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Lipid-Based Nanoparticulate Drug Delivery Systems: Preparation, Biomedical Applications, and Evaluation
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Lipid-Based Nanoparticulate Drug Delivery Systems: Preparation, Biomedical Applications, and Evaluation

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2025) | Viewed by 24829

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Denitsa Momekova

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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Interests: pharmaceutical nanothechnology; nanosized drug delivery carriers; nanovesicles; targeted drug and gene delivery; pharmacokinetics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Velichka Andonova

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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
Interests: emulsion polymerization; drug stability; pharmaceutical nanotechnology; pharmaceutical research and development; pharmacokinetics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Viliana Eduardova Gugleva

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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
Interests: vesicular systems; niosomes; stimuli-sensitive nanocarriers; inorganic nanoparticles
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Nadezhda Ivanova

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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
Interests: drug stability; silver nanoparticles; polymeric nanoparticles; pharmaceutical analysis; transdermal and mucosal drug permeation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Lipid-based nanoparticulate drug delivery systems (i.e., liposomes, nanostructured lipid carriers, solid lipid nanoparticles, niosomes, etc.) have captured significant attention at both preclinical and clinical levels due to their advantageous characteristics, including biocompatibility, safety, scaling up feasibility, as well as their promising biopharmaceutical performance and therapeutic outcomes. Lipid-based nanosystems are suitable carriers for various types of cargo—drugs, phytoconstituents, nucleic acids, and monoclonal antibodies—and are capable of improving their unfavorable physicochemical/pharmacokinetic characteristics and stability issues. These nanoscale systems exhibit the potential to enhance drug bioavailability, to provide a controlled release profile, and to achieve targeted delivery via suitable surface tailoring by tuning their physicochemical characteristics at the (pre)formulation stage.

This Special Issue aims to summarize recent advances in lipid-based nanoparticulate drug delivery systems to highlight some of the future directions in this research area. Submissions of original research and review articles demonstrating progress in the field are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Denitsa Momekova
Dr. Velichka Andonova
Dr. Viliana Eduardova Gugleva
Dr. Nadezhda Ivanova
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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

  • liposomes
  • nanoemulsions
  • nanostructured lipid carriers
  • niosomes
  • solid lipid nanoparticles
  • targeted drug delivery

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 1365 KiB  
Article
Generation of Formates Following 20 kHz Sonication of DSPE-mPEG2000 PEGylated Phospholipid Micelles
by Perouza Parsamian and Paul Pantano
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(8), 1008; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17081008 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 244
Abstract
Background: Previous research has demonstrated that 20 kHz probe or 37 kHz bath sonication of poloxamers comprising polypropylene glycol (PPG) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) blocks can generate degradation byproducts that are toxic to mammalian cells and organisms. Herein, an investigation of a [...] Read more.
Background: Previous research has demonstrated that 20 kHz probe or 37 kHz bath sonication of poloxamers comprising polypropylene glycol (PPG) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) blocks can generate degradation byproducts that are toxic to mammalian cells and organisms. Herein, an investigation of a PEGylated phospholipid micelle was undertaken to identify low-molecular-weight sonolytic degradation byproducts that could be cytotoxic. The concern here lies with the fact that sonication is a frequently employed step in drug delivery manufacturing processes, during which PEGylated phospholipids can be subjected to shear forces and other extreme oxidative and thermal conditions. Methods: Control and 20 kHz-sonicated micelles of DSPE-mPEG2000 were analyzed using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential analyses to study colloidal properties, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectroscopy (MS) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy to study the structural integrity of DSPE-mPEG2000, and 1H-NMR spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet (UV) detection to quantitate the formation of low-molecular-weight degradation byproducts. Results: MALDI-TOF-MS analyses of 20 kHz-sonicated DSPE-mPEG2000 revealed the loss of ethylene glycol moieties in accordance with depolymerization of the PEG chain; 1H-NMR spectroscopy showed the presence of formate, a known oxidative/thermal degradation product of PEG; and HPLC-UV showed that the generation of formate was dependent on 20 kHz probe sonication time between 5 and 60 min. Conclusions: It was found that 20 kHz sonication can degrade the PEG chain of DSPE-mPEG2000, altering the micelle’s PEG corona and generating formate, a known ocular toxicant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lipid-Based Nanoparticulate Drug Delivery Systems: Preparation, Biomedical Applications, and Evaluation)
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21 pages, 3534 KiB  
Article
Chitosan-Stabilized Lipid Vesicles with Indomethacin for Modified Release with Prolonged Analgesic Effect: Biocompatibility, Pharmacokinetics and Organ Protection Efficacy
by Angy Abu Koush, Eliza Gratiela Popa, Beatrice Rozalina Buca, Cosmin Gabriel Tartau, Iulian Stoleriu, Ana-Maria Raluca Pauna, Liliana Lacramioara Pavel, Paula Alina Fotache and Liliana Mititelu Tartau
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(4), 523; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17040523 - 16 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2594
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Indomethacin (IND) is a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) effective in managing pain and inflammation. However, its therapeutic use is often limited by gastrointestinal irritation and low bioavailability. This study aimed to evaluate the biocompatibility, release kinetics, and analgesic potential [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Indomethacin (IND) is a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) effective in managing pain and inflammation. However, its therapeutic use is often limited by gastrointestinal irritation and low bioavailability. This study aimed to evaluate the biocompatibility, release kinetics, and analgesic potential of IND-loaded chitosan (CHIT)-stabilized lipid vesicles (IND-ves) in comparison to free IND, focusing on their in vivo effects and impact on somatic nociceptive reactivity in mice. Methods: IND-ves were prepared using a molecular droplet self-assembly technique, followed by CHIT coating to enhance stability and control drug release. Mice were administered either free IND or IND-ves, and various physiological parameters, including liver and kidney function, oxidative stress markers, immune cell activity, and histopathological changes in key organs, were assessed. Plasma drug release kinetics and analgesic effects were evaluated using the tail-flick test. Results: Both IND and IND-ves demonstrated good biocompatibility, with no significant changes in hematological, biochemical, or immunological profiles. IND-ves exhibited a sustained release profile, with drug release initiating at 30 min and peaking at 3 h, while free IND displayed a rapid release and potential gastric mucosal damage. IND-ves did not induce oxidative stress or inflammation and maintained organ integrity, particularly protecting against gastric injury. Additionally, the prolonged release profile of IND-ves contributed to extended analgesic effects in the tail-flick test. Conclusions: CHIT-stabilized lipid vesicles offer a promising drug delivery system for IND, enhancing drug release, prolonging analgesic efficacy, and minimizing gastrointestinal irritation. These findings suggest that IND-ves could serve as a safer and more effective alternative for NSAID therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lipid-Based Nanoparticulate Drug Delivery Systems: Preparation, Biomedical Applications, and Evaluation)
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25 pages, 2424 KiB  
Article
Development and Validation of In Vitro Assessment Protocol of Novel Intravenous Nanoemulsions for Parenteral Nutrition
by Joanna Czerniel, Aleksandra Gostyńska-Stawna, Karina Sommerfeld-Klatta, Tomasz Przybylski, Violetta Krajka-Kuźniak and Maciej Stawny
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(4), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17040493 - 8 Apr 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 823
Abstract
Background: Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a lifesaving therapeutic approach for patients unable to meet nutritional needs through oral or enteral routes. Lipid nanoemulsions (NEs), a critical component of PN, provide essential fatty acids and influence the formulation’s physicochemical properties. Advances in drug delivery [...] Read more.
Background: Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a lifesaving therapeutic approach for patients unable to meet nutritional needs through oral or enteral routes. Lipid nanoemulsions (NEs), a critical component of PN, provide essential fatty acids and influence the formulation’s physicochemical properties. Advances in drug delivery systems have led to novel intravenous NEs with improved stability, purity, or ability for nutrient/active substance delivery. Due to scattered information and the lack of a standardized protocol for testing intravenous lipid NEs, this study aimed to develop a robust assessment method. The protocol focuses on characterizing the physicochemical properties, stability, and biological efficacy of novel NEs while adhering to bioethical standards. Methods: Four NEs were formulated based on fatty acid profile analysis, and to demonstrate the applicability of our protocol, each NE utilized a distinct emulsifier system. A comprehensive in vitro assessment protocol integrating multiple analytical techniques was employed to evaluate their performance. Results: The mean droplet diameter (MDD) of developed NEs ranged from 180.7 to 185.9 nm, significantly smaller than commercial formulations (249.6–335.4 nm). PFAT5 remained below 0.02%, except for ILE-HS (0.12%), and the zeta potential (ZP) was below −29.8 mV. The freeze–thaw stability constant (KF) of developed NEs was in the range of commercial formulation, and the sterilization stability constant (KS) was below 10, except for ILE-HS (23.61 ± 1.65). Injectability tests confirmed that ILE-ELP and ILE-T could be infused at 50 mL/h using an intravenous access with a minimum diameter of 21 G. Hemolytic activity met the strictest criteria (<5%), and MTT assays showed higher cell viability at low concentrations for all NEs except ILE-ELP. Conclusions: The developed five-step protocol provides a unified framework for assessing intravenous lipid NEs, allowing for the selection of NEs with the highest potential for further in vivo assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lipid-Based Nanoparticulate Drug Delivery Systems: Preparation, Biomedical Applications, and Evaluation)
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15 pages, 3782 KiB  
Article
Development of Spray-Dried Micelles, Liposomes, and Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Enhanced Stability
by Shradha Dattani, Xiaoling Li, Charina Lampa, Amanda Barriscale, Behzad Damadzadeh, David Lechuga-Ballesteros and Bhaskara R. Jasti
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(1), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17010122 - 17 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1401
Abstract
Objectives: Micelles, liposomes, and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are promising drug delivery vehicles; however, poor aqueous stability requires post-processing drying methods for maintaining long-term stability. The objective of this study was to compare the potential of lipid-based micelles, liposomes, and SLNs for producing [...] Read more.
Objectives: Micelles, liposomes, and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are promising drug delivery vehicles; however, poor aqueous stability requires post-processing drying methods for maintaining long-term stability. The objective of this study was to compare the potential of lipid-based micelles, liposomes, and SLNs for producing stable re-dispersible spray-dried powders with trehalose or a combination of trehalose and L-leucine. This study provides novel insights into the implementation of spray drying as a technique to enhance long-term stability for these lipid-based nanocarriers. Methods: Aqueous dispersions of LDV-targeted micelles, liposomes, and SLNs loaded with paclitaxel (PTX) were converted into re-dispersible powders using spray drying. The physicochemical properties of the nanocarriers were determined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Karl Fischer titration, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Short-term stability of all nanocarrier formulations was compared by measuring particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and paclitaxel retention over 7 days at room temperature and at 4 °C. Results: Paclitaxel-loaded micelles, liposomes, and SLN formulations were successfully converted into well-dispersed spray-dried powders with acceptable yields (71.5 to 83.5%), low moisture content (<2%), and high transition temperatures (95.1 to 100.8 °C). SEM images revealed differences in morphology, where nanocarriers spray-dried with trehalose or a combination of trehalose and L-leucine produced smooth or corrugated particle surfaces, respectively. Reconstituted spray-dried nanocarriers maintained their nanosize and paclitaxel content over 7 days at 4 °C. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate the potential for the development of spray-dried lipid-based nanocarriers for long-term stability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lipid-Based Nanoparticulate Drug Delivery Systems: Preparation, Biomedical Applications, and Evaluation)
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17 pages, 4849 KiB  
Article
Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Loaded with Dexamethasone Palmitate for Pulmonary Inflammation Treatment by Nebulization Approach
by Hsin-Hung Chen, Chen-Hsiang Sang, Chang-Wei Chou, Yi-Ting Lin, Yi-Shou Chang and Hsin-Cheng Chiu
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(7), 878; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16070878 - 29 Jun 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2411
Abstract
Pneumonia stands as the leading infectious cause of childhood mortality annually, underscoring its significant impact on pediatric health. Although dexamethasone (DXMS) is effective for treating pulmonary inflammation, its therapeutic potential is compromised by systemic side effects and suboptimal carrier systems. To address this [...] Read more.
Pneumonia stands as the leading infectious cause of childhood mortality annually, underscoring its significant impact on pediatric health. Although dexamethasone (DXMS) is effective for treating pulmonary inflammation, its therapeutic potential is compromised by systemic side effects and suboptimal carrier systems. To address this issue, the current study introduces solid lipid nanoparticles encapsulating hydrophobic dexamethasone palmitate (DXMS-Pal-SLNs) as an anti-inflammatory nanoplatform to treat pneumonia. The specialized nanoparticle formulation is characterized by high drug loading efficiency, low drug leakage and excellent colloidal stability in particular during nebulization and is proficiently designed to target alveolar macrophages in deep lung regions via local delivery with the nebulization administration. In vitro analyses revealed substantial reductions in the secretions of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 from alveolar macrophages, highlighting the potential efficacy of DXMS-Pal-SLNs in alleviating pneumonia-related inflammation. Similarly, in vivo experiments showed a significant reduction in the levels of these cytokines in the lungs of mice experiencing lipopolysaccharide-induced pulmonary inflammation after the administration of DXMS-Pal-SLNs via nebulization. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that DXMS-Pal-SLNs effectively control acute infections without causing pulmonary infiltration or excessive recruitment of immunocytes in lung tissues. These findings highlight the potential of nebulized DXMS-Pal-SLNs as a promising therapeutic strategy for mitigating pneumonia-related inflammations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lipid-Based Nanoparticulate Drug Delivery Systems: Preparation, Biomedical Applications, and Evaluation)
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Review

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35 pages, 1395 KiB  
Review
Local Chemotherapy of Skin Pre-Neoplastic Lesions and Malignancies from the Perspective of Current Pharmaceutics
by Nadezhda Ivanova
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(8), 1009; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17081009 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 337
Abstract
In the preceding and early stages of cancer progression, local drug delivery to pre-cancerous and cancerous skin lesions may be applied as an alternative or supplementary therapy. At present, 5-Fluorouracil, imiquimod, and tirbanibulin creams and ointments have established their place in practice, while [...] Read more.
In the preceding and early stages of cancer progression, local drug delivery to pre-cancerous and cancerous skin lesions may be applied as an alternative or supplementary therapy. At present, 5-Fluorouracil, imiquimod, and tirbanibulin creams and ointments have established their place in practice, while several other active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) (e.g., calcipotriol, tretinoin, diclofenac) have been repurposed, used off-label, or are currently being investigated in mono- or combined chemotherapies of skin cancers. Apart from them, dozens to hundreds of therapeutics of natural and synthetic origin are proven to possess anti-tumor activity against melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and other skin cancer types in in vitro studies. Their clinical introduction is most often limited by low skin permeability, challenged targeted drug delivery, insufficient chemical stability, non-selective cytotoxicity, or insufficient safety data. A variety of prodrug and nanotechnological approaches, including vesicular systems, micro- and nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, polymeric nanoparticles, and others, offer versatile solutions for overcoming the biophysical barrier function of the skin and the undesirable physicochemical nature of some drug molecules. This review aims to present the most significant aspects and latest achievements on the subject. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lipid-Based Nanoparticulate Drug Delivery Systems: Preparation, Biomedical Applications, and Evaluation)
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29 pages, 2636 KiB  
Review
Inhalable Nanomaterial Discoveries for Lung Cancer Therapy: A Review
by Iqra Safdar, Syed Mahmood, Muhammad Kumayl Abdulwahab, Suzita Mohd Noor, Yi Ge and Zarif Mohamed Sofian
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(8), 996; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17080996 (registering DOI) - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 175
Abstract
Lung cancer remains one of the most common and deadliest forms of cancer worldwide despite notable advancements in its management. Conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy, often have limitations in effectively targeting cancer cells, which frequently lead to off-target side effects. In this context, [...] Read more.
Lung cancer remains one of the most common and deadliest forms of cancer worldwide despite notable advancements in its management. Conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy, often have limitations in effectively targeting cancer cells, which frequently lead to off-target side effects. In this context, the pulmonary delivery of inhalable nanomaterials offers the advantages of being rapid, efficient, and target-specific, with minimal systemic side effects. This concise review summarizes the basic research and clinical translation of inhalable nanomaterials for the treatment of lung cancer. We also provide insights into the latest advances in pulmonary drug delivery systems, focusing on various types of pulmonary devices and nanomaterials. Furthermore, this paper discusses significant challenges in translating the discoveries of inhalable nanomaterials into clinical care for lung cancer and shares strategies to overcome these issues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lipid-Based Nanoparticulate Drug Delivery Systems: Preparation, Biomedical Applications, and Evaluation)
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46 pages, 2561 KiB  
Review
Lipid-Based Nanotechnologies for Delivery of Green Tea Catechins: Advances, Challenges, and Therapeutic Potential
by Stanila Stoeva-Grigorova, Nadezhda Ivanova, Yoana Sotirova, Maya Radeva-Ilieva, Nadezhda Hvarchanova and Kaloyan Georgiev
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(8), 985; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17080985 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 153
Abstract
Knowing the superior biochemical defense mechanisms of sessile organisms, it is not hard to believe the cure for any human sickness might be hidden in nature—we “just” have to identify it and make it safely available in the right dose to our organs [...] Read more.
Knowing the superior biochemical defense mechanisms of sessile organisms, it is not hard to believe the cure for any human sickness might be hidden in nature—we “just” have to identify it and make it safely available in the right dose to our organs and cells that are in need. For decades, green tea catechins (GTCs) have been a case in point. Because of their low redox potential and favorable positioning of hydroxyl groups, these flavonoid representatives (namely, catechin—C, epicatechin—EC, epicatechin gallate—ECG, epigallocatechin—EGC, epigallocatechin gallate—EGCG) are among the most potent plant-derived (and not only) antioxidants. The proven anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, and anticarcinogenic properties of these phytochemicals further contribute to their favorable pharmacological profile. Doubtlessly, GTCs hold the potential to “cope” with the majority of today‘s socially significant diseases, yet their mass use in clinical practice is still limited. Several factors related to the compounds’ membrane penetrability, chemical stability, and solubility overall determine their low bioavailability. Moreover, the antioxidant-to-pro-oxidant transitioning behavior of GTCs is highly conditional and, to a certain degree, unpredictable. The nanoparticulate delivery systems represent a logical approach to overcoming one or more of these therapeutic challenges. This review particularly focuses on the lipid-based nanotechnologies known to be a leading choice when it comes to drug permeation enhancement and not drug release modification nor drug stabilization solely. It is our goal to present the privileges of encapsulating green tea catechins in either vesicular or particulate lipid carriers with respect to the increasingly popular trends of advanced phytotherapy and functional nutrition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lipid-Based Nanoparticulate Drug Delivery Systems: Preparation, Biomedical Applications, and Evaluation)
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27 pages, 1651 KiB  
Review
Drug Release via Ultrasound-Activated Nanocarriers for Cancer Treatment: A Review
by Khaled Armouch Al Refaai, Nour A. AlSawaftah, Waad Abuwatfa and Ghaleb A. Husseini
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(11), 1383; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16111383 - 27 Oct 2024
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4135
Abstract
Conventional cancer chemotherapy often struggles with safely and effectively delivering anticancer therapeutics to target tissues, frequently leading to dose-limiting toxicity and suboptimal therapeutic outcomes. This has created a need for novel therapies that offer greater efficacy, enhanced safety, and improved toxicological profiles. Nanocarriers [...] Read more.
Conventional cancer chemotherapy often struggles with safely and effectively delivering anticancer therapeutics to target tissues, frequently leading to dose-limiting toxicity and suboptimal therapeutic outcomes. This has created a need for novel therapies that offer greater efficacy, enhanced safety, and improved toxicological profiles. Nanocarriers are nanosized particles specifically designed to enhance the selectivity and effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs while reducing their toxicity. A subset of drug delivery systems utilizes stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, which enable on-demand drug release, prevent premature release, and offer spatial and temporal control over drug delivery. These stimuli can be internal (such as pH and enzymes) or external (such as ultrasound, magnetic fields, and light). This review focuses on the mechanics of ultrasound-induced drug delivery and the various nanocarriers used in conjunction with ultrasound. It will also provide a comprehensive overview of key aspects related to ultrasound-induced drug delivery, including ultrasound parameters and the biological effects of ultrasound waves. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lipid-Based Nanoparticulate Drug Delivery Systems: Preparation, Biomedical Applications, and Evaluation)
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32 pages, 3166 KiB  
Review
Review of Gold Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Properties, Shapes, Cellular Uptake, Targeting, Release Mechanisms and Applications in Drug Delivery and Therapy
by Joel Georgeous, Nour AlSawaftah, Waad H. Abuwatfa and Ghaleb A. Husseini
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(10), 1332; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16101332 - 16 Oct 2024
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 8808
Abstract
The remarkable versatility of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) makes them innovative agents across various fields, including drug delivery, biosensing, catalysis, bioimaging, and vaccine development. This paper provides a detailed review of the important role of AuNPs in drug delivery and therapeutics. We begin by [...] Read more.
The remarkable versatility of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) makes them innovative agents across various fields, including drug delivery, biosensing, catalysis, bioimaging, and vaccine development. This paper provides a detailed review of the important role of AuNPs in drug delivery and therapeutics. We begin by exploring traditional drug delivery systems (DDS), highlighting the role of nanoparticles in revolutionizing drug delivery techniques. We then describe the unique and intriguing properties of AuNPs that make them exceptional for drug delivery. Their shapes, functionalization, drug-loading bonds, targeting mechanisms, release mechanisms, therapeutic effects, and cellular uptake methods are discussed, along with relevant examples from the literature. Lastly, we present the drug delivery applications of AuNPs across various medical domains, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, ocular diseases, and diabetes, with a focus on in vitro and in vivo cancer research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lipid-Based Nanoparticulate Drug Delivery Systems: Preparation, Biomedical Applications, and Evaluation)
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25 pages, 5468 KiB  
Review
A Descriptive Review on the Potential Use of Diatom Biosilica as a Powerful Functional Biomaterial: A Natural Drug Delivery System
by Sunggu Kang, Yeeun Woo, Yoseph Seo, Daehyeon Yoo, Daeryul Kwon, Hyunjun Park, Sang Deuk Lee, Hah Young Yoo and Taek Lee
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(9), 1171; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16091171 - 5 Sep 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2266
Abstract
Although various chemically synthesized materials are essential in medicine, food, and agriculture, they can exert unexpected side effects on the environment and human health by releasing certain toxic chemicals. Therefore, eco-friendly and biocompatible biomaterials based on natural resources are being actively explored. Recently, [...] Read more.
Although various chemically synthesized materials are essential in medicine, food, and agriculture, they can exert unexpected side effects on the environment and human health by releasing certain toxic chemicals. Therefore, eco-friendly and biocompatible biomaterials based on natural resources are being actively explored. Recently, biosilica derived from diatoms has attracted attention in various biomedical fields, including drug delivery systems (DDS), due to its uniform porous nano-pattern, hierarchical structure, and abundant silanol functional groups. Importantly, the structural characteristics of diatom biosilica improve the solubility of poorly soluble substances and enable sustained release of loaded drugs. Additionally, diatom biosilica predominantly comprises SiO2, has high biocompatibility, and can easily hybridize with other DDS platforms, including hydrogels and cationic DDS, owing to its strong negative charge and abundant silanol groups. This review explores the potential applications of various diatom biosilica-based DDS in various biomedical fields, with a particular focus on hybrid DDS utilizing them. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lipid-Based Nanoparticulate Drug Delivery Systems: Preparation, Biomedical Applications, and Evaluation)
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