Applications of Antioxidant Nanoparticles, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Antioxidants (ISSN 2076-3921). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural and Synthetic Antioxidants".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 December 2025) | Viewed by 29509

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Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences (DoCPAS), University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
Interests: nanomedicine; lipid-based nanosystems; antioxidant molecules; drug delivery; microparticles; biomaterials
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Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences (DoCPAS), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Interests: nanotechnology; topical administration; lipid-based delivery systems; vesicular nanosystems; hydrogels; semisolid formulations; encapsulation; physical chemistry; polymeric matrices
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in regulating various physiological functions. However, their excessive production is closely linked to the development of numerous diseases. The administration of antioxidants has emerged as an effective therapeutic strategy against oxidative stress. Additionally, in recent decades, the field of nanotechnology has witnessed significant advancements, and nanoparticles have found applications in a wide range of industries, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food production. Notably, lipid nanoparticles have garnered considerable attention due to their environmentally friendly attributes, including biodegradability and non-toxicity, making them an ideal carrier for antioxidant molecules. These innovations have led to remarkable progress in the development of antioxidant nanotherapies, offering a multitude of advantages.

Considering the increased interest in this field, we are pleased to announce this new Special Issue, "Applications of Antioxidant Nanoparticles, 2nd Edition", a continuation of the fruitful first edition  (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/antioxidants/special_issues/antioxidant_nanoparticles).

In this edition too, we will continue our efforts to compile the latest breakthroughs in the design, production, characterization, and utilization of antioxidant nanoparticles in biomedical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food sectors. Potential topics include, but not limited to, the following:

  • Polymeric and lipid-based nanoparticles;
  • Inorganic nanoparticles with ROS-scavenging properties;
  • Organic nanoparticles with intrinsic antioxidant capabilities;
  • Drug-loaded antioxidant nanoparticles suitable for various administration routes.

Dr. Rita Cortesi
Dr. Maddalena Sguizzato
Guest Editors

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 156 KB  
Editorial
Applications of Antioxidant Nanoparticles, 2nd Edition
by Rita Cortesi and Maddalena Sguizzato
Antioxidants 2026, 15(3), 340; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15030340 - 9 Mar 2026
Viewed by 397
Abstract
It is known that the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which regulate numerous physiological processes, can generate oxidative stress, responsible for the onset of several pathologies [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Antioxidant Nanoparticles, 2nd Edition)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

26 pages, 2015 KB  
Article
Shaping Lycopene Nanoparticles Performance: How Surfactants Influence Stability, Antioxidant Activity, and Uptake in Human Skin Spheroids
by Francesca Baldassarre, Chiara Boncristiani, Michela Ottolini, Concetta Nobile, Maryam Shahzad Shirazi, Giuseppe E. De Benedetto, Gianpiero Colangelo, Viviana Vergaro, Ludovico Valli and Giuseppe Ciccarella
Antioxidants 2026, 15(1), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15010136 - 21 Jan 2026
Viewed by 705
Abstract
There is a growing demand for plant-derived antioxidants to replace synthetic ones in skincare applications. Phytochemicals are characterized by certain limitations, including poor bioavailability and chemical instability, which affect their industrial exploitation. Tomato peel extract has been used as a source of lycopene, [...] Read more.
There is a growing demand for plant-derived antioxidants to replace synthetic ones in skincare applications. Phytochemicals are characterized by certain limitations, including poor bioavailability and chemical instability, which affect their industrial exploitation. Tomato peel extract has been used as a source of lycopene, which is renowned for its antioxidant properties. To improve the bioavailability of extracted lycopene, polymeric (poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid) nano-carriers were synthesized by comparing two non-ionic surfactants, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Tween 20. The impact of surfactants has been studied by evaluating: (i) colloidal stability determined by dynamic light scattering; (ii) lycopene retention and bioactivity over time, as measured by spectrophotometric assays; (iii) biological interactions on 2D and 3D keratinocyte and melanocyte cell cultures. It was found that both surfactants enable the formation of stable lycopene-loaded nanoparticles suspensions; however, greater colloidal stability was exhibited by nanoparticles prepared with Tween 20. PVA, on the other hand, provided greater nanoparticle stability in terms of loaded lycopene retention and antioxidant activity. Tween 20 surfactant improves the internalization of lycopene-loaded nanoparticles in human skin spheroids. It was demonstrated that both surfactants provided excellent intracellular antioxidant activity of lycopene. This was observed in keratinocytes, melanocytes, adherent cells, and spheroids, suggesting potential skincare applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Antioxidant Nanoparticles, 2nd Edition)
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28 pages, 19684 KB  
Article
Carvacrol-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles as a Multifunctional Nanotherapeutic Strategy Targeting Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Apoptosis, and Genotoxicity in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
by M. Alfawaz, Ekramy M. Elmorsy, Ahmad Najem Alshammari, Noor A. Hakim, Najlaa M. M. Jawad, Soha A. Hassan, Manal S. Fawzy and Safya E. Esmaeel
Antioxidants 2025, 14(12), 1432; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14121432 - 28 Nov 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1045
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) associated with high-fat diet (HFD) intake involves oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and genotoxicity. Carvacrol, a natural monoterpenoid phenol, exhibits potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties, but its clinical application is limited by poor solubility and bioavailability. Chitosan nanoparticles, [...] Read more.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) associated with high-fat diet (HFD) intake involves oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and genotoxicity. Carvacrol, a natural monoterpenoid phenol, exhibits potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties, but its clinical application is limited by poor solubility and bioavailability. Chitosan nanoparticles, known for their biocompatibility and ability to enhance drug delivery, offer a promising nanotherapeutic platform for carvacrol delivery in NAFLD. Given the limited therapeutic options for NAFLD, there is a growing interest in nanotherapeutic strategies to enhance the delivery and efficacy of natural antioxidants. This study examined carvacrol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CRV-CNPs) in HFD-induced NAFLD. Sixty rats were assigned to six groups: control, CRV-treated (100 mg/kg), CRV-CNP-treated (100 mg/kg), HFD-fed, and two combination groups receiving HFD with either CRV or CRV-CNPs (100 mg/kg) for six weeks after 14 weeks on HFD. Liver function, metabolic markers, oxidative stress parameters, antioxidant enzyme levels, inflammatory and fibrotic mediators, apoptotic gene expression, genotoxicity indices, and histopathological changes were evaluated. CRV-CNPs showed greater efficacy than free carvacrol in ameliorating hepatic dysfunction and metabolic disturbances in HFD-fed rats. CRV-CNPs significantly reduced malondialdehyde, upregulated Nrf2, and elevated hepatic glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione. Inflammatory markers (NF-κB, iNOS, IL-1β, CRP) and transforming growth factor-beta were suppressed. Pro-apoptotic genes (Bax, Caspase-3) were downregulated, while antiapoptotic Bcl-2 was upregulated. CRV-CNPs also reduced DNA fragmentation and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine levels, indicating strong antigenotoxic effects. Histopathological and ultrastructural assessments revealed mitigated steatosis, preserved hepatic architecture, and maintained mitochondrial integrity. In conclusion, CRV-CNPs provide potent hepatoprotection by targeting oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and genotoxicity in NAFLD, demonstrating enhanced bioavailability, solubility, and sustained release, which support their potential as an advanced nanotherapeutic strategy for NAFLD management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Antioxidant Nanoparticles, 2nd Edition)
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30 pages, 3879 KB  
Article
Effect of Nano-Selenium on Intestinal Oxidative Stress Induced by H2O2 in Mice
by Xiangyu Mao, Wenyuan Li, Yuanyuan Li, Xuemei Jiang, Ruinan Zhang, Lianqiang Che, Yong Zhuo, Mengmeng Sun, Xianxiang Wang, De Wu and Shengyu Xu
Antioxidants 2025, 14(9), 1073; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14091073 - 1 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1865
Abstract
Selenium is an important trace element with certain antioxidant effects. Nano-selenium, as a novel selenium source, has the advantages of strong biological activity, high absorption efficiency, and low toxicity. The aim of the present study was to compare the protective effects of sodium [...] Read more.
Selenium is an important trace element with certain antioxidant effects. Nano-selenium, as a novel selenium source, has the advantages of strong biological activity, high absorption efficiency, and low toxicity. The aim of the present study was to compare the protective effects of sodium selenite and nano-selenium on intestinal oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in mice. A total of 60 female mice were randomly divided into 6 groups with 10 replicates per group and 1 mouse per replicate (n = 10). The first three groups were as follows: the Control group (C), fed with basal diet; the sodium selenite group (SS), basal diet + 0.3 mg·kg−1 sodium selenite; and the nano-selenium group (NS), basal diet + 0.3 mg·kg−1 nano-selenium. The latter three groups (CH, SSH, NSH) were fed the same diet as the former three groups, but the last 10 days of the experiment were fed with drinking water containing 0.3% H2O2 to induce oxidative stress. The results showed that under normal conditions, the supplementation with sodium selenite or nano-selenium decreased the spleen index of mice; sodium selenate up-regulates GPX3 expression in the ileum, and increases T-SOD in the colon of mice; and nano-selenium up-regulated GPX1 expression but decreased T-AOC in the jejunum. After drinking water treated with H2O2, H2O2 increased the expression of intestinal inflammatory factors and selenium proteins, such as IL-1β and SOD in jejunum, IL-1β, NF-κB, IL-10, TXNRD1, TXNRD2, GPX1, GPX3, GPX4, and CAT in ileum, and IL-1β and SOD in colon. At the antioxidant level, H2O2 decreased T-AOC in the jejunum. In the H2O2 treatment, sodium selenite and nano-selenium increased the ratio of VH to CD (VH/CD) in jejunum; sodium selenite up-regulated the expression of TXNRD1 in jejunum, down-regulated the expression of GPX3 in ileum, at the antioxidant level, decreased the T-SOD and T-AOC in colon, and increased the content of MDA in ileum; and nano-selenium down-regulated the expression of TXNRD1 in colon. At the same time, the expression of IL-1β, NF-κB, IL-10, TXNRD1, TXNRD2, GPX1, GPX4, and CAT can be restored to normal levels by selenium supplementation. According to the results, drinking H2O2 induced intestinal oxidative stress in mice to a certain extent, and selenium supplementation mitigated the destructive effect of H2O2 on the intestinal morphology of mice jejunum and restored the level of related inflammatory factors, and had a positive effect on antioxidants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Antioxidant Nanoparticles, 2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 752 KB  
Article
Enhanced Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) Extracts Modified with Pseudomonas shirazensis Nanoparticles
by Enrique Gutierrez-Albanchez, Elena Fuente-González, Svitlana Plokhovska, Francisco Javier Gutierrez-Mañero and Beatriz Ramos-Solano
Antioxidants 2025, 14(8), 931; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14080931 - 29 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2638
Abstract
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is renowned for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperglycemic properties, largely attributed to its rich phytochemical profile. This study evaluates the potential of metabolites from Pseudomonas shirazensis NFV3, formulated in silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), to enhance the bioactivity of rosemary [...] Read more.
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is renowned for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperglycemic properties, largely attributed to its rich phytochemical profile. This study evaluates the potential of metabolites from Pseudomonas shirazensis NFV3, formulated in silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), to enhance the bioactivity of rosemary extracts in postharvest applications. Rosemary stems were treated with AgNPs coated with bacterial metabolites (NP), bacterial cells, or metabolites (LM), and the extracts’ phytochemical composition and bioactivities were assessed. HPLC and HPLC–MS analyses revealed that the NP treatment induced significant metabolic remodeling, particularly upregulating rosmarinic acid and selected triterpenes (ursolic and betulinic acids), while reducing carnosic acid levels. NP-treated extracts exhibited significantly enhanced inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2), indicating improved anti-inflammatory potential. The α-glucosidase inhibition and antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) of the extracts were not substantially altered, suggesting the selective enhancement of pharmacological functions. These findings demonstrate that nanoparticle-based elicitation selectively remodels secondary metabolism in rosemary, improving extract quality and bioactivity. This strategy offers a novel, sustainable tool for optimizing plant-based therapeutics in the phytopharmaceutical industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Antioxidant Nanoparticles, 2nd Edition)
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33 pages, 4739 KB  
Article
Chitosan Nanoparticle-Mediated Delivery of Alstonia venenata R.Br. Root Methanolic Extract: A Promising Strategy for Breast Cancer Therapy in DMBA-Induced Breast Cancer in Sprague Dawley Rats
by Aarthi Jeganathan, Karuppusamy Arunachalam, Anju Byju, Anju Rani George, Sradha Sajeev, Kavimani Thangasamy and Geetha Natesan
Antioxidants 2024, 13(12), 1513; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13121513 - 11 Dec 2024
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2533
Abstract
Alstonia venenata R.Br., a plant native to the Western Ghats, is recognized for its diverse medicinal properties. The plant’s extracts, particularly rich in alkaloids and other bioactive compounds, have shown potential anticancer activity. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) [...] Read more.
Alstonia venenata R.Br., a plant native to the Western Ghats, is recognized for its diverse medicinal properties. The plant’s extracts, particularly rich in alkaloids and other bioactive compounds, have shown potential anticancer activity. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) loaded with the root methanolic extract (RME) of A. venenata in combating breast cancer induced by dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) in female Sprague Dawley rats. The RME-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (RME-EnCNPs) were synthesized and characterized, and their in vivo efficacy was evaluated. Treatment with RME-EnCNPs significantly inhibited tumor progression, which is evidenced by reduced tumor volume, burden, and incidence. Moreover, the nanoparticles demonstrated a sustained release of the active compounds, leading to marked improvements in various biochemical, enzymatic, and histopathological parameters. The study found that both RME and RME-EnCNPs effectively suppressed tumor growth, with RME-EnCNPs showing superior efficacy in modulating tumor progression. Antioxidant assays revealed that treatment with RME-EnCNPs (500 mg/kg) resulted in significant increases in total protein, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione (GSH) levels, alongside a marked reduction in lipid peroxidation (LPO) (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that RME-EnCNPs exert a potent antioxidant effect, mitigating oxidative stress within the tumor microenvironment. The root extract of A. venenata and its nanoparticle formulation hold promise as a potential therapeutic agent for breast cancer, warranting further investigation to isolate active bioactive compounds and elucidate their mechanisms of action. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Antioxidant Nanoparticles, 2nd Edition)
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29 pages, 10529 KB  
Article
Antioxidant, Antitumoral, Antimicrobial, and Prebiotic Activity of Magnetite Nanoparticles Loaded with Bee Pollen/Bee Bread Extracts and 5-Fluorouracil
by Cornelia-Ioana Ilie, Angela Spoiala, Cristina Chircov, Georgiana Dolete, Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea, Bogdan-Stefan Vasile, Simona Adriana Crainiceanu, Adrian-Ionut Nicoara, Ioana Cristina Marinas, Miruna Silvia Stan, Lia-Mara Ditu, Anton Ficai and Eliza Oprea
Antioxidants 2024, 13(8), 895; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13080895 - 24 Jul 2024
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2689
Abstract
The gut microbiota dysbiosis that often occurs in cancer therapy requires more efficient treatment options to be developed. In this concern, the present research approach is to develop drug delivery systems based on magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) as nanocarriers for bioactive compounds. First, MNPs [...] Read more.
The gut microbiota dysbiosis that often occurs in cancer therapy requires more efficient treatment options to be developed. In this concern, the present research approach is to develop drug delivery systems based on magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) as nanocarriers for bioactive compounds. First, MNPs were synthesized through the spraying-assisted coprecipitation method, followed by loading bee pollen or bee bread extracts and an antitumoral drug (5-fluorouracil/5-FU). The loaded-MNPs were morphologically and structurally characterized through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and thermogravimetric analysis. UV-Vis spectroscopy was applied to establish the release profiles and antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the antibacterial and antitumoral activity of loaded-MNPs was assessed. The results demonstrate that MNPs with antioxidant, antibacterial, antiproliferative, and prebiotic properties are obtained. Moreover, the data highlight the improvement of 5-FU antibacterial activity by loading on the MNPs’ surface and the synergistic effects between the anticancer drug and phenolic compounds (PCs). In addition, the prolonged release behavior of PCs for many hours (70–75 h) after the release of 5-FU from the developed nanocarriers is an advantage, at least from the point of view of the antioxidant activity of PCs. Considering the enhancement of L. rhamnosus MF9 growth and antitumoral activity, this study developed promising drug delivery alternatives for colorectal cancer therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Antioxidant Nanoparticles, 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 8569 KB  
Article
Rod-Shaped Mesoporous Zinc-Containing Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles: Structural, Physico-Chemical, Antioxidant, and Immuno-Regulation Properties
by Xiuan Zhu, Wenjie Wen, Jingjing Yan, Yuran Wang, Rumeng Wang, Xiang Ma, Dandan Ren, Kai Zheng, Chao Deng and Jue Zhang
Antioxidants 2024, 13(7), 875; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13070875 - 21 Jul 2024
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2882
Abstract
Bioactive glass nanoparticles (BGNs) are applied widely in tissue regeneration. Varied micro/nanostructures and components of BGNs have been designed for different applications. In the present study, nanorod-shaped mesoporous zinc-containing bioactive glass nanoparticles (ZnRBGNs) were designed and developed to form the bioactive content of [...] Read more.
Bioactive glass nanoparticles (BGNs) are applied widely in tissue regeneration. Varied micro/nanostructures and components of BGNs have been designed for different applications. In the present study, nanorod-shaped mesoporous zinc-containing bioactive glass nanoparticles (ZnRBGNs) were designed and developed to form the bioactive content of composite materials for hard/soft tissue repair and regeneration. The nanostructure and components of the ZnRBGNs were characterized, as were their cytocompatibility and radical-scavenging activity in the presence/absence of cells and their ability to modulate macrophage polarization. The ZnRBGNs possessed a uniform rod shape (length ≈ 500 nm; width ≈ 150 nm) with a mesoporous structure (diameter ≈ 2.4 nm). The leaching liquid of the nanorods at a concentration below 0.5 mg/mL resulted in no cytotoxicity. More significant improvements in the antioxidant and M1-polarization-inhibiting effects and the promotion of M2 polarization were found when culturing the cells with the ZnRBGNs compared to when culturing them with the RBGNs. The doping of the Zn element in RBGNs may lead to improved antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may be beneficial in tissue regeneration/repair. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Antioxidant Nanoparticles, 2nd Edition)
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Review

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33 pages, 3308 KB  
Review
Applications of Antioxidant Nanoparticles in Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases
by Hong-Wei Shi, Bo-Cheng Yang, Yun-Qing Ren and Yi Xue
Antioxidants 2025, 14(9), 1128; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14091128 - 18 Sep 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2698
Abstract
Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) encompass a wide range of disorders, including autoimmune, acute, and chronic inflammatory conditions, which are often characterized by immune dysregulation and excessive oxidative stress. Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of these diseases by [...] Read more.
Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) encompass a wide range of disorders, including autoimmune, acute, and chronic inflammatory conditions, which are often characterized by immune dysregulation and excessive oxidative stress. Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of these diseases by promoting tissue damage and sustaining inflammation. However, conventional antioxidant therapies are limited by poor bioavailability, inadequate targeting, and short-lived efficacy. In recent years, nano-antioxidants have emerged as a promising therapeutic approach due to their enhanced stability, targeted delivery capabilities, and multifunctional therapeutic effects. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the application of nano-antioxidants in the treatment of IMIDs. Their therapeutic roles are categorized into three major groups: autoimmune diseases, acute inflammatory diseases, and chronic inflammatory diseases. In autoimmune disorders such as alopecia areata and multiple sclerosis, nano-antioxidants have demonstrated the ability to reduce oxidative damage, modulate immune responses, and alleviate clinical symptoms. In acute inflammatory conditions, including acute kidney injury and acute liver injury, these nanomaterials exert protective effects by scavenging ROS, mitigating tissue injury, and restoring organ function. In chronic inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis, nano-antioxidants contribute to maintaining mucosal integrity, suppressing chronic inflammation, and improving therapeutic outcomes through localized delivery and sustained release. In summary, nano-antioxidants represent a novel and promising therapeutic strategy for the management of IMIDs. Their unique physicochemical properties offer significant advantages over traditional treatments. Further research is needed to optimize their delivery platforms, evaluate long-term safety, and facilitate clinical translation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Antioxidant Nanoparticles, 2nd Edition)
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33 pages, 2203 KB  
Review
Cyclodextrin-Based Nanotransporters as a Versatile Tool to Manage Oxidative Stress-Induced Lung Diseases
by Supandeep Singh Hallan, Francesca Ferrara, Maddalena Sguizzato and Rita Cortesi
Antioxidants 2025, 14(8), 1007; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14081007 - 17 Aug 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2657
Abstract
Oxidative stress is one of the key elements in lung-related complications such as cystic fibrosis, acute lung injury, pulmonary hypertension, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, chronic airway diseases, lung cancer, COVID-19, and many others. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapy can be considered as supportive alternatives in their [...] Read more.
Oxidative stress is one of the key elements in lung-related complications such as cystic fibrosis, acute lung injury, pulmonary hypertension, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, chronic airway diseases, lung cancer, COVID-19, and many others. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapy can be considered as supportive alternatives in their management. However, most naturally derived antioxidants face issues with poor aqueous solubility and stability, which hinder their clinical utility. Remarkably, local pulmonary delivery circumvents the severe limitations of oral delivery, including hepatic first-pass metabolism and organ toxicity, and enables a higher drug payload in the lungs. Here, in this review, we present cyclodextrin as a potential drug carrier for pulmonary administration, exploring the possibilities of its surface modification, complexation with other drug transporters, and loading of cannabidiols, siRNA, and antibodies as future trends. However, the lack of a robust physiological model for assessing the efficacy of lung-oriented drug targeting is a significant concern in its path to clinical and commercial success. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Antioxidant Nanoparticles, 2nd Edition)
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28 pages, 2293 KB  
Review
Nanotechnological Approaches to Enhance the Potential of α-Lipoic Acid for Application in the Clinic
by Chiara Bellini, Fabrizio Mancin, Emanuele Papini and Regina Tavano
Antioxidants 2024, 13(6), 706; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13060706 - 9 Jun 2024
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 7647
Abstract
α-lipoic acid is a naturally occurring compound with potent antioxidant properties that helps protect cells and tissues from oxidative stress. Its incorporation into nanoplatforms can affect factors like bioavailability, stability, reactivity, and targeted delivery. Nanoformulations of α-lipoic acid can significantly enhance its solubility [...] Read more.
α-lipoic acid is a naturally occurring compound with potent antioxidant properties that helps protect cells and tissues from oxidative stress. Its incorporation into nanoplatforms can affect factors like bioavailability, stability, reactivity, and targeted delivery. Nanoformulations of α-lipoic acid can significantly enhance its solubility and absorption, making it more bioavailable. While α-lipoic acid can be prone to degradation in its free form, encapsulation within nanoparticles ensures its stability over time, and its release in a controlled and sustained manner to the targeted tissues and cells. In addition, α-lipoic acid can be combined with other compounds, such as other antioxidants, drugs, or nanomaterials, to create synergistic effects that enhance their overall therapeutic benefits or hinder their potential cytotoxicity. This review outlines the advantages and drawbacks associated with the use of α-lipoic acid, as well as various nanotechnological approaches employed to enhance its therapeutic effectiveness, whether alone or in combination with other bioactive agents. Furthermore, it describes the engineering of α-lipoic acid to produce poly(α-lipoic acid) nanoparticles, which hold promise as an effective drug delivery system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Antioxidant Nanoparticles, 2nd Edition)
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