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A special issue of Pharmaceutics (ISSN 1999-4923). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanomedicine and Nanotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 16013

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Hyun-Ouk Kim

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Guest Editor

Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, Republic of Korea
Interests: cancer; infectious diseases; nanoencapsulation; nanomedicine; nanoparticles; new drug delivery systems; polymersome; theragnosis
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to our upcoming Special Issue on "Recent Advances in Nanotechnology Therapeutics" in Pharmaceutics. This Special Issue aims at unveiling the latest developments and breakthroughs in nanotechnology applications for therapeutic purposes. Nanotechnology has shown immense potential in offering targeted solutions for drug delivery, diagnostics, and monitoring treatments. We seek to compile a collection of high-quality research papers and review articles that delve into the multifaceted advances in nanotechnology therapeutics.
In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

Novel nanocarrier systems for targeted drug delivery;
Nanoparticle-based imaging techniques for early cancer detection and diagnosis;
Theranostic nanomedicine platforms for simultaneous imaging and therapy;
Overcoming biological barriers using nanotechnology for improved drug delivery;
Nanoparticle formulations for combination therapy;
Biocompatibility and safety assessment of nanomaterials for clinical translation;
Nanotechnology-based approaches for personalized cancer medicine.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Hyun-Ouk Kim
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

nanotechnology
cancer treatment
drug delivery systems
diagnostic imaging
personalized medicine

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 4350 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Development and Characterization of an Andiroba Oil-Based Nanoemulsion (Carapa guianensis, Aubl.): Insights into Its Physico-Chemical Features and In Vitro Potential Healing Effects

by Isolda de Sousa Monteiro, Aimê Stefany Alves Fonseca, Carolina Ramos dos Santos, João Paulo Santos de Carvalho, Sebastião William da Silva, Valdir F. Veiga-Junior, Rayssa Ribeiro, Ivo José Curcino Vieira, Thalya Soares Ribeiro Nogueira, Carlos Alexandre Rocha da Costa, Gilson Gustavo Lucinda Machado, Lorrane Ribeiro Souza, Eduardo Valério Barros Vilas Boas, Samuel Silva Morais, Jackson Roberto Guedes da Silva Almeida, Livia Macedo Dutra, Victória Laysna dos Anjos Santos, Atailson Oliveira Silva, Marcelo Henrique Sousa, Marcella Lemos Brettas Carneiro and Graziella Anselmo Joanitti Show full author list Hide full author list

Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(4), 498; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17040498 - 9 Apr 2025

Viewed by 653

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Andiroba oil, extracted from Carapa guianensis seeds, possesses therapeutic properties including anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects. This study aimed to develop and characterize a nanoemulsion formulation containing andiroba oil (NeAnd) and to evaluate its cytotoxicity and wound healing potential in vitro. Methods: The oil was evaluated for acidity, antioxidant activity, and fatty acid composition. NeAnd was produced by ultrasonication and characterized using FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), Raman spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. Results: NeAnd exhibited a spherical shape and stable physicochemical properties, with an average hydrodynamic diameter (HD) of 205.7 ± 3.9 nm, a polydispersity index (PdI) of 0.295 ± 0.05, a negative zeta potential of −4.16 ± 0.414 mV, and pH of approximately 6.5. These nanodroplets remained stable for 120 days when stored at 4 °C and maintained their parameters even under pH variations. FTIR and Raman analyses confirmed the presence of functional groups and the organization of fatty acid chains in NeAnd. Cell viability assays revealed no statistically significant differences in cytotoxicity at various concentrations (90–360 µg/mL) after 24 and 48 h. In scratch wound healing assays, NeAnd significantly enhanced wound closure (88.9%) compared to the PBS control (38%) and free andiroba oil (68.6%) in keratinocytes (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These promising findings indicate NeAnd as a potential nanophytomedicine for wound healing and tissue regeneration treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nanotechnology Therapeutics)

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15 pages, 2510 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Silver Dimolybdate Nanorods: In Vitro Anticancer Activity Against Breast and Prostate Tumors and In Vivo Pharmacological Insights

by João Victor Barbosa Moura, Natália Cristina Gomes-da-Silva, Luciana Magalhães Rebêlo Alencar, Wellington Castro Ferreira, Cleânio da Luz Lima and Ralph Santos-Oliveira

Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(3), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17030298 - 24 Feb 2025

Viewed by 780

Abstract

Background: The development of nanostructured materials for cancer therapy has garnered significant interest due to their unique physicochemical properties, including enhanced surface area and tunable electronic structures, which can facilitate targeted drug delivery and oxidative stress modulation. This study investigates the anticancer potential of monoclinic silver dimolybdate nanorods (m-Ag₂Mo₂O₇) against aggressive breast (MDA-MB-231) and prostate (PC-3) cancer cells and explores their in vivo pharmacokinetic behavior. Methods: m-Ag₂Mo₂O₇ nanorods were synthesized via a hydrothermal method and characterized using XRD, SEM, Raman, and FTIR spectroscopy. In vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated using MTT assays on MDA-MB-231 and PC-3 cell lines across concentrations ranging from 1.56 to 100 µg/mL. In vivo biodistribution and radiopharmacokinetics were assessed using technetium-99m-labeled nanorods in male Swiss rats, with gamma counting employed for tissue uptake analysis and pharmacokinetic parameter determination. Results: m-Ag₂Mo₂O₇ nanorods exhibited a modest cytotoxic effect on MDA-MB-231 cells, with 50 µg/mL reducing cell viability by 23.5% (p < 0.05), while no significant cytotoxicity was observed in PC-3 cells. In vivo studies revealed predominant accumulation in the stomach, liver, spleen, and bladder, indicating reticuloendothelial system uptake and renal clearance. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed a rapid systemic clearance (half-life ~6.76 h) and a low volume of distribution (0.0786 L), suggesting primary retention in circulation with minimal off-target diffusion. Conclusions: While m-Ag₂Mo₂O₇ nanorods display limited standalone cytotoxicity, their ability to induce oxidative stress and favorable pharmacokinetic profile support their potential as adjuvant agents in cancer therapy, particularly for chemoresistant breast cancers. Further studies are warranted to elucidate their molecular mechanisms, optimize combinatorial treatment strategies, and assess long-term safety in preclinical models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nanotechnology Therapeutics)

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13 pages, 3020 KiB

Open AccessArticle

C24 Ceramide Lipid Nanoparticles for Skin Wound Healing

by Ji-Hye Lee, Jin-Hyun Kim, Tong-Il Hyeon, Khee-Tae Min, Se-Young Lee, Han-Chul Ko, Hong-Seok Choi, Kuk-Youn Ju, Young-Seok Cho and Tae-Jong Yoon

Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(2), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17020242 - 12 Feb 2025

Viewed by 1139

Abstract

Background/Objectives: C24 ceramide plays a crucial role in skin regeneration and wound healing; however, its hydrophobic nature limits its application in therapeutic formulations. This study aims to enhance the bioavailability and efficacy of C24 ceramide by developing ceramide-based lipid nanoparticles (C24-LNP) and evaluate their impact on skin regeneration and wound healing. Methods: C24-LNP was synthesized and characterized for aqueous stability and bioavailability. In vitro experiments were conducted to assess its effects on keratinocyte proliferation and migration. Molecular biological analysis examined key signaling pathways, including AKT and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Additionally, an in vivo mouse wound model was utilized to evaluate wound healing efficacy, with histological analysis performed to assess epidermal and dermal regeneration. Results: C24-LNP exhibited improved aqueous stability and bioavailability compared to free C24 ceramide. In vitro studies demonstrated that C24-LNP significantly promoted keratinocyte proliferation and migration. Molecular analysis revealed activation of the AKT and ERK1/2 signaling pathways, which are critical for cell growth and skin regeneration. In vivo wound healing experiments showed that C24-LNP accelerated wound closure compared to the control group. Histological analysis confirmed enhanced epidermal and dermal regeneration, leading to improved structural and functional skin repair. Conclusion: The lipid nanoparticle formulation of C24 ceramide effectively increases its bioavailability and enhances its therapeutic efficacy in skin regeneration and wound healing. C24-LNP presents a scalable and cost-effective alternative to traditional growth factor-based therapies, offering significant potential for clinical applications in wound care and dermatological treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nanotechnology Therapeutics)

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17 pages, 4297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Cancer-Preventive Effect of Resveratrol-Loaded Nanoparticles on the Formation and Growth of In Vitro Lung Tumor Spheroids

by Elisa A. Torrico Guzmán, Mitchell Gravely and Samantha A. Meenach

Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(12), 1588; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16121588 - 12 Dec 2024

Viewed by 879

Abstract

Background: Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenol that offers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chemopreventive benefits. This project determined the ability of RSV-loaded nanoparticles (NP) to inhibit the growth of lung tumor spheroids in vitro. Methods: RSV was encapsulated in NP comprised of the biodegradable polymer, acetalated dextran. A549 lung cancer cells in two-dimensional and three-dimensional cell culture models were exposed to free RSV and RSV NP to evaluate their effect on cell proliferation and spheroid formation and growth. For prevention studies, spheroids were exposed to free RSV and RSV NP on day 0, and for treatment studies, spheroids were dosed with the same formulations on day 5 after the spheroids had fully formed. Results: The resulting RSV NP were 200 nm in diameter with neutral surface charge and exhibited the ability to control the release of RSV in vitro based on environmental pH. In comparison to free RSV, the RSV NP exerted a greater inhibitory effect on the proliferation and growth of cancer cells and spheroids. Conclusions: RSV NP have the potential to be used as a chemopreventive agent for lung cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nanotechnology Therapeutics)

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27 pages, 6940 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Evidence That a Peptide-Drug/p53 Gene Complex Promotes Cognate Gene Expression and Inhibits the Viability of Glioblastoma Cells

by Ana Neves, Tânia Albuquerque, Rúben Faria, Cecília R. A. Santos, Eric Vivès, Prisca Boisguérin, Diana Carneiro, Daniel F. Bruno, Maria D. Pavlaki, Susana Loureiro, Ângela Sousa and Diana Costa

Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(6), 781; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16060781 - 8 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1765

Abstract

Glioblastoma multiform (GBM) is considered the deadliest brain cancer. Conventional therapies are followed by poor patient survival outcomes, so novel and more efficacious therapeutic strategies are imperative to tackle this scourge. Gene therapy has emerged as an exciting and innovative tool in cancer therapy. Its combination with chemotherapy has significantly improved therapeutic outcomes. In line with this, our team has developed temozolomide–transferrin (Tf) peptide (WRAP5)/p53 gene nanometric complexes that were revealed to be biocompatible with non-cancerous cells and in a zebrafish model and were able to efficiently target and internalize into SNB19 and U373 glioma cell lines. The transfection of these cells, mediated by the formulated peptide-drug/gene complexes, resulted in p53 expression. The combined action of the anticancer drug with p53 supplementation in cancer cells enhances cytotoxicity, which was correlated to apoptosis activation through quantification of caspase-3 activity. In addition, increased caspase-9 levels revealed that the intrinsic or mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis was implicated. This assumption was further evidenced by the presence, in glioma cells, of Bax protein overexpression—a core regulator of this apoptotic pathway. Our findings demonstrated the great potential of peptide TMZ/p53 co-delivery complexes for cellular transfection, p53 expression, and apoptosis induction, holding promising therapeutic value toward glioblastoma. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nanotechnology Therapeutics)

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20 pages, 3557 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effect of Micromixer Design on Lipid Nanocarriers Manufacturing for the Delivery of Proteins and Nucleic Acids

by Enrica Chiesa, Alessandro Caimi, Marco Bellotti, Alessia Giglio, Bice Conti, Rossella Dorati, Ferdinando Auricchio and Ida Genta

Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(4), 507; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16040507 - 7 Apr 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2161

Abstract

Lipid-based nanocarriers have emerged as helpful tools to deliver sensible biomolecules such as proteins and oligonucleotides. To have a fast and robust microfluidic-based nanoparticle synthesis method, the setup of versatile equipment should allow for the rapid transfer to scale cost-effectively while ensuring tunable, precise and reproducible nanoparticle attributes. The present work aims to assess the effect of different micromixer geometries on the manufacturing of lipid nanocarriers taking into account the influence on the mixing efficiency by changing the fluid–fluid interface and indeed the mass transfer. Since the geometry of the adopted micromixer varies from those already published, a Design of Experiment (DoE) was necessary to identify the operating (total flow, flow rate ratio) and formulation (lipid concentration, lipid molar ratios) parameters affecting the nanocarrier quality. The suitable application of the platform was investigated by producing neutral, stealth and cationic liposomes, using DaunoXome^®, Myocet^®, Onivyde^® and Onpattro^® as the benchmark. The effect of condensing lipid (DOTAP, 3–10–20 mol%), coating lipids (DSPE-PEG550 and DSPE-PEG2000), as well as structural lipids (DSPC, eggPC) was pointed out. A very satisfactory encapsulation efficiency, always higher than 70%, was successfully obtained for model biomolecules (myoglobin, short and long nucleic acids). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nanotechnology Therapeutics)

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Review

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19 pages, 1651 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanotechnology-Based Therapies for Preventing Post-Surgical Adhesions

by Zi Yi Teo, Samyuktha Dhanalakshmi Senthilkumar and Dinesh Kumar Srinivasan

Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(3), 389; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17030389 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 573

Abstract

Adhesions are the body’s natural response to various inflammatory causes, with surgery being the most common cause. However, the formation of postoperative adhesions can lead to significant complications, including intestinal obstruction and chronic pain. To prevent such postoperative complications associated with adhesions, developing effective strategies for adhesion prevention has been a major focus of research. Currently, several therapeutic models have been developed to achieve this objective. These include pharmaceuticals, inert polymers, functional biomaterials, and nanotherapeutics. Among the various strategies developed, nanotherapeutics, though still in its early stages, has shown promise as a potential approach. Other therapeutic models are associated with adverse side effects and complications related to their application. On the other hand, nanotherapeutic models are able to overcome the limitations of the other strategies and provide their own set of unique advantages. Hence, nanotherapeutics represents a promising area for further research. Further efforts should be made to refine existing nanotherapeutics for clinical application while also addressing associated safety and ethical concerns related to their use in medical practice. Therefore, this article aims to review the various nanotherapeutic approaches developed for the prevention of postoperative adhesions, explore their regulatory pathways, and discuss associated safety and ethical concerns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nanotechnology Therapeutics)

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28 pages, 7409 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Advances in Nanoparticles as Non-Viral Vectors for Efficient Delivery of CRISPR/Cas9

by Minse Kim, Youngwoo Hwang, Seongyu Lim, Hyeon-Ki Jang and Hyun-Ouk Kim

Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(9), 1197; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16091197 - 11 Sep 2024

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3739

Abstract

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9 system is a gene-editing technology. Nanoparticle delivery systems have attracted attention because of the limitations of conventional viral vectors. In this review, we assess the efficiency of various nanoparticles, including lipid-based, polymer-based, inorganic, and extracellular vesicle-based systems, as non-viral vectors for CRISPR/Cas9 delivery. We discuss their advantages, limitations, and current challenges. By summarizing recent advancements and highlighting key strategies, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of non-viral delivery systems in advancing CRISPR/Cas9 technology for clinical applications and gene therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nanotechnology Therapeutics)

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27 pages, 3443 KiB

Open AccessReview

Photodynamic Therapy for Atherosclerosis: Past, Present, and Future

by Yanqing Lin, Ruosen Xie and Tao Yu

Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(6), 729; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16060729 - 29 May 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2699

Abstract

This review paper examines the evolution of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a novel, minimally invasive strategy for treating atherosclerosis, a leading global health concern. Atherosclerosis is characterized by the accumulation of lipids and inflammation within arterial walls, leading to significant morbidity and mortality through cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Traditional therapeutic approaches have primarily focused on modulating risk factors such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia, with emerging evidence highlighting the pivotal role of inflammation. PDT, leveraging a photosensitizer, specific-wavelength light, and oxygen, offers targeted treatment by inducing cell death in diseased tissues while sparing healthy ones. This specificity, combined with advancements in nanoparticle technology for improved delivery, positions PDT as a promising alternative to traditional interventions. The review explores the mechanistic basis of PDT, its efficacy in preclinical studies, and the potential for enhancing plaque stability and reducing macrophage density within plaques. It also addresses the need for further research to optimize treatment parameters, mitigate adverse effects, and validate long-term outcomes. By detailing past developments, current progress, and future directions, this paper aims to highlight PDT’s potential in revolutionizing atherosclerosis treatment, bridging the gap from experimental research to clinical application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nanotechnology Therapeutics)

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