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Advances in Targeted Delivery of Nanomedicines
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Advances in Targeted Delivery of Nanomedicines

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Medicinal Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 12427

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Sreejesh Sreedharan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Human Sciences Research Centre, University of Derby, Derby DE221GB, UK
Interests: metal complexes; nanomaterials; chemical biology; molecular imaging probes; microscopy; DNA; cancer research; biomedical research; bio-nanotechnology; cell biology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Targeted and specific drug delivery has been especially challenging because of simultanous pathophysiologal mechanistic processes happening in vitro. For example, recording cancer-signalling pathophysiologal procesess would provide valuable infomation for the development of impactful therapeutics with high precision, which can provide therapy in challenging in-cellular environments plagued by drug resistance. This opens up new avenues for broadening existing nanoscience research by developing novel nanomedicines with a high potential for clinical translation, as the superior endurance of nanomaterials (due to their chemical and photophysical attibutes) provides an additional edge over conventional therapeutics, which offers exciting prospects.

Dr. Sreejesh Sreedharan
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • nanomedicines
  • drug delivery
  • target delivery
  • nanoscience
  • cancer signalling

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 3784 KiB  
Article
Loading of Oregano Oil in Natural Nanogel and Preliminary Studies on Its Antiviral Activity on Betacoronavirus 1
by Lyubomira Radeva, Maya M. Zaharieva, Sevda Najdenska, Pelagia Foka, Erini Karamichali, Efthymia Ioanna Koufogeorgou, Urania Georgopoulou, Stanislav Philipov, Alexander Kroumov, Hristo Najdenski, Ivanka Spassova, Daniela Kovacheva and Krassimira Yoncheva
Molecules 2025, 30(9), 1939; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30091939 - 27 Apr 2025
Viewed by 136
Abstract
Oregano oil was successfully encapsulated into chitosan–albumin nanogel via emulsification and electrostatic gelation. The system was characterized with a mean diameter around 26 nm, narrow size distribution (PDI = 0.242) and approximately 40% encapsulation efficiency. The incorporation of the oil into the nanogel [...] Read more.
Oregano oil was successfully encapsulated into chitosan–albumin nanogel via emulsification and electrostatic gelation. The system was characterized with a mean diameter around 26 nm, narrow size distribution (PDI = 0.242) and approximately 40% encapsulation efficiency. The incorporation of the oil into the nanogel was confirmed by XRD and FTIR analyses, and the dissolution of the oil was enhanced after the encapsulation. Furthermore, the treatment of Betacoronavirus 1 infected bovine kidney MDBK cells with the oregano oil-loaded nanogel (25 µg/mL) showed more than 50% protection against the infection, as compared to the non-treated virus infected control. The cytopathic effect (CPE) of the virus was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner. The system inhibited the virus replication, resulting in a decrease of the viral particles by more than half, as shown by the cytotoxicity and CPE assays. The virus titer in treated and non-treated samples was determined by digital droplet PCR and revealed Δ3 log diminishment of the virus particles in samples treated with 25 µg/mL encapsulated oregano oil. This study is a basis for further investigations on the pharmacodynamics of the nanogel and its possible combinations with clinically applied chemotherapeutics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Targeted Delivery of Nanomedicines)
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33 pages, 7173 KiB  
Article
Development of Solid Nanosystem for Delivery of Chlorhexidine with Increased Antimicrobial Activity and Decreased Cytotoxicity: Characterization and In Vitro and In Ovo Toxicological Screening
by Alexandra-Ioana Dănilă, Mihai Romînu, Krisztina Munteanu, Elena-Alina Moacă, Andreea Geamantan-Sîrbu, Iustin Olariu, Diana Marian, Teodora Olariu, Ioana-Cristina Talpoş-Niculescu, Raluca Mioara Cosoroabă, Ramona Popovici and Ştefania Dinu
Molecules 2025, 30(1), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30010162 - 3 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1474
Abstract
The evaluation of chlorhexidine-carrier nanosystems based on iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (IOMNPs), has gained significant attention in recent years due to the unique properties of the magnetic nanoparticles (NPSs). Chlorhexidine (CHX), a well-established antimicrobial agent, has been widely used in medical applications, including [...] Read more.
The evaluation of chlorhexidine-carrier nanosystems based on iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (IOMNPs), has gained significant attention in recent years due to the unique properties of the magnetic nanoparticles (NPSs). Chlorhexidine (CHX), a well-established antimicrobial agent, has been widely used in medical applications, including oral hygiene and surgical antisepsis. This study aims to report an in vitro and in ovo toxicological screening of the synthesized CHX-NPS nanosystem, of the carrier matrix (maghemite NPSs) and of the drug to be delivered (CHX solution), by employing two types of cell lines—HaCaT immortalized human keratinocytes and JB6 Cl 41-5a murine epidermal cells. After the characterization of the CHX-NPS nanosystem through infrared spectroscopy and electronic microscopy, the in vitro results showed that the CHX antimicrobial efficacy was enhanced when delivered through a nanoscale system, with improved bioavailability and reduced toxicity when this was tested as the newly CHX-NPS nanosystem. The in ovo screening exhibited that the CHX-NPS nanosystem did not cause any sign of irritation on the chorioallantoic membrane vasculature and was classified as a non-irritant substance. Despite this, future research should focus on optimizing this type of nanosystem and conducting comprehensive in vivo studies to validate its therapeutic efficacy and safety in clinical settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Targeted Delivery of Nanomedicines)
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Review

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37 pages, 2499 KiB  
Review
Peptide-Functionalized Nanomedicine: Advancements in Drug Delivery, Diagnostics, and Biomedical Applications
by Hossein Omidian, Luigi X. Cubeddu and Renae L. Wilson
Molecules 2025, 30(7), 1572; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30071572 - 31 Mar 2025
Viewed by 356
Abstract
Peptide-functionalized nanomedicine has emerged as a transformative approach in precision therapeutics and diagnostics, leveraging the specificity of peptides to enhance the performance of nanocarriers, including gold nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, and quantum dots. These systems enable targeted drug delivery, molecular [...] Read more.
Peptide-functionalized nanomedicine has emerged as a transformative approach in precision therapeutics and diagnostics, leveraging the specificity of peptides to enhance the performance of nanocarriers, including gold nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, and quantum dots. These systems enable targeted drug delivery, molecular imaging, biosensing, and regenerative medicine, offering unparalleled advantages in bioavailability, cellular uptake, and therapeutic selectivity. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of peptide-functionalization strategies, nanocarrier design, and their applications across oncology, neurodegenerative disorders, inflammatory diseases, infectious diseases, and tissue engineering. We further discuss the critical role of physicochemical characterization, in vitro and in vivo validation, and regulatory considerations in translating these technologies into clinical practice. Despite the rapid progress in peptide-functionalized platforms, challenges related to stability, immune response, off-target effects, and large-scale reproducibility remain key obstacles to their widespread adoption. Addressing these through advanced peptide engineering, optimized synthesis methodologies, and regulatory harmonization will be essential for their clinical integration. By bridging fundamental research with translational advancements, this review provides an interdisciplinary roadmap for the next generation of peptide-functionalized nanomedicines poised to revolutionize targeted therapy and diagnostics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Targeted Delivery of Nanomedicines)
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27 pages, 2497 KiB  
Review
Chitosan Micro/Nanocapsules in Action: Linking Design, Production, and Therapeutic Application
by Yaride Pérez-Pacheco, Bartosz Tylkowski and Ricard García-Valls
Molecules 2025, 30(2), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30020252 - 10 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1335
Abstract
pH sensitivity of chitosan allows for precise phase transitions in acidic environments, controlling swelling and shrinking, making chitosan suitable for drug delivery systems. pH transitions are modulated by the presence of cross-linkers by the functionalization of the chitosan chain. This review relays a [...] Read more.
pH sensitivity of chitosan allows for precise phase transitions in acidic environments, controlling swelling and shrinking, making chitosan suitable for drug delivery systems. pH transitions are modulated by the presence of cross-linkers by the functionalization of the chitosan chain. This review relays a summary of chitosan functionalization and tailoring to optimize drug release. The potential to customize chitosan for different environments and therapeutic uses introduces opportunities for drug encapsulation and release. The focus on improving drug encapsulation and sustained release in specific tissues is an advanced interpretation, reflecting the evolving role of chitosan in achieving targeted and more efficient therapeutic outcomes. This review describes strategies to improve solubility and stability and ensure the controlled release of encapsulated drugs. The discussion on optimizing factors like cross-linking density, particle size, and pH for controlled drug release introduces a deeper understanding of how to achieve specific therapeutic effects. These strategies represent a refined approach to designing chitosan-based systems, pushing the boundaries of sustained release technologies and offering new avenues for precise drug delivery profiles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Targeted Delivery of Nanomedicines)
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37 pages, 4429 KiB  
Review
Enhancing Drug Solubility, Bioavailability, and Targeted Therapeutic Applications through Magnetic Nanoparticles
by Yue Zhuo, Yong-Gang Zhao and Yun Zhang
Molecules 2024, 29(20), 4854; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29204854 - 13 Oct 2024
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5203
Abstract
Biological variability poses significant challenges in the development of effective therapeutics, particularly when it comes to drug solubility and bioavailability. Poor solubility across varying physiological conditions often leads to reduced absorption and inconsistent therapeutic outcomes. This review examines how nanotechnology, especially through the [...] Read more.
Biological variability poses significant challenges in the development of effective therapeutics, particularly when it comes to drug solubility and bioavailability. Poor solubility across varying physiological conditions often leads to reduced absorption and inconsistent therapeutic outcomes. This review examines how nanotechnology, especially through the use of nanomaterials and magnetic nanoparticles, offers innovative solutions to enhance drug solubility and bioavailability. This comprehensive review focuses on recent advancements and approaches in nanotechnology. We highlight both the successes and remaining challenges in this field, emphasizing the role of continued innovation. Future research should prioritize developing universal therapeutic solutions, conducting interdisciplinary research, and leveraging personalized nanomedicine to address biological variability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Targeted Delivery of Nanomedicines)
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29 pages, 4368 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances and Prospects of Nucleic Acid Therapeutics for Anti-Cancer Therapy
by Minhyuk Lee, Minjae Lee, Youngseo Song, Sungjee Kim and Nokyoung Park
Molecules 2024, 29(19), 4737; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29194737 - 7 Oct 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3357
Abstract
Nucleic acid therapeutics are promising alternatives to conventional anti-cancer therapy, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. While conventional therapies have limitations, such as high side effects, low specificity, and drug resistance, nucleic acid therapeutics work at the gene level to eliminate the cause [...] Read more.
Nucleic acid therapeutics are promising alternatives to conventional anti-cancer therapy, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. While conventional therapies have limitations, such as high side effects, low specificity, and drug resistance, nucleic acid therapeutics work at the gene level to eliminate the cause of the disease. Nucleic acid therapeutics treat diseases in various forms and using different mechanisms, including plasmid DNA (pDNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), anti-microRNA (anti-miR), microRNA mimics (miRNA mimic), messenger RNA (mRNA), aptamer, catalytic nucleic acid (CNA), and CRISPR cas9 guide RNA (gRNA). In addition, nucleic acids have many advantages as nanomaterials, such as high biocompatibility, design flexibility, low immunogenicity, small size, relatively low price, and easy functionalization. Nucleic acid therapeutics can have a high therapeutic effect by being used in combination with various nucleic acid nanostructures, inorganic nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), etc. to overcome low physiological stability and cell internalization efficiency. The field of nucleic acid therapeutics has advanced remarkably in recent decades, and as more and more nucleic acid therapeutics have been approved, they have already demonstrated their potential to treat diseases, including cancer. This review paper introduces the current status and recent advances in nucleic acid therapy for anti-cancer treatment and discusses the tasks and prospects ahead. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Targeted Delivery of Nanomedicines)
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