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Pharmaceuticals
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Polymers, Nanoparticles and Hydrogels for Drug Delivery: Strategies and Applications
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Polymers, Nanoparticles and Hydrogels for Drug Delivery: Strategies and Applications

A Special Issue of Pharmaceuticals (ISSN 1424-8247) belonging to the section "Pharmaceutical Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026 | Viewed by 5166

Editors

Dr. Mónica de la Luz Corea Téllez

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Guest Editor
Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Escuela Superior de Ingenieria Quimica e Industrias Extractivas Laboratorio de Investigación en Polímero y Nanomateriales, Av. Luis Enrique Erro S/N, Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos, Zacatenco, Alcaldía Gustavo A. Madero, Mexico City 07738, Mexico
Interests: polymers; nanocomposite materials; tissue engineering materials and drug delivery systems
Dr. Marlon Rojas López

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología Aplicada, Ex-Hacienda San Juan Molino, Tlaxcala 43126, Mexico
Interests: synthesis of nanostructured materials; biosensors for the detection of pathogens; micro and nanoencapsulation of drugs and plant extracts with biological activity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Lucia Tellez-Jurado

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Escuela Superior de Ingenieria Quimica e Industrias Extractivas, Departamento de Ingenieria en Metalurgia y Materiales, Av. Luis Enrique Erro S/N, Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos, Zacatenco, Alcaldía Gustavo A. Madero, Mexico City 07738, Mexico
Interests: organic-inorganic hybrids; polymers; vitreous and ceramics materials for tissue engineering
Dr. Rogelio Jiménez-Juárez

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Guest Editor
Departamento de Química Orgánica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala s/n, Alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City, Mexico
Interests: organic chemistry; tissue engineering materials; scaffolds

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymers, nanoparticles, and hydrogels have been widely used for the design and development of drug delivery systems. This also implies looking for individual molecules, studying the interaction between their functional groups and cells at micro and nano levels, controlling the properties of artificial and biological systems. These technologies involve the synthesis and use of materials, devices, and systems. The drug delivery includes design of micro and nano carriers, synthesis of nanomedicines and nanosystems production able to drug therapeutic delivery to specific organs or tissues in the body during scheduled times. For the design and formulation of dosing system, the important parameters are device size, trapping method, drug stability, matrix degradation parameters, and dosage kinetics. The absorption or conjugation of a drug into material could protect the drug from its inactivation and help store it for long periods of time, decrease its toxicity and in this way, achieve flexibility in the administration. In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas could include (but are not limited to) multi-stimuli-responsive “smart” hydrogels for tumor microenvironment-targeted release, self-assembling peptide-based nanocarriers for neurological disorders with BBB penetration, bioresponsive polymer-drug conjugates with enzyme-triggered release for precision oncology, AI-driven design of polymer/nanoparticle systems for optimized drug compatibility and release kinetics, 4D-printed hydrogel implants for minimally invasive, shape-memory drug delivery, nanoparticle–hydrogel hybrid composites for sustained release of biologics, eco-friendly polymers from renewable sources for sustainable drug delivery, intra-articular hydrogels for osteoarthritis treatment and cartilage regenerationscalable manufacturing approaches (microfluidics, 3D bioprinting) for complex systems, among others.

Dr. Mónica de la Luz Corea Téllez
Dr. Marlon Rojas López
Dr. Lucia Tellez-Jurado
Dr. Rogelio Jiménez-Juárez
Guest Editors

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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pharmaceuticals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2900 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

  • drug delivery
  • medical applications
  • hydrogels
  • polymers
  • nanoparticles
  • drug delivery system
  • multi-stimuli-responsive materials
  • nanocomposites
  • biofilms
  • biomarkers

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 1423 KB  
Article
Development and Study of Hydrophilic Ointment Compositions with a Dextrin/Polyvinyl Alcohol/Iodine Complex (D/PVA/I)
by Zhassur Taganov, Anel Azamatova, Roza Karzhaubayeva, Gulshat Baigaipova, Zhanar Iskakbayeva, Saltanat Jumabayeva, Ardak Jumagaziyeva, Ilya Korotetskiy, Lyudmila Ivanova, Natalya Zubenko, Seitzhan Turganbay and Amir Azembayev
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(6), 969; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19060969 - 22 Jun 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 418
Abstract
Background: Iodine-based antimicrobial systems remain highly attractive due to their broad-spectrum activity; however, the clinical application of free iodine is limited by its instability and cytotoxicity. This study aimed to develop polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based hydrophilic ointment formulations containing a dextrin/polyvinyl alcohol/iodine complex (D/PVA/I) [...] Read more.
Background: Iodine-based antimicrobial systems remain highly attractive due to their broad-spectrum activity; however, the clinical application of free iodine is limited by its instability and cytotoxicity. This study aimed to develop polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based hydrophilic ointment formulations containing a dextrin/polyvinyl alcohol/iodine complex (D/PVA/I) and to evaluate their physicochemical properties, antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxicity. Methods: Hydrophilic ointment formulations containing 2.5%, 5.0%, and 10.0% D/PVA/I were prepared using a PEG-based matrix composed of PEG 4000, PEG 400, and glycerol. Physicochemical characterization included organoleptic evaluation, pH measurement, rheological analysis, and UV–visible (Ultraviolet–visible) spectroscopy. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using agar diffusion and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus hirae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in Madin–Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells using the MTT assay. Results: All formulations exhibited homogeneous semisolid structure and physiologically acceptable pH values (4.94–5.45). Rheological analysis demonstrated non-Newtonian pseudoplastic (shear-thinning) behavior. The flow behavior index (n) ranged from 0.03 to 0.33 according to the Ostwald–de Waele model, confirming shear-thinning characteristics, while viscosity increased with increasing D/PVA/I concentration. UV–visible spectroscopy confirmed the presence of triiodide ions (I3−), characterized by absorption maxima at approximately 287 and 350 nm, indicating preservation of active iodine species within the PEG matrix, while placebo (blank) formulation analysis confirmed the absence of corresponding absorption bands, demonstrating that the PEG-based matrix does not contribute to the characteristic spectral features. The formulations demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, with MBC values ranging from 0.01 to 0.02 µg/mL. Cytotoxicity studies revealed moderate toxicity of the D/PVA/I complex (CC50 = 0.82%) (50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) and significantly lower toxicity of the PEG-based ointment base (CC50 = 18.38%). Conclusions: The developed PEG-based hydrophilic ointment formulations containing the D/PVA/I complex demonstrated favorable physicochemical characteristics, stability of iodine species, pronounced antimicrobial activity, and acceptable cytotoxicity profiles. These findings highlight the potential for the developed systems to be promising topical antimicrobial formulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers, Nanoparticles and Hydrogels for Drug Delivery: Strategies and Applications)
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34 pages, 10503 KB  
Article
Polymeric Nanoparticles with Surface-Anchored Functional Groups as Chelating Agents for Calcium (Ca2+) and Magnesium (Mg2+) Ions to Inhibit Cellular Interactions
by Lazaro Ruiz-Virgen, Juan Luis Salazar-García, Ismael Arturo Garduño-Wilches, Marlon Rojas-López, Gabriela Martínez-Mejía, Rubén Caro-Briones, Nadia A. Vázquez-Torres, Andrés Castell-Rodríguez, Hugo Martínez-Gutiérrez, José Manuel del Río and Mónica Corea
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(12), 1774; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18121774 - 21 Nov 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1826
Abstract
Background: Cancer therapeutics development has been a challenge in medical and scientific areas due to their toxicity, limited biocompatibility, and unfortunate side effects. However, despite advances in early detection and the study of novel treatments, the mortality rate for breast cancer remains high, [...] Read more.
Background: Cancer therapeutics development has been a challenge in medical and scientific areas due to their toxicity, limited biocompatibility, and unfortunate side effects. However, despite advances in early detection and the study of novel treatments, the mortality rate for breast cancer remains high, making it a significant global health concern. Objectives: In this study, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanoparticles functionalized with acrylic acid (AA), fumaramide (FA), and curcumin (CUR) as chelating and inhibitor agents were synthesized by emulsion polymerization techniques. Methods and Results: Comprehensive physiochemical characterization studies based on gravimetry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), electrophoresis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a pH dependence of nanoparticles that exhibit structural changes upon interaction with calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) ions. Calorimetric thermodynamic properties measured by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) confirmed chelating coordination and positive cooperativity between the nanoparticles and metal ions. In vitro studies showed the low cytotoxicity of nanoparticles by fibroblast proliferation, and their chelation process was observed by fluorescence microscopy, with the loss of interaction between cells. Conclusions: These results suggest that the functionalized nanoparticles have potential in drug delivery systems (DDS) for targeted breast cancer therapies, providing a promising polymer material for more efficient and less toxic treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers, Nanoparticles and Hydrogels for Drug Delivery: Strategies and Applications)
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Review

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32 pages, 3007 KB  
Review
Nanotechnologies for Skin Drug Delivery: Polymeric, Bio-Based, and Hybrid Nanocarriers with Clinical and Translational Perspectives
by Lina Eltaib, Hamoud Alotaibi, Mona Al Hamod, Saleh Alfuraih, Noura Al Hamood, Ahmad Mohammad Balkhair and Abdullah Abdulrahman Aljasser
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(7), 1057; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19071057 - 8 Jul 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 980
Abstract
The skin is the largest organ of the human body and acts as a major protective barrier against external agents. However, the highly organized stratum corneum limits the effective delivery of many therapeutic compounds, especially hydrophilic and high-molecular-weight drugs. Conventional topical formulations often [...] Read more.
The skin is the largest organ of the human body and acts as a major protective barrier against external agents. However, the highly organized stratum corneum limits the effective delivery of many therapeutic compounds, especially hydrophilic and high-molecular-weight drugs. Conventional topical formulations often exhibit poor permeability, low bioavailability, and limited targeting efficiency. This review discusses recent advances in nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, including bio-based, biodegradable, and biocompatible polymeric nanocarriers for dermal and transdermal applications, with particular emphasis on vesicular, polymeric, and hybrid nanosystems. Nanocarriers such as liposomes, ethosomes, transfersomes, polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, nanogels, and lipid–polymer hybrid systems have demonstrated improved drug solubility, stability, controlled release, and skin permeation for localized (dermal) delivery compared with conventional formulations. In addition, biodegradable polymeric materials enhance dermal deposition and prolong drug retention, leading to improved therapeutic efficacy. These nanosystems can facilitate enhanced transdermal drug transport under optimized conditions; however, the extent of systemic delivery varies widely depending on drug physicochemical properties, formulation characteristics, and application conditions. Drug transport may occur through intercellular, transcellular, and follicular pathways, resulting in enhanced bioavailability and site-specific delivery. Claims regarding transdermal (systemic) absorption are restricted to cases supported by in vivo or clinical evidence. Furthermore, combining nanocarriers with microneedles and stimuli-responsive platforms has expanded the potential for controlled and on-demand transdermal delivery. Recent preclinical and clinical studies have reported that nanocarrier-based methotrexate gels reduced PASI-like scores by over 70% in psoriatic models, while oleic acid vesicle formulations achieved more than 95% cure rates in rodent models of tinea corporis. Despite these advances, challenges related to large-scale production, stability, regulatory approval, and clinical translation remain significant. Future developments integrating smart nanocarriers, bio-based polymeric biomaterials, wearable technologies, and AI-assisted design may improve personalized dermatological therapies. These innovations in nanocarrier drug delivery are accelerating the translation of advanced therapies to the clinic, promising safer, more effective and personalized dermatological treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers, Nanoparticles and Hydrogels for Drug Delivery: Strategies and Applications)
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Other

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20 pages, 1053 KB  
Systematic Review
Advancing Photodynamic Cancer Therapy with Smart Light-Responsive Lipid and Polymeric Nanocarriers: Evidence from a Meta-Analysis of Efficacy and Pharmacokinetics
by Ahmed M. Agiba, Rabab A. El-Gazar, Mohamed A. Mekkawy, Nihal Elsayyad, Hala N. ElShagea, Patricia Segura-Medina and Raghda Rabe Hamed
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(12), 1796; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18121796 - 25 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1111
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Conventional anticancer drugs often exhibit limited solubility and bioavailability due to unfavorable physicochemical properties and inherent physiological barriers. To overcome these persistent challenges, nanocarriers have been developed to enhance drug bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Among these, lipid and polymeric nanocarriers (LP-NCs) [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Conventional anticancer drugs often exhibit limited solubility and bioavailability due to unfavorable physicochemical properties and inherent physiological barriers. To overcome these persistent challenges, nanocarriers have been developed to enhance drug bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Among these, lipid and polymeric nanocarriers (LP-NCs) have emerged as particularly promising candidates for anticancer drug delivery. These systems can be engineered for targeted delivery and tailored to respond to specific stimuli, thereby enhancing their therapeutic potential. A notable advancement in this field is the development of smart light-responsive LP-NCs, which demonstrate superior performance over conventional nanocarriers by enabling controlled drug release in response to external light stimuli. Methods: This study presents a meta-analysis based on a curated selection of publications from multiple scientific databases and literature sources. The objective was to evaluate whether light-responsive LP-NCs offer superior anticancer drug bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy compared with their conventional counterparts. The primary outcome measure was the pharmacokinetic parameter area under the curve (AUC), derived from in vivo animal studies. Results: The analysis revealed a significant increase in AUC for light-responsive LP-NCs, indicating improved drug bioavailability and prolonged systemic exposure. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of LP-NCs as a promising strategy for enhancing targeted anticancer drug delivery. This approach could pave the way for more effective therapeutic interventions and warrants further investigation in future research and clinical trials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers, Nanoparticles and Hydrogels for Drug Delivery: Strategies and Applications)
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