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Pharmaceutics
Special Issues
Applications of Nanomaterials in Drug Delivery and Drug Release
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Applications of Nanomaterials in Drug Delivery and Drug Release

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 (10 February 2025) | Viewed by 4195

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Raquel De M. Barbosa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacy, Universidad de Seville, Seville, Spain
Interests: drug delivery system; colloids; polymeric and lipid systems; nanohybrid system; nanomaterials; nanoclays
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Rita Sánchez-Espejo

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
Interests: pharmaceutical technology; nanotechnology; nanoclays; design; development; characterization of new drug delivery systems; pharmaceutical development of natural resources
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanomaterials have revolutionized the mechanisms of drug delivery and release, offering promising solutions in the fields of medicine and cosmetics. These materials, at the nanoscale, possess unique properties that enable precise targeting and controlled release of therapeutic agents. One notable application lies in improving the bioavailability of drugs, ensuring they reach the intended destination with maximum efficacy. Furthermore, nanoparticles promote the encapsulation of the active ingredient, shielding them from degradation and ensuring sustained release over time. This not only enhances treatment outcomes but also minimizes side effects. Therefore, being considered versatile materials, they can be customized to facilitate drug transport and adapted them to specific diseases or patient needs, whether human or veterinary. Some nanomaterials facilitate the passage of biological barriers that would otherwise impede drug distribution. They can breach the blood–brain barrier, opening new avenues for treating neurological disorders. Additionally, they can target specific cells or tissues, a crucial development in oncology. In summary, in both the field of medicine and cosmetics, the applications of nanomaterials in the delivery and release of pharmaceutical or cosmetic actives represent a paradigm shift in healthcare. As research in this field advances, we can anticipate even more precise and effective therapeutic and/or cosmetic interventions for a wide range of medical conditions.

Dr. Raquel De M. Barbosa
Dr. Rita Sánchez-Espejo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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

  • design, development, and characterization of drug delivery systems
  • drug delivery systems to overcome biological barriers
  • inorganic formulations
  • lipid-based nanoparticles
  • polymeric nanoparticles
  • lipid–polymer formulations
  • hybrid systems
  • in vitro characterization methods
  • in vivo assays

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 4753 KiB  
Article
Halloysite Nanotube-Based Delivery of Pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine Derivatives for Prostate and Bladder Cancer Treatment
by Marina Massaro, Rebecca Ciani, Giancarlo Grossi, Gianfranco Cavallaro, Raquel de Melo Barbosa, Marta Falesiedi, Cosimo G. Fortuna, Anna Carbone, Silvia Schenone, Rita Sánchez-Espejo, César Viseras, Riccardo Vago and Serena Riela
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(11), 1428; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16111428 - 9 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1182
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The development of therapies targeting unregulated Src signaling through selective kinase inhibition using small-molecule inhibitors presents a significant challenge for the scientific community. Among these inhibitors, pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine heterocycles have emerged as potent agents; however, their clinical application is hindered by [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The development of therapies targeting unregulated Src signaling through selective kinase inhibition using small-molecule inhibitors presents a significant challenge for the scientific community. Among these inhibitors, pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine heterocycles have emerged as potent agents; however, their clinical application is hindered by low solubility in water. To overcome this limitation, some carrier systems, such as halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), can be used. Methods: Herein, we report the development of HNT-based nanomaterials as carriers for pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine molecules. To achieve this objective, the clay was modified by two different approaches: supramolecular loading into the HNT lumen and covalent grafting onto the HNT external surface. The resulting nanomaterials were extensively characterized, and their morphology was imaged by high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM). In addition, the kinetic release of the molecules supramolecularly loaded into the HNTs was also evaluated. QSAR studies were conducted to elucidate the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of these inhibitors, and structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) was performed to analyze their binding poses in protein kinases implicated in cancer. Results: The characterization methods demonstrate successful encapsulation of the drugs and the release properties under physiological conditions. Furthermore, QSAR studies and SBVS provide valuable insights into the physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and binding properties of these inhibitors, reinforcing their potential efficacy. Conclusions: The cytotoxicity of these halloysite-based nanomaterials, and of pure molecules for comparison, was tested on RT112, UMUC3, and PC3 cancer cell lines, demonstrating their potential as effective agents for prostate and bladder cancer treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Nanomaterials in Drug Delivery and Drug Release)
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24 pages, 29349 KiB  
Article
Development of Halloysite Nanohybrids-Based Films: Enhancing Mechanical and Hydrophilic Properties for Wound Healing
by Francisco Ramón Rodríguez Pozo, Daiana Ianev, Tomás Martínez Rodríguez, José L. Arias, Fátima Linares, Carlos Miguel Gutiérrez Ariza, Caterina Valentino, Francisco Arrebola Vargas, Pablo Hernández Benavides, José Manuel Paredes, María del Mar Medina Pérez, Silvia Rossi, Giuseppina Sandri and Carola Aguzzi
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(10), 1258; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16101258 - 27 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1099
Abstract
Most of the therapeutic systems developed for managing chronic skin wounds lack adequate mechanical and hydration properties, primarily because they rely on a single component. This study addresses this issue by combining organic and inorganic materials to obtain hybrid films with enhanced mechanical [...] Read more.
Most of the therapeutic systems developed for managing chronic skin wounds lack adequate mechanical and hydration properties, primarily because they rely on a single component. This study addresses this issue by combining organic and inorganic materials to obtain hybrid films with enhanced mechanical behavior, adhesion, and fluid absorption properties. To that aim, chitosan/hydrolyzed collagen blends were mixed with halloysite/antimicrobial nanohybrids at 10% and 20% (w/w) using glycerin or glycerin/polyethylene glycol-1500 as plasticizers. The films were characterized through the use of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and electron microscopy. The mechanical properties were evaluated macroscopically using tensile tests, and at a nanoscale through atomic force microscopy (AFM) and nanoindentation. Thermodynamic studies were conducted to assess their hydrophilic or hydrophobic character. Additionally, in vitro cytocompatibility tests were performed on human keratinocytes. Results from FTIR, TGA, AFM and electron microscopy confirmed the hybrid nature of the films. Both tensile tests and nanomechanical measurements postulated that the nanohybrids improved the films’ toughness and adhesion and optimized the nanoindentation properties. All nanohybrid-loaded films were hydrophilic and non-cytotoxic, showcasing their potential for skin wound applications given their enhanced performance at the macro- and nanoscale. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Nanomaterials in Drug Delivery and Drug Release)
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Review

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31 pages, 1762 KiB  
Review
Pharmaceutical 3D Printing Technology Integrating Nanomaterials and Nanodevices for Precision Neurological Therapies
by Jurga Bernatoniene, Mindaugas Plieskis and Kestutis Petrikonis
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(3), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17030352 - 9 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1068
Abstract
Pharmaceutical 3D printing, combined with nanomaterials and nanodevices, presents a transformative approach to precision medicine for treating neurological diseases. This technology enables the creation of tailored dosage forms with controlled release profiles, enhancing drug delivery across the blood−brain barrier (BBB). The integration of [...] Read more.
Pharmaceutical 3D printing, combined with nanomaterials and nanodevices, presents a transformative approach to precision medicine for treating neurological diseases. This technology enables the creation of tailored dosage forms with controlled release profiles, enhancing drug delivery across the blood−brain barrier (BBB). The integration of nanoparticles, such as poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), chitosan, and metallic nanomaterials, into 3D-printed scaffolds improves treatment efficacy by providing targeted and prolonged drug release. Recent advances have demonstrated the potential of these systems in treating conditions like Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and brain tumors. Moreover, 3D printing allows for multi-drug combinations and personalized formulations that adapt to individual patient needs. Novel drug delivery approaches, including stimuli-responsive systems, on-demand dosing, and theragnostics, provide new possibilities for the real-time monitoring and treatment of neurological disorders. Despite these innovations, challenges remain in terms of scalability, regulatory approval, and long-term safety. The future perspectives of this technology suggest its potential to revolutionize neurological treatments by offering patient-specific therapies, improved drug penetration, and enhanced treatment outcomes. This review discusses the current state, applications, and transformative potential of 3D printing and nanotechnology in neurological treatment, highlighting the need for further research to overcome the existing challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Nanomaterials in Drug Delivery and Drug Release)
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