Nanotechnology in Biomedical Applications

A special issue of Pharmaceuticals (ISSN 1424-8247). This special issue belongs to the section "Pharmaceutical Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 November 2025 | Viewed by 2774

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Guest Editor
Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília 70770-917, DF, Brazil
Interests: nanovesicles; antioxidant activity; nanoparticles; biomaterials
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, entitled "Nanotechnology in Biomedical Applications", aims to showcase the transformative impact of nanotechnology on health sciences, with a focus on advancements in diagnostics, therapeutics, and theranostics, and evaluations of nanomaterials' impacts on health at the cellular and organism levels. Recent developments in nanostructured materials, nanobiosensors, and nanocarriers offer new pathways to address critical biomedical challenges, including targeted drug delivery, early disease detection, and nanosafety. Through an interdisciplinary approach, this Special Issue will explore innovative nano-enabled solutions designed to improve treatment specificity and efficacy, minimize side effects, and advance healthcare. It will bring together contributions on novel nanomaterials, in vitro and in vivo studies, and translational research that bridges the gap between experimental findings and clinical applications, aligning with our commitment to sustainable and accessible health technologies.

Dr. Luciano Paulino Silva
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • nanotechnology
  • nanobiotechnology
  • biomedical applications
  • drug delivery
  • nanobiosensors
  • targeted therapy
  • diagnostics
  • nanomaterials
  • therapeutics
  • theranostics

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 5010 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial, Oxidant, Cytotoxic, and Eco-Safety Properties of Sol–Gel-Prepared Silica–Copper Nanocomposite Materials
by Lilia Yordanova, Lora Simeonova, Miroslav Metodiev, Albena Bachvarova-Nedelcheva, Yoanna Kostova, Stela Atanasova-Vladimirova, Elena Nenova, Iliana Ivanova, Lyubomira Yocheva and Elitsa Pavlova
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(7), 976; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18070976 - 28 Jun 2025
Viewed by 413
Abstract
Background: The present work is devoted to the biological effects of sol–gel-derived silica (Si)–copper (Cu) nanomaterials. Methods and Results: Tetraethyl orthosilane (TEOS) was used as a silica precursor; copper was introduced as a solution in ethanol with Cu(OH)2. The obtained samples [...] Read more.
Background: The present work is devoted to the biological effects of sol–gel-derived silica (Si)–copper (Cu) nanomaterials. Methods and Results: Tetraethyl orthosilane (TEOS) was used as a silica precursor; copper was introduced as a solution in ethanol with Cu(OH)2. The obtained samples were denoted as Si/Cu (gel) and Si/Cu/500 (500 °C heat-treated). Their phase formation and morphology were studied by XRD and SEM. The antibacterial activity was tested by two Gram-positive bacteria, three Gram-negative bacteria, and two types of eukaryotic species. Most bacteria were more sensitive to Si/Cu/500 materials than to Si/Cu (gel). The yeasts were more sensitive to Si/Cu (gel). The new nanomaterials were tested for oxidant activity at pH 7.4 (physiological) and pH 8.5 (optimal) in three model systems by the chemiluminescent method. They significantly inhibited the generation of free radicals and ROS. This result underlines their potential as regulators of the free radical processes in living systems. The epithelial tumor cell lines appeared more sensitive than the non-transformed fibroblasts, likely due to their metabolic activity and proliferation rates, leading to greater accumulation of the substances. Using Daphnia magna, the ecotoxicity study showed that the LC50 was reached at 1 mg/L of Si/Cu/500. Si/Cu (gel) was more toxic. Conclusions: Our results reveal the potential of these nanohybrids to be applied in living, eukaryotic systems. The cytotoxicity evaluation showed higher tolerance of normal, non-transformed cells, in concurrence with the oxidation tests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology in Biomedical Applications)
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20 pages, 9461 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Topical Delivery of Methotrexate via Transferosome-Loaded Microneedle Array Patch: Formulation, Optimization, and In Vitro–In Vivo Assessment
by Snehal Shinde, Anil Kumar Singh, Vijay R. Chidrawar, Amarjitsing Rajput and Sudarshan Singh
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(4), 594; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18040594 - 18 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 902
Abstract
Background: Conventional approaches in treating psoriasis demonstrate several complications. methotrexate (MTX) has been frequently used for its efficacy in managing moderate to severe psoriasis. However, MTX acts as an antagonist in regular dosage, which creates a patient compliance issue with undesirable consequences for [...] Read more.
Background: Conventional approaches in treating psoriasis demonstrate several complications. methotrexate (MTX) has been frequently used for its efficacy in managing moderate to severe psoriasis. However, MTX acts as an antagonist in regular dosage, which creates a patient compliance issue with undesirable consequences for patients, which necessitates development of an innovative approach to enhance skin permeation. Therefore, this study examines the improved topical administration of MTX utilizing a transferosome-loaded microneedle (MNs) array patch for the management of psoriasis. Methods: A design of experiment was used assess the effect of phospholipid content and edge activator type on vesicle size and entrapment efficiency (EE) to fabricate and optimize transferosome-loaded MTX. Furthermore, the MTX was incorporated within MNs and assessed for in vitro-ex vivo-in vivo parameters. Results: The morphology result revealed vesicles mean diameter of 169.4 ± 0.40 nm and EE of 69 ± 0.48 (%). Compared to traditional formulations (MTX patch and gel), the optimized transferosome-loaded dissolving MN array patch showed a substantial increase in diffusion of MTX tested over rat skin. Furthermore, an enhanced therapeutic benefit at the application site through cumulative drug release profiles suggested sustained release of MTX over 24 h. Moreover, in vivo experiments showed that the MN array patch exhibited higher accumulation, compared to conventional formulation tested. In addition, the plasma concentration measurements demonstrated a reduction in systemic exposure to MTX, diminishing the possibility of intricacy while preserving localized therapeutic efficacy. The capability of the MN array patch to lance the epidermal layers was proven by histological assessments. Conclusions: Thus, transferosome-loaded MNs is a viable method of delivering MTX topically with prolonged drug release and reduced systemic toxicity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology in Biomedical Applications)
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12 pages, 3205 KiB  
Article
Red Blood Cell-Based Delivery Systems for the Release of Hemoglobin-Derived Peptides with In Vitro Antitumor Activities
by Cínthia Caetano Bonatto, Graziella Anselmo Joanitti and Luciano Paulino Silva
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(4), 570; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18040570 - 14 Apr 2025
Viewed by 573
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to develop liposomes derived from lipids obtained from red blood cell membranes for potential use in antitumor applications. Hemoglobin hydrolysates exhibiting peptides with known antitumor activities were encapsulated within these liposomes. Methods: The developed liposomal systems were characterized by [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to develop liposomes derived from lipids obtained from red blood cell membranes for potential use in antitumor applications. Hemoglobin hydrolysates exhibiting peptides with known antitumor activities were encapsulated within these liposomes. Methods: The developed liposomal systems were characterized by their physicochemical properties, including size, surface charge, and encapsulation efficiency, and tested in vitro against 4T1 breast cancer cells and NIH3T3 fibroblasts. Results: Results indicated that the liposomes achieved effective encapsulation (88.9%), with nanometer-scale sizes (ranging from 140.7 nm for Blank-Liposomes to 658.3 nm for Pep-Liposomes) and stable colloidal properties. Conclusions: Although cytotoxicity was limited, the use of liposomes from endogenous components, such as red blood cells, demonstrates promise as a complementary approach in anticancer therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology in Biomedical Applications)
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16 pages, 2031 KiB  
Review
Nanodrug Delivery Systems for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Therapy
by Aiyun Yang, Yuanfang Lu, Zuo Zhang and Jianhua Wang
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(5), 639; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18050639 - 27 Apr 2025
Viewed by 519
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a malignant tumor caused by abnormal proliferation of B-line or T-line lymphocytes in the bone marrow. Traditional treatments have limitations. Because of their unique advantages, nanodrug delivery systems (NDDSs) show great potential in the treatment of ALL. In [...] Read more.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a malignant tumor caused by abnormal proliferation of B-line or T-line lymphocytes in the bone marrow. Traditional treatments have limitations. Because of their unique advantages, nanodrug delivery systems (NDDSs) show great potential in the treatment of ALL. In this paper, the pathological features of ALL, the limitations of current therapeutic methods, and the definition and composition of NDDSs were reviewed. Research strategies for the use of NDDSs in the treatment of ALL were discussed. In addition, challenges and future development directions of NDDSs in the treatment of ALL were also discussed, aiming to provide reference for the application of NDDSs in the diagnosis and treatment of ALL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology in Biomedical Applications)
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