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Pharmaceutics
Special Issues
Smart Materials for Advanced Drug Delivery Systems and Pharmaceutical Applications
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Smart Materials for Advanced Drug Delivery Systems and Pharmaceutical Applications

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 January 2026 | Viewed by 2927

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Milena A. Vega

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Departamento de Ingeniería Química y Textil, Universidad de Salamanca, Pl/La Merced s/n, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
Interests: nanomedicine; nanotechnology; nanomaterials; targeted drug delivery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce the publication of a Special Issue titled “Smart Materials for Advanced Drug Delivery Systems and Pharmaceutical Applications”, which is dedicated to exploring the latest advances in the design and application of smart materials within the pharmaceutical industry.

The objective of this Special Issue is to bring together cutting-edge research that demonstrates how responsive materials, such as hydrogels, functionalized nanoparticles, and polymeric systems, are revolutionizing drug delivery by enabling controlled, targeted, and personalized drug release. These advancements allow researchers to propose innovative strategies that enhance therapeutic efficacy, minimize side effects, and better tailor treatments to clinical needs.

We invite researchers to submit their work on materials that are sensitive to pH, temperature, and other biological stimuli, as well as practical applications in cancer treatment, inflammatory diseases, vaccine delivery, and other relevant areas.

Dr. Milena A. Vega
Guest Editor

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

  • smart materials
  • drug delivery systems
  • pharmaceutical applications
  • responsive materials
  • hydrogels
  • functionalized nanoparticles
  • targeted drug release
  • biological stimuli

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

24 pages, 2434 KB  
Article
Therapeutic Approach Based on Nanotechnology with Chitosan-Coated Zein Nanoparticles Containing Quercetin Against Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates
by Azael Francisco Silva-Neto, Maria Anndressa Alves Agreles, Ana Alice Venancio Correia, Hanne Lazla Rafael de Queiroz Macêdo, Alane Rafaela de Carvalho Amaral, Alexsandra Maria Lima Scavuzzi, João Victor de Oliveira Alves, Ana Catarina Souza Lopes, Márcia Vanusa da Silva, Maria Tereza dos Santos Correia, Isabella Macário Ferro Cavalcanti and Luís André de Almeida Campos
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(9), 1227; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17091227 - 22 Sep 2025
Viewed by 327
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The study developed, characterized, and evaluated the toxicity, antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of quercetin encapsulated in chitosan-coated zein nanoparticles (QUER-ZNP-CH). Methods: QUER-ZNP-CH were prepared by the nanoprecipitation method and characterized by physicochemical analyses, stability (12 months), and release kinetics. Toxicity was evaluated [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The study developed, characterized, and evaluated the toxicity, antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of quercetin encapsulated in chitosan-coated zein nanoparticles (QUER-ZNP-CH). Methods: QUER-ZNP-CH were prepared by the nanoprecipitation method and characterized by physicochemical analyses, stability (12 months), and release kinetics. Toxicity was evaluated through hemocompatibility and a Tenebrio molitor larval model. Antibacterial activity (MIC/MBC, CLSI) and antibiofilm potential (crystal violet assay) were tested against resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains. Results: The nanoparticles were prepared, and physicochemical analyses revealed chemical interactions, efficient encapsulation of the drug, and thermal stability. The formulations remained stable over 12 months, and the release kinetics demonstrated controlled release for 72 h. No hemotoxic profile was observed and there was 95% survival of Tenebrio molitor larvae after treatment with QUER-ZNP-CH. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of QUER-ZNP-CH revealed enhanced antibacterial activity of QUER, as indicated by a 32 to 64-fold reduction in the MIC and MBC values. The biofilm inhibition potential of QUER-ZNP-CH showed 60–100% inhibition and 25–95% eradication in concentrations from 0.12 to 62.5 μg/mL. Conclusions: Thus, this nanotechnology-based formulation suggests potential for the treatment of bacterial infections caused by multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae strains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Materials for Advanced Drug Delivery Systems and Pharmaceutical Applications)
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18 pages, 2572 KB  
Article
Stimuli-Responsive Cationic Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline Nanoparticles: Formulation Process, Physicochemical and Morphological Evaluation
by Maria Chountoulesi, Natassa Pippa, Varvara Chrysostomou, Aleksander Forys, Barbara Trzebicka, Stergios Pispas and Costas Demetzos
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(9), 1199; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17091199 - 15 Sep 2025
Viewed by 354
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticles are promising drug delivery nanocarriers, exhibiting significant technological advantages, such as their extended internal morphology. In this study, cationic non-lamellar lyotropic–lipidic liquid crystalline nanoparticles were formulated by phytantriol lipid. Methods: The poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-b-poly(lauryl methacrylate) block copolymer [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticles are promising drug delivery nanocarriers, exhibiting significant technological advantages, such as their extended internal morphology. In this study, cationic non-lamellar lyotropic–lipidic liquid crystalline nanoparticles were formulated by phytantriol lipid. Methods: The poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-b-poly(lauryl methacrylate) block copolymer carrying tri-phenyl-phosphine cations (TPP-QPDMAEMA-b-PLMA), was employed as a stabilizer co-assisted by other polymeric guests. The exact qualitative and quantitative formulation of the systems was investigated. Their physicochemical profile was depicted from a variety of light scattering techniques, while their microenvironmental parameters were determined by fluorescence spectroscopy using adequate probe molecules. The effect of environmental conditions was monitored, confirming stimuli-responsiveness properties. Their morphology was illustrated by cryo-TEM, revealing expanded internal assemblies. Resveratrol was incorporated into the nanoparticles and the entrapment efficiency was calculated. Results: Their properties were found to be dependent on the formulation characteristics, such as the lipid used, as well as the architecture of the polymeric stabilizer, also being found to be stealth toward proteins, exhibiting stimuli responsiveness and high entrapment efficiency. Conclusions: The studied liquid crystalline nanoparticles, being stimuli-responsive, with high cationic potential, high loading capacity and showing intriguing 3D structures, are suitable for pharmaceutical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Materials for Advanced Drug Delivery Systems and Pharmaceutical Applications)
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21 pages, 7194 KB  
Article
Quality by Design (QbD)-Based Development of a Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System for the Ocular Delivery of Flurbiprofen
by Ju-Hwan Jeong, Tae-Han Yoon, Si-Won Ryu, Min-Gyeong Kim, Gu-Hae Kim, Ye-Jin Oh, Su-Jeong Lee, Na-Woon Kwak, Kyu-Ho Bang and Kyeong-Soo Kim
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(5), 629; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17050629 - 9 May 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 980
Abstract
Objectives: In this study, Quality by Design (QbD) was used to develop an optimized self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) as an ophthalmic formulation of flurbiprofen (FLU). Using a Box–Behnken design (BBD), an optimal SNEDDS composition was crafted, targeting enhanced corneal permeability and [...] Read more.
Objectives: In this study, Quality by Design (QbD) was used to develop an optimized self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) as an ophthalmic formulation of flurbiprofen (FLU). Using a Box–Behnken design (BBD), an optimal SNEDDS composition was crafted, targeting enhanced corneal permeability and increased bioavailability of the drug. Methods: The levels of each factor(X) were established using a pseudo-ternary diagram, and the Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to evaluate the components of oil (18.9 mg), surfactant (70.7 mg), and co-surfactant (10.0 mg) to optimize the SNEDDS formulation. The response(Y) considered were particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), transmittance, and stability. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used to analyze the particle size and morphology. In vitro and ex vivo diffusion tests were conducted to assess drug flux and permeability. Result: Using a response optimization tool, the values of each X factor were optimized to achieve a small particle size (nm), a low polydispersity index (PDI), and high transmittance (%), resulting in a formulation prepared with 18.9 mg of oil, 70.7 mg of surfactant, and 10.0 mg of co-surfactant. The optimized SNEDDS exhibited a small particle size of 24.89 nm, a minimal PDI of 0.068, and a high transmittance of 74.85%. A transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis confirmed the presence of uniform spherical nanoemulsion droplets with an observed mean diameter of less than 25 nm, corroborating the dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. Furthermore, the SNEDDS demonstrated improved stability under the stress conditions of heating–cooling cycles, with no phase separation, creaming, or caking observed and no differences in its particle size, PDI, or transmittance. In vitro and ex vivo diffusion tests demonstrated that the flux of the optimized SNEDDS (2.723 ± 0.133 mg/cm2, 5.446 ± 0.390 μg/cm2) was about 2.5 and 4 times higher than that of the drug dispersion, and the initial diffusion was faster, which is suitable for the characteristics of eye drops. Conclusions: Therefore, the formulation of a flurbiprofen-loaded SNEDDS (FLU-SNE) was successfully optimized using the QbD approach. The optimized FLU-SNE exhibited excellent stability and enhanced permeability, suggesting its potential effectiveness in treating various ocular inflammations, including uveitis and cystoid macular edema. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Materials for Advanced Drug Delivery Systems and Pharmaceutical Applications)
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21 pages, 5352 KB  
Article
Kollicoat® Smartseal 100P for Developing Theophylline Pellets: Exploring Taste-Masking Potential for Pediatric Applications
by Neeraja Komanduri, Mashan Almutairi, Rasha M. Elkanayati, Nagireddy Dumpa, Arun Butreddy, Suresh Bandari and Michael A. Repka
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(4), 413; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17040413 - 25 Mar 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 803
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to develop and evaluate taste-masked theophylline pellets using hot-melt extrusion (HME) technology. Additionally, the study evaluates the efficacy of various taste-masking polymers by comparing three pH-dependent polymers, Kollicoat® Smartseal 100P, Eudragit® EPO, and Kollicoat® MAE 100-55, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to develop and evaluate taste-masked theophylline pellets using hot-melt extrusion (HME) technology. Additionally, the study evaluates the efficacy of various taste-masking polymers by comparing three pH-dependent polymers, Kollicoat® Smartseal 100P, Eudragit® EPO, and Kollicoat® MAE 100-55, in masking taste and optimizing drug release. Methods: Formulations were designed with varying drug loads (10%, 20%, and 30%) and plasticizer concentrations (20% and 30% PEG 1500). Lead formulations were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), bitter threshold level, and in vitro release testing. Stability was assessed under accelerated conditions (40 °C ± 2 °C and 75% ± 5% RH) for three months. Results: DSC confirmed homogenous dispersion of the drug within the polymer matrix. The optimized formulation comprising 20% theophylline, 20% PEG 1500, and 60% Kollicoat® Smartseal 100P demonstrated effective taste masking, releasing only 1.1% of the drug in simulated salivary fluid (SSF) within two minutes, significantly lower than the pure drug (29.5%, p < 0.05), Kollicoat® MAE 100-55 (2.8%, p < 0.05), and comparable to Eudragit® EPO (2.1%, p > 0.05). Solubility studies further confirmed that theophylline release from the lead formulations remained well below its reported bitter threshold, which could prevent taste perception and mitigate bitterness. In gastric fluid, complete drug release was achieved from Kollicoat® Smartseal 100P and Eudragit® EPO, while Kollicoat® MAE 100-55 exhibited limited release. Stability studies showed that the Kollicoat® Smartseal 100P formulation maintained its texture, taste-masking efficacy, and dissolution profile under accelerated conditions. Conclusions: The study demonstrates the novel exploration of Kollicoat® Smartseal 100P for HME application, and its effectiveness in achieving robust taste masking for theophylline, improving patient compliance, particularly in pediatric and geriatric populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Materials for Advanced Drug Delivery Systems and Pharmaceutical Applications)
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