Submit to Molecules Review for Molecules Propose a Special Issue

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Advances on Nanomedicine and Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2023) | Viewed by 22284

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Teerapol Srichana

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai, Thailand
Interests: nanotechnology; drug delivery system; antimicrobials; antituberculosis; aerosol science and technology; nanoparticulate; pulmonary drug delivery

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue can be categorized in different topics as follows:

Nanomedicine and nanoparticle-based delivery systems. Materials in the nanoscale range as means to deliver therapeutics. Drug delivery to specific targeted sites in a controlled manner. Receptor targeting and nanotechnology as diagnostic tools.

Nanotechnology in treating chronic human diseases. Target-oriented delivery of precise medicines. Applications of the nanomedicine (anticancers, biologics, immunotherapeutics, etc.). Recent advances in the field of nanomedicines and nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems.

Application of nanomaterials in elevating therpeutics and reducing adverse effects. Nanomedicines in drug delivery from synthetic or natural sources.

Clinical applications of nanoparticle-based drug delivery. Science and technology of nanosized and nanostructured materials. The design, characterization, and preparation for drug delivery systems and delivery devices

Prof. Dr. Teerapol Srichana
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

nanomedicine
nanotechnology
nanoparticles
drug delivery
nanomaterials
nanotherapeutics
specific target
precise medicine
nano-sized materials
nano-structured materials
design and characterization
preparation and delivery system

Published Papers (10 papers)

Download All Papers

Research

Jump to: Review

16 pages, 2988 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Blunt Potassium-Bromate-Induced Renal Toxicity by Reinforcing the Redox System

by Ibrahim M. Alhazza, Iftekhar Hassan, Hossam Ebaid, Jameel Al-Tamimi and Zafrul Hasan

Molecules 2023, 28(13), 5084; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28135084 - 29 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 887

Abstract

Potassium bromate (PB) is a general food additive, a significant by-product during water disinfection, and a carcinogen (Class II B). The compound emits toxicity depending on the extent of its exposure and dose through consumable items. The current study targeted disclosing the ameliorative efficacy of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) prepared by green technology in PB-exposed Swiss albino rats. The rats were separated into six treatment groups: control without any treatment (Group I), PB alone (Group II), ZnO alone (Group III), ZnO NP alone (Group IV), PB + ZnO (Group V), and PB + ZnO NPs (Group VI). The blood and kidney samples were retrieved from the animals after following the treatment plan and kept at −20 °C until further analysis. Contrary to the control (Group I), PB-treated rats (Group II) exhibited a prominent trend in alteration in the established kidney function markers and disturbed redox status. Further, the analysis of the tissue and nuclear DNA also reinforced the biochemical results of the same treatment group. Hitherto, Groups III and IV also showed moderate toxic insults. However, Group VI showed a significant improvement from the PB-induced toxic insults compared to Group II. Hence, the present study revealed the significant therapeutic potential of the NPs against PB-induced nephrotoxicity in vivo, pleading for their usage in medicines having nephrotoxicity as a side effect or in enhancing the safety of the industrial use of PB. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Nanomedicine and Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1927 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Analgesic Effect of High-Cannabidiol-Content Cannabis Extracts in Different Pain Models by Using Polymeric Micelles as Vehicles

by Yoreny Román-Vargas, Julián David Porras-Arguello, Lucas Blandón-Naranjo, León Darío Pérez-Pérez and Dora María Benjumea

Molecules 2023, 28(11), 4299; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28114299 - 24 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1688

Abstract

Currently, cannabis is considered an attractive option for the treatment of various diseases, including pain management. Thus, developing new analgesics is paramount for improving the health of people suffering from chronic pain. Safer natural derivatives such as cannabidiol (CBD) have shown excellent potential for the treatment of these diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic effect of a CBD-rich cannabis extract (CE) encapsulated in polymeric micelles (CBD/PMs) using different pain models. The PEG-PCL polymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography and ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. PMs were prepared by solvent evaporation and characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy. The analgesic activity of CBD/PMs and nonencapsulated CE rich in CBD (CE/CBD) was evaluated using mouse thermal, chemical, and mechanical pain models. The acute toxicity of the encapsulated CE was determined by oral administration in mice at a dose of 20 mg/kg for 14 days. The release of CBD from the nanoparticles was assessed in vitro using a dialysis experiment. CBD/PMs with an average hydrodynamic diameter of 63.8 nm obtained from a biocompatible polyethylene glycol-block-polycaprolactone copolymer were used as nanocarriers for the extract formulations with 9.2% CBD content, which corresponded with a high encapsulation efficiency of 99.9%. The results of the pharmacological assays indicated that orally administered CBD/PMs were safe and exerted a better analgesic effect than CE/CBD. The micelle formulation had a significant analgesic effect in a chemical pain model, reaching a percentage of analgesia of 42%. CE was successfully encapsulated in a nanocarrier, providing better stability. Moreover, it proved to be more efficient as a carrier for CBD release. The analgesic activity of CBD/PMs was higher than that of free CE, implying that encapsulation is an efficient strategy for improving stability and functionality. In conclusion, CBD/PMs could be promising therapeutics for pain management in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Nanomedicine and Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 5103 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of pH-Responsive N-benzyl-N-O-succinyl Chitosan Micelles Loaded with a Curcumin Analog (Cyqualone) for Treatment of Colon Cancer

by Sasikarn Sripetthong, Fredrick Nwude Eze, Warayuth Sajomsang and Chitchamai Ovatlarnporn

Molecules 2023, 28(6), 2693; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28062693 - 16 Mar 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1561

Abstract

This work aimed at preparing nanomicelles from N-benzyl-N,O-succinyl chitosan (NBSCh) loaded with a curcumin analog, 2,6-bis((3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl) methylene) cyclohexanone, a.k.a. cyqualone (CL), for antineoplastic colon cancer chemotherapy. The CL-loaded NBSCh micelles were spherical and less than 100 nm in size. The entrapment efficiency of CL in the micelles ranged from 13 to 39%. Drug release from pristine CL was less than 20% in PBS at pH 7.4, whereas the release from CL-NBSCh micelles was significantly higher. The release study of CL-NBSCh revealed that around 40% of CL content was released in simulated gastric fluid at pH 1.2; 79 and 85% in simulated intestinal fluids at pH 5.5 and 6.8, respectively; and 75% in simulated colonic fluid at pH 7.4. CL-NBSCh showed considerably high selective cytotoxicity towards mucosal epithelial human colon cancer (HT-29) cells and lower levels of toxicity towards mouse connective tissue fibroblasts (L929). CL-NBSCh was also more cytotoxic than the free CL. Furthermore, compared to free CL, CL-NBSCh micelles were found to be more efficient at arresting cell growth at the G2/M phase, and induced apoptosis earlier in HT-29 cells. Collectively, these results indicate the high prospective potential of CL-loaded NBSCh micelles as an oral therapeutic intervention for colon cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Nanomedicine and Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 15473 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Targeted Nanoparticles for the Binding of Injured Vascular Endothelium after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

by Pennapa Mungchan, Kittirat Glab-ampai, Nuttapol Chruewkamlow, Kongtana Trakarnsanga, Chatchawan Srisawat, Kytai T. Nguyen, Wanpen Chaicumpa and Primana Punnakitikashem

Molecules 2022, 27(23), 8144; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27238144 - 23 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2012

Abstract

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a common procedure for the management of coronary artery obstruction. However, it usually causes vascular wall injury leading to restenosis that limits the long-term success of the PCI endeavor. The ultimate objective of this study was to develop the targeting nanoparticles (NPs) that were destined for the injured subendothelium and attract endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to the damaged location for endothelium regeneration. Biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) NPs were conjugated with double targeting moieties, which are glycoprotein Ib alpha chain (GPIbα) and human single-chain antibody variable fragment (HuscFv) specific to the cluster of differentiation 34 (CD34). GPIb is a platelet receptor that interacts with the von Willebrand factor (vWF), highly deposited on the damaged subendothelial surface, while CD34 is a surface marker of EPCs. A candidate anti-CD34 HuscFv was successfully constructed using a phage display biopanning technique. The HuscFv could be purified and showed binding affinity to the CD34-positive cells. The GPIb-conjugated NPs (GPIb-NPs) could target vWF and prevent platelet adherence to vWF in vitro. Furthermore, the HuscFv-conjugated NPs (HuscFv-NPs) could capture CD34-positive cells. The bispecific NPs have high potential to locate at the damaged subendothelial surface and capture EPCs for accelerating the vessel repair. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Nanomedicine and Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 2271 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microbicide Containing Ellagic Acid Can Inhibit HIV-1 Infection

by Wipawee Nittayananta, Aornrutai Promsong, Claire Levy, Florian Hladik, Nithinart Chaitaveep, Suwipa Ungphaiboon, Supinya Tewtrakul and Surada Satthakarn

Molecules 2022, 27(22), 7941; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27227941 - 16 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1425

Abstract

Objectives: Ellagic acid (EA) has a wide range of biological effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vitro effects of EA on HIV-1 replication, viral enzyme activity and cytokine secretion by infected cells. Methods: The anti-HIV-1 activity of EA in solution was determined in vitro using the infection of TZM-bl cells by the nano luciferase-secreting R5-tropic JRCSF strain of HIV-1, which allows for the quantification of viral growth by measuring nano luciferase in the culture supernatants. The effect of EA on the cytokine secretion of TZM-bl cells was determined by a multiplexed bead array after 48 h of HIV-1 exposure. The antiviral effect of EA in the gel formulation (Ellagel), as would be used for vaginal application, was investigated by the inhibition of infection of UC87.CD4.CCR5 cells with R5-tropic pBaLEnv-recombinant HIV-1. Results: EA in solutions of up to 100 µM was not toxic to TZM-bl cells. EA added either 1 h before or 4 h after HIV-1 exposure suppressed the replication of R5-tropic HIV-1 in TZM-bl cells in a dose-dependent manner, with up to 69% inhibition at 50 µM. EA-containing solutions also exhibited a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on HIV-1 replication in U87 cells. When EA was formulated as a gel, Ellagel containing 25 µM and 50 µM EA inhibited HIV-1 replication in U87 cells by 56% and 84%, respectively. In assays of specific HIV-1 enzyme activity, Ellagel inhibited HIV-1 integrase but not protease. EA did not significantly modulate cytokine secretion. Conclusions: We conclude that EA either in solution or in a gel form inhibits HIV infection without adverse effects on target cells. Thus, gel containing EA can be tested as a new microbicide against HIV infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Nanomedicine and Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 7516 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Silver Nanoparticles Conjugated with Colistin Enhanced the Antimicrobial Activity against Gram-Negative Bacteria

by Poowadon Muenraya, Somchai Sawatdee, Teerapol Srichana and Apichart Atipairin

Molecules 2022, 27(18), 5780; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27185780 - 07 Sep 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2666

Abstract

Colistin is a potent peptide antibiotic that is effective against Gram-negative bacteria. However, nephrotoxicity limited its clinical use. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained attention as a potential antimicrobial agent and nanodrug carrier. The conjugation of antibiotics and AgNPs has been found to increase the activity and decrease drug toxicity. In this study, colistin was conjugated with AgNPs (Col-AgNPs), which was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectra. The optimized Col-AgNPs had the proper characteristics, including spherical shape, monodispersity, nanosized particle, high surface charge, and good stability. The powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) pattern supported the crystallinity of Col-AgNPs and AgNPs. The drug loading of Col-AgNPs was 11.55 ± 0.93%. Col-AgNPs had higher activity against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) than AgNPs and colistin. The mechanism of actions of Col-AgNPs involved membrane disruption and genomic DNA damage. The Col-AgNPs and AgNPs were biocompatible with human red blood cells and renal cells at concentrations up to 16 µg/mL. Interestingly, Col-AgNPs exhibited higher cell survival than AgNPs and colistin at 32 µg/mL. Our results revealed that the Col-AgNPs could enhance the antimicrobial activity and cell biocompatibility more than colistin and AgNPs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Nanomedicine and Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 3178 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation, Characterization and Permeation Study of Topical Gel Loaded with Transfersomes Containing Asiatic Acid

by Shakthi Apsara Thejani Opatha, Varin Titapiwatanakun, Korawinwich Boonpisutiinant and Romchat Chutoprapat

Molecules 2022, 27(15), 4865; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27154865 - 29 Jul 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3235

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the in vitro permeation of asiatic acid (AA) in the form of a topical gel after entrapment in transfersomes by Franz diffusion cells. Transfersomes composed of soybean lecithin and three different edge activators including Tween 80 (TW80), Span 80 (SP80) and sodium deoxycholate (SDC) at the ratio of 50:50, 90:10 and 90:10, respectively, together with 0.3% w/w of AA, were prepared by a high-pressure homogenization technique and further incorporated in gels (TW80AATG, SP80AATG and SDCAATG). All transfersomal gels were characterized for their AA contents, dynamic viscosity, pH and homogeneity. Results revealed that the AA content, dynamic viscosity and pH of the prepared transfersomal gels ranged from 0.272 ± 0.006 to 0.280 ± 0.005% w/w, 812.21 ± 20.22 to 1222.76 ± 131.99 Pa.s and 5.94 ± 0.03 to 7.53 ± 0.03, respectively. TW80AATG gave the highest percentage of AA penetration and flux into the Strat-M^® membrane at 8 h (8.53 ± 1.42% and 0.024 ± 0.008 mg/cm²/h, respectively) compared to SP80AATG (8.00 ± 1.70% and 0.019 ± 0.010 mg/cm²/h, respectively), SDCAATG (4.80 ± 0.50% and 0.014 ± 0.004 mg/cm²/h, respectively), non-transfersomal gels (0.73 ± 0.44 to 3.13 ± 0.46% and 0.002 ± 0.001 to 0.010 ± 0.002 mg/cm²/h, respectively) and hydroethanolic AA solution in gel (1.18 ± 0.76% and 0.004 ± 0.003 mg/cm²/h, respectively). These findings indicate that the TW80AATG might serve as a lead formulation for further development toward scar prevention and many types of skin disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Nanomedicine and Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

23 pages, 4610 KiB

Open AccessReview

Repositioned Natural Compounds and Nanoformulations: A Promising Combination to Counteract Cell Damage and Inflammation in Respiratory Viral Infections

by Alessia Mariano, Irene Bigioni, Magda Marchetti, Anna Scotto d’Abusco and Fabiana Superti

Molecules 2023, 28(10), 4045; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28104045 - 12 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2405

Abstract

Respiratory viral diseases are among the most important causes of disability, morbidity, and death worldwide. Due to the limited efficacy or side effects of many current therapies and the increase in antiviral-resistant viral strains, the need to find new compounds to counteract these infections is growing. Since the development of new drugs is a time-consuming and expensive process, numerous studies have focused on the reuse of commercially available compounds, such as natural molecules with therapeutic properties. This phenomenon is generally called drug repurposing or repositioning and represents a valid emerging strategy in the drug discovery field. Unfortunately, the use of natural compounds in therapy has some limitations, due to their poor kinetic performance and consequently reduced therapeutic effect. The advent of nanotechnology in biomedicine has allowed this limitation to be overcome, showing that natural compounds in nanoform may represent a promising strategy against respiratory viral infections. In this narrative review, the beneficial effects of some promising natural molecules, curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, and vitamin C, which have been already studied both in native form and in nanoform, against respiratory viral infections are presented and discussed. The review focuses on the ability of these natural compounds, analyzed in in vitro and in vivo studies, to counteract inflammation and cellular damage induced by viral infection and provide scientific evidence of the benefits of nanoformulations in increasing the therapeutic potential of these molecules. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Nanomedicine and Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 1073 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanomaterials-Based Novel Immune Strategies in Clinical Translation for Cancer Therapy

by Shadma Wahab, Mohammed Ghazwani, Umme Hani, Abdulrahim R. Hakami, Abdulrahman A. Almehizia, Wasim Ahmad, Mohammad Zaki Ahmad, Prawez Alam and Sivakumar Annadurai

Molecules 2023, 28(3), 1216; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28031216 - 26 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2292

Abstract

Immunotherapy shows a lot of promise for addressing the problems with traditional cancer treatments. Researchers and clinicians are working to create innovative immunological techniques for cancer detection and treatment that are more selective and have lower toxicity. An emerging field in cancer therapy, immunomodulation offers patients an alternate approach to treating cancer. These therapies use the host’s natural defensive systems to identify and remove malignant cells in a targeted manner. Cancer treatment is now undergoing somewhat of a revolution due to recent developments in nanotechnology. Diverse nanomaterials (NMs) have been employed to overcome the limits of conventional anti-cancer treatments such as cytotoxic, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Aside from that, NMs could interact with live cells and influence immune responses. In contrast, unexpected adverse effects such as necrosis, hypersensitivity, and inflammation might result from the immune system (IS)’s interaction with NMs. Therefore, to ensure the efficacy of immunomodulatory nanomaterials, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay that exists between the IS and NMs. This review intends to present an overview of the current achievements, challenges, and improvements in using immunomodulatory nanomaterials (iNMs) for cancer therapy, with an emphasis on elucidating the mechanisms involved in the interaction between NMs and the immune system of the host. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Nanomedicine and Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 1622 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nano-Based Co-Delivery System for Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

by Shixin Zhang, Miaomiao Zhang, Xiangyu Li, Ge Li, Bo Yang, Xinyue Lu, Yang Gao and Fengying Sun

Molecules 2022, 27(18), 5973; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27185973 - 14 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2920

Abstract

A systemic autoimmune condition known as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has a significant impact on patients’ quality of life. Given the complexity of RA’s biology, no single treatment can totally block the disease’s progression. The combined use of co-delivery regimens integrating various diverse mechanisms has been widely acknowledged as a way to make up for the drawbacks of single therapy. These days, co-delivery systems have been frequently utilized for co-treatment, getting over drug limitations, imaging of inflammatory areas, and inducing reactions. Various small molecules, nucleic acid drugs, and enzyme-like agents intended for co-delivery are frequently capable of producing the ability to require positive outcomes. In addition, the excellent response effect of phototherapeutic agents has led to their frequent use for delivery together with chemotherapeutics. In this review, we discuss different types of nano-based co-delivery systems and their advantages, limitations, and future directions. In addition, we review the prospects and predicted challenges for the combining of phototherapeutic agents with conventional drugs, hoping to provide some theoretical support for future in-depth studies of nano-based co-delivery systems and phototherapeutic agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Nanomedicine and Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery)

► Show Figures