Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
12.5
6.9
Journals
Pharmaceutics
Special Issues
Advances in Natural Product-Based Drug Delivery Systems
share announcement

Advances in Natural Product-Based Drug Delivery Systems

A special issue of Pharmaceutics (ISSN 1999-4923). This special issue belongs to the section "Drug Delivery and Controlled Release".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2027 | Viewed by 1815

Editors

Dr. Cátia Domingues

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Galenic and Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
2. LAQV-REQUIMTE, Galenic and Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
3. Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: nanomedicine; nanotoxicology; nutraceuticals; oncobiology; toxicology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Ana Figueiras

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
REQUIMTE/LAQV, Drug Development and Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: polymeric micelles; micelleplexes; controlled release; gene therapy; cancer; nanotechnology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Ivana Jarak

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Drug Development and Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: nanomedicine; polymer micelles; cancer therapy; gene delivery; NMR spectroscopy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Natural products continue to inspire innovative therapeutic strategies, yet their clinical translation is often limited by poor solubility, stability and bioavailability. Recent advances in drug delivery technologies have opened up new pathways to overcome these challenges, enabling the effective use of naturally derived molecules in modern medicine. This Special Issue, Advances in Natural Product-Based Drug Delivery Systems, highlights cutting-edge research and emerging trends at the interface of natural product chemistry, nanotechnology, and pharmaceutical engineering. Topics include nanocarriers, polymeric and lipid-based systems, biomimetic delivery vehicles, stimuli-responsive platforms and novel formulation strategies designed to enhance the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of bioactive compounds. Contributions also explore sustainable sourcing, green synthesis and the integration of computational modeling to optimize delivery performance. By bringing together interdisciplinary studies and perspectives, this collection aims to showcase how natural product-based delivery systems can accelerate drug discovery and improve therapeutic outcomes across diverse disease areas. The Special Issue serves as a forum for researchers, clinicians and industry professionals to share breakthroughs that bridge traditional natural medicine with next-generation delivery science.

Dr. Cátia Domingues
Dr. Ana Figueiras
Dr. Ivana Jarak
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. 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 products
  • drug delivery systems
  • nanotechnology
  • bioavailability enhancement
  • therapeutic innovation

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (2 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

20 pages, 6880 KB  
Article
Development and Characterization of a Nanophyton iliense-Based Gel for Topical Application
by Lashyn N. Kiyekbayeva, Serzhan E. Mombekov, Moldir K. Kudaibergenova, Nursulu Z. Akhtayeva, Assem T. Mamurova, Ayala S. Mukhametzhan, Yelzhas Nurlykhan, Rizvangul B. Ayupova, Galiya S. Ibadullayeva, Yelena V. Sitdikova and Gulnaz N. Musina
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(6), 710; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18060710 - 9 Jun 2026
Viewed by 295
Abstract
Background: Nanophyton iliense U.P. Pratov is a Central Asian halophytic plant whose phytochemical composition and suitability for pharmaceutical formulation remain insufficiently explored. This study evaluated the chemical profile, antioxidant activity, preliminary safety, and gel-forming potential of a hydroethanolic extract of N. iliense [...] Read more.
Background: Nanophyton iliense U.P. Pratov is a Central Asian halophytic plant whose phytochemical composition and suitability for pharmaceutical formulation remain insufficiently explored. This study evaluated the chemical profile, antioxidant activity, preliminary safety, and gel-forming potential of a hydroethanolic extract of N. iliense for topical application. Methods: The extract was characterized by GC–MS and HPLC. Total polyphenol content was determined, antioxidant activity was assessed using FRAP and DPPH assays, and preliminary cytotoxicity was evaluated using the Artemia salina lethality assay. Results: GC–MS and HPLC analyses showed that the extract contained both lipophilic constituents, including terpenoid and phytosterol-related compounds, and phenolic compounds such as catechin, epicatechin, and naringin. The total polyphenol content reached 485.05 mg GAE/L, exceeding the values obtained for the other plant extracts analyzed under the same conditions. The extract showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activity in both FRAP and DPPH assays. In the DPPH assay, radical scavenging activity increased up to 90.06% at 1.0 mg/mL, while FRAP results confirmed a strong reducing capacity. In the Artemia salina assay, no cytotoxic effect was observed at the tested concentrations. To assess pharmaceutical applicability, five gel formulations were prepared and compared. Gel No. 4, containing N. iliense extract, Lecigel, glycerin, Tween 80, benzyl alcohol, and purified water, showed the most suitable organoleptic and technological characteristics, including homogeneity, good spreadability, and absence of greasy residue. Conclusions: The obtained results indicate that N. iliense extract can be incorporated into a semi-solid formulation, while the extract itself demonstrates relevant in vitro antioxidant properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Natural Product-Based Drug Delivery Systems)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

39 pages, 8602 KB  
Article
Tailoring Syringic Acid–Trimesic Acid Mixed-Linker MIL-100(Fe): Evaluation of Drug-Loading Capacity, Bioavailability, and Toxicity
by Joshua H. Santos, Hannah Jean Victoriano, Mary Sepulveda, Hung-En Liu, Shierrie Mae N. Valencia, Rikkamae Zinca Marie L. Walde, Emelda A. Ongo and Chia-Her Lin
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(3), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18030309 - 28 Feb 2026
Viewed by 882
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The use of the drug delivery system is notable for the systemic improvement of low orally bioavailable compounds, such as the bioactive phenolic acid, syringic acid. Innovative techniques are employed to enhance the performance of certain drug delivery systems. In connection with [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The use of the drug delivery system is notable for the systemic improvement of low orally bioavailable compounds, such as the bioactive phenolic acid, syringic acid. Innovative techniques are employed to enhance the performance of certain drug delivery systems. In connection with our previously reported journal with the use of MIL-100(Fe) as a drug carrier for syringic acid, this study utilized a mixed-linker synthesis of syringic acid and trimesic acid and characterized the properties in comparison with the unmodified MIL-100(Fe) through a solid solution approach. Methods: Modified MIL-100(Fe) was synthesized by substituting different molar concentrations of syringic acid for trimesic acid through de novo synthesis. Simple impregnation of syringic acid was carried out at 12, 24, 36, and 48 h and at 1:1 and 1:2 molar ratios of MIL-100(Fe) to syringic acid. Characterization was performed via PXRD, FTIR, BET, SEM, and DLS. In vivo studies included acute oral toxicity testing (OECD 425) and bioavailability assessment in Sprague Dawley rats. Results: The optimized amount of syringic acid to be substituted for trimesic acid is 0.10 mmol, as confirmed by the value of the PXRD. Optimized drug loading of 66.85 ± 0.004% was achieved using a 1:2 ratio of syringic acid to MIL-100(Fe)-10% over 36 h. Structural modifications were confirmed via FTIR, specifically through shifts at 1239.2 cm−1, while TGA demonstrated thermal stability up to approximately 350 °C. Morphological analysis by SEM showed octahedral particles (210.70 ± 1.23 nm), and a decrease in BET surface area post-loading verified successful encapsulation. While in vitro release was media-dependent, toxicity studies at 2000 mg/kg showed no adverse effects; notably, SGOT and SGPT levels decreased, though BUN and creatinine levels rose. Compared to pure oral syringic acid, the SYA@MIL-100(Fe)-10% formulation demonstrated a 5.09-fold increase in relative bioavailability. Furthermore, it outperformed intraperitoneal administration of the drug by 1.65-fold. Conclusions: Modification of MIL-100(Fe) by incorporating syringic acid into the framework as a substituted organic linker indicates that SYA@MIL-100(Fe)-10% is a safe and effective delivery system for syringic acid, enhancing oral bioavailability. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the mixed-linker synthesis of MIL-100(Fe) by utilizing syringic acid as a structural co-ligand, rather than solely as an encapsulated guest. While MIL-100(Fe) has been extensively employed as a carrier for various therapeutics, this research uniquely integrates the active agent into the framework lattice itself to modulate porosity and loading capacity, subsequently evaluating its systemic performance in an in vivo model. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Natural Product-Based Drug Delivery Systems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-2
Back to TopTop