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Pharmaceutics
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From Nature to Pharmacy: Advances in Bio-Based Pharmaceutical Formulations
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From Nature to Pharmacy: Advances in Bio-Based Pharmaceutical Formulations

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026 | Viewed by 5317

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Marta Szekalska

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15222 Białystok, Poland
Interests: spray drying; alginates; natural polymers; microparticles; drug dosage formulations
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Lauryna Pudžiuvelytė

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Drug Technology and Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu pr. 13, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
Interests: natural ingredients; pharmaceutical forms; microencapsulation; 3D printing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, "From Nature to Pharmacy: Advances in Bio-Based Pharmaceutical Formulations" focuses on the latest progress in the development and optimization of pharmaceutical systems derived from natural sources. Natural products—including plant extracts, marine compounds, microbial metabolites, and mineral substances—continue to play a crucial role in drug discovery and formulation science.

We invite contributions that explore innovative formulation techniques, novel delivery platforms, improvements in solubility and bioavailability, stability enhancements, and targeted delivery of natural bioactives. Research addressing regulatory aspects, safety evaluation, and quality control of natural product-based formulations is also welcome.

This Special Issue aims to bring together interdisciplinary studies that connect traditional knowledge with modern pharmaceutical technologies, contributing to safer, more effective, and scientifically validated natural therapies.

Natural products have long been a vital source of bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical development. In recent years, advances in extraction technologies, drug delivery systems, and nanotechnology have significantly enhanced the efficacy, stability, and bioavailability of natural product-based formulations. This Special Issue’s goal is to showcase the latest research on innovative pharmaceutical formulations derived from natural sources, including plant-based, marine, microbial, and mineral compounds. We welcome original studies and reviews on formulation strategies, pharmacokinetics, quality control, and therapeutic applications of these agents. Emphasis is placed on novel delivery systems such as nanoparticles, liposomes, hydrogels, 3D printing, and other biocompatible carriers that enhance the performance of natural products. By gathering multidisciplinary contributions, this issue seeks to highlight cutting-edge approaches that bridge traditional medicine and modern pharmaceutical sciences.

Dr. Marta Szekalska
Dr. Lauryna Pudžiuvelytė
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

  • natural products
  • drug delivery systems
  • bioactive ingredients
  • nanotechnology
  • bioavailability
  • pharmaceutical formulations
  • plant-derived compounds
  • biocompatible carriers

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

47 pages, 15765 KB  
Article
Harnessing Dual Power: Genistein-Loaded Pumpkisomes in Pullulan Microneedles for Potent Antioxidant and Anticancer Therapy Against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma and Breast Cancer Cells
by Sammar Fathy Elhabal, Mai S. Shoela, Mohamed Fathi Mohamed Elrefai, Fatma E. Hassan, Suzan Awad AbdelGhany Morsy, Wedian Younis Abdelgawad, Sahar K. Ali, Passant M. Mohie, Amal M. Elsharkawy, Tassneim M. Ewedah, Ibrahim S. Mousa, Marwa A. Fouad, Shady Allam and Ahmed Mohsen Elsaid Hamdan
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18010036 - 26 Dec 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1107
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality. Still, limited drug delivery systems for genistein, a powerful natural anticancer agent, draw significant attention. We aimed to develop a co-therapeutic/synergistic dual-compartment system; genistein-loaded pumpkisome nanovesicles (GNS-PKs) incorporated into pullulan microneedle [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality. Still, limited drug delivery systems for genistein, a powerful natural anticancer agent, draw significant attention. We aimed to develop a co-therapeutic/synergistic dual-compartment system; genistein-loaded pumpkisome nanovesicles (GNS-PKs) incorporated into pullulan microneedle patches (MNs), and to explore its anticancer activity. Methods: GNS-PKs were prepared and characterized for particle size (P.S), polydispersity (PDI), zeta potential (Z.P), encapsulation efficiency (E.E%), and stability. Afterward, they were embedded in pullulan-dissolving microneedle arrays and characterized for release kinetics, mechanical strength, and in vitro cytotoxicity. The in vivo efficacy was evaluated in mice with solid Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC), focusing on tumor volume, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, Epidermal Growth Factor (EGFR) expression biomarkers, and histopathological analysis. Results: The optimized nanovesicles had a particle size of 170 nm, a zeta potential of −42 mV, and an entrapment efficiency of up to 92%. Pullulan microneedles demonstrated significantly high mechanical strength and effective deep penetration. In addition to, it markedly decreased MCF-7 cellular viability (IC50 = 3.5 µg/mL). Besides, it had a 76% reduction in tumor volume, significantly increased the antioxidant activity (SOD, CAT, GSH), decreased the levels of inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6, COX-2, NF-κB), and markedly downregulated the EGFR expression (p < 0.0001). Histological study revealed decreased mitotic activity and large tumor cells, with minimal systemic damage. Conclusions: GNS-PKs-pullulan microneedle system offers a hope for an innovative, potent, effective, and non-invasive strategy for breast cancer treatment with high antitumor efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Nature to Pharmacy: Advances in Bio-Based Pharmaceutical Formulations)
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16 pages, 2736 KB  
Article
Curcumin and Resveratrol vs. Ferrocene-Modified Polyphenols: Role in Enhancing Protective Properties in Human Keratinocytes
by Marina Miletić, Veronika Kovač, Lidija Barišić, Alen Supičić, Bruno Doskočil, Irena Landeka Jurčević, Jelka Pleadin, Branimir Šimić, Ivana Kmetič and Teuta Murati
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(12), 1511; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17121511 - 22 Nov 2025
Viewed by 877
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Resveratrol (RSV) and curcumin (CRC) have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, photoprotective, and cell-repairing properties. We selected them to investigate the potential role involved in human keratinocyte protection. Additionally, we tried to overcome the limitations of their application due to poor pharmacokinetics by introducing [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Resveratrol (RSV) and curcumin (CRC) have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, photoprotective, and cell-repairing properties. We selected them to investigate the potential role involved in human keratinocyte protection. Additionally, we tried to overcome the limitations of their application due to poor pharmacokinetics by introducing ferrocene into their structure. Methods: The multiple cellular endpoints—viability (determined by MTT and Trypan Blue method), ROS (reactive oxygen species) formation (evaluated by fluorescence intensity measurement), apoptosis and autophagy (assessed using flow cytometry) of trans-3,5,4′-tri(4-ferrocenylbutanoyloxy)-stilbene (RF) and (E)-5-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-ferrocenylpent-4-ene-1,3-dione (CF), as well as of RSV and CRC, were evaluated in the HaCaT cell line. Results: RF and CF showed significantly lower antiproliferative activity, and cell survival was markedly pronounced compared to RSV or CRC-treated cells. CRC exerted the highest cytotoxicity, and cell viability was almost completely impaired at >50 µM. All compounds showed a beneficial effect on the reduction of ROS induced by tBHP (tert-butyl hydroperoxide), while in UV (ultraviolet) experiments, results were inconclusive (variable depending on dose). CRC and CF had the most prominent antioxidant capacity. Cytofluorimetry showed that CRC has a diverse range of targets in HaCaT cells, including cell proliferation arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy induction. RF at the lowest dose (5 µM) slightly induced autophagy, while treatment with CF even led to a decrease in the autophagy induction ratio. Conclusions: Based on the results, introducing ferrocene into natural compounds is an appropriate approach to protect skin cells, considering the low cytotoxicity of ferrocene-modified polyphenols and their retained antioxidant ability. However, caution should be exercised with CRC at ≥20 µM as it significantly impairs cell viability and induces cell death. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Nature to Pharmacy: Advances in Bio-Based Pharmaceutical Formulations)
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24 pages, 4100 KB  
Article
Comparative In Vitro Evaluation of Buccal Films, Microcapsules, and Liposomal Systems for Naringin and Citrus × paradisi L. Peel Extract: Effects of Encapsulation Strategy and Compound Origin on Release Profiles
by Jolita Stabrauskiene, Mindaugas Marksa and Jurga Bernatoniene
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(10), 1311; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17101311 - 9 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1123
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Citrus × paradisi Macfad., Rutaceae. peel is a rich source of naringin (NR), but its poor solubility and low bioavailability limit applications. This study aimed to improve NR delivery by comparing microencapsulation, liposomal microencapsulation, and buccal films containing either pure NR [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Citrus × paradisi Macfad., Rutaceae. peel is a rich source of naringin (NR), but its poor solubility and low bioavailability limit applications. This study aimed to improve NR delivery by comparing microencapsulation, liposomal microencapsulation, and buccal films containing either pure NR or grapefruit peel extract. Methods: Four spray-dried powder formulations—spray-dried NR (NS), liposomal NR (NLS), spray-dried extract (ES), and liposomal extract (ELS)—were produced using maltodextrin, β-cyclodextrin, and HPMC as wall materials. Buccal films (EP1, EP2, NP1, NP2) were prepared via solvent casting with HPMC, alginate (ALG), or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). All samples were evaluated for solubility, moisture content, mucoadhesion, and in vitro release under simulated gastric, intestinal, and salivary conditions. Results: NR powders had the highest absolute solubility (306.42 ± 10.34 µg/mL), whereas ELS showed the lowest due to low loading. However, relative to theoretical NR content, ELS achieved the highest dissolution efficiency (55.3%), followed by NLS (42.7%), outperforming NS (5.6%) and ES (91.8%) in sustained release potential. Dual encapsulation (NLS, ELS) slowed gastric release and maintained intestinal delivery, while non-liposomal powders released rapidly. In buccal films, NP2 (NR + PVA) showed the highest release (69.97 ± 3.01 µg/mL; 40.9% efficiency) and strongest mucoadhesion (0.47 N·s). Extract-based films had lower absolute NR release but higher relative efficiency to content, likely due to co-extracted compounds enhancing wettability and matrix erosion. Conclusions: Liposomal microencapsulation improves relative dissolution efficiency and sustains intestinal release, while PVA-based buccal films enhance both release and mucoadhesion. Polymer choice and active ingredient composition are critical for optimising oral delivery of NR. These results demonstrate the potential of the proposed systems in the pharmaceutical or dietary supplement field, especially in improving the oral delivery of poorly soluble flavonoids. A graphical summary is included, visually summarising the main formulation strategies and results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Nature to Pharmacy: Advances in Bio-Based Pharmaceutical Formulations)
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31 pages, 6995 KB  
Article
Dual-Cross-Linked Alginate Hydrogels as a Strategy to Improve the Antifungal Properties of Posaconazole
by Katarzyna Sosnowska, Marta Szekalska, Ewelina Piktel, Robert Bucki, Eliza Wolska, Iwona Misztalewska-Turkowicz, Karolina Halina Markiewicz, Agnieszka Zofia Wilczewska and Katarzyna Winnicka
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(8), 1055; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17081055 - 14 Aug 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1517
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Despite the continuous development of medicine, the treatment of dermatological fungal infections is difficult due to their chronic nature, recurrence, and resistance of some pathogens to standard therapies. In order to improve the effectiveness of treatment, not only are new active [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Despite the continuous development of medicine, the treatment of dermatological fungal infections is difficult due to their chronic nature, recurrence, and resistance of some pathogens to standard therapies. In order to improve the effectiveness of treatment, not only are new active substances with antifungal activity synthesized, but new, unconventional carriers are also developed for substances already used. Methods: Therefore, the focus of this research was to evaluate the possibility of using a combination of two cross-linking techniques for sodium alginate ionic cross-linking with Zn2+ ions and electrostatic interaction with ε-poly-L-lysine. The pharmaceutical properties, antifungal activity against Candida strains, and compatibility with human fibroblasts of the designed hydrogels were assessed. Results: It was shown that the double cross-linking process increased the viscosity of the developed hydrogels, improved bioadhesive properties to hairless mice skin, and provided an extended release profile of the active substance. In addition, obtained formulations were characterized by improved antifungal effect against C. albicans, C. krusei, and C. parapsilosis. Prepared hydrogels expressed biocompatibility with human fibroblasts. Conclusions: Dual-cross-linked alginate hydrogels are a promising dermatological formulation that might improve the efficacy of posaconazole in the treatment of antifungal infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Nature to Pharmacy: Advances in Bio-Based Pharmaceutical Formulations)
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