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Pharmaceutics
Special Issues
Nanosystems for Advanced Diagnostics and Therapy
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Nanosystems for Advanced Diagnostics and Therapy

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2025) | Viewed by 5637

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Francisco Arriagada

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago 8380494, Chile
Interests: drug delivery; nanomedicine; topical; controlled release
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Javier Morales

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago 8380494, Chile
Interests: animal models; nanotechnology; polymer thin films; buccal administration; chromatography; casting; manufacturing; peptides; dosage forms; nanoparticles; nanomedicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to submit your work to this Special Issue on “Nanosystems for Advanced Diagnostics and Therapy”. By combining nanotechnology with biomedical science, researchers have developed innovative nanosystems that boost diagnostic accuracy and improve treatment effectiveness. This Special Issue will showcase the latest breakthroughs in nanoscale technologies for medical imaging, disease detection, drug delivery, and theranostics.

We welcome original research articles and detailed reviews that explore the design, characterization, and application of nanosystems such as lipid-based nanoparticles, polymeric carriers, inorganic nanostructures, and hybrid platforms. We are particularly interested in systems enabling targeted drug delivery, image-guided therapy, multimodal imaging, or responsive behavior in biological environments.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Development of smart delivery vehicles;
  • Fine-tuning nanosystem properties for enhanced bioavailability or selectivity;
  • Integration of diagnostic and therapeutic functionalities (theranostics);
  • In vitro and in vivo evaluation and translational challenges;
  • Radiolabeling strategies for molecular imaging.

This Special Issue aims to foster innovation at the intersection of pharmaceutical sciences, nanomedicine, and molecular imaging.

Dr. Francisco Arriagada
Dr. Javier Morales
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

  • nanosystems
  • theranostics
  • nanomedicine
  • molecular imaging
  • targeted drug delivery
  • radiolabeled nanoparticles
  • image guided therapy
  • smart nanocarriers
  • nanoradiopharmaceuticals
  • nanotechnology in diagnostics

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

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 2181 KB  
Article
Topical Delivery of CNP-miR146a via a Pluronic Lecithin Organogel Enhances Diabetic Wound Healing
by Bailey D. Lyttle, James Bardill, Alyssa E. Vaughn, Anisha Apte, Alyssa San Agustin, Elayaraja Kolanthai, Sudipta Seal, David M. Jackson, Kenneth W. Liechty and Carlos Zgheib
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(2), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18020248 - 17 Feb 2026
Viewed by 990
Abstract
Background: Diabetes mellitus is common and associated with numerous complications including diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), which affect a third of patients and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. There are limited pharmacologic treatment options available with mixed efficacy. We have developed [...] Read more.
Background: Diabetes mellitus is common and associated with numerous complications including diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), which affect a third of patients and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. There are limited pharmacologic treatment options available with mixed efficacy. We have developed a novel therapeutic targeting inflammation and oxidative stress by conjugating microRNA-146a to cerium oxide nanoparticles to create CNP-miR146a and have found that injectable CNP-miR146a is associated with improved wound healing in a diabetic murine model. We hypothesized that a topical formulation of CNP-miR146a would be associated with equivalent improvements in wound healing. Methods: Release tests of CNP conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate were performed to determine the optimal gel base for sustained release. Diabetic (db/db) mice were cutaneously wounded and treated with topical CNP-miR146a, empty gel, injectable CNP-miR146a, or injectable phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Wound healing over time was compared between groups. Histological samples were collected and analyzed for CD45 and CD31 positivity at multiple timepoints. Results: CNP-miR146a in a topical pluronic lecithin organogel (PLO) base was associated with significantly improved wound healing compared to empty gel or injected PBS and equivalent to injected CNP-miR146a. Treatment with CNP-miR146a was also associated with decreased CD45 positivity and increased CD31 positivity, suggesting decreased inflammation and improved angiogenesis. Conclusions: Topical delivery of CNP-miR46a in a PLO base holds significant promise as a potential therapeutic for DFU and may improve patient compliance due to ease of delivery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanosystems for Advanced Diagnostics and Therapy)
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24 pages, 1982 KB  
Article
Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Containing Norfloxacin and 2-Aminothiophene Derivative Reduces Fluoroquinolone Resistance in Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains by Efflux Pump Inhibition
by Aléxia Gonçalves Dias, Izabele de Souza Araújo, Rodrigo Santos Aquino de Araújo, Malu Maria Lucas dos Reis, Cícera Datiane de Morais Oliveira Tintino, Saulo Relison Tintino, Gildênia Alves de Araújo, Priscilla Augusta de Sousa Fernandes, Henrique Douglas Melo Coutinho, Elquio Eleamen Oliveira and Francisco Jaime Bezerra Mendonça-Junior
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(2), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18020183 - 30 Jan 2026
Viewed by 881
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Multidrug resistance (MDR) remains a critical global public health concern, compromising the efficacy of currently available antibiotics. As the development of new antibiotics offers limited long-term solutions, alternative approaches such as efflux pump inhibition have gained attention. This study reports the development [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Multidrug resistance (MDR) remains a critical global public health concern, compromising the efficacy of currently available antibiotics. As the development of new antibiotics offers limited long-term solutions, alternative approaches such as efflux pump inhibition have gained attention. This study reports the development of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) co-loaded with Norfloxacin (NOR) and the efflux pump inhibitor 2-amino-thiophen-6CN-Ethyl, to modulate NOR activity against resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains overexpressing efflux pump genes. Methods: NLCs were produced via the hot emulsion method followed by sonication. The formulations were characterized for encapsulation efficiency (EE%), particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in vitro release kinetics, and stability. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against S. aureus 1199B and K2068 strains. Results: The NLC formulation containing norfloxacin and 6CN-Ethyl (NLC10NOR + 106CN) demonstrated high EE% for both compounds (99.50% for 6CN-Ethyl and 90.91% for NOR) and physicochemical stability over 60 days (particle size < 255 nm, PDI < 0.3, zeta potential < −20 mV). Structural analyses confirmed amorphization and effective encapsulation of the active constituents. Antibacterial assays showed that NLC10NOR + 106CN significantly increased NOR activity compared to the free drug and physical mixture; the effect in 1199B was notably superior to the NOR + CCCP (carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone) combination. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of NLC-based co-delivery systems as innovative strategies to overcome bacterial resistance, particularly through efflux pump inhibition enhancing antibiotic efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanosystems for Advanced Diagnostics and Therapy)
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Review

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34 pages, 4581 KB  
Review
Nanoradiopharmaceuticals: Design Principles, Radiolabeling Strategies, and Biomedicine Applications
by Andrés Núñez-Salinas, Cristian Parra-Garretón, Daniel Acuña, Sofía Peñaloza, Germán Günther, Soledad Bollo, Francisco Arriagada and Javier Morales
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(7), 912; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17070912 - 14 Jul 2025
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3365
Abstract
Nanoradiopharmaceuticals integrate nanotechnology with nuclear medicine to enhance the precision and effectiveness of radiopharmaceuticals used in diagnostic imaging and targeted therapies. Nanomaterials offer improved targeting capabilities and greater stability, helping to overcome several limitations. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the fundamental [...] Read more.
Nanoradiopharmaceuticals integrate nanotechnology with nuclear medicine to enhance the precision and effectiveness of radiopharmaceuticals used in diagnostic imaging and targeted therapies. Nanomaterials offer improved targeting capabilities and greater stability, helping to overcome several limitations. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the fundamental design principles, radiolabeling techniques, and biomedical applications of nanoradiopharmaceuticals, with a particular focus on their expanding role in precision oncology. It explores key areas, including single- and multi-modal imaging modalities (SPECT, PET), radionuclide therapies involving beta, alpha, and Auger emitters, and integrated theranostic systems. A diverse array of nanocarriers is examined, including liposomes, micelles, albumin nanoparticles, PLGA, dendrimers, and gold, iron oxide, and silica-based platforms, with an assessment of both preclinical and clinical research outcomes. Theranostic nanoplatforms, which integrate diagnostic and therapeutic functions within a single system, enable real-time monitoring and personalized dose optimization. Although some of these systems have progressed to clinical trials, several obstacles remain, including formulation stability, scalable manufacturing, regulatory compliance, and long-term safety considerations. In summary, nanoradiopharmaceuticals represent a promising frontier in personalized medicine, particularly in oncology. By combining diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities within a single nanosystem, they facilitate more individualized and adaptive treatment approaches. Continued innovation in formulation, radiochemistry, and regulatory harmonization will be crucial to their successful routine clinical use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanosystems for Advanced Diagnostics and Therapy)
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