Advanced Nanocarriers for Targeted Drug Delivery in Inflammation-Associated Diseases

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2026 | Viewed by 843

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Institute of Materials and Nanotechnology, University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
Interests: polymeric nanoparticles; liposomes; drug delivery; controlled drug release; physical chemistry

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Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
Interests: biomaterial design; polyurethane synthesis; bioprinting; wound healing; drug delivery systems; multi-stimuli-responsive polymers; bioink design; cell culture; tissue modeling; inflammation modelling; hydrogels
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Chronic inflammation is a defining feature of many debilitating diseases, including autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, neurodegenerative conditions, and cancer. The complexity of the inflammatory microenvironment and the presence of biological barriers present significant challenges to effective treatment. In recent years, however, advanced nanocarrier systems have emerged as a powerful tool for overcoming these limitations by enabling precise drug delivery to inflamed tissues while minimizing systemic side effects.

This Special Issue aims to showcase the latest developments in the design, characterization and application of nanocarriers engineered for targeted drug delivery in inflammation-associated diseases. The emphasis will be on innovative strategies to improve selectivity, enhance pharmacokinetics and enable controlled drug release in response to inflammatory signals. Examples include polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, dendrimers, micelles and stimuli-responsive systems that exploit the unique pathophysiological features of inflamed tissues.

We invite original research articles, reviews and perspectives that explore multidisciplinary approaches integrating nanotechnology, materials science, pharmacology and biology. Contributions addressing translational challenges, safety, and regulatory aspects are also welcome. This special issue will advance our understanding of inflammation-targeted nanomedicine and guide the development of next-generation therapeutics.

Dr. Ana Laura López-Machado
Dr. Rossella Laurano
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • control release
  • drug delivery systems
  • inflammation-associated diseases
  • liposomes
  • micelles
  • nanocarriers
  • polymeric nanoparticles

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

17 pages, 4290 KB  
Article
Modulation of Inflammation and Gut Microbiota by a Bifidobacterium longum Extracellular Vesicle-Based Drug Delivery System for Alleviating Inflammatory Bowel Disease
by Chunlei Ma, Shang Shi, Wenke Wang, Boqing Li, Zhiqin Li, Yingzi Cui, Fangshu Li, Xiaoying Chen and Ying Zhang
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(5), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18050553 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2026
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Abstract
Purpose: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder strongly associated with intestinal microbial dysregulation. Although 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) is widely used in the clinical management of IBD, its therapeutic efficacy is often limited. To address this, the present study aimed [...] Read more.
Purpose: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder strongly associated with intestinal microbial dysregulation. Although 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) is widely used in the clinical management of IBD, its therapeutic efficacy is often limited. To address this, the present study aimed to develop a bifidobacterium-derived extracellular vesicle-based drug delivery system (B-MVs@5-ASA) to enhance the therapeutic outcomes of IBD. Methods: B-MVs were isolated by PEG precipitation and loaded with 5-ASA via sonication to obtain B-MVs@5-ASA. Their morphology, particle size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency were analyzed using TEM, DLS, and UV spectrophotometry. Cellular uptake, cytotoxicity (LDH and NO assays), and anti-inflammatory effects were assessed in RAW 264.7 and Caco-2 cells. A DSS-induced colitis mouse model was established to evaluate therapeutic efficacy. Cytokines (ELISA), colon histopathology (H&E), tight-junction proteins (IF), and gut microbiota composition (16S rRNA sequencing) were systematically analyzed. Results: B-MVs@5-ASA exhibited a particle size of 104.3 ± 2.81 nm and an encapsulation efficiency of 11.14% ± 3.63%. B-MVs@5-ASA exhibited the strongest anti-inflammatory effect in vitro and most effectively alleviated DSS-induced colitis in vivo, outperforming monotherapies in reducing inflammation, tissue damage, and enhancing barrier integrity. B-MVs@5-ASA further promoted goblet cell regeneration and beneficially modulated the gut microbiota by enriching Akkermansia and suppressing Escherichia, thereby restoring microbial homeostasis. Conclusions: B-MVs@5-ASA provides potent anti-inflammatory and mucosal-protective effects by modulating cytokine balance, enhancing epithelial barrier function, and reshaping gut microbiota. These findings highlight probiotic vesicle-based nanoplatforms as a safe and promising strategy for targeted IBD therapy. Full article
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