Bioadhesive Nanocarriers: Innovations in Drug Release and Therapeutic Effectiveness

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 May 2025 | Viewed by 1433

Special Issue Editors


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Center for Studies in Bio-Pharmacy, Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 80210-170, PR, Brazil
Interests: drug delivery systems; pharmacokinetics; health technology assessment; drug safety; clinical pharmacology; natural products
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Postgraduate Program of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, UFSM, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
Interests: nano-based formulations; cutaneous drug delivery; inflammation; polymeric films;topical drug delivery; hydrogels.
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Pharmacy Department, State University of the Midwest, UNICENTRO, Guarapuava 85040-167, RR, Brazil
Interests: nano-based formulations; topical drug delivery; hydrogels; polymeric films; natural polymers.

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bioadhesive nanocarriers are a notable field for drug delivery, standing out for their ability to combine the advantages of nanotechnology with bioadhesive potential. This substantial property can be understood using biocompatible and biodegradable materials which are capable of interacting safely and effectively with mucous membranes and skin. A prolonged stay at the application site, ensured by the bioadhesive potential, is essential to maximize the therapeutic efficacy of topical treatments. When combined with the controlled release profile, bioadhesion not only ensures that they remain at the administration site for prolonged periods, but also facilitates intimate contact, which can favor the permeation of the drug in a controlled manner across different biological barriers. The result is a long-lasting therapeutic effect, maximizing the effectiveness of the treatment, minimizing the need for frequent administrations, and, consequently, improving patient the adherence to the proposed treatment. In this context, bioadhesive nanocarriers have been used in the most varied pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations, such as ophthalmic products, nasal sprays, gels, and polymeric films for different routes, such as cutaneous, vaginal, buccal, or sublingual.

This Special Issue aims to thoroughly examine the bioadhesive effect of nanocarriers, an essential aspect of enhancing drug delivery. It also aims to investigate how bioadhesion enhances therapeutic effectiveness via facilitating drug release and integration into various pharmaceutical forms for diverse routes of administration. Researchers are invited to submit studies covering the development, characterization, therapeutic efficacy, and safety of bioadhesive nanocarriers.

Prof. Dr. Luana Mota Ferreira
Dr. Marcel Henrique Marcondes Sari
Dr. Reolon Jéssica Brandão
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • nanocarriers
  • bioadhesive materials
  • mucoadhesive materials
  • drug delivery
  • topic formulations
  • efficacy optimization

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

18 pages, 3293 KiB  
Article
Development and Characterization of Silibinin-Loaded Nanoemulsions: A Promising Mucoadhesive Platform for Enhanced Mucosal Drug Delivery
by Ana Paula Santos Tartari, Joslaine Jacumazo, Ariane Krause Padilha Lorenzett, Rilton Alves de Freitas and Rubiana Mara Mainardes
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(2), 192; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17020192 - 4 Feb 2025
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Abstract
Background: Silibinin (SLB), a flavonoid derived from milk thistle, exhibits promising therapeutic properties but faces significant clinical limitations due to poor solubility and bioavailability. Objectives: This study focuses on the development and characterization of SLB-loaded nanoemulsions designed for mucosal delivery. Methods: Nanoemulsions were [...] Read more.
Background: Silibinin (SLB), a flavonoid derived from milk thistle, exhibits promising therapeutic properties but faces significant clinical limitations due to poor solubility and bioavailability. Objectives: This study focuses on the development and characterization of SLB-loaded nanoemulsions designed for mucosal delivery. Methods: Nanoemulsions were prepared using the spontaneous emulsification method, guided by pseudoternary phase diagrams to determine selected component ratios. Comprehensive characterization included particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, rheological properties, and surface tension. Mucoadhesive properties were evaluated using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) to quantify interactions with mucin layers. Results: The combination of Capryol 90, Tween 80, and Transcutol in selected proportions yielded nanoemulsions with excellent stability and solubilization capacity, enhancing the solubility of silibinin by 625 times compared to its intrinsic solubility in water. The ternary phase diagram indicated that achieving nanoemulsions with particle sizes between 100 and 300 nm required higher concentrations of surfactants (60%), relative to oil (20%) and water (20%), with formulations predominantly composed of Smix (surfactant and cosurfactant mixture in a 1:1 ratio). Rheological analysis revealed Newtonian behavior, characterized by constant viscosity across varying shear rates and a linear torque response, ensuring ease of application and mechanical stability. QCM-D analysis confirmed strong mucoadhesive interactions, with significant frequency and dissipation shifts, indicative of prolonged retention and enhanced mucosal drug delivery. Furthermore, contact angle measurements showed a marked reduction in surface tension upon interaction with mucin, with the SLB-loaded nanoemulsion demonstrating superior wettability and strong mucoadhesive potential. Conclusions: These findings underscore the suitability of SLB-loaded nanoemulsions as a robust platform for effective mucosal drug delivery, addressing solubility and bioavailability challenges while enabling prolonged retention and controlled therapeutic release. Full article
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