care effects by promoting the antioxidant capacity and collagen synthesis, inhibiting the secretion of matrix metalloproteinases, tyrosine activity and melanin synthesis. Notably, human clinical trials proved the anti-wrinkle and skin-brightening effectiveness of resveratrol nanoliposomes. Three levels of systematic studies indicated that resveratrol nanoliposomes could be a promising transdermal drug delivery system to enhance the anti-aging and skin-brightening effects of resveratrol.

Research Status and Prospect of Non-Viral Vectors Based on siRNA: A Review

Gene therapy has attracted much attention because of its unique mechanism of action, non-toxicity, and good tolerance, which can kill cancer cells without damaging healthy tissues. siRNA-based gene therapy can downregulate, enhance, or correct gene expression by introducing some nucleic acid into patient tissues. Routine treatment of hemophilia requires frequent intravenous injections of missing clotting protein. The high cost of combined therapy causes most patients to lack the best treatment resources. siRNA therapy has the potential of lasting treatment and even curing diseases. Compared with traditional surgery and chemotherapy, siRNA has fewer side effects and less damage to normal cells. The available therapies for degenerative diseases can only alleviate the symptoms of patients, while siRNA therapy drugs can upregulate gene expression, modify epigenetic changes, and stop the disease. In addition, siRNA also plays an important role in cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, and hepatitis B. However, free siRNA is easily degraded by nuclease and has a short half-life in the blood. Research has found that siRNA can be delivered to specific cells through appropriate vector selection and design to improve the therapeutic effect. The application of viral vectors is limited because of their high immunogenicity and low capacity, while non-viral vectors are widely used because of their low immunogenicity, low production cost, and high safety. This paper reviews the common non-viral vectors in recent years and introduces their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the latest application examples.

Acoustically-Activated Liposomal Nanocarriers to Mitigate the Side Effects of Conventional Chemotherapy with a Focus on Emulsion-Liposomes

To improve currently available cancer treatments, nanomaterials are employed as smart drug delivery vehicles that can be engineered to locally target cancer cells and respond to stimuli. Nanocarriers can entrap chemotherapeutic drugs and deliver them to the diseased site, reducing the side effects associated with the systemic administration of conventional anticancer drugs. Upon accumulation in the tumor cells, the nanocarriers need to be potentiated to release their therapeutic cargo. Stimulation can be through endogenous or exogenous modalities, such as temperature, electromagnetic irradiation, ultrasound (US), pH, or enzymes. This review discusses the acoustic stimulation of different sonosensitive liposomal formulations. Emulsion liposomes, or eLiposomes, are liposomes encapsulating phase-changing nanoemulsion droplets, which promote acoustic droplet vaporization (ADV) upon sonication. This gives eLiposomes the advantage of delivering the encapsulated drug at low intensities and short exposure times relative to liposomes. Other formulations integrating microbubbles and nanobubbles are also discussed.

Advances in Liposome-Encapsulated Phthalocyanines for Photodynamic Therapy

This updated review aims to describe the current status in the development of liposome-based systems for the targeted delivery of phthalocyanines for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Although a number of other drug delivery systems (DDS) can be found in the literature and have been studied for phthalocyanines or similar photosensitizers (PSs), liposomes are by far the closest to clinical practice. PDT itself finds application not only in the selective destruction of tumour tissues or the treatment of microbial infections, but above all in aesthetic medicine. From the point of view of administration, some PSs can advantageously be delivered through the skin, but for phthalocyanines, systemic administration is more suitable. However, systemic administration places higher demands on advanced DDS, active tissue targeting and reduction of side effects. This review focuses on the already described liposomal DDS for phthalocyanines, but also describes examples of DDS used for structurally related PSs, which can be assumed to be applicable to phthalocyanines as well.

Recent Advances in Intranasal Liposomes for Drug, Gene, and Vaccine Delivery

Liposomes are safe, biocompatible, and biodegradable spherical nanosized vesicles produced from cholesterol and phospholipids. Recently, liposomes have been widely administered intranasally for systemic and brain delivery. From the nasal cavity, liposome-encapsulated drugs and genes enter the systemic circulation primarily via absorption in the respiratory region, whereas they can be directly transported to the brain via the olfactory pathway. Liposomes can protect drugs and genes from enzymatic degradation, increase drug absorption across the nasal epithelium, and prolong the residence time in the nasal cavity. Intranasal liposomes are also a potential approach for vaccine delivery. Liposomes can be used as a platform to load antigens and as vaccine adjuvants to induce a robust immune response. With the recent interest in intranasal liposome formulations, this review discusses various aspects of liposomes that make them suitable for intranasal administration. We have summarized the latest advancements and applications of liposomes and evaluated their performance in the systemic and brain delivery of drugs and genes administered intranasally. We have also reviewed recent advances in intranasal liposome vaccine development and proposed perspectives on the future of intranasal liposomes.