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A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Nanoscience".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2026 | Viewed by 8157

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Qingxin Mu

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Guest Editor

Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
Interests: nanoparticles; drug delivery; cancer therapy; nanomedicine; combination therapy; chemotherapy; breast cancer
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

From preventing emerging infectious pandemic to treating chronic disorders, nanoparticles have proven to be a key player in transforming the landscape of molecular pharmaceutics by enabling precise payload delivery and enhanced efficacy compared to traditional formulations. Their nanoscale dimensions, tunable physicochemical properties, multifunctionality, and ability to overcome biological barriers make them ideal candidates for addressing complex delivery challenges across diverse agents. This Special Issue emphasizes investigations of nanoparticles at the molecular level, from molecular assembly-mediated nanoformulation to the elucidation of biological processes through in vitro and in vivo studies. Key topics include, but are not limited to, advanced design strategies and manufacturing, the molecular mechanisms of nanoparticles crossing biological barriers, multifunctional therapeutic and prophylactic approaches, and preclinical validation. By bridging fundamental science and translational applications, this issue aims to advance the understanding of nanoparticles as sophisticated solutions for improving health outcomes and shaping the future of molecular pharmaceutics.

Dr. Qingxin Mu
Guest Editor

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Keywords

nanoparticles
molecular pharmaceutics
drug delivery
nanomedicine
nanoformulation

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 33673 KB

Open AccessArticle

Efficient Delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 RNP Complexes with Cyclodextrin-Based Nanosponges for Enhanced Genome Editing: TILD-CRISPR Integration

by Shahin Amiri, Setare Adibzadeh, Yousef Khazaei Monfared, Saeed Kaboli, Arash Arashkia, Farzaneh Barkhordari, Mohammad Mahmoudian, Mohammad Hassan Kheirandish, Francesco Trotta and Fatemeh Davami

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(21), 10682; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262110682 - 2 Nov 2025

Viewed by 1061

Abstract

The CRISPR-Cas9 system has transformed biomedical research by enabling precise genetic modifications. However, efficient delivery of CRISPR components remains a major hurdle for therapeutic applications. To address this, we employed a new modified cationic hyper-branched cyclodextrin-based polymer (Ppoly) system to deliver an integrating GFP gene using the TILD-CRISPR method, which couples donor DNA linearization with RNP complexes. The physicochemical properties, loading efficiency, and cellular uptake of RNP with Ppoly were studied. After transfection, antibiotic selection and single-cell cloning were performed. Junction PCR was then performed on the isolated clones, and we compared the knock-in efficiency of Ppoly with that of the commercial CRISPRMAX™ reagent (Thermo Fisher, Invitrogen™, Waltham, MA, USA). The results demonstrate the encapsulation efficiency of over 90% for RNP and Ppoly, and cell viability remaining above 80%, reflecting the minimal toxicity of this approach. These attributes facilitated successful GFP gene integration using the TILD-CRISPR with RNP delivered via cyclodextrin-based nanosponges. The present method achieved a remarkable 50% integration efficiency in CHO-K1 cells, significantly outperforming the 14% observed with CRISPRMAX™ while maintaining lower cytotoxicity. This study highlights a promising platform for precise and efficient genome editing, with strong potential for therapeutic and regenerative medicine applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticles in Molecular Pharmaceutics)

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26 pages, 3880 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cannabidiol Lipid Nanoparticles Stabilize Gut–Brain–Bone Axis Integrity and Enhance Neuroplasticity in Stressed Rats: A Comparison with Atomoxetine and Escitalopram

by Sarawut Lapmanee, Jitpatima Lumsutti, Natthawut Charoenphon, Anjaree Inchan, Nittaya Boonmuen, Prapimpun Wongchitrat, Natchayaporn Thonapan, Chaowalit Yuajit, Piyaporn Surinlert, Chittipong Tipbunjong, Mattaka Khongkow, Katawut Namdee and Chaiyos Sirithanakorn

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(19), 9318; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26199318 - 24 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Chronic stress induces mood disturbances, disrupts gut barrier function, and promotes low-grade systemic inflammation. This study assessed the therapeutic effects of atomoxetine (ATX), escitalopram (ESC), cannabidiol (CBD), and CBD-loaded lipid nanoparticles (CBD/LNP) in male rats exposed to repeated restraint stress. Stressed rats exhibited a 2.03-fold increase in interleukin-6 and a 1.89-fold increase in TNF-α, a 1.20-fold decrease in brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a 1.36-fold decrease in osteocalcin, accompanied by alterations in gut metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs; from 155.3 to 94.83 μmol/L), polyamines (from 273.6 to 192.4 μmol/L), and bile acids (BAs; from 21.19 to 14.53 μmol/L), compared with the control group. Protein analysis revealed gut barrier disruption and microglial/macrophage activation, accompanied by reduced synaptic plasticity. ATX improved gut permeability and reduced glial activation but did not restore osteocalcin. ESC provided neuroimmune benefits with limited and BA gut restoration and modulated the gut–brain axis and improved anxiety-like behaviors, partly by altering gut microbiota and metabolites. CBD and CBD/LNP treatment restored intestinal barrier function, as indicated by intestinal permeability in the range of 1.15–1.61-fold. These treatments also normalized bile acids (1.0–1.38-fold) and osteocalcin (1.0–1.28-fold) and significantly reduced glial activation (0.63–1.12-fold) as opposed to the non-treated stressed group. All treatments were found to be effective in correcting SCFA and polyamine levels. Histological analysis confirmed that CBD/LNP, ATX, and ESC ameliorated tissue alterations. These findings highlight CBD/LNP as a promising intervention for stress-induced gut–brain–bone axis disruption, supporting its potential as a therapeutic alternative through modulation of microbiota-driven gut–brain communication in stress-associated disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticles in Molecular Pharmaceutics)

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18 pages, 2582 KB

Open AccessArticle

Inorganic Silica Nanoparticles Increase Lysosomal Biology and Protease Activity

by Anastasiia O. Syrocheva, Valentina I. Gorbacheva, Vera S. Egorova, Andrey A. Zamyatnin, Jr., Alessandro Parodi and Ekaterina P. Kolesova

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(17), 8291; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178291 - 26 Aug 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1951

Abstract

The use of nanoparticles has revolutionized drug delivery by enabling targeted and controlled therapeutic release. However, their interactions with intracellular organelles, particularly lysosomes, are not yet fully understood. This study delineates the differential effects of two widely used nanocarriers—mesoporous silica (MSNs) and albumin (ANPs) nanoparticles—on lysosomal biology, with a focus on the expression and activity of cathepsins (CtsB and CtsD), which are key proteases involved in protein degradation and maintaining cellular balance. These two types of nanoparticles, differing in their material and degradability, exhibit distinct behaviors inside the cell. We demonstrate that inorganic MSNs cause significant changes in lysosomal function by altering lysosomal content and cathepsin levels, without triggering lysosomal membrane permeabilization—a typical response to organic particle stress. In contrast, ANPs—which are susceptible to lysosomal cathepsin degradation—induce milder changes in cathepsin expression and maintain lysosomal integrity. Our results highlight that the composition of nanocarriers plays a pivotal role in modulating lysosomal protease activity and maintaining overall cellular homeostasis, highlighting the importance of these parameters in the rational design of drug delivery platforms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticles in Molecular Pharmaceutics)

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Review

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17 pages, 1011 KB

Open AccessReview

CPX-351 and the Frontier of Nanoparticle-Based Therapeutics in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

by Ioannis Konstantinidis, Sophia Tsokkou, Antonios Keramas, Eleni Gavriilaki, Georgios Delis and Theodora Papamitsou

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(23), 11628; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262311628 - 30 Nov 2025

Viewed by 398

Abstract

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) continues to carry a dismal prognosis in older adults and those with secondary or high-risk disease, where conventional 7 + 3 chemotherapy has long delivered complete remission rates below 40% and median overall survival often under 6 months. CPX-351 (Vyxeos), a liposomal co-encapsulation of cytarabine and daunorubicin at a fixed synergistic 5:1 molar ratio, was designed to overcome the pharmacokinetic mismatch that undermines the traditional regimen. This review critically examines the preclinical rationale and clinical evidence for CPX-351, with particular attention to whether its nanoparticle platform truly represents a breakthrough or merely an incremental refinement of decades-old cytotoxics. Across phase I–III trials and real-world cohorts, CPX-351 consistently outperformed standard 7 + 3 in its approved populations of newly diagnosed therapy-related AML (t-AML) and AML with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC) in patients aged 60–75 years. In the pivotal phase III study (n = 309), CPX-351 improved median overall survival from 5.95 to 9.56 months (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.52–0.90; p = 0.005) and raised the complete remission rate from 33.3% to 47.7%, while facilitating allogeneic transplantation in 34% as opposed to 25% of patients. A five-year follow-up sustained the separation in survival curves, and post-hoc analyses of responders showed median overall survival exceeding 25 months with CPX-351 versus approximately 10 months with 7 + 3 (HR 0.49). Real-world series have reported composite remission rates of 53–60%, measurable residual disease negativity in up to 65% of responders, and median overall survival of 12–20 months, depending on transplant utilization. Despite these gains, the absolute survival benefit remains modest, prolonged cytopenias are universal, and outcomes in TP53-mutated or younger adverse-risk patients are still poor, raising legitimate questions about cost-effectiveness and generalizability. Nonetheless, CPX-351 stands as the first clinically validated example of ratiometric nanomedicine in oncology, proving that reformulating established drugs can yield meaningful progress where novel agents have often failed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticles in Molecular Pharmaceutics)

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37 pages, 1878 KB

Open AccessReview

Protein Corona as a Result of Interaction of Protein Molecules with Inorganic Nanoparticles

by Ruslan M. Sarimov, Elena A. Molkova, Alexander V. Simakin, Alexey S. Dorokhov and Sergey V. Gudkov

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(19), 9771; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26199771 - 7 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2241

Abstract

Currently, there is a growing interest in biomedical research in the use of inorganic nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery, as biosensors, and in theranostic applications. This review examines the interaction of inorganic nanoparticles with protein molecules depending on the chemical nature, size, and surface charge of the nanoparticles. The effect of protein and nanoparticle concentration, as well as their incubation time, is analyzed. The work focuses on the influence of parameters such as pH, ionic strength, and temperature on the interaction of nanoparticles with protein molecules. The following dependencies were studied in detail: the thickness of the protein corona as a function of nanoparticle size; the size of nanoparticles after interaction with protein as a function of protein and nanoparticle concentration; the distribution of zeta potentials in colloids of nanoparticles, proteins, and their mixtures. It has been shown that proteins and nanoparticles can influence each other’s physicochemical properties. This can lead to the emergence of new biological properties in the system. Therefore, the adsorption of proteins onto nanoparticle surfaces can induce conformational changes. The probability of changing the protein structure increases when a covalent bond is formed between the nanoparticle and the protein molecule. Studies demonstrate that protein structure remains more stable with spherical nanoparticles than with rod-shaped or other high-curvature nanostructures. The results presented in the review demonstrate the possibility of adapting physiological responses to nanomaterials by changing the chemical composition of the surface of nanoparticles and their size and charge. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticles in Molecular Pharmaceutics)

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