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Pharmaceutics
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Biomedical Applications: Advances in Bioengineering and Drug Delivery
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Biomedical Applications: Advances in Bioengineering and Drug Delivery

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 11905

Special Issue Editors

Dr. María Carolina Otero

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 8320000, Chile
Interests: intracellular nanoparticle trafficking; biological properties of natural and synthetic compounds; immunomodulation by biomaterials
Dr. Yusser Olguín

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Departamento de Química y Medio Ambiente, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Valparaíso 2390123, Chile
Interests: nanoformulations; nerve tissue engineering; biomaterials; organ on a chip

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, significant progress has been made developing bioengineering and intelligent drug delivery systems. In the area of bioengineering, there have been outstanding advances in biological therapy with proteins and antibodies, the development of new materials for tissue engineering, and the generation of biosensing systems. In parallel, as well as advances in bioengineering, drug delivery, and delivery systems have been successfully researched and developed with the idea of improving efficiency and, thus, reducing adverse drug effects.

These areas of development include various scientific aspects that must be addressed to understand the processes involved and the development of efficient systems. In this context, the study of physical and chemical interactions between the components of biological systems and the relationships between biochemical mechanisms and the physiological implications of the processes studied have significantly impacted the success of new proposals.

This Special Issue brings together new results of research related to the different aspects of bioengineering development, focusing on the investigation of therapeutic alternatives in addition to allowing the incorporation of reviews and short communications that offer readers a broad vision of the capabilities these developing technologies have.

Dr. María Carolina Otero
Dr. Yusser Olguín
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

  • biomedicine
  • tissue engineering
  • biomaterials
  • drug carrier
  • biological therapy

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

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 1541 KiB  
Article
Stability and Efficacy of Mucoadhesive Eye Drops Containing Olopatadine HCl: Physicochemical, Functional, and Preclinical In Vivo Assessment
by Anđelka Račić, Veljko Krstonošić, Ana Micov, Uroš Pecikoza, Vladimir Dobričić, Erna Turković and Danina Krajišnik
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(4), 517; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17040517 - 15 Apr 2025
Viewed by 505
Abstract
Background: The incorporation of polymers into drug delivery vehicles has been shown to be an effective strategy to prolong the residence time of active ingredients in the precorneal tear film and to increase ocular bioavailability. Objectives: The aim of this study was to [...] Read more.
Background: The incorporation of polymers into drug delivery vehicles has been shown to be an effective strategy to prolong the residence time of active ingredients in the precorneal tear film and to increase ocular bioavailability. Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop novel, viscous eye drops containing olopatadine (OCH) as the active ingredient, polysaccharides hydroxypropyl guar gum (HPG), and sodium hyaluronate (SH), individually, and in combination as functional polymers. Methods: Viscous eye drops containing 0.1% OCH in combination with HPG (0.25%) and SH (0.4%), were prepared and evaluated for their physicochemical properties, rheological behavior, mucoadhesion, and preliminary stability. A novel rheological method was used to evaluate the resistance of the eye drops under simulated blinking conditions. In vivo efficacy was evaluated using an ocular itch test in mice to compare the formulations with a commercial product. Results: The formulations remained stable and transparent, with physicochemical parameters within acceptable ranges. Rheological studies confirmed pseudoplastic flow, with the HPG-SH combination exhibiting enhanced viscosity and shear-thinning properties for prolonged retention in the eye. Mucoadhesion was highest in SH-HPG formulations. During simulated blinking cycles, eye drops containing a combination of SH and HPG polymers fully regained their initial viscosity during the resting periods. Preliminary stability studies indicate that the formulated eye drops exhibit satisfactory physicochemical stability under various storage conditions. In vivo, OCH-SH and OCH-HPG-SH drops provided prolonged antipruritic and analgesic effects compared to the reference product. Conclusions: Polysaccharide-based innovative formulations improve OCH retention, enhancing therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications: Advances in Bioengineering and Drug Delivery)
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11 pages, 1923 KiB  
Article
Application of Gold Nanoparticles for Improvement of Electroporation-Assisted Drug Delivery and Bleomycin Electrochemotherapy
by Barbora Lekešytė, Eglė Mickevičiūtė, Paulina Malakauskaitė, Anna Szewczyk, Eivina Radzevičiūtė-Valčiukė, Veronika Malyško-Ptašinskė, Augustinas Želvys, Natalija German, Almira Ramanavičienė, Julita Kulbacka, Jurij Novickij and Vitalij Novickij
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(10), 1278; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16101278 - 30 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1569
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a safe and efficient method of targeted drug delivery using pulsed electric fields (PEF), one that is based on the phenomenon of electroporation. However, the problems of electric field homogeneity within a tumor can cause a diminishing of the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a safe and efficient method of targeted drug delivery using pulsed electric fields (PEF), one that is based on the phenomenon of electroporation. However, the problems of electric field homogeneity within a tumor can cause a diminishing of the treatment efficacy, resulting only in partial response to the procedure. This work used gold nano-particles for electric field amplification, introducing the capability to improve available elec-trochemotherapy methods and solve problems associated with field non-homogeneity. Methods: We characterized the potential use of gold nanoparticles of 13 nm diameter (AuNPs: 13 nm) in combination with microsecond (0.6–1.5 kV/cm × 100 μs × 8 (1 Hz)) and nanosecond (6 kV/cm × 300–700 ns × 100 (1, 10, 100 kHz and 1 MHz)) electric field pulses. Finally, we tested the most prominent protocols (microsecond and nanosecond) in the context of bleomycin-based electrochemotherapy (4T1 mammary cancer cell line). Results: In the nano-pulse range, the synergistic effects (improved permeabilization and electrotransfer) were profound, with increased pulse burst frequency. Addi-tionally, AuNPs not only reduced the permeabilization thresholds but also affected pore resealing. It was shown that a saturated cytotoxic response with AuNPs can be triggered at significantly lower electric fields and that the AuNPs themselves are non-toxic for the cells either separately or in combination with bleomycin. Conclusions: The used electric fields are considered sub-threshold and/or not applicable for electrochemotherapy, however, when combined with AuNPs results in successful ECT, indicating the methodology’s prospective applicability as an anticancer treatment method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications: Advances in Bioengineering and Drug Delivery)
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15 pages, 5825 KiB  
Article
Effect of Electrical Stimulation on PC12 Cells Cultured in Different Hydrogels: Basis for the Development of Biomaterials in Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering
by Yusser Olguín, Mónica Selva, Diego Benavente, Nicole Orellana, Ivan Montenegro, Alejandro Madrid, Diego Jaramillo-Pinto, María Carolina Otero, Tomas P. Corrales and Cristian A. Acevedo
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(12), 2760; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15122760 - 12 Dec 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1926
Abstract
Extensive damage to peripheral nerves is a health problem with few therapeutic alternatives. In this context, the development of tissue engineering seeks to obtain materials that can help recreate environments conducive to cellular development and functional repair of peripheral nerves. Different hydrogels have [...] Read more.
Extensive damage to peripheral nerves is a health problem with few therapeutic alternatives. In this context, the development of tissue engineering seeks to obtain materials that can help recreate environments conducive to cellular development and functional repair of peripheral nerves. Different hydrogels have been studied and presented as alternatives for future treatments to emulate the morphological characteristics of nerves. Along with this, other research proposes the need to incorporate electrical stimuli into treatments as agents that promote cell growth and differentiation; however, no precedent correlates the simultaneous effects of the types of hydrogel and electrical stimuli. This research evaluates the neural differentiation of PC12 cells, relating the effect of collagen, alginate, GelMA, and PEGDA hydrogels with electrical stimulation modulated in four different ways. Our results show significant correlations for different cultivation conditions. Electrical stimuli significantly increase neural differentiation for specific experimental conditions dependent on electrical frequency, not voltage. These backgrounds allow new material treatment schemes to be formulated through electrical stimulation in peripheral nerve tissue engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications: Advances in Bioengineering and Drug Delivery)
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Review

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28 pages, 2296 KiB  
Review
Local Drug Delivery Systems as Novel Approach for Controlling NETosis in Periodontitis
by Adina Bianca Boșca, Elena Dinte, Carmen Mihaela Mihu, Alina Elena Pârvu, Carmen Stanca Melincovici, Alina Simona Șovrea, Mariana Mărginean, Anne-Marie Constantin, Anida-Maria Băbțan, Alexandrina Muntean and Aranka Ilea
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(9), 1175; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16091175 - 6 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1760
Abstract
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation caused by periodontopathogenic bacteria in the dental biofilm, and also involves the inflammatory-immune response of the host. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) play essential roles in bacterial clearance by multiple mechanisms, including the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that [...] Read more.
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation caused by periodontopathogenic bacteria in the dental biofilm, and also involves the inflammatory-immune response of the host. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) play essential roles in bacterial clearance by multiple mechanisms, including the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that retain and destroy pathogens. During PD progression, the interaction between PMNs, NETs, and bacteria leads to an exaggerated immune response and a prolonged inflammatory state. As a lesion matures, PMNs accumulate in the periodontal tissues and die via NETosis, ultimately resulting in tissue injury. A better understanding of the role of NETs, the associated molecules, and the pathogenic pathways of NET formation in periodontitis, could provide markers of NETosis as reliable diagnostic and prognostic tools. Moreover, an assessment of NET biomarker levels in biofluids, particularly in saliva or gingival crevicular fluid, could be useful for monitoring periodontitis progression and treatment efficacy. Preventing excessive NET accumulation in periodontal tissues, by both controlling NETs’ formation and their appropriate removal, could be a key for further development of more efficient therapeutic approaches. In periodontal therapy, local drug delivery (LDD) systems are more targeted, enhancing the bioavailability of active pharmacological agents in the periodontal pocket and surrounding tissues for prolonged time to ensure an optimal therapeutic outcome. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications: Advances in Bioengineering and Drug Delivery)
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30 pages, 1407 KiB  
Review
Enhancement of Orthodontic Tooth Movement by Local Administration of Biofunctional Molecules: A Comprehensive Systematic Review
by Cristina Dora Ciobotaru, Dana Feștilă, Elena Dinte, Alexandrina Muntean, Bianca Adina Boșca, Anca Ionel and Aranka Ilea
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(8), 984; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16080984 - 25 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1957
Abstract
Enhancement of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) through local administration of biofunctional molecules has become increasingly significant, particularly for adult patients seeking esthetic and functional improvements. This comprehensive systematic review analyzes the efficacy of various biofunctional molecules in modulating OTM, focusing on the method [...] Read more.
Enhancement of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) through local administration of biofunctional molecules has become increasingly significant, particularly for adult patients seeking esthetic and functional improvements. This comprehensive systematic review analyzes the efficacy of various biofunctional molecules in modulating OTM, focusing on the method of administration and its feasibility, especially considering the potential for topical application. A search across multiple databases yielded 36 original articles of experimental human and animal OTM models, which examined biofunctional molecules capable of interfering with the biochemical reactions that cause tooth movement during orthodontic therapy, accelerating the OTM rate through their influence on bone metabolism (Calcitriol, Prostaglandins, Recombinant human Relaxin, RANKL and RANKL expression plasmid, growth factors, PTH, osteocalcin, vitamin C and E, biocompatible reduced graphene oxide, exogenous thyroxine, sclerostin protein, a specific EP4 agonist (ONO-AE1-329), carrageenan, and herbal extracts). The results indicated a variable efficacy in accelerating OTM, with Calcitriol, Prostaglandins (PGE1 and PGE2), RANKL, growth factors, and PTH, among others, showing promising outcomes. PGE1, PGE2, and Calcitriol experiments had statistically significant outcomes in both human and animal studies and, while other molecules underwent only animal testing, they could be validated in the future for human use. Notably, only one of the animal studies explored topical administration, which also suggests a future research direction. This review concluded that while certain biofunctional molecules demonstrated potential for OTM enhancement, the evidence is not definitive. The development of suitable topical formulations for human use could offer a patient-friendly alternative to injections, emphasizing comfort and cost-effectiveness. Future research should focus on overcoming current methodological limitations and advancing translational research to confirm these biomolecules’ efficacy and safety in clinical orthodontic practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications: Advances in Bioengineering and Drug Delivery)
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Other

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19 pages, 1059 KiB  
Systematic Review
Biological Properties and Medical Applications of Carbonate Apatite: A Systematic Review
by Ralitsa Yotsova and Stefan Peev
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(2), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16020291 - 18 Feb 2024
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3264
Abstract
Bone defects represent an everyday challenge for clinicians who work in the fields of orthopedic surgery, maxillofacial and oral surgery, otorhinolaryngology, and dental implantology. Various bone substitutes have been developed and utilized, according to the needs of bone reconstructive surgery. Carbonate apatite has [...] Read more.
Bone defects represent an everyday challenge for clinicians who work in the fields of orthopedic surgery, maxillofacial and oral surgery, otorhinolaryngology, and dental implantology. Various bone substitutes have been developed and utilized, according to the needs of bone reconstructive surgery. Carbonate apatite has gained popularity in recent years, due to its excellent tissue behavior and osteoconductive potential. This systematic review aims to evaluate the role of carbonate apatite in bone reconstructive surgery and tissue engineering, analyze its advantages and limitations, and suggest further directions for research and development. The Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus electronic databases were searched for relevant review articles, published from January 2014 to 21 July 2023. The study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Eighteen studies were included in the present review. The biological properties and medical applications of carbonate apatite (CO3Ap) are discussed and evaluated. The majority of articles demonstrated that CO3Ap has excellent biocompatibility, resorbability, and osteoconductivity. Furthermore, it resembles bone tissue and causes minimal immunological reactions. Therefore, it may be successfully utilized in various medical applications, such as bone substitution, scaffolding, implant coating, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications: Advances in Bioengineering and Drug Delivery)
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