Solid Lipid Nanoparticles vs. Nanostructured Lipid Carriers: A Comparative Review

Exploring the role of gut microbiota in antibiotic resistance and prevention

BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTION

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the evolution of multiple drug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is of grave public health concern. To combat the pandemic of AMR, it is necessary to focus on novel alternatives for drug development. Within the host, the interaction of the pathogen with the microbiome plays a pivotal role in determining the outcome of pathogenesis. Therefore, microbiome-pathogen interaction is one of the potential targets to be explored for novel antimicrobials.

MAIN BODY

This review focuses on how the gut microbiome has evolved as a significant component of the resistome as a source of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Antibiotics alter the composition of the native microbiota of the host by favouring resistant bacteria that can manifest as opportunistic infections. Furthermore, gut dysbiosis has also been linked to low-dosage antibiotic ingestion or subtherapeutic antibiotic treatment (STAT) from food and the environment.

DISCUSSION

Colonization by MDR bacteria is potentially acquired and maintained in the gut microbiota. Therefore, it is pivotal to understand microbial diversity and its role in adapting pathogens to AMR. Implementing several strategies to prevent or treat dysbiosis is necessary, including faecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics and prebiotics, phage therapy, drug delivery models, and antimicrobial stewardship regulation.

Boosting curcumin's chemical stability and intestinal absorption via nanostructured lipid carriers: The impact of lipid composition

This study investigated how the lipid composition of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) affects the chemical stability and intestinal absorption of encapsulated curcumin. Spherical NLCs ranging from 210 to 260 nm in diameter were prepared, and structural transition occurred at 25.67 % (w/w) medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) content. NLCs with 30 % MCT exhibited the longest curcumin half-lives: 247.10, 50.01, and 28.30 days at 4 °C, 25 °C, and 50 °C, respectively. The optimal solid shell thickness for curcumin stabilization was 38.52 nm. Inflamed enterocytes internalized NLCs via cluster differentiation-44-mediated endocytosis due to the hyaluronic acid-receptor specific binding. The high lipid phase-interface fusogenicity and surface hydrophobicity promote the cellular uptake of NLCs containing 20 % or 30 % MCT and the caveolin-related routes. These NLCs were integrated into chylomicron assembly process and exocytosed as chylomicron mimics. Consequently, encapsulated curcumin bypassed lysosomal degradation and hepatic first-pass effect, leading to enhanced anti-inflammatory activity and bioavailability, up to 10.74 times higher.

Etoposide-loaded lipopolymer nanoparticles promote Smac minetic activity against inhibitor of apoptosis protein for glioblastoma treatment

Encapsulated BV6 and SM164, two bivalent second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase (Smac) mimetics, in etoposide (ETO)-lipopolymer nanoparticles (NPs) have been developed to deplete inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP), impair DNA, and produce antagonistic effects on glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in nude mice. The NPs, composed of cocoa butter (CB) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), were stabilized by glycerol monostearate and Pluronic F-127, and grafted with transferrin (Tf) and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) to dock the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and degenerated dopaminergic neurons. The dual-targeting NPs increased the BBB permeability of BV6, SM164 and ETO via recognizing Tf receptor (TfR) and N-acetylglucosamine that are abundantly expressed on brain microvascular endothelial cells. The sustained release of BV6, SM164 and ETO from CB-PVA-NPs for 48 h resulted in a reduction of about 40 % in the viability of U87MG cells and human brain cancer stem cells. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of the brain in GBM mice revealed atypical mitosis of cancer cells and a considerable decrease in tumor cell density after treatment with Tf-WGA-BV6-SM164-ETO-NPs. Compared to untreated mice, the current ETO preparation carrying Smac mimetics reduced cellular IAP-1 expression to about 33 % and X-linked IAP expression to about 42 %, while enhanced about 3.8-fold caspase-3, indicating the effectiveness of the nanocarriers in accelerating apoptosis of GBM cells. Tf-WGA-CB-PVA-NPs can be promising to upgrade BV6 and SM164 activity by ETO in clinical trials for GBM management.

Do Linalool-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Improve the Quality of Naval Medical Research Institute Mouse Sperm During Freezing/Thawing and Handling Processes?

Introduction: Handling, freezing, and thawing of sperm causes oxidative stress, compromising sperm quality. Nanotechnology offers platforms for the smart delivery of antioxidants during these processes. Objectives: A solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) was used to deliver linalool, as an antioxidant supplementation to Naval Medical Research Institute mouse sperm during handling, freezing, and thawing. Methods: Linalool-loaded solid lipid nanoparticle (L-SLN) was made using the self-assembly method. After the assessment of physicochemical properties, the impact of L-SLN (10, 20, 30, and 50 µg/mL) on sperm motility, viability, sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), nitric oxide (NO) production, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT), was investigated after its addition to the handling, freezing, and thawing media. Results: L-SLN was successfully created with a size of 262 ± 9.5 and a zeta potential of -28.5 ± 7.12, with an extended-release over time. During handling and freezing, supplementing corresponding media with L-SLN resulted in increased sperm motility and viability, specifically at 30 µg/mL. The percentage of SDF also decreased in post-thawed sperm at 30 µg/mL. L-SLN also led to elevated post-thawed NO production at 20 µg/mL, as well as increased SOD activity at 20 and 30 µg/mL. It also enhanced CAT and GPx activity at 30 and 10 µg/mL respectively. In handling media, L-SLN at 10 µg/mL could enhance NO production, CAT, and SOD activity, and at 20 µg/mL also boosted NO production and GPx activity. Generally, there was no significant improvement in sperm parameters with the mutual concentration of L-SLN for thawing media. Conclusions: Treating sperm extender media with 20 and 30 µg/mL of L-SLN and handling media with 10 and 30 µg/mL of L-SLN could improve sperm parameters following these interventions. L-SLN is a new antioxidant for sperm handling and freezing media, which may be applicable in human reproductive efforts.

Preparation of protoporphyrin IX loaded nanostructured lipid carriers for anticancer photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising strategy for cancer treatment. However, the poor hydrophilicity of most photosensitizers makes them difficult to enter the cells and also susceptible to aggregation-induced quenching in aqueous environment. In this study, we encapsulated protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) by nanostructured lipid carrier to obtain a water-soluble PPIX delivery system (NLC-PPIX). The nanoparticles exhibited high colloidal stability and good fluorescence emission. The generation of 1O2 from the NLC-PPIX was verified using 9,10-anthracenediyl-bis(methylene)dicarboxylic acid (ABDA) as 1O2 indicator. The 1O2 quantum yield of the NLC-PPIX in aqueous solution was calculated to be ∼9%. The flow cytometry and fluorescence imaging confirmed the uptake of NLC-PPIX by the A2058 cells and the generation of 1O2 inside the cells under light excitation. The in vitro cytotoxicity assay showed that the NLC-PPIX exerted no toxicity on the A2058 cells under dark conditions, while light irradiation triggered high phototoxicity. The cell viability of the A2058 cells was significantly decreased and the inhibition rate reached approximately 96% by treating the cells with 200 μg/mL NLC-PPIX and 420 nm light irradiation. The successful cancer cell uptake and PDT effect revealed the therapeutic promise of our drug delivery system.

Harnessing unique architecture and emerging strategies of solid lipid nanoparticles to combat colon cancer: A state-of-the-art review

Cancer is a serious worldwide public health problem, ranking as the second leading cause of death in the United States. The third most prevalent tumor kind in the world is a colon or rectal tumor. Colon Cancer (CC) is the third most common cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. In the US, CC has become the 2nd most common cause of death after having different advancements like detection, surgery, and chemotherapy. The current strategies for treating colon cancer have several disadvantages, including higher toxicity, drug resistance, damage to healthy cells, solubility, specificity, a lower therapeutic index, and more. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are a viable targeted treatment option for colon cancer to avoid this problem. This comprehensive review discussed the severity, pathophysiology, risk factors, and stages of colon cancer. The review covers the most effective colon cancer therapy and diagnostic procedures, including HSgFOBT, Fecal immunological test (FIT), Colonoscopy, FIT-DNA Test/mt-sDNA screening test, Colon capsule (CCE), Blood-based DNA Tests, and Flexible sigmoidoscopy. This reviewemphasizes the need for novel and specific approaches to colon cancer treatment to improve patient outcomes.

Hyaluronic acid-conjugated lipid nanocarriers in advancing cancer therapy: A review

Lipid nanoparticles are obtaining significant attention in cancer treatment because of their efficacy at delivering drugs and reducing side effects. These things are like a flexible platform for getting anticancer drugs to the tumor site, especially upon HA modification, a polymer that is known to target tumors overexpressing CD44. HA is promising in cancer therapy because it taregtes tumor cells by binding onto CD44 receptors, which are often upregulated in cancer cells. Lipid nanoparticles are not only beneficial in improving solubility and stability of drugs; they also use the EPR effect, meaning they accumulate more in tumor tissue than in healthy tissue. Adding HA to these nanoparticles expands their biocompatibility and makes them more accurate and specific towards tumor cells. Studies show that HA-modified nanoparticles carrying drugs such as paclitaxel or doxorubicin improve how well cells absorb the drugs, reduce drug resistance, and make tumor shrinking. These nanoparticles can respond to tumor microenvironment stimuli in targeted delivery. This targeted delivery diminishes side effects and improves anti-cancer activity of drugs. Thus, lipid-based nanoparticles conjugated with HA are a promising way to treat cancer by delivering drugs effectively, minimizing side effects, and giving us better therapeutic results.

A new era of psoriasis treatment: Drug repurposing through the lens of nanotechnology and machine learning

Psoriasis is a persistent inflammatory skin disorder characterized by hyper-proliferation and abnormal epidermal differentiation. Conventional treatments such as; topical therapies, phototherapy, systemic immune modulators, and biologics aim to relieve symptoms and improve patient quality of life. However, challenges like adverse effects, high costs, and individual response variability persist. Thus, the need for novel anti-psoriatic drugs has led to the exploration of drug repurposing, an approach that identifies new applications for existing drugs. This method is in its early stages but has gained popularity across both public and private sectors. Furthermore, artificial intelligence (AI) integration is revolutionizing the healthcare industry by enhancing efficiency, delivery, and personalization. Machine learning and deep learning algorithms have significantly impacted drug discovery, repurposing, and designing new molecules or drug delivery carriers. Nanotechnology, in addition to AI, plays a pivotal role in targeting repurposed drugs via the topical route with suitable nanocarriers. This method overcomes challenges associated with oral delivery, such as systemic toxicities, slow onset of action, first-pass effect, and poor bioavailability. This review addresses the practice of repurposing existing drugs for managing psoriasis, discussing the challenges of conventional therapy and how the incorporation of nanotechnology and AI can overcome these hurdles, facilitating the discovery of anti-psoriatic drugs and presenting promising strategies for novel therapeutics. Additionally, it discusses the general benefits of drug repurposing compared to de novo drug development and the potential drawbacks of drug repurposing.

Bringing ophthalmology into the scientific world: Novel nanoparticle-based strategies for ocular drug delivery

The distinctive benefits and drawbacks of various drug delivery strategies to supply corneal tissue improvement for sense organs have been the attention of studies worldwide in recent decades. Static and dynamic barriers of ocular tissue prevent foreign chemicals from entering and inhibit the active absorption of therapeutic medicines. The distribution of different medications to ocular tissue is one of the most appealing and demanding tasks for investigators in pharmacology, biomaterials, and ophthalmology, and it is critical for cornea wound healing due to the controlled release rate and increased drug bioavailability. It should be mentioned that the transport of various types of medications into the different sections of the eye, particularly the cornea, is exceedingly challenging because of its distinctive structure and various barriers throughout the eye. Nanoparticles are being studied to improve medicine delivery strategies for ocular disease. Repetitive corneal drug delivery using biodegradable nanocarriers allows a medicine to remain in different parts of the cornea for extended periods of time and thus improve administration route effectiveness. In this review, we discussed eye anatomy, ocular delivery barriers, as well as the emphasis on the biodegradable nanomaterials ranging from organic nanostructures, such as nanomicelles, polymers, liposomes, niosomes, nanowafers, nanoemulsions, nanosuspensions, nanocrystals, cubosomes, olaminosomes, hybridized NPs, dendrimers, bilosomes, solid lipid NPs, nanostructured lipid carriers, and nanofiber to organic nanomaterials like silver, gold, and mesoporous silica nanoparticles. In addition, we describe the nanotechnology-based ophthalmic medications that are presently on the market or in clinical studies. Finally, drawing on current trends and therapeutic approaches, we discuss the challenges that innovative optical drug delivery systems confront and propose future research routes. We hope that this review will serve as a source of motivation and inspiration for developing innovative ophthalmic formulations.

Assessing the Antibacterial Potential and Biofilm Inhibition Capability of Atorvastatin-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers via Crystal Violet Assay

Background/Objectives: Atorvastatin (ATR), an antihyperlipidemic drug with a potential antibacterial effect, was investigated in this study. Like other statins, ATR has been repurposed for several uses, ranging from anti-inflammatory to antimicrobial applications, and has demonstrated successful results. However, the efficacy of ATR is limited by its low solubility, indicating an opportunity for its encapsulation in a nanotechnology-based drug delivery system. Methods: Nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) formulations were prepared using high-pressure homogenization and ultrasonication. The formulations were characterized, including their particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro release. Antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was evaluated using the growth curve (bacterial growth over time) and well diffusion methods (zone of inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination). The crystal violet assay was employed to assess biofilm inhibition. Results: The NLC formulations were optimized, and the size and zeta potential of the blank nanoparticles were 130 ± 8.39 nm and -35 ± 0.5 mV, respectively. In comparison, the encapsulated NLCs had a size of 142 ± 52.20 nm and a zeta potential of -31 ± 1.41 mV. The average encapsulation efficiency was 94%, and 70% of the drug was released after 24 h. The ATR-loaded NLCs showed significantly enhanced antibacterial activity by reducing the minimum inhibitory concentration by 2.5-fold for E. coli, 1.8-fold for S. aureus, and 1.4-fold for MRSA, and promoting more effective bacterial growth inhibition. Notably, biofilm inhibition was significantly improved with ATR-NLCs, achieving 80% inhibition for S. aureus, 40% for E. coli, and 30% for MRSA, compared to free ATR (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that NLC encapsulation enhances ATR's antimicrobial efficacy and biofilm suppression. Conclusions: This study identified NLCs as successful carriers of ATR, significantly enhancing its antibacterial efficacy and biofilm inhibition capabilities. This formulation, which shows antimicrobial potential against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, should be further studied and developed against different resistant microbial strains.

Novel drug delivery systems in topical treatment of atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as eczema, is a chronic skin condition, affecting all ages, characterized by inflammation, itching, dryness, and redness, which can severely impact quality of life. Based on clinical features and symptoms, AD is of several types like contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, neurodermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, and nummular eczema. Its pathophysiology involves genetic, environmental, and immunological factors, leading to skin barrier dysfunction. Current treatments for AD involve a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies tailored to individual needs. Management includes topical therapies of corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, and janus kinase inhibitors in the form of gels, creams, ointments, and lotions. Systemic treatments like immunosuppressants and biologics are employed for severe cases. Long term and regular use of current treatments can lead to numerous adverse effects like skin thinning, atrophy, burning sensation, emergence of skin lymphomas, tolerance, and systemic side effects. Emerging topical nanoformulations, such as lipid-based nanoparticles, polymeric carriers, liposomes, cubosomes, ethosomes, nanoemulsions enhance drug delivery, improve therapeutic outcomes, and reduce toxicity, making them promising options for AD treatment. Clinical trials of nanoformulations for AD show significant improvements in treatment efficacy and skin absorption compared to conventional therapies. However, nanomedicine faces challenges in terms of inadequate evaluation studies and formulation instability, requiring stringent regulatory compliance and a thorough preclinical and clinical data investigation. This review aims to describe types of AD, its pathophysiology and current treatments and their challenges. The review further focuses on emerging trends of various nanoformulations for treatment of AD.

Lipid nanocarrier containing eugenol for denture hygiene: evaluation of efficacy against Candida biofilms

BACKGROUND

This article is derived from Irisvaldo Lima Guedes's Master's dissertation and is available at the address: https://sigaa.ufpi.br/sigaa/public/programa/noticias_desc.jsf?lc=pt_BR&id=370¬icia=519307121 Eugenol has demonstrated efficacy against Candida spp., which is highly prevalent in denture wearers. However, the low water solubility and high volatility limit its application. The encapsulation in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) may be a viable approach for developing new sanitizing agents for denture hygiene.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a sanitizing dispersion for denture hygiene using nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) containing eugenol and to evaluate the efficacy against Candida spp. biofilms.

METHODOLOGY

The formulation was prepared using the ultrasonication method and characterized in terms of particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), and encapsulation efficiency (EE). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by the broth microdilution method and the antifungal activity was evaluated by four treatment groups (nanostructured formulation containing eugenol (NFE), free eugenol (FE), saline solution (SS), and the drug-free formulation NFW after eight hours of immersion in biofilms of two Candida species (Candida albicans and Candida glabrata) adhered to polymethyl methacrylate resin specimens.

RESULTS

The nanoparticles of NFE showed a particle size of 199.5±2.55 nanometers (nm) as measured by DLS, high homogeneity (0.07±0.02), an EE of 83.07±0.23, and a negative ZP (-25.86±0.65). The MICs of FE for Candida albicans and Candida glabrata were up to 10 times (64 µg/mL) and eight times (128 µg/mL) higher, respectively, than the MICs of NFE (6 µg/mL and 16 µg/mL). The biofilms of these microorganisms showed a significant reduction after immersion in NFE compared to the other tested groups (FE, NBF, and SS) (P<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The NFE demonstrated fungicidal activity against the isolated strains and significantly reduced Candida biofilms, thus showing promising performance for the sanitization of dentures over eight hours.

Lipid-based nanoformulations in onychomycosis therapy: addressing challenges of current therapies and advancing treatment

Onychomycosis significantly impacts approximately 20% of the global population. The physical barriers of the nail structure make fungal infections a persistent therapeutic challenge. Traditional approaches, including topical and oral antifungal agents, have limitations such as toxicities, low nail permeability, adverse effects, and high recurrence rates. Consequently, emerging lipid-based delivery systems have gained interest because of their potential to address these drawbacks. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), liposomes, and transferosomes are innovative formulations that offer enhanced drug solubility, sustained release, and targeted delivery to the nail matrix. These lipid-mediated approaches have shown promise in overcoming the hurdles associated with conventional therapies, thereby improving treatment outcomes, patient compliance, and the overall quality of life. A comprehensive review focusing on the potential of lipid-based drug delivery systems in treating onychomycosis is lacking in the existing literature. This review explores various aspects of the clinical presentation of onychomycosis, available treatments, challenges associated with treatment, formulation science related to lipid-based vehicles and their applications, highlighted by the promising aspects of these novel formulations, and provides insights into clinical developments. In addition, the regulatory perspective is critical to such development, and approval is discussed, particularly in managing regulatory compliance complexities to ensure successful implementation. The holistic approach provides a comprehensive basis for determining lipid-based drug delivery systems' state-of-the-art and future scope.

A critical insight into the physicochemical stability of macular carotenoids with respect to their industrial production, safety profile, targeted tissue delivery, and bioavailability

Lutein, zeaxanthin, and mesozeaxanthin, collectively termed as macular pigments, are key carotenoids integral to optimized central vision of the eye. Therefore, nutraceuticals and functional foods have been developed commercially using carotenoid rich flowers, such as marigold and calendula or single celled photosynthetic algae, such as the Dunaliella. Industrial formulation of such products enriched in macular pigments have often suffered from serious bottlenecks in stability, delivery, and bioavailability. The two chief factors largely responsible for decreasing the shelf-life have been solubility and oxidation of these pigments owing to their strong lipophilic nature and presence of conjugated double bonds. In this regard, oil-based formulations have often been found to be more suitable than powder-based formulations in terms of shelf life and targeted delivery. In some cases, addition of phenolic acids in the formulations have also augmented the product value by enhancing micellization. In this regard, a novel proprietary formulation of these pigments has been developed in our laboratory utilizing marigold extracts in a colloidal solution of extra virgin olive oil and canola oil fortified with antioxidants like thyme oil, tocopherol, and ascorbyl palmitate. This review article presents an updated insight into the stability and bioavailability of industrially manufactured macular carotenoids together with their safety and solubility issues.

Biomimetic niosomal versus liposomal nanoparticle-based aspirin injection for treating stroke and myocardial infarction

In this work, we are comparing biomimetic niosomal nanoparticles (BNNs) with biomimetic liposomal nanoparticles (BLNs) and studying their drug carrier properties. A-BNNs and A-BLNs are prepared by lipid hydration method and characterized using DLS for size and zeta potential analysis, surface morphology by SEM, structural details by TEM, crystallinity and phase change by XRD, thermodynamic properties by DSC, TGA and DTGA, drug carrier properties by entrapment efficiency, drug release studies by open-end tube method and its mechanistic assessment by fitting with various models such as zero order, first order, Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas models. The A-BNNs had an average size of 157.0 ± 3.58 nm and A-BLNs had an average size of 173 ± 1.24 nm. The A-BNNs had an average zeta potential of -29.0 ± 1.11 mV and A-BLNs had an average zeta potential of -46.5 ± 1.11 mV. The A-BNNs have an average entrapment efficiency of 94 ± 0.4% and A-BLNs have an average entrapment efficiency of 98 ± 0.14%. The BNNs have an average drug release of 78.12 ± 1.57% and A-BLNs have an average release of 98.41 ± 1.87% over 24 hours. Our results show that the vesicular size dependence influences the resulting nanoparticle drug carrier properties. This is a robust demonstration of the phenomena at the nanoscale that the precursor vesicular system size dependency will be reflected in bulk-engineered nanoparticle properties. These novel nanoparticles are potential candidates for development as an injection to suppress clots in stroke and myocardial infarction.

Advanced Solubilization of Brazilian Cerrado Byproduct Extracts Using Green Nanostructured Lipid Carriers and NaDESs for Enhanced Antioxidant Potentials

This study explores the development and characterization of lipid nanostructures (NLCs) containing natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDESs) derived from taperebá peel extract (Spondias mombin), a by-product rich in bioactive phenolic compounds, including ellagic acid and quercetin. The taperebá extract exhibited a high polyphenol content (2623 mg GAE/L) and notable antioxidant activity, as demonstrated by DPPH (258 mM TEAC/100 mL) and ABTS (495 mM TEAC/100 mL) assays. NLCs were developed using NaDESs to enhance the stability and bioavailability of the antioxidant compounds. Physicochemical characterization confirmed the formation of stable, nanometric, and monodispersed formulations with efficient encapsulation. Biological evaluation of the NLC-TAP-NaDES formulation demonstrated its remarkable capacity to mitigate oxidative stress in cells subjected to H2O2-induced ROS generation. Fluorescence imaging revealed a significant reduction in intracellular ROS levels in treated cells compared to untreated controls, confirming the antioxidant efficacy of the formulation. This outcome underscores the synergy between NaDESs and NLC systems in protecting and delivering phenolic compounds. This study highlights the potential of utilizing underexplored by-products, such as taperebá peels, to develop sustainable and effective antioxidant delivery systems. The NLC-TAP-NaDES platform combines nanotechnology with green chemistry principles, presenting significant implications for the treatment of oxidative stress-related conditions and broader applications in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sciences. These findings contribute to advancing sustainable innovations in antioxidant therapies, leveraging the dual benefits of bioeconomy and high-performance nanomaterials.

Optimized Hesperidin-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles with Tea Tree Oil for Enhanced Wound Healing: Formulation, Characterization, and Evaluation

Objectives: This study aimed to develop hesperidin solid lipid nanoparticles (HESP-SLNs) to enhance their stability, solubility, and sustained release for wound healing; further enhancement was achieved through prepared nanostructured lipid carriers (HESP-NLCs) using Tea Tree Oil (TTO) to explore their synergistic efficacy. Methods: A factorial design of 24 trials was established to evaluate the influence of lipid type (X1), lipid conc (%) (X2), surfactant type (X3), and sonication amplitude (%) (X4) of prepared HESP-SLNs on the particle size (nm) (Y1), polydispersibility index (Y2), zeta potential (Y3), and encapsulation efficiency (%) (Y4). The optimized HESP-SLNs formula was selected utilizing Design Expert® software version 13, which was additionally enhanced by preparing TTO-loaded HESP-NLCs. In vitro release, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were carried out for both lipid nanoparticles. Cytotoxicity, in vivo wound-healing assessments, and skin irritancy tests were performed to evaluate the performance of TTO-incorporated HESP-NLCs compared to HESP-SLNs. Results: The optimized formula demonstrated PS (280 ± 1.35 nm), ZP (-39.4 ± 0.92 mV), PDI (0.239 ± 0.012), and EE% (88.2 ± 2.09%). NLCs enhanced Q6% release, (95.14%) vs. (79.69%), for SLNs and showed superior antimicrobial efficacy. Both lipid nanoparticles exhibited spherical morphology and compatibility between HESP and excipients. NLCs achieved the highest wound closure percentage, supported by histological analysis and inflammatory biomarker outcomes. Cytotoxicity evaluation showed 87% cell viability compared to untreated HSF cells, and the skin irritancy test confirmed the safety of NLCs. Conclusions: TTO-loaded HESP-NLCs are promising candidates exhibiting superior wound-healing capabilities, making them a potential therapeutic option for cutaneous wound management.

Micromechanical finite element modeling of crystalline lipid-based materials: monoglyceride-based oleogels and their composites

The mechanical properties of crystalline lipid-based materials are dependent on the microscale structure formed during the crystallization process. In this work, we show for the first time that the mechanical properties of such materials can be mathematically calculated by performing 3D mechanistic modeling on the exact microstructure obtained by non-destructive imaging. Initially, we obtained a digital twin of a monoglyceride-based oleogel from phase-contrast X-ray tomography. The microstructure was found to be composed of an interconnected network of crystalline platelets. Then, we applied micromechanical finite element modeling on the microstructure, which revealed that the effective shear modulus scales with the local solid fraction and also depends on the precise crystalline arrangement. Lastly, we designed composite materials in a digital environment by adding particle inclusions to the digital twin. The particle material, concentration and size are varied to demonstrate their effect on the composite's mechanical properties. The designed materials reveal that particle inclusions can either decrease or greatly increase the shear modulus of lipid-based materials. Our new micromechanical approach accelerates the design of lipid-based materials by leveraging virtual environments, leading the path towards materials with tailored mechanical properties.

Drug Repurposing and Nanotechnology for Topical Skin Cancer Treatment: Redirecting toward Targeted and Synergistic Antitumor Effects

Skin cancer represents a major health concern due to its rising incidence and limited treatment options. Current treatments (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy) often entail high costs, patient inconvenience, significant adverse effects, and limited therapeutic efficacy. The search for novel treatment options is also marked by the high capital investment and extensive development involved in the drug discovery process. In response to these challenges, repurposing existing drugs for topical application and optimizing their delivery through nanotechnology could be the answer. This innovative strategy aims to combine the advantages of the known pharmacological background of commonly used drugs to expedite therapeutic development, with nanosystem-based formulations, which among other advantages allow for improved skin permeation and retention and overall higher therapeutic efficacy and safety. The present review provides a critical analysis of repurposed drugs such as doxycycline, itraconazole, niclosamide, simvastatin, leflunomide, metformin, and celecoxib, formulated into different nanosystems, namely, nanoemulsions and nanoemulgels, nanodispersions, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, polymeric nanoparticles, hybrid lipid-polymer nanoparticles, hybrid electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds, liposomes and liposomal gels, ethosomes and ethosomal gels, and aspasomes, for improved outcomes in the battle against skin cancer. Enhanced antitumor effects on melanoma and nonmelanoma research models are highlighted, with some nanoparticles even showing intrinsic anticancer properties, leading to synergistic effects. The explored research findings highly evidence the potential of these approaches to complement the currently available therapeutic strategies in the hope that these treatments might one day reach the pharmaceutical market.

Phytoactive-Loaded Lipid Nanocarriers for Simvastatin Delivery: A Drug Repositioning Strategy Against Lung Cancer

Background/Objectives: Drug repurposing explores new applications for approved medications, such as simvastatin (SV), a lipid-lowering drug that has shown anticancer potential but is limited by solubility and side effects. This study aims to enhance SV delivery and efficacy against lung cancer cells using bioactive lipid nanoparticles formulated with plant-derived monoterpenes as both nanostructuring agents and anticancer molecules. Methods: Lipid nanoparticles were produced by ultrasonication and characterized for morphology, size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index (PDI). Monoterpenes (linalool-LN-, limonene, 1,8-cineole) or Crodamol® were used as liquid lipids. Encapsulation efficiency (EE), release profiles, stability, biocompatibility, protein adsorption, cytotoxicity, and anticancer effects were evaluated. Results: The nanoparticles exhibited high stability, size: 94.2 ± 0.9-144.0 ± 2.6 nm, PDI < 0.3, and zeta potential: -4.5 ± 0.7 to -16.3 ± 0.8 mV. Encapsulation of SV in all formulations enhanced cytotoxicity against A549 lung cancer cells, with NLC/LN/SV showing the highest activity and being chosen for further investigation. Sustained SV release over 72 h and EE > 95% was observed for NLC/LN/SV. SAXS/WAXS analysis revealed that LN altered the crystallographic structure of nanoparticles. NLC/LN/SV demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and developed a thin serum protein corona in vitro. Cellular studies showed efficient uptake by A549 cells, G0/G1 arrest, mitochondrial hyperpolarization, reactive oxygen species production, and enhanced cell death compared to free SV. NLC/LN/SV more effectively inhibited cancer cell migration than free SV. Conclusions: NLC/LN/SV represents a promising nanocarrier for SV repurposing, combining enhanced anticancer activity, biocompatibility, and sustained stability for potential lung cancer therapy.

Potential of the Nano-Encapsulation of Antioxidant Molecules in Wound Healing Applications: An Innovative Strategy to Enhance the Bio-Profile

Naturally available antioxidants offer remarkable medicinal applications in wound healing. However, the encapsulation of these phytoactive moieties into suitable nano-scale drug delivery systems has always been challenging due to their inherent characteristics, such as low molecular weight, poor aqueous solubility, and inadequate skin permeability. Here, we provide a systematic review focusing on the major obstacles hindering the development of various lipid and polymer-based drug transporters to carry these cargos to the targeted site. Additionally, this review covers the possibility of combining the effects of a polymer and a lipid within one system, which could increase the skin permeability threshold. Moreover, the lack of suitable physical characterization techniques and the challenges associated with scaling up the progression of these nano-carriers limit their utility in biomedical applications. In this context, consistent progressive approaches for addressing these shortcomings are introduced, and their prospects are discussed in detail.

Lipid Nanoparticles Carrying Essential Oils for Multiple Applications as Antimicrobials

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are versatile delivery systems with high interest because they allow the release of hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules, such as essential oils (EOs) and plant extracts. This review covers published works between 2019 and 2024 that have reported the use of essential EO-based LNPs with antimicrobial properties and applications in human and animal health, as well as biopesticides. In the human healthcare field, reports have addressed the effect of encapsulating EOs in lipid nanosystems with antiviral, antibacterial, antiprotozoal and antifungal activities. In animal care, this still needs to be more deeply explored while looking for more sustainable alternatives against different types of parasites that affect animal health. Overall, the antibacterial activities of LNPs carrying EOs are described as alternatives to the use of synthetic antibiotics. In the field of agriculture, studies showed that these approaches in the control of phytopathogens and other pests that affect food production. There is a growing demand for innovative and more sustainable technologies. However, there are still some challenges to be overcome in order to allow these innovations to reach the market.

Curcumin-Loaded Lipid Nanocarriers: A Targeted Approach for Combating Oxidative Stress in Skin Applications

Background/Objectives: Oxidative stress significantly impacts skin health, contributing to conditions like aging, pigmentation, and inflammatory disorders. Curcumin, with its potent antioxidant properties, faces challenges of low solubility, stability, and bioavailability. This study aimed to encapsulate curcumin in three lipid nanocarriers-solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), and nanoemulsions (NEs)-to enhance its stability, bioavailability, and antioxidant efficacy for potential therapeutic applications in oxidative-stress-related skin disorders. Methods: The lipid nanocarriers were characterized for size, polydispersity index, ζ-potential, and encapsulation efficiency. Stability tests under various conditions and antioxidant activity assays (DPPH and FRAP methods) were conducted. Cytotoxicity in human dermal fibroblasts was assessed using MTT assays, while the expression of key antioxidant genes was evaluated in human dermal fibroblasts under oxidative stress. Skin penetration studies were performed to analyze curcumin's distribution across the stratum corneum layers. Results: All nanocarriers demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency and stability over 90 days. NLCs exhibited superior long-term stability and enhanced skin penetration, while NE formulations facilitated rapid antioxidant effects. Antioxidant assays confirmed that curcumin encapsulation preserved and enhanced its bioactivity, particularly in NLCs. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of key antioxidant markers (GPX1, GPX4, SOD1, KEAP1, and NRF2) with curcumin-loaded nanocarriers under oxidative and non-oxidative conditions. Cytotoxicity studies confirmed biocompatibility across all formulations. Conclusions: Lipid nanocarriers effectively enhance curcumin's stability, antioxidant activity, and skin penetration, presenting a targeted strategy for managing oxidative stress in skin applications. Their versatility offers opportunities for tailored therapeutic formulations addressing specific skin conditions, from chronic disorders like psoriasis to acute stress responses such as sunburn.

Peptides: Emerging Candidates for the Prevention and Treatment of Skin Senescence: A Review

One class of cosmetic compounds that have raised interest of many experts is peptides. The search for ingredients with good biocompatibility and bioactivity has led to the use of peptides in cosmetic products. Peptides are novel active ingredients that improve collagen synthesis, enhance skin cell proliferation, or decrease inflammation. Based on their mechanism of action, they can be classified into signal peptides, carrier peptides, neurotransmitter inhibitor peptides, and enzyme inhibitor peptides. This review focuses on the main types of peptides and their application in the cosmetic field, underlining their main limitations. One of the most significant drawbacks of cosmetic peptides is their poor permeability through membranes, which limits their delivery and effectiveness. As a result, this review follows the methods used for improving permeability through the stratum corneum. Increasing peptide bioavailability and stability for enhanced delivery to the desired site of action and visible effects have become central points for the latest research due to their promising features. For this purpose, several methods have been identified and described. Physical techniques include thermal ablation (radiofrequency and laser), electrical methods (electroporation, iontophoresis), mechanical approach (microneedles), and ultrasounds. As an alternative, innovative formulations have been developed in nano-systems such as liposomes, niosomes, ethosomes, nanoemulsions, and other nanomaterials to reduce skin irritation and improve product effectiveness. The purpose of this review is to provide the latest information regarding these noteworthy molecules and the reasoning behind their use in cosmetic formulations.

Engineering mannose-functionalized nanostructured lipid carriers by sequential design using hybrid artificial intelligence tools

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) hold significant promise as drug delivery systems (DDS) owing to their small size and efficient drug-loading capabilities. Surface functionalization of NLCs can facilitate interaction with specific cell receptors, enabling targeted cell delivery. Mannosylation has emerged as a valuable tool for increasing the ability of nanoparticles to be recognized and internalized by macrophages. Nevertheless, the design and development of functionalized NLC is a complex task that entails the optimization of numerous variables and steps, making the process challenging and time-consuming. Moreover, no previous studies have been focused on evaluating the functionalization efficiency. In this work, hybrid Artificial Intelligence technologies are used to help in the design of mannosylated drug loaded NLCs. Artificial neural networks combined with fuzzy logic or genetic algorithms were employed to understand the particle formation processes and optimize the combinations of variables for the different steps in the functionalization process. Mannose was chemically modified to allow, for the first time, functionalization efficiency quantification and optimization. The proposed sequential methodology has enabled the design of a robust procedure for obtaining stable mannosylated NLCs with a uniform particle size distribution, small particle size (< 100 nm), and a substantial positive zeta potential (> 20mV). The incorporation of mannose on the surfaces of these DDS following the established protocols achieved > 85% of functionalization efficiency. This high effectiveness should enhance NLC recognition and internalization by macrophages, thereby facilitating the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.

Optimizing Intranasal Amisulpride Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers: Formulation, Development, and Characterization Parameters

BACKGROUND

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are lipid-based nanoparticles composed of a mixture of solid and liquid lipids, which are stabilized by the outer surface of a surfactant.

OBJECTIVES

This research aimed to prepare intranasal nanostructured lipid carriers loaded with amisulpride to enhance its dissolution and bioavailability using different formulation compositions.

METHODS

Amisulpride nanostructured lipid carriers were formulated using ultra-sonication methods. Solid lipids like stearic acid, palmitic acid, and glyceryl monostearate were used, while liquid lipids like oleic acid, Imwitor 988, and isopropyl myristate were employed. Surfactants used were cremophor®EL, tween 80, and span 20 with different co-surfactants: Transcutol HP, triacetin, and propylene glycol in different ratios. The key metrics used in this study's evaluation were particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and loading efficiency. The formulations with the best characteristics were also subjected to an in-vitro release test.

RESULTS

The results showed a significant shift in some evaluation criteria with a non-significant change in other characterizations upon switching between different types and ratios of compositions. A biphasic release pattern was also observed. The optimum formula F19 was found to have 68.309±0.38 nm, 0.2408±0.004, -20.64±0.11 mV, 95.75±0.26 and 18.07±0.36, respectively. It was safe on the sheep nasal membrane.

CONCLUSION

The right combination of the formulation compositions based on studying the effect of each factor on the main formulation characteristics can serve as the basis for a successful intranasal amisulpride-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier.

Topical Administration of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers as a Viable Approach to Reduce Inflammation: A Review

This review seeks to assess the potential of nanomaterials, specifically Nano-structured Lipid Carriers (NLCs), in mitigating challenges associated with inflammation-related disorders, with a particular emphasis on chronic ailments like arthritis. A comprehensive literature review spanning Web of Science, PubMed, and other scholarly repositories from 2000 to 2023 is conducted. Articles are selected based on their focus on NLCs and inflammation management, utilizing keywords, such as "nanomaterials," "targeted drug delivery," and "arthritis." Exclusion criteria involve non-English studies or those lacking adequate detail on NLCs. Synthesized data provide an overview of the advantages, challenges, and prospects of NLCs in addressing chronic inflammatory disorders. This review also examines the therapeutic applications of nanotechnology, including targeted drug delivery and tissue engineering, particularly focusing on the intricate biological responses in chronic inflammation, often involving Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Moreover, the exploration extends to topical delivery methods to enhance control over medication concentration, with a review of lipid nanoparticles, such as liposomes and solid-lipid nanoparticles, highlighting their potential in augmenting drug permeation while addressing challenges like inadequate drug loading. NLCs have emerged as promising candidates for overcoming drug delivery challenges, particularly in arthritis treatment, with a focus on their advantages across diverse lipid compositions. The review underscores significant strides in inflammation management through NLC utilization, offering insights into future research directions. Moreover, it contributes to ongoing advancements in nanomedicine, emphasizing the pivotal role of NLCs in developing innovative therapeutic approaches for inflammation-related disorders, particularly arthritis. NLCs represent a promising avenue for effective interventions, signaling progress in nanotechnology-enabled therapeutics.

Uncovering the Emerging Prospects of Lipid-based Nanoparticulate Vehicles in Lung Cancer Management: A Recent Perspective

Lung cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, is gaining research interest more than ever before. Owing to the burden of pathogenesis on the quality of life of patients and subsequently the healthcare system, research efforts focus on its management and amelioration. In an effort to improve bioavailability, enhance stability, minimize adverse effects and reduce the incidence of resistance, nanotechnological platforms have been harnessed for drug delivery and improving treatment outcomes. Lipid nanoparticles, in particular, offer an interesting clinical opportunity with respect to the delivery of a variety of agents. These include synthetic chemotherapeutic agents, immunotherapeutic molecules, as well as phytoconstituents with promising anticancer benefits. In addition to this, these systems are being studied for their usage in conjunction with other treatment strategies. However, their applications remain limited owing to a number of challenges, chiefly clinical translation. There is a need to address the scalability of such technologies, in order to improve accessibility. The authors aim to offer a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of lipid nanoparticles and their application in lung cancer, the interplay of disease pathways and their mechanism of action and the potential for delivery of a variety of agents. Additionally, a discussion with respect to results from preclinical studies has also been provided. The authors have also provided a well-rounded insight into the limitations and future perspectives. While the possibilities are endless, there is a need to undertake focused research to expedite clinical translation and offer avenues for wider applications in disease management.

Factors affecting the stability of anthocyanins and strategies for improving their stability: A review

Anthocyanins, as the most common and widely distributed flavonoid compounds, are widely present in fruits and vegetables. Anthocyanins show various biological activities including antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory activities. Hence, anthocyanins are widely used in the fields of food and pharmaceuticals. However, anthocyanins are susceptible to environmental and processing factors due to their structural characteristics, which leads to poor storage and processing stability. Numerous studies have indicated that structural modification, co-pigmentation, and delivery systems could improve the stability and bioavailability of anthocyanins in the external environment. This article reviews the main factors affecting the stability of anthocyanins. Moreover, this review comprehensively introduces methods to improve the stability of anthocyanins. Finally, the current problems and future research advances of anthocyanins are also introduced. The findings can provide important references for deeper research on the stability, biological activities, and bioavailability of anthocyanins.

Stearic acid-based nanoparticles loaded with antibacterial peptides - Bacitracin and LL-37: Selection of manufacturing parameters, cytocompatibility, and antibacterial efficacy

Solid lipid nanoparticles are currently one of the most widely investigated types of drug delivery carriers. Considering the fact that their clinical translation boosted after the approval of two COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, it is crucial to fully explain how the processing parameters affect the properties of the obtained nanoparticles and the drug loading efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different manufacturing parameters on the properties of stearic acid-based nanoparticles fabricated using the emulsification/solvent diffusion method. It was found that the type of organic solvent used has a major effect on the morphology of the nanoparticles, with chloroform being suitable for the production of spherical nanoparticles. The size and polydispersity of the nanoparticles were affected by the concentration of surfactant in the external aqueous phase, the concentration of stearic acid in the organic phase, and the homogenization amplitude. The optimized nanoparticles were successfully loaded with an antibacterial peptide - LL-37. The presence of LL-37 did not significantly influence nanoparticle morphology or cytocompatibility. The obtained nanoparticles showed antibacterial activity against the reference strain of Streptococcus pyogenes (ATCC 12384). The developed solid lipid nanoparticles are promising drug carries that can be further optimized for the treatment of infected wounds or bacterial infections in the respiratory system.

Nanostructured lipid carriers decorated with polyphosphate coated linear and loop cell-penetrating peptides

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate the cellular uptake of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) decorated with polyphosphate coated linear and loop cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs).

METHODS

Linear-CPPs and loop-CPPs were synthesized via ring-opening polymerization and anchored on the surface NLCs, followed by coating with polyphosphate (PP). These nanocarriers (NCs) were characterized in terms of particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential. Cell viability and hemolysis, as well as enzyme-induced charge conversion via phosphate cleavage by free and membrane-bound intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) were investigated. Cellular uptake studies by Caco-2 and HEK cells were quantitatively analyzed by flow cytometry and visualized by confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

A shift in charge from positive to negative was obtained for both linear- and loop-CPPs-NLCs by coating with PP. PP-linear-CPPs-NLCs and PP-loop-CPPs-NLCs exhibited a particle size < 270 nm and a PDI of approximately 0.3. They had a minor effect on cell viability and caused in a concentration of 0.1 % (m/v) around 10 % hemolysis within 24 h. IAP triggered the cleavage and release of monophosphate from the surface of NLCs causing charge conversion from -22.2 mV to + 5.3 mV (Δ27.5 mV) for PP-linear-CPPs-NLCs and from -19.2 mV to + 11.9 mV (Δ31.1 mV) for PP-loop-CPPs-NLCs. Inhibition of alkaline phosphatase activity on Caco-2 and HEK cells confirmed the involvement of this enzyme in charge conversion. PP-linear-CPPs-NLCs showed on Caco-2 cells a higher uptake than PP-loop-CPPs-NLCs, whereas on HEK cells uptake of both types of NLCs was on the same level. The results of cellular uptake were confirmed visually by confocal microscopy.

CONCLUSION

CPPs-NLCs coated with polyphosphate are a promising approach to overcome the polycationic dilemma and to enhance cellular uptake.

Boosting Lipofection Efficiency Through Enhanced Membrane Fusion Mechanisms

Gene transfection is a fundamental technique in the fields of biological research and therapeutic innovation. Due to their biocompatibility and membrane-mimetic properties, lipid vectors serve as essential tools in transfection. The successful delivery of genetic material into the cytoplasm is contingent upon the fusion of the vector and cellular membranes, which enables hydrophilic polynucleic acids to traverse the hydrophobic barriers of two intervening membranes. This review examines the critical role of membrane fusion in lipofection efficiency, with a particular focus on the molecular mechanisms that govern lipoplex-membrane interactions. This analysis will examine the key challenges inherent to the fusion process, from achieving initial membrane proximity to facilitating final content release through membrane remodeling. In contrast to viral vectors, which utilize specialized fusion proteins, lipid vectors necessitate a strategic formulation and environmental optimization to enhance their fusogenicity. This review discusses recent advances in vector design and fusion-promoting strategies, emphasizing their potential to improve gene delivery yield. It highlights the importance of understanding lipoplex-membrane fusion mechanisms for developing next-generation delivery systems and emphasizes the need for continued fundamental research to advance lipid-mediated transfection technology.

Nanoformulations in the treatment of lung cancer: current status and clinical potential

OBJECTIVE

Recent developments in nanotechnology have regained hope in enabling the eradication of lung cancer, while overcoming the drawbacks of the classic therapeutics. Nevertheless, there are still formidable obstacles that hinder the translation of such platforms from the bench into the clinic. Herein, we shed light on the clinical potential of these formulations and discuss their future directions.

SIGNIFICANCE OF REVIEW

The current article sheds light on the recent advancements in the recruitment of nanoformulations against lung cancer, focusing on their unique features, merits, and demerits. Moreover, inorganic nanoparticles, including gold, silver, magnetic, and carbon nanotubes are highlighted as emerging drug delivery technologies. Furthermore, the clinical status of these formulations is discussed, with particular attention on the challenges that they encounter in their clinical translation. Lastly, the future perspectives in this promising area are inspired.

KEY FINDINGS

Nanoformulations have a promising potential in improving the physico-chemical properties, pharmacokinetics, delivery efficiency, and selectivity of lung cancer therapeutics. The key challenges that encounter their clinical translation include their structural intricacy, high production cost, scale-up issues, and unclear toxicity profiles. The application of biodegradable platforms improves the biosafety of lung cancer-targeted nanomedicine. Moreover, the design of novel targeting strategies that apply a lower number of components can promote their industrial scalability and deliver them to the market at affordable prices.

CONCLUSIONS

Nanomedicines have opened up new possibilities for treating lung cancer. Focusing on tackling the challenges that hinder their clinical translation will promote the future of this area of endeavor.

Modulation of IFN-γ induced macrophage inflammatory responses via indomethacin-loaded NLCs for OA management

Macrophages are the main cells present in the synovial membrane. They play an important role in the development and progression of osteoarthritis (OA). After the establishment of the disease macrophages mostly adopt a pro-inflammatory secretory phenotype (OA phenotype) further inducing cartilage degradation. Indomethacin (IND) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) able to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins mediated by both cyclooxygenase isoforms depicting a potent anti-inflammatory capacity. However, the lack of specificity and short half-like of free drugs within the joint cavity limits its utility in controlling inflammation after intra-articular administration. This study aims at developing IND loaded glycosylated nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) to selectively target macrophages and promote their reprogramming to an anti-inflammatory phenotype. This approach focused on the local administration of the NLCs, offers a promising therapeutic strategy for treating OA by modulating the inflammatory environment within the joint. NLCs will be designed by combining experimental and in silico docking analyses, and thoroughly characterized to obtain drug delivery systems with high stability and suitable physicochemical properties. The proposed mannose-functionalized systems exhibited adequate particle sizes (≈ 70 nm) and positive surface charges (> 20 mV) to be efficiently retained in the joint cavity. Moreover, the developed NLCs demonstrated effective and specific uptake by OA-like macrophages leading to a significant decrease in the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α similarly to the free drug. Therefore, these systems effectively reprogrammed OA-associated macrophages to adopt a more regenerative phenotype, offering a promising strategy for managing inflammation in OA.

Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery for Vascular Applications

Nanoparticle (NP)-based drug delivery systems have received widespread attention due to the excellent physicochemical properties of nanomaterials. Different types of NPs such as lipid NPs, poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) NPs, inorganic NPs (e.g., iron oxide and Au), carbon NPs (graphene and carbon nanodots), 2D nanomaterials, and biomimetic NPs have found favor as drug delivery vehicles. In this review, we discuss the different types of customized NPs for intravascular drug delivery, nanoparticle behaviors (margination, adhesion, and endothelium uptake) in blood vessels, and nanomaterial compatibility for successful drug delivery. Additionally, cell surface protein targets play an important role in targeted drug delivery, and various vascular drug delivery studies using nanoparticles conjugated to these proteins are reviewed. Finally, limitations, challenges, and potential solutions for translational research regarding NP-based vascular drug delivery are discussed.

Demystifying the potential of lipid-based nanocarriers in targeting brain malignancies

Drug targeting for brain malignancies is restricted due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-brain tumor barrier (BBTB), which act as barriers between the blood and brain parenchyma. Certainly, the limited therapeutic options for brain malignancies have made notable progress with enhanced biological understanding and innovative approaches, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies. These advancements significantly contribute to improving patient prognoses and represent a promising shift in the landscape of brain malignancy treatments. A more comprehensive understanding of the histology and pathogenesis of brain malignancies is urgently needed. Continued research focused on unraveling the intricacies of brain malignancy biology holds the key to developing innovative and tailored therapies that can improve patient outcomes. Lipid nanocarriers are highly effective drug delivery systems that significantly improve their solubility, bioavailability, and stability while also minimizing unwanted side effects. Surface-modified lipid nanocarriers (liposomes, niosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, lipid nanocapsules, lipid-polymer hybrid nanocarriers, lipoproteins, and lipoplexes) are employed to improve BBB penetration and uptake through various mechanisms. This systematic review illuminates and covers various topics related to brain malignancies. It explores the different methods of drug delivery used in treating brain malignancies and delves into the benefits, limitations, and types of brain-targeted lipid-based nanocarriers. Additionally, this review discusses ongoing clinical trials and patents related to brain malignancy therapies and provides a glance into future perspectives for treating this condition.

Efficient delivery of curcumin by functional solid lipid nanoparticles with promoting endosomal escape and liver targeting properties

In the realm of intracellular drug delivery, overcoming the barrier of endosomal entrapment stands as a critical factor influencing the effectiveness of nanodrug delivery systems. This study focuses on the synthesis of an acid-sensitive fatty acid derivative called imidazole-stearic acid (IM-SA). Leveraging the proton sponge effect attributed to imidazole groups, IM-SA was anticipated to play a pivotal role in facilitating endosomal escape. Integrated into the lipid core of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), IM-SA was paired with hyaluronic acid (HA) coating on the surface of SLNs loading with curcumin (CUR). The presence of IM-SA and HA endowed HA-IM-SLNs@CUR with dual functionalities, enabling the promotion of endosomal escape, and specifical targeting of liver cancer. HA-IM-SLNs@CUR exhibited a particle size of ∼228 nm, with impressive encapsulation efficiencies (EE) of 87.5 % ± 2.3 % for CUR. Drugs exhibit significant pH sensitive release behavior. Cellular experiments showed that HA-IM-SLN@CUR exhibits enhanced drug delivery capability. The incorporation of IM-SA significantly improved the endosomal escape of HA-IM-SLN@CUR, facilitating accelerated intracellular drug release and increasing intracellular drug concentration, exhibiting excellent growth inhibitory effects on HepG2 cells. Animal experiments revealed a 3.4-fold increase in CUR uptake at the tumor site with HA-IM-SLNs@CUR over the free CUR, demonstrating remarkable tumor homing potential with the tumor growth inhibition rate of 97.2 %. These findings indicated the significant promise of HA-IM-SLNs@CUR in the realm of cancer drug delivery.

Establishment of a semi-continuous nano-production line using the Microfluidizer® technology for the fabrication of lipid-based nanoparticles part 1: Screening of critical parameters and design of experiment optimization studies

A variety of strategies for producing high-quality nanoparticles have been reported in recent years. Batch-based bottom-up and top-down technologies are generally the most efficient methods, but present a number of challenges, particularly in terms of variability, safety, sustainability and large-scale production. In this study, a scalable, semi-continuous production line was built by connecting individual processing units, including a high shear mixing device, the Microfluidizer® technology and a cooling system. Each unit was equipped with an adequate temperature control to allow solvent-free production of solid lipid nanoparticles (consisting of Precirol® ATO 5 or Gelucire® 43/01) and nanostructured lipid carriers (additionally comprising Labrafac™ lipophile WL 1349). Subsequently, critical formulation parameters and critical process parameters (CPPs) of the individual processing units and their effects on particle size (i.e., critical quality attribute (CQA)) were investigated to identify appropriate input parameters for the subsequent Design of Experiment (DoE) studies conducted after linking the process units to a semi-continuous production line. For particle size monitoring, spatially resolved dynamic light scattering (SR-DLS) measurements were conducted and compared to standard DLS measurements to evaluate the applicability of SR-DLS as an inline monitoring tool. It was found that matrix composition, emulsifier concentration, pressure and number of cycles when processing through Microfluidizer® processor were the most influencing parameters. By optimizing these parameters, five-times higher throughputs could be achieved by the semi-continuous manufacturing line. In addition, the particle size measurements with SR-DLS confirmed the feasibility of implementing this technology for real-time particle size monitoring as an important safety factor in quality control.

Advancements in Nanoparticle-Based Strategies for Enhanced Antibacterial Interventions

The escalating global threat of antibiotic resistance underscores the urgent need for innovative antimicrobial strategies. This review explores the cutting-edge applications of nanotechnology in combating bacterial infections, addressing a critical healthcare challenge. We critically assess the antimicrobial properties and mechanisms of diverse nanoparticle systems, including liposomes, polymeric micelles, solid lipid nanoparticles, dendrimers, zinc oxide, silver, and gold nanoparticles, as well as nanoencapsulated essential oils. These nanomaterials offer distinct advantages, such as enhanced drug delivery, improved bioavailability, and efficacy against antibiotic-resistant strains. Recent advancements in nanoparticle synthesis, functionalization, and their synergistic interactions with conventional antibiotics are highlighted. The review emphasizes biocompatibility considerations, stressing the need for rigorous safety assessments in nanomaterial applications. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying emerging trends, this review provides crucial insights for researchers and clinicians aiming to leverage nanotechnology for next-generation antimicrobial therapies. The integration of nanotechnology represents a promising frontier in combating infectious diseases, underscoring the timeliness and imperative of this comprehensive analysis.

Advancing cryptococcal treatment: The role of nanoparticles in mitigating antifungal resistance

Cryptococcus, a ubiquitous and formidable fungal pathogen, contributes to a substantial global disease burden, with nearly 250,000 cases and 181,000 fatalities attributed to cryptococcal meningitis annually worldwide. The invasive nature of Cryptococcus presents significant challenges in treatment and management, as it mostly affects vulnerable populations, including HIV patients, organ transplant recipients, pregnant women, and elderly individuals. Moreover, these difficulties are exacerbated by the development of antifungal resistance, which emphasizes the need for efficient control measures. In this context, research efforts focusing on infection control and novel therapeutic strategies become paramount. Nanoparticle-based therapies emerge as a solution, offering advanced antifungal properties and improved efficacy. Developing effective treatment options requires understanding the complex landscape of cryptococcal infections and the innovative potential of nanoparticle-based therapies. This review highlights the urgent need for novel strategies to combat the growing threat posed by antifungal resistance while offering insights into the intricate realm of cryptococcal infections, particularly focusing on the promising role of nanoparticle-based therapies.

Lipid Nanoparticle Formulations for the Skin Delivery of Cannabidiol

Background/Objectives: The aims of this work were to formulate cannabidiol in different lipid carriers for skin delivery after topical application and to study their stability, interaction with the skin, and antibacterial activity. Methods: Solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers loaded with cannabidiol were prepared and characterized in terms of their physicochemical properties, colloidal stability, protection of the antioxidant capacity of cannabidiol, as well as their retention over time. Skin penetration was assessed using an in vitro model with human skin. The antibacterial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and compared to free cannabidiol. Results: Three nanoformulations exhibited the best size and reproducibility values and were selected for further studies. The formulations were stable, protected the active ingredient, succeeded in delivering it to deep skin layers, and demonstrated antibacterial activity. Conclusions: These cannabidiol nanoformulations show potential for use in skin diseases and conditions, as they protect the active ingredient, enhance its delivery to the skin, and exhibit antibacterial effects.

Synergistic Fat-Reducing Effect of Deoxycholic Acid and Rhein in Lipid-Based Nanoparticles with Reduced Toxicity for Obesity Treatment

Purpose

Injectable deoxycholic acid (DA) has been approved for removing excess submental fat and is off-label for local adipose tissue reduction. Conventional DA injections fail to control fat reduction and generate severe adverse effects in adjacent non-adipose tissues. We designed squarticles as lipid-based nanoparticles for DA delivery to reduce fat accumulation.

Methods

The liquid lipid phase of the squarticles was composed of squalene, which was previously reported to sequester the toxicity of overdosed drugs. Rhein, a natural anti-adipogenic compound, was incorporated into the squarticles for combined fat-lowering.

Results

The squarticles had an average diameter of 93 nm and high rhein encapsulation (96%). The nanoparticles were easily internalized into mature adipocytes and were located in the lysosomes. DA induces adipocyte death via apoptosis and necrosis; however, nanoencapsulation can decrease cell death. Compared to free DA, squarticles showed superior mitigation of cytotoxicity against non-targeted cells (skin fibroblasts). Oil Red O staining indicated that squarticles loaded with DA or rhein alone inhibited lipid droplets by 42% and 17%, respectively. DA and rhein worked together in squarticles to further suppress fat accumulation by 50%. Dual administration of DA and rhein to the nanocarriers downregulated adipokines. The intraperitoneal administration of squarticles loaded with DA and rhein significantly decreased body weight, total cholesterol, and adipokine release. Histological analysis revealed that squarticles reduced adipocyte hypertrophy in the groin and epididymis by 11% and 53%, respectively. We examined the toxicity of the combination of DA+rhein in healthy rats that received a dose three-fold higher than that used in the pharmacological assessment. The survival rate of the overdosed DA+rhein increased from 50% to 100% after nanoencapsulation. Free compounds induce ascites, liver size reduction, AST/ALT elevation (1.5-fold), and potassium imbalance in rats. Nanoencapsulation significantly reduced these adverse effects.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the potential of squarticles for treating obesity.

Nanotechnological approaches for efficient N2B delivery: from small-molecule drugs to biopharmaceuticals

Central nervous system diseases negatively affect patients and society. Providing successful noninvasive treatments for these diseases is challenging because of the presence of the blood-brain barrier. While protecting the brain's homeostasis, the barrier limits the passage of almost all large-molecule drugs and most small-molecule drugs. A noninvasive method, nose-to-brain delivery (N2B delivery) has been proposed to overcome this challenge. By exploiting the direct anatomical interaction between the nose and the brain, the drugs can reach the target, the brain. Moreover, the drugs can be encapsulated into various drug delivery systems to enhance physicochemical characteristics and targeting success. Many preclinical data show that this strategy can effectively deliver biopharmaceuticals to the brain. Therefore, this review focuses on N2B delivery while giving examples of different drug delivery systems suitable for the applications. In addition, we emphasize the importance of the effective delivery of monoclonal antibodies and RNA and stress the recent literature tackling this challenge. While giving examples of nanotechnological approaches for the effective delivery of small or large molecules from the current literature, we highlight the preclinical studies and their results to prove the strategies' success and limitations.

Nanotechnological prospective for enhancing the antibacterial activity of mupirocin and cinnamon essential oil: a combination therapy

Backgrounds

The aim of the current study was to develop a distinctive nanolipid formulation, namely, nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC), which would deliver an antibacterial medication such as mupirocin (MP). Additionally, cinnamon essential oil (CEO), which is reported to exhibit antibacterial activity, was utilized in the development process in an attempt to improve the influence of MP.

Methods

As a consequence, different MP-NLC formulations were developed using the central composite design (CCD) approach. One optimized formula was selected and incorporated within the pre-formulated gel matrix, providing the MP-NLC-gel formula for efficient topical application. MP-NLC-gel was assessed for its physical characteristics to check its suitability for topical application and evaluated for its in vitro drug release over 6 h. Furthermore, it studied the formulation for its stability at different conditions; 25°C ± 2°C and at 4°C ± 3°C for 6 months. Finally, the formulation was examined for its antibacterial performance against gram-positive and -negative bacteria.

Results

The developed topical NLC-gel formulation demonstrated pH 5.8, viscosity 14,510 cP, and spreadability 58.1 mm, which were seemed to be satisfactory properties for successful topical application. The drug was released successfully for over 6 h with 52.9%. Additionally, it was stable in both storage conditions for 6 months since it displayed non-significant variations in its evaluated characteristics compared to those of fresh preparation. Ultimately, the developed gel formulation could inhibit the growth of different bacterial strains, especially gram-negative strains.

Conclusion

To sum up, these findings would demonstrate the efficiency of NLC prepared with CEO and incorporating MP to be a promising antibacterial lipid nanocarrier.

The effect of physical stability and modified gastrointestinal tract behaviour of resveratrol-loaded NLCs encapsulated alginate beads

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) have low storage and gastrointestinal stability, limiting their applicability. The work aimed to elevate the stability and behaviour of NLC in the alimentary tract by creating an alginate bead. Through the extrusion dropping procedure, Resveratrol (RES)-loaded NLC were efficiently integrated into alginate beads. The incorporation had no significant impact on the particle size, morphology, or inner structure of NLC, as assessed using DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infra-Red). Incorporating NLC into alginate beads improves its physical stability compared to dispersion of NLC as well as NLC-Sol. An in vitro release investigation found that the NLC-alginate beads released RES more slowly than optimized NLC formulation (RES-NLCs-opt) and NLC-alginate sol. Research on simulated in vitro digestive models revealed that just a small amount of integrated NLC may permeate stomach fluid due to its tiny size. The slow diffusion of NLC from alginate to intestinal fluid prevented aggregation and allowed for gentle hydrolysis of the lipid matrix. Incorporating NLC in alginate beads shows promise for improving stability, modifying gastrointestinal behaviour, and controlling release throughout the process of digestion.

Curcumin and nanodelivery systems: New directions for targeted therapy and diagnosis of breast cancer

As the global incidence of breast cancer continues to surge, the pursuit of novel, low-toxicity, and highly efficacious therapeutic strategies has emerged as a pivotal research focus. Curcumin (CUR), an active constituent of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) renowned for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor properties, exhibits immense potential in breast cancer therapy. Nevertheless, CUR's poor water solubility, chemical instability, and unfavorable pharmacokinetics have impeded its clinical utilization. To address these challenges, nano-delivery systems have been extensively exploited for CUR administration, enhancing its in vivo stability and bioavailability, and facilitating precise targeting of breast cancer lesions. Therefore, we elaborate on CUR's chemical foundations, drug metabolism, and safety profile, and elucidate its potential mechanisms in breast cancer therapy, encompassing inducing apoptosis and autophagy, blocking cell cycle, inhibiting breast cancer metastasis, regulating tumor microenvironment and reversing chemotherapy resistance. The review primarily emphasizes recent advancements in CUR-based nano-delivery systems for the treatment and diagnosis of breast cancer. Liposomes, nanoparticles (encompassing polymer nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, mesoporous silica particles, metal/metal oxide nanoparticles, graphene nanomaterials, albumin nanoparticles, etc.), nanogels, and nanomicelles can serve as delivery carriers for CUR, exhibiting promising anti-breast cancer effects in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Furthermore, nano-CUR can be integrated with fluorescence imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography imaging, ultrasound, and other techniques to achieve precise localization and diagnosis of breast cancer masses. While this article has summarized the clinical studies of nano-curcumin, it is noteworthy that the research literature on nano-CUR applied to breast cancer diagnosis and the translation of nano-CUR clinical studies in BC patients remain limited. Therefore, future research should intensify exploration in this direction.

In vitro evaluation of lipidic nanocarriers for mebendazole delivery to improve anticancer activity

OBJECTIVE

To enhance the anticancer activity of the repurposed drug mebendazole (MBZ) against A549 cell lines by developing nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs).

SIGNIFICANCE

MBZ, an anthelmintic drug, exhibits anticancer properties primarily through the inhibition of Ran GTPase and mitotic spindle assembly. Enhancing its delivery and efficacy via NLC could provide a novel and effective approach for lung cancer treatment.

METHODS

NLCs were prepared by mixing different ratios of solid lipid (stearic acid) and liquid lipid (oleic acid) with surfactants and emulsifiers. The NLCs were fully characterized to ensure stability, particle size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency (EE%). The stability of the NLCs was monitored over a 3-week period. The anticancer activity of MBZ-NLCs was evaluated using IC50 assays and in vitro scratch assays.

RESULTS

The NLCs exhibited an average particle size of 300 ± 10 nm and a zeta potential of -27 ± 0.5 mV, indicating good stability. EE% significantly improved from 40% in conventional liposome formulations to 90.7% in NLCs. The anticancer activity of MBZ-NLCs was markedly enhanced, with an IC50 of 62 nM compared to 581 nM for free MBZ, representing a 10-fold increase in potency. Additionally, in vitro scratch assays revealed that MBZ-NLCs effectively prevented cell-cell contact, further supporting their potential for improved therapeutic efficacy.

CONCLUSION

MBZ-NLCs exhibit significantly improved stability, EE%, and anticancer activity compared to free MBZ. These promising results suggest that MBZ-NLCs could be a potent therapeutic approach for lung cancer treatment, warranting further in vivo studies and exploration of different administration routes.

Supramolecular approach to the design of nanocarriers for antidiabetic drugs: targeted patient-friendly therapy

Diabetes and its complications derived are among serious global health concerns that critically deteriorate the quality of life of patients and, in some cases, result in lethal outcome. Herein, general information on the pathogenesis, factors aggravating the course of the disease and drugs used for the treatment of two types of diabetes are briefly discussed. The aim of the review is to introduce supramolecular strategies that are currently being developed for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and that present a very effective alternative to chemical synthesis, allowing the fabrication of nanocontainers with switchable characteristics that meet the criteria of green chemistry. Particular attention is paid to organic (amphiphilic and polymeric) formulations, including those of natural origin, due to their biocompatibility, low toxicity, and bioavailability. The advantages and limitations of different nanosystems are discussed, with emphasis on their adaptivity to noninvasive administration routes.<br>The bibliography includes 378 references.

Non-Invasive Techniques of Nose to Brain Delivery Using Nanoparticulate Carriers: Hopes and Hurdles

Intranasal drug delivery route has emerged as a promising non-invasive method of administering drugs directly to the brain, bypassing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barriers (BCSF). BBB and BCSF prevent many therapeutic molecules from entering the brain. Intranasal drug delivery can transport drugs from the nasal mucosa to the brain, to treat a variety of Central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Intranasal drug delivery provides advantages over invasive drug delivery techniques such as intrathecal or intraparenchymal which can cause infection. Many strategies, including nanocarriers liposomes, solid-lipid NPs, nano-emulsion, nanostructured lipid carriers, dendrimers, exosomes, metal NPs, nano micelles, and quantum dots, are effective in nose-to-brain drug transport. However, the biggest obstacles to the nose-to-brain delivery of drugs include mucociliary clearance, poor drug retention, enzymatic degradation, poor permeability, bioavailability, and naso-mucosal toxicity. The current review aims to compile current approaches for drug delivery to the CNS via the nose, focusing on nanotherapeutics and nasal devices. Along with a brief overview of the related pathways or mechanisms, it also covers the advantages of nasal drug delivery as a potential method of drug administration. It also offers several possibilities to improve drug penetration across the nasal barrier. This article overviews various in-vitro, ex-vivo, and in-vivo techniques to assess drug transport from the nasal epithelium into the brain.

Lipid-Based Nanoformulations for Drug Delivery: An Ongoing Perspective

Oils and lipids help make water-insoluble drugs soluble by dispersing them in an aqueous medium with the help of a surfactant and enabling their absorption across the gut barrier. The emergence of microemulsions (thermodynamically stable), nanoemulsions (kinetically stable), and self-emulsifying drug delivery systems added unique characteristics that make them suitable for prolonged storage and controlled release. In the 1990s, solid-phase lipids were introduced to reduce drug leakage from nanoparticles and prolong drug release. Manipulating the structure of emulsions and solid lipid nanoparticles has enabled multifunctional nanoparticles and the loading of therapeutic macromolecules such as proteins, nucleic acid, vaccines, etc. Phospholipids and surfactants with a well-defined polar head and carbon chain have been used to prepare bilayer vesicles known as liposomes and niosomes, respectively. The increasing knowledge of targeting ligands and external factors to gain control over pharmacokinetics and the ever-increasing number of synthetic lipids are expected to make lipid nanoparticles and vesicular systems a preferred choice for the encapsulation and targeted delivery of therapeutic agents. This review discusses different lipids and oil-based nanoparticulate systems for the delivery of water-insoluble drugs. The salient features of each system are highlighted, and special emphasis is given to studies that compare them.