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Pharmaceutics
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Advances in Bioactive Compounds and Nanotechnology: Sustainable Approaches for Pharmaceutical...
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Advances in Bioactive Compounds and Nanotechnology: Sustainable Approaches for Pharmaceutical Applications

A special issue of Pharmaceutics (ISSN 1999-4923). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanomedicine and Nanotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 1309

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Catarina Roma-Rodrigues

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Bioengineering and Sustainability Research Group, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade Lusófona, Av. Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: nanomedicines; extracellular vesicles; toxicity evaluation; 2D and 3D animal cell models; tumor microenvironment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Patricia Branco

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. BIORG—Bioengineering and Sustainability Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, Lusofona University, Campo Grande, 376, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
2. Linking Landscape Environment Agriculture and Food Research Center (LEAF), Associated Laboratory TERRA, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: biopreservatives; bioactive compounds; antimicrobial peptides; antimicrobial; antioxidant
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Elisabete Muchagato Mauricio

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. BIORG—Bioengineering and Sustainability Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, Lusofona University, Campo Grande, 376, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
2. CBIOS—Research Center for Biosciences and Health Technologies, Universidade Lusófona, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: formulation of cosmetics; health products and nutraceutics; antimicrobial natural products; new ingredients from byproducts
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The development of sustainable materials is gaining momentum in pharmaceutical applications, offering solutions with reduced environmental impact for both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. This field of study focuses not only on discovering and implementing novel bioactive compounds derived from renewable sources but also on leveraging nanotechnology to enhance drug delivery and efficacy. This Special Issue aims to focus on sustainable bioactive compounds and sustainable nanotechnology, explored either independently or synergistically, for pharmaceutical applications.

We are pleased to invite you to contribute original research articles and reviews that address the themes of this Special Issue.

The aim of this Special Issue is to explore innovative research and advancements in sustainable bioactive compounds and sustainable nanotechnology for pharmaceutical applications. By addressing both individual and combined approaches, this Special Issue seeks to highlight how these strategies can enhance drug development, delivery systems, and therapeutic outcomes while taking into consideration environmental responsibility. This Special Issue also aims to integrate sustainable materials and nanotechnology into pharmaceutical applications, aligning with drug formulation, delivery, and nanomedicine. It emphasizes renewable bioactive compounds for drug design and biopharmaceutics, enhancing targeting, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic efficacy. By combining innovation with environmental responsibility, it also advances drug development and delivery systems.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome to be submitted. Research areas may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Bioactive Compounds from Renewable Sources for Pharmaceutical applications: Developing sustainable methods to extract and utilize bioactive compounds from renewable resources (e.g., agricultural and industrial byproducts) for drug formulation and therapeutic applications, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
  • Green Chemistry for Drug Synthesis: Implementing eco-friendly synthesis techniques, including catalytic processes, solvent-free reactions, and green solvents, to minimize waste and energy use in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
  • Biotechnological Production of Pharmaceutical Ingredients: Advancing microbial fermentation, plant cell culture, and genetic engineering to sustainably produce pharmaceutical-grade bioactive compounds with high specificity and therapeutic potential.
  • Nanotechnology for Drug Delivery Systems: Designing nanoscale delivery platforms such as nanoparticles to improve drug stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery, reducing side effects and maximizing therapeutic outcomes.
  • Lifecycle Assessment of Pharmaceutical Processes: Improving pharmaceutical production and supply chains to enable resource-efficient, low-carbon manufacturing practices.
  • Nanocarriers for Enhanced Drug Bioavailability: Developing advanced sustainable nanocarriers (e.g., micelles, polymer nanoparticles, and solid lipid nanoparticles) to improve the solubility, stability, and absorption of poorly bioavailable drugs.
  • Green Nanotechnology in Pharmaceuticals: Integrating green chemistry principles into the development of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, ensuring sustainable, safe, and effective pharmaceutical solutions.
  • Phytochemical-Based Drug Therapies Enhanced by Nanotechnology: Utilizing nanotechnology to enhance the stability, delivery, and therapeutic efficacy of plant-derived phytochemicals in pharmaceutical formulations for disease treatment.
  • Reuse of Pharmaceutical Byproducts in the Cosmetic Industry: Innovating processes to recover and valorize byproducts from cosmetic formulations, such as oils, plant extracts, and compounds, to promote circular economy practices in beauty and personal care.
  • Natural Preservatives for Pharmaceutical Formulations: Investigating plant-derived compounds, bioactive peptides, and essential oils as natural preservatives to enhance the stability and safety of pharmaceutical products.
  • Pharmaceutical Packaging: Developing minimal, recyclable, or compostable packaging materials specifically for pharmaceutical applications to align with the sustainability goals and reduce environmental impact.

We welcome original research articles and reviews based in these areas.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Catarina Roma-Rodrigues
Dr. Patricia Branco
Dr. Elisabete Muchagato Mauricio
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 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. Pharmaceutics 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

  • natural bioactive compounds
  • biotechnological drug production
  • therapy
  • green cosmetics
  • eco-friendly pharmacy
  • natural preservatives
  • pharmaceutical formulation
  • nanomedicine
  • sustainability
  • green chemistry
  • green nanotechnology
  • sustainable drug delivery systems
  • controlled-release systems
  • nanocarriers for drug bioavailability
  • phytochemical-based drug therapies
  • lifecycle analysis of drug manufacturing
  • natural compounds in drug formulation
  • sustainable packaging for pharmaceuticals

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  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (3 papers)

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30 pages, 7536 KiB  
Article
Fucoidan-Based Gold Nanoparticles: Antioxidant and Anticancer Potential from Turbinaria decurrens and Sargassum cinereum
by Ahmed S. El Newehy, Saly F. Gheda, Mona M. Ismail, Dara Aldisi, Mahmoud M. A. Abulmeaty and Mostafa E. Elshobary
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(7), 826; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17070826 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2025
Viewed by 38
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, while natural antioxidants have emerged as promising therapeutic agents in cancer treatment. Although fucoidan from brown algae shows anticancer potential, its efficacy is limited by bioavailability challenges, and the synergistic effects of [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, while natural antioxidants have emerged as promising therapeutic agents in cancer treatment. Although fucoidan from brown algae shows anticancer potential, its efficacy is limited by bioavailability challenges, and the synergistic effects of combining it with gold nanoparticles remain unexplored. Methods: Fucoidan was extracted from Sargassum cinereum and Turbinaria decurrens. F-AuNPs were produced utilizing fucoidan as both a reducing and stabilizing agent. The nanoparticles were analyzed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, TEM, XRD, DLS, TAG, and zeta potential evaluation. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and FRAP tests. Cytotoxicity was determined against HepG2, THP-1, and BNL cells, utilizing MTT and SRB tests. Flow cytometry was utilized to assess the cell cycle, while molecular docking was carried out to examine binding to oncogenic proteins. Results: T. decurrens produced higher polysaccharides rich in fucoidan content (235.9 mg/g dry weight) and stated higher antioxidant activity (FRAP: 9.21 μg TE mg−1; DPPH: 4.48 μg TE mg−1) in comparison to S. cinereum. F-AuNPs showed potent cytotoxicity toward HepG2 cells, with IC50 values and cytotoxicity toward HepG2 cells, with IC50 values of 377.6 μg/mL for S. cinereum and 449.5 μg mL−1 for T. decurrens. Molecular docking revealed robust binding of fucoidan to COX-2 (−7.1 kcal mol−1) and TERT (−5.4 kcal mol−1). Conclusions: Fucoidan and F-AuNPs reveal remarkable antioxidant and anticancer properties. Nanoparticle formulation greatly improves bioactivity, underscoring its promise as a synergistic approach for cancer treatment by influencing oxidative stress and cancer-associated pathways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bioactive Compounds and Nanotechnology: Sustainable Approaches for Pharmaceutical Applications)
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18 pages, 3370 KiB  
Article
Exploring a Novel Anti-Inflammatory Therapy for Diabetic Retinopathy Based on Glyco-Zeolitic-Imidazolate Frameworks
by Elena Díaz-Paredes, Francisco Martín-Loro, Rocío Rodríguez-Marín, Laura Gómez-Jaramillo, Elena M. Sánchez-Fernández, Carolina Carrillo-Carrión and Ana I. Arroba
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(6), 791; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17060791 - 17 Jun 2025
Viewed by 308
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Diabetic retinopathy is an ocular disease caused by changes in the expression of inflammatory mediators and increased oxidative stress in the retina and is the leading cause of vision loss in diabetic patients. Currently, there is no treatment capable of reversing retinal [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Diabetic retinopathy is an ocular disease caused by changes in the expression of inflammatory mediators and increased oxidative stress in the retina and is the leading cause of vision loss in diabetic patients. Currently, there is no treatment capable of reversing retinal damage, which represents a significant burden on the quality of life of patients. (1R)-1-Dodecylsulfonyl-5N,6O-oxomethylidenenojirimycin stands outs as a prototype of the sp2-iminoglycolipids family for its beneficial neuroprotective effect against this chronic eye disease. Critical issues related to the low solubility and bioavailability of this glycolipid in biological settings are overcome by its encapsulation in a Zeolitic-Imidazolate Framework (ZIF) structure, resulting in homogeneous and biocompatible GlycoZIF nanoparticles. Cell studies show an enhanced cellular uptake compared with the free glycolipid, and importantly, its bioactivity is preserved once released inside cells. Methods: Extensive in vitro and ex vivo assays with diabetic retinopathy models unveil the mechanistic pathways of the designed GlycoZIF. Results: A reduction in proinflammatory mediators, increased heme oxygenase-1 level, inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome, and reduced reactive gliosis is shown. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate for the first time the potential of Glyco-modified ZIFs for the treatment of diabetes-related ocular problems by controlling the immune-mediated inflammatory response. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bioactive Compounds and Nanotechnology: Sustainable Approaches for Pharmaceutical Applications)
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23 pages, 2553 KiB  
Article
A Green Integrated Approach to Multifunctional Silver Nanoparticles Derived from Aronia melanocarpa
by Andreia Corciova, Cornelia Mircea, Adrian Fifere, Ioana-Andreea Turin Moleavin, Ana Flavia Burlec, Bianca Ivanescu, Ana-Maria Vlase, Monica Hancianu and Irina Macovei
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(5), 669; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17050669 - 20 May 2025
Viewed by 485
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study reports the green synthesis, optimization, characterization, and multifunctional evaluation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an ethanolic Aronia melanocarpa berry extract. The objective was to establish optimal synthesis conditions; assess the in vitro stability; and evaluate the antioxidant, photocatalytic, and photoprotective [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study reports the green synthesis, optimization, characterization, and multifunctional evaluation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an ethanolic Aronia melanocarpa berry extract. The objective was to establish optimal synthesis conditions; assess the in vitro stability; and evaluate the antioxidant, photocatalytic, and photoprotective activities. Methods: The cytogenotoxic effects of the AgNPs were evaluated on Triticum aestivum roots. The AgNPs were synthesized via bioreduction using an ethanolic extract of A. melanocarpa under varied pH, AgNO3 concentration, extract/AgNO3 ratio, temperature, and stirring time, with optimization guided by UV–Vis spectral analysis. The AgNPs were further characterized by FTIR, DLS, TEM, and EDX. In vitro stability was evaluated over six months in different dispersion media (ultrapure water; 5% NaCl; and PBS at pH 6, 7, and 8). Biological assessments included antioxidant assays (lipoxygenase inhibition, DPPH radical scavenging, metal chelation, and hydroxyl radical scavenging), photocatalytic dye degradation, and SPF determination. Results: Optimal synthesis was achieved at pH 8, 3 mM AgNO3, extract/AgNO3 ratio of 1:9, 40 °C, and 240 min stirring. The AgNPs were spherical (TEM), well dispersed (PDI = 0.32), and highly stable (zeta potential = −40.71 mV). PBS pH 6 and 7 ensured the best long-term colloidal stability. The AgNPs displayed strong dose-dependent antioxidant activity, with superior lipoxygenase inhibition (EC50 = 18.29 µg/mL) and the effective photocatalytic degradation of dyes under sunlight. Photoprotective properties were confirmed through UV absorption analysis. The AgNPs showed a strong antimitotic effect on wheat root cells. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that A. melanocarpa-mediated AgNPs are stable, biologically active, and suitable for potential biomedical, cosmetic, and environmental applications, reinforcing the relevance of plant-based nanotechnology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bioactive Compounds and Nanotechnology: Sustainable Approaches for Pharmaceutical Applications)
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