Pharmaceutics | Selected Editor’s Choice Articles Published in March 2025

Editor’s Choice Articles are selected based on suggestions from the academic editors of Pharmaceutics (ISSN: 1999-4923). The editors select a small number of published articles that they consider particularly interesting to our readers or important in their respective fields of research. You are therefore invited to read the Editor’s Choice Articles, a curated list of high-quality articles published in Pharmaceutics in March 2025. The full list of Editor’s Choice Articles can be viewed via the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/pharmaceutics/editors_choice.

1. “Development of Inhalable Bacteriophage Liposomes Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa”
by Shruti S. Sawant, Maizbha Uddin Ahmed, Nathan-Gautham Gantala and Caitlin Chiu
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(4), 405; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17040405
Editor’s highlight: The article investigates alternative therapeutic strategies to conventional antibiotics for combating major respiratory pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In this study, the authors developed liposome-encapsulated bacteriophage formulations intended for pulmonary delivery via nebulization.
The findings are particularly compelling. Formulations exhibiting favorable encapsulation efficiency (58 ± 6.02%) achieved a sustained and controlled release of phages over a 10-hour period. Furthermore, liposomal encapsulation markedly mitigated phage viability loss during nebulization, decreasing from 1.55 ± 0.04 log in phage suspensions to 1.08 ± 0.05 log in liposome-encapsulated preparations.
The authors concluded that liposomal encapsulation not only resulted in a twofold reduction in phage cellular uptake but also prolonged extracellular phage retention within human lung epithelial cell monolayers. Collectively, these results demonstrate that liposomal encapsulation enhances phage stability and bioavailability, thereby improving their potential for antibacterial efficacy.

2. “Simvastatin-Loaded Chitosan-Functionalized PLGA Nanoparticles: Characterization and Use in Intimal Hyperplasia Therapy”
by Ashley A. Peters, Chanpreet Kaur, Maleen Cabe, Kelly A. Langert, Kristopher Maier and Vivian Gahtan
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(3), 391; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17030391
Editor’s highlight: In this article chitosan-functionalized PLGA nanoparticles loaded with simvastatin (SL-cNPs) were developed to treat intimal hyperplasia after vascular interventions. When combined with oral simvastatin, local SL-cNPs delivery significantly reduced intimal hyperplasia in rats by targeting endothelial and smooth muscle cells and modulating key vascular genes.
This dual approach minimizes systemic side effects and enhances vascular repair, but optimal benefit required both local and systemic therapy. The strategy points to a promising direction for improving outcomes and reducing restenosis in peripheral arterial disease.

3. “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
Editor’s highlight: This is a review article that discusses the current state, applications, and transformative potential of 3D printing and nanotechnology in neurological treatment. 3D printing technology now integrates nanomaterials and nanodevices to deliver drugs precisely to the central nervous system, enabling personalized treatment of neurological diseases. This breakthrough allows multi-ingredient combinations in single tablets with programmable release kinetics, improving CNS drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier.
Key advantages include better patient compliance through reduced dosing, customizable formulations, and lower systemic toxicity. While production costs and regulatory pathways remain challenges, advances in materials science promise rapid clinical translation, particularly benefiting patients with swallowing difficulties and those requiring narrow therapeutic windows.

4. “The Role of Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents in a Hydrogel Formulation Containing Lidocaine”
by Feria Hasanpour, Mária Budai-Szűcs, Anita Kovács, Anita Kovács, Orsolya Jójárt-Laczkovich, Boglárka Szalai, Branimir Pavlić, Péter Simon, Levente Törteli and Szilvia Berkó
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(3), 324; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17030324
Editor’s highlight: In this article researchers developed a Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADESs) hydrogel containing lidocaine using green chemistry principles—choline chloride and citric acid—delivering 50% faster drug release and superior skin permeation compared to conventional ointments. The formulation achieves complete dissolution in 5 minutes with validated chemical stability and minimal skin irritation.
This sustainable, biodegradable approach offers potentially faster anesthesia onset (15-30 minutes) than EMLA cream while maintaining excellent skin barrier protection. With natural, inexpensive raw materials and scalable manufacturing, NADESs-hydrogel represents a cost-effective alternative for topical anesthesia, chronic pain management, and pediatric procedures.

5. “Analysis of Polymer/siRNA Nanoparticle Efficacy and Biocompatibility in 3D Air–Liquid Interface Culture Compared to 2D Cell Culture”
by Sandra Noske, Martin Krueger, Alexander Ewe and Achim Aigner
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(3), 339; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17030339
Editor’s highlight: The study bridges polymer chemistry, nanomedicine, and advanced in vitro modeling, offering practical guidance for developing safe and effective siRNA nanocarriers. Its novelty, rigor, and translational potential make it a strong candidate for Editor’s Choice recognition.
This article exemplifies the Pharmaceutics mission to promote innovative and translational research in pharmaceutical sciences. It stands out through:

Innovation – Introduction of a novel fluoroalkyl-modified PEI polymer for siRNA delivery;
Methodological Strength – A direct, systematic comparison of 2D vs. 3D ALI culture systems, addressing a critical challenge in nanocarrier evaluation;
Relevance – Direct applicability to pulmonary RNA therapeutics, an area of growing importance;
Scientific Contribution – Identification of polymer structure–activity relationships and demonstration of ALI models as predictive tools for nanoparticle efficacy and biocompatibility;
Quality and Clarity – Excellent scientific communication and data integrity.

6. “Nasal Administration of a Nanoemulsion Based on Methyl Ferulate and Eugenol Encapsulated in Chitosan Oleate: Uptake Studies in the Central Nervous System”
by Giada Botti, Giada Botti, Alessandro Dalpiaz, Luca Randi, Maria Cristina Bonferoni, Sara Perteghella, Sarah Beggiato, Luca Ferraro, Barbara Pavan and Milena Sorrenti
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(3), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17030367
Editor’s highlight: The manuscript is well-structured and presents a strong scientific rationale. The proposed nanoemulsions are thoroughly characterized from a physicochemical perspective and subsequently evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. The study is comprehensive, demonstrating a well-conceived research design, rigorous experimental execution, and robust characterization and application results. Overall, this work represents an excellent example of high-quality pharmaceutical research and fully merits consideration for the Editor’s Choice designation.

7. “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
Editor’s highlight: This review addresses the challenge of postoperative adhesions—common complications arising from surgery that can lead to serious outcomes such as pain and intestinal obstruction. While several prevention strategies currently exist, many are associated with side effects. In contrast, nanotherapeutics present a promising alternative, although they remain in the early stages of development. This article examines current nanotherapeutic approaches for adhesion prevention and explores their regulatory, safety, and ethical considerations, offering a comprehensive overview of the field's current progress.

8. “Targeting Neuroinflammation in Central Nervous System Diseases by Oral Delivery of Lipid Nanoparticles”
by Yuan Zou, Jing Zhang, Longmin Chen, Qianqian Xu, Sheng Yao and Hong Chen
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(3), 388; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17030388
Editor’s highlight: This review provides a thorough and timely overview of recent progress on oral lipid nanoparticles as emerging carriers for modulating neuroinflammation in central nervous system disorders. By clearly outlining the challenges posed by the blood–brain barrier and highlighting how orally administered LNPs can enhance bioavailability, improve targeting, and support therapeutic efficacy, the authors offer valuable insight into a rapidly evolving field. The article’s balanced discussion of mechanisms, formulation strategies, and clinical relevance makes it an impactful and well-structured contribution, well suited for Editor’s Choice recognition.