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Pharmaceutics
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Recent Advances in Nanotechnology-Based Approaches for Pharmaceutical Applications, 2nd Edition
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Recent Advances in Nanotechnology-Based Approaches for Pharmaceutical Applications, 2nd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2026 | Viewed by 4803

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ionela Cristina Voinea

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: nanomedicine; biomaterials; toxicology; biological response; tissue engineering; materials characterization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Sorina Nicoleta Petrache Voicu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: nanotoxicology; nanomedicine; proteomics; ceall death; oxidative stress; nanoparticles; gadolinium nanogels; quantum dots; human and murine melanoma animal models
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanotechnology is a highly advantageous and promising tool that encompasses a wide range of applications in the medical field. For decades, pharmaceutical sciences have used nanoparticles to reduce the toxicity and side effects of drugs. In clinical practice, many nanodrugs are used for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Nanoparticles are used in the treatments of kidney diseases, tuberculosis, skin conditions, Alzheimer’s disease and different types of cancer, as well as the preparation of COVID-19 vaccines. Since of engineered nanomaterials have a vast range of chemical compositions, this Special Issue focuses on recent advances in nanomedical applications and new synthesis routes of different types of nanosystems (carbon nanotubes, paramagnetic nanoparticles, dendrimers, nanoemulsions, etc.) designed for pharmaceutics. In this regard, we cordially invite researchers working in relevant fields to submit their innovative contributions on relevant topics. Original research articles and reviews are welcome.

Dr. Ionela Cristina Voinea
Dr. Sorina Nicoleta Petrache Voicu
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-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

  • nanoparticles
  • drug delivery
  • biological barriers
  • pharmaceutical
  • diagnosis
  • therapy
  • efficacy and safety assessment
  • in vitro and in vivo studies

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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28 pages, 7715 KB  
Article
Functional pH-Responsive Nanoparticles for Immune Reprogramming in MSS Colorectal Cancer via ER Stress-Induced Proteostasis Disruption, PD-L1-Targeting miRNA, and TLR7 Activation
by Yu-Li Lo, Hua-Ching Lin, Ching-Yao Li, Bryant Huang, Ching-Ping Yang, Hui-Yen Chuang and Tsui-Fen Chou
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(11), 1503; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17111503 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 685
Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC), particularly the microsatellite-stable (MSS) subtype, remains largely unresponsive to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) due to immune escape, tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) enrichment, and cytokine-driven suppression that sustain a TAM-dominant tumor microenvironment (TME). To overcome these barriers, a pH-responsive solid lipid [...] Read more.
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC), particularly the microsatellite-stable (MSS) subtype, remains largely unresponsive to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) due to immune escape, tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) enrichment, and cytokine-driven suppression that sustain a TAM-dominant tumor microenvironment (TME). To overcome these barriers, a pH-responsive solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) system was engineered to co-deliver CB-5083 (a VCP/p97 inhibitor), miR-142 (a PD-L1-targeting microRNA), and imiquimod (R, a TLR7 agonist) for spatially confined induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and immune reprogramming in MSS CRC. Methods: The SLNs were coated with PEG–PGA for pH-triggered de-shielding and functionalized with PD-L1- and EGFR-binding peptides plus an ER-homing peptide, enabling tumor-selective and subcellular targeting. Results: The nanoplatform displayed acid-triggered PEG–PGA detachment, selective CRC/TAM uptake, and ER localization. CB-mediated VCP inhibition activated IRE1α/XBP1s/LC3II, PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP, and JNK/Beclin signaling, driving apoptosis and autophagy, while miR-142 suppressed PD-L1 expression and epithelial–mesenchymal transition markers. R facilitated dendritic cell maturation and M1 polarization. Combined CB + miR + R/SLN-CSW suppressed IL-17, G-CSF, and CXCL1, increased infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, reduced Tregs and M2-TAMs, and inhibited tumor growth in CT-26 bearing mice. The treatment induced immunogenic cell death, reprogramming the TME into a T cell-permissive state and conferring resistance to tumor rechallenge. Biodistribution analysis confirmed tumor-preferential accumulation with minimal off-target exposure, and biosafety profiling demonstrated low systemic toxicity. Conclusions: This TME-responsive nanoplatform therefore integrates ERS induction, checkpoint modulation, and cytokine suppression to overcome immune exclusion in MSS CRC, representing a clinically translatable strategy for chemo-immunotherapy in immune-refractory tumors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nanotechnology-Based Approaches for Pharmaceutical Applications, 2nd Edition)
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Review

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31 pages, 6911 KB  
Review
Advances in Gold Nanoparticles for the Diagnosis and Management of Alzheimer’s Disease
by Bhagavathi Sundaram Sivamaruthi, Periyanaina Kesika, Natarajan Sisubalan and Chaiyavat Chaiyasut
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(9), 1158; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17091158 - 3 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1741
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) presents a significant challenge in modern healthcare, prompting exploration into novel therapeutic strategies. This review clearly classifies different types of gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) (AuNPs), links them to the gut–brain axis, highlights recent advances, and points out future research needs, [...] Read more.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) presents a significant challenge in modern healthcare, prompting exploration into novel therapeutic strategies. This review clearly classifies different types of gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) (AuNPs), links them to the gut–brain axis, highlights recent advances, and points out future research needs, offering a more updated perspective than earlier reviews. Diverse approaches have emerged from single to hybrid and functionalized AuNPs, including innovative nanotherapeutic agents like Au nanorods-polyethylene glycol-angiopep-2 peptide/D1 peptide and noninvasive dynamic magnetic field-stimulated NPs. AuNPs have been reported for the neuroprotective properties. Clinical applications of AuNPs highlight their promise in diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring. However, challenges persist, notably in overcoming blood–brain barrier limitations and refining drug delivery systems. Furthermore, the incomplete understanding of AD’s physiological and pathological mechanisms hinders therapeutic development. Future research directions should prioritize elucidating these mechanisms and optimizing AuNPs physicochemical properties for therapeutic efficacy. Despite limitations, nanomaterial-based therapies hold promise for revolutionizing AD treatment and addressing other central nervous system disorders. It also emphasizes the importance of further investigation into the potential of AuNPs, envisioning a future where they serve as a cornerstone in advancing neurological healthcare. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nanotechnology-Based Approaches for Pharmaceutical Applications, 2nd Edition)
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45 pages, 4112 KB  
Review
Recent Advances in Nanotechnology-Based Approaches for Ferroptosis Therapy and Imaging Diagnosis in Pancreatic Cancer
by Xiaoyan Yang, Wangping Luo, Yining Wang, Yongzhong Du and Risheng Yu
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(7), 937; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17070937 - 20 Jul 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1796
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal malignant tumor characterized by challenges in early diagnosis and limited therapeutic options, leading to an exceptionally low clinical cure rate. With the advent of novel cancer treatment paradigms, ferroptosis—a form of iron-dependent regulated cell death driven by [...] Read more.
Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal malignant tumor characterized by challenges in early diagnosis and limited therapeutic options, leading to an exceptionally low clinical cure rate. With the advent of novel cancer treatment paradigms, ferroptosis—a form of iron-dependent regulated cell death driven by lipid peroxidation—has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy, particularly for tumors harboring RAS mutations. However, the poor bioavailability and insufficient tumor-targeting capabilities of conventional drugs constrain the efficacy of ferroptosis-based therapies. Recent advancements in nanotechnology and imaging-guided treatments offer transformative solutions through targeted drug delivery, real-time monitoring of treatment efficacy, and multimodal synergistic strategies. This article aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer and to summarize the latest identified therapeutic targets for ferroptosis in this context. Furthermore, it reviews the recent progress in nanotechnology-based ferroptosis therapy for pancreatic cancer, encompassing ferroptosis monotherapy, synergistic ferroptosis therapy, and endogenous ferroptosis therapy. Subsequently, the integration of imaging-guided nanotechnology in ferroptosis therapy is summarized. Finally, this paper discusses innovative strategies, such as stroma-targeted ferroptosis therapy, immune-ferroptosis synergy, and AI-driven nanomedicine development, offering new insights and directions for future research in pancreatic cancer treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nanotechnology-Based Approaches for Pharmaceutical Applications, 2nd Edition)
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