Search Results (386)

The design of multitargeted drug candidates has recently emerged as a highly attractive area of research. Numerous heterometallic compounds have been developed to enhance both the biological efficacy and physicochemical properties of monometallic metallodrugs. Combining classical transition metals with established antitumor activity, such as Pt, Ru, and Au, with other metal-based fragments offers the potential to generate complex compounds with improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. Incorporating different bioactive metal cations within a single molecular framework may enhance anticancer activity through metal-specific interactions with distinct biological targets or through improved physicochemical characteristics of the resulting heteronuclear complexes. Recent studies have underscored the significant progress and promising impact of this multitargeted strategy, particularly in systems that combine ruthenium with other biologically active metal centers. This approach may enable selective biological targeting and help overcome drug resistance. This review compiles and analyzes reported ruthenium-based heteronuclear complexes, offering a comprehensive and critical assessment of recent advances in the rational design and synthesis of novel multinuclear compounds as potential chemotherapeutic agents. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding structure–activity relationships, mechanistic pathways, and the role of metal–metal and metal–ligand interactions in modulating biological responses. The findings summarized herein highlight the remarkable efficacy of a wide range of multinuclear ruthenium anticancer complexes and support the hypothesis that synergistic and/or cooperative interactions between distinct metal-based fragments can significantly enhance pharmacological performance, including improved selectivity, stability, and cellular uptake. Furthermore, emerging insights into their modes of action, resistance profiles, and potential for targeted delivery underscore their promise as viable alternatives to conventional therapies. Overall, this dynamic and rapidly evolving field is poised to inspire continued interdisciplinary research and drive the development of next-generation metallodrugs with improved therapeutic indices and clinical potential. Full article

Postoperative pain management (POPM) remains a major clinical challenge despite its vital importance in reducing surgical stress, enabling early mobilization, and limiting postoperative complications. Conventional analgesic strategies are often constrained by short drug half-lives, repeated dosing requirements, systemic adverse effects, and the risk of opioid-related toxicity or dependence. These limitations suggest that the mode of drug delivery, in addition to drug selection itself, is a critical determinant of therapeutic performance. In this context, electrospun fibrous meshes represent a promising platform for localized and sustained analgesic delivery. Their high surface-area-to-volume ratio, tuneable porosity, broad polymer compatibility, and capacity to incorporate single or multiple bioactive agents make them attractive candidates for postoperative applications. This review summarizes recent advances in electrospun meshes for POPM, with particular emphasis on fabrication strategies, polymer selection, drug incorporation approaches, drug-release behaviour, biological performance, and translational challenges. Full article

Background/Objectives: Beeswax, a complex natural secretion primarily derived from Apis mellifera and Apis cerana, has evolved from an ancient remedy into a multifunctional excipient and bioactive material in modern pharmaceutical sciences. This review evaluates its physicochemical properties, pharmaceutical applications, and emerging biomedical potential, while addressing current quality and regulatory challenges. Methods: A narrative review was conducted by analyzing literature on the chemical composition, functional properties, conventional uses, advanced drug delivery applications, pharmacological activities, and quality control of beeswax, emphasizing structural characteristics, formulation roles, and integration into innovative delivery technologies. Results: Beeswax is a lipid-based matrix composed of over 300 constituents, including wax esters, hydrocarbons, and free fatty acids, conferring thermoplasticity, biocompatibility, and structural stability. Traditionally, it functions as a stiffening agent, viscosity modifier, and emulsion stabilizer in topical formulations, forming an occlusive barrier that enhances skin hydration. In advanced systems, it serves as a solid lipid matrix in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), microspheres, and 3D-printed tablets, enabling controlled drug release and improved bioavailability of lipophilic compounds. It also exhibits antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing activities, while beeswax-derived policosanols show potential cardiovascular and gastroprotective benefits. However, concerns regarding paraffin adulteration and pesticide contamination highlight the need for stringent analytical and regulatory oversight. Conclusions: With rigorous quality control and sustainable sourcing, beeswax remains a versatile, eco-friendly material bridging traditional medicine and advanced pharmaceutical innovation. Full article

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) represent promising bioactive agents due to their reduced toxicity and multifunctional biological properties. In this study, SeNPs were synthesized via an eco-friendly phytosynthesis approach using Curcuma longa extract, yielding curcumin-functionalized selenium nanoparticles (cur–SeNPs). The composites (cur–SeNPs), either in native extract form or isolated, were incorporated into siloxane hybrid matrices prepared by the sol–gel method from tetraethyl orthosilicate: dimethyldimethoxysilane precursors, with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a structural modifier. The host matrices were differentiated by the ratios between the precursors of the siloxane network, 3:1 for CS0–CS4, respectively, 1:1 for CS5, modified with PVP in the case of CS2 and CS3. These were loaded with cur–SeNPs–T in the cases of CS1, CS2, CS5 or with cur–SeNPs for CS3 and CS4. FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDX analyses confirmed the formation of amorphous siloxane networks with well-dispersed SeNPs (up to ~12 wt%). PVP incorporation generated ordered mesoporous structures, increasing total pore volume sixfold and enlarging the average pore diameter to 9.26 nm. Studies about selenium ion release demonstrate that mesoporosity significantly enhances diffusion-controlled release. Antimicrobial assays against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans reveal a synergistic effect between curcuminoids and SeNPs, particularly in matrices with higher nanoparticle loading. The sol–gel technique for obtaining hybrid materials is very versatile regarding the supports on which the resulting materials or the compounds hosted in these host networks can be deposited. The dynamics of the development of hybrid materials is also reflected in the multitude of applications in various fields such as bio-medical, electronics, agriculture or food. Results obtained in this work highlight the potential of the developed systems for antimicrobial coatings on glass substrates and targeted delivery applications. Full article

The management of complex acute and chronic wounds remains a formidable challenge in modern medicine, underscoring the urgent need for advanced therapeutic strategies that accelerate healing, prevent infection, and promote functional tissue regeneration. Electrospun nanofibers have attracted considerable attention in the biomedical field due to their extracellular matrix-like architecture, high surface area, interconnected porosity, and tunable physicochemical composition, which drive advances in wound regeneration, tissue engineering, and biopolymer-based therapeutics. In wound healing, nanofibrous dressings composed of natural polymers such as chitosan, gelatin, collagen, and cellulose promote cell attachment and proliferation, support angiogenesis, and enable infection control while delivering bioactive agents, thereby addressing significant challenges related to inflammation, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial resistance. In tissue engineering, aligned and hierarchically organized scaffolds fabricated from biopolymers such as collagen, gelatin, chitosan, and cellulose enhance the guided orientation of cells, differentiation, and functional regeneration of neural, musculoskeletal, vascular, and skin tissues. In addition to their conventional regenerative applications, recent studies have demonstrated that electrospun biopolymer nanofibers can be used in multifunctional biomedical platforms, including smart and stimuli-responsive systems for drug delivery, biosensing, regenerative interfaces, and wearable medical technologies. The integrated constructs that incorporate diagnostic or therapeutic functionalities, hybrid fabrication approaches that combine 3D printing with electrospinning, and intelligent biopolymer frameworks that enable telemedicine, real-time physiological monitoring, and personalized regenerative therapies offer new opportunities for developing improved biomedical systems. Overall, these advances position electrospun nanofiber systems as promising biomaterials for next-generation biomedical innovation. This review summarizes recent progress in tissue-engineered scaffolds, wound dressings, fabrication strategies for integrative therapeutics, and wearable devices with transformative potential for biomedical applications. Finally, the review addresses significant challenges related to scalability and clinical translation. It offers perspectives on future directions, including the integration of artificial intelligence and the regeneration of complex skin appendages, which will shape the next generation of nanofiber-based wound-healing therapies. Full article

Kaurenoic acid (KA) is an ent-kaurane diterpenoid present in several medicinal plant species and has been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and analgesic activity in experimental models. Despite its pharmacological profile, the development of KA as a therapeutic agent has been hindered by its unfavorable physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties. KA is highly lipophilic and poorly soluble in water, which limits its dissolution, systemic exposure, and oral bioavailability. These limitations are common among plant-derived bioactive compounds and pose significant challenges for clinical development. Lipid-based nanocarrier systems, particularly liposomal formulations, have therefore been investigated as potential delivery strategies for improving the biopharmaceutical performance of KA. Encapsulating KA within phospholipid bilayers can improve its apparent solubility, protect it from degradation, and modify its biodistribution compared to the free compound. In this review, we discuss the pharmacological mechanisms of KA, its physicochemical properties, and the biopharmaceutical barriers to its therapeutic development. We also critically evaluate published studies on nanocarrier-based formulations, focusing on encapsulation efficiency, particle size, release properties, and pharmacokinetics (PK). Additionally, regulatory and pharmaceutical considerations relevant to lipid-based delivery of KA are addressed. Available evidence supports lipid-based nanocarriers as a promising strategy to improve preclinical development and formulation performance of poorly soluble plant bioactives such as kaurenoic acid. Although KA-loaded nanocarriers demonstrate encouraging activity in preclinical models, comprehensive pharmacokinetic and safety evaluations remain necessary before clinical development can be realistically considered. Full article

Sulfated polysaccharides (SPs), biologically active macromolecules from marine and terrestrial organisms, hold significant potential in revolutionizing cancer therapy. Characterized by their unique sulfate ester groups and structural diversity, SPs exhibit a broad spectrum of bioactivities, including immunomodulation, apoptosis induction, metastasis suppression, and angiogenesis inhibition. Prominent SPs, such as fucoidan from brown algae and carrageenan from red algae, have shown remarkable anticancer properties, either as standalone agents or in synergy with conventional therapies like chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Their mechanisms of action involve targeting critical pathways such as NF-kB, VEGF, and PI3K/Akt, disrupting cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and tumor microenvironment dynamics. SPs also enhance immune system responses, reduce chemotherapy-induced side effects, and exhibit antioxidant properties, making them versatile candidates in cancer treatment. Innovations like SP-based nanoparticles are addressing bioavailability and drug delivery challenges, providing targeted and sustained therapeutic effects while minimizing off-target toxicity. Despite their promise, challenges such as structural complexity, scalability, and clinical validation hinder their widespread adoption. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of SPs’ therapeutic potential, mechanisms, and emerging applications in oncology. It emphasizes the need for advanced extraction, characterization techniques, and clinical research to unlock their full potential, paving the way for novel, efficient, and safer cancer therapies. Full article

The review describes advances in stimulus-sensitive carriers for chemotherapy of various organs, since selectivity in cytotoxicity against cancer and normal cells is a key factor in effective cancer treatment. Special attention is devoted to particle carriers composed of natural compounds, such as lipids, phospholipids, oligopeptides, and synthetic macromolecules, that are sensitive to internal or external stimuli, and delivered to targeted body tissue in a controlled manner. The stimuli discussed include the following: temperature, pH, enzymes, electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound, and redox potential. The description of stimulus-sensitive drug delivery, the methods for synthesizing polymers and copolymers, and the preparation of nano- and microparticles are briefly presented. A description of drug delivery systems (DDSs) with controlled release to specific organs, such as the breast, intestine, lung, prostate, etc., is preceded by a description of methods for preparing drug carriers. The review also covers DDSs at various stages of preclinical and clinical trials and summarizes the state of knowledge on this subject. Full article

Triple-negative breast cancer represents one of the most aggressive and therapeutically challenging subtypes of breast malignancies, characterized by marked biological heterogeneity, rapid progression, and limited targeted treatment options. Conventional therapies are frequently constrained by drug resistance, systemic toxicity, and high rates of recurrence. In this context, natural products have gained increasing attention as multifunctional agents capable of modulating several hallmarks of triple-negative breast cancer. Bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, and marine-derived molecules, exhibit pleiotropic antitumor effects by interfering with key oncogenic pathways. Importantly, these compounds have demonstrated the ability to counteract major mechanisms of therapeutic resistance, modulate the tumor immune microenvironment, and enhance the efficacy of standard chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Advances in drug delivery strategies, such as nanoparticle-based systems and tumor-targeted formulations, together with patient-specific molecular profiling, further expand the potential of these agents within personalized treatment approaches. This narrative review critically examines the role of natural compounds in targeting the hallmarks of triple-negative breast cancer and their potential synergistic use to improve therapeutic efficacy while reducing treatment-related toxicity. Overall, the integration of natural product-based strategies into precision oncology frameworks may offer more effective, less toxic, and individualized therapeutic options for this aggressive breast cancer subtype. Full article

Polymer–drug conjugates (PDCs) represent an advanced drug delivery strategy designed to address critical limitations of conventional therapeutics, including poor water solubility, rapid systemic clearance, and off-target toxicity. By covalently linking therapeutic agents to polymeric carriers through rationally designed linkers, PDCs enable improved pharmacokinetic profiles, enhanced stability, and controlled drug release. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the key design principles governing PDC systems, with a particular focus on the role of biofunctional polymers. Essential parameters for polymer selection, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, molecular weight, and functional group availability, are discussed in relation to their influence on drug loading, release kinetics, and biological performance. In addition, both natural and synthetic polymers are evaluated for their ability to improve solubility, modulate biodistribution, and reduce systemic toxicity. An overview of stimuli-responsive PDCs is provided, including pH-, redox-, and temperature-sensitive systems, which enable site-specific and spatiotemporally controlled drug release in response to pathological microenvironments. We emphasize the special role of bioactive polymers such as poly-lysine, hyaluronic acid, chitosan, and gelatin for their intrinsic biological activity, including receptor-mediated targeting, antimicrobial activity, and synergistic therapeutic effects. These properties support the development of dual-active conjugates with enhanced specificity and efficacy. Overall, this review underscores the transition of polymers from passive carriers to active therapeutic components and outlines current challenges and future perspectives for the clinical translation of next-generation PDCs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ginger has a long history as both a culinary and medicinal plant and is widely recognized in traditional medicine for its ability to promote health and well-being. The principal bioactive compounds of ginger are present in fresh and dried forms and have been largely studied for their therapeutic potential. These compounds exhibit a wide range of biological activities mediated through various mechanisms. Advances in nanotechnology have enabled the development of innovative delivery systems, thereby enhancing the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of ginger-derived compounds in modern medical applications. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to evaluate the characteristics of ginger and its potential role in disease prevention. Relevant studies were identified through the main research databases, publication screening, manual reference checks, and author consensus was conducted. Results: This narrative review provides an overview of the therapeutic potential of bioactive compounds in ginger for the management and prevention of cardiovascular, arthritis, neurodegenerative, and gastrointestinal diseases, with particular emphasis on the molecular mechanisms. In addition, their potential anti-aging properties are extensively discussed. The evidence reported is predominantly preclinical (in vitro and in vivo models), with more limited and heterogeneous clinical data. Recent studies have also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in accelerating the discovery and evaluation of bioactive agents with therapeutic relevance across diverse biological systems. Conclusions: This review highlights the emerging applications of ginger extracts in human health and suggests their applications in both traditional medicine and contemporary drug discovery. Full article

Nanomaterials (NMs) are increasingly utilized in drug delivery, diagnostic imaging, and therapeutic applications. However, their widespread use raises concerns regarding potential neurotoxicity, particularly for metal and metal oxide nanoparticles. Accumulating evidence indicates that these nanoparticles induce neurotoxicity through interconnected mechanisms, including excessive reactive oxygen species generation, activation of neuroinflammatory pathways, mitochondrial dysfunction, and disruption of blood–brain barrier integrity. These molecular events collectively lead to synaptic impairment, neuronal apoptosis, and progressive cognitive and behavioral deficits, with toxicity severity influenced by dose, exposure duration, and age. Given that in vitro models often fail to capture complex systemic interactions such as nanoparticle biodistribution, blood–brain barrier dynamics, and neuroimmune responses, this review places particular emphasis on in vivo studies to provide a more physiologically relevant understanding of nanoparticle-induced neurotoxicity. Importantly, a growing body of in vivo evidence demonstrates that natural bioactive compounds can mitigate these effects by targeting key pathogenic pathways, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, while preserving neuronal integrity. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of natural bioactives as protective agents against nanoparticle-induced neurotoxicity and as candidates for broader neuroprotective strategies. This review summarizes the mechanistic basis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticle neurotoxicity and critically evaluates the protective role of natural bioactive compounds, with a focus on evidence derived from animal models. Full article

The leishmaniases are a group of neglected tropical diseases caused by kinetoplastid protozoa of the genus Leishmania, transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies. In the absence of a human vaccine, current chemotherapeutic options remain suboptimal due to limited target selectivity, high cost, restricted availability in endemic low-resource regions, and escalating parasite resistance. This review highlights recent advances in rational drug design directed at the kinetoplast—a distinctive mitochondrial organelle critical for parasite viability. Different targets (e.g., kDNA, G-quadruplex, topoisomerases) and innovative approaches employing mitochondrion-targeted small molecules are discussed, as well as ligand-functionalized nanoparticle delivery systems that can transport bioactive agents to the parasite’s mitochondrial microenvironment. These strategies highlight the kinetoplast’s strong translational relevance as a selective antileishmanial target. By exploiting its unique molecular machinery, these strategies may offer improved parasite selectivity, although potential mitochondrial liabilities in host cells must be carefully evaluated. Full article

The development of sustainable plant protection strategies requires stable and environmentally compatible delivery systems for beneficial microorganisms. In this study, Bacillus subtilis was encapsulated within chitosan-based cast films to evaluate bacterial viability, sustained biological activity, and antifungal efficacy. Films prepared from chitooligosaccharide (COS) and chitosans of low, medium, and high molecular weight (CS-LMW, CS-MMW, CS-HMW) were characterized in terms of morphology, mechanical performance, and pH-dependent swelling behavior. The viscosity of the chitosan solutions increased markedly with molecular weight from 73 cP (COS) to 614 cP (CS-HMW), while film thickness ranged from 34 ± 1.5 to 57 ± 2.3 µm. Mechanical performance improved significantly with increasing molecular weight, with maximum tensile stress exceeding 200 MPa for CS-HMW films, while swelling studies confirmed pronounced pH-dependent behavior consistent with the polyelectrolyte nature of chitosan. Encapsulation effectively preserved bacterial viability and metabolic activity over time. The intrinsic antifungal activity of chitosan synergized with the biocontrol activity of B. subtilis against Fusarium avenaceum and Alternaria solani. The highest antifungal performance was observed for CS-HMW films, which produced inhibition zones up to 84.6 ± 5.0 mm against A. solani. These findings demonstrate that chitosan-based cast films serve as effective carriers for beneficial microorganisms, providing environmental protection and regulated biological activity. The combination of a bioactive polymer matrix with a potent biocontrol agent represents a promising eco-friendly approach to sustainable plant protection. Full article

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality in the world. Although there is an armamentarium of therapeutic options available for HCC therapy, current treatment modalities still face challenges, such as limited effectiveness and resistance to therapy due to inherent intratumoral heterogeneity. Hence, the development of novel therapeutics is an unmet need. Microalgae possess the ability to provide naturally derived compounds that are attractive for biomedical applications. The multifunctional nature of microalgae, with its unique combination of anticancer metabolites, oxygen-generating capability, and photosensitizing activity, make them a versatile platform for developing next-generation cancer therapeutics. In light of the above, this succinct narrative review highlights the potential biomedical applications of microalgae in cancer therapy, with a focus on HCC. Preclinical studies have shown the significant potential of microalgae as naturally occurring sources of chemopreventive and anticancer agents against HCC. Future directions include the use of biotechnology to enhance the production of microalgal-derived bioactive compounds and the formulation of biocompatible and biodegradable drug–microalgae embolic agents with prolonged release of anticancer drugs, thereby giving rise to synergistic antitumor effects, and their application for the delivery of immune checkpoint inhibitors for immunotherapy in HCC. Overall, microalgae hold considerable promise for advancing innovative therapeutic strategies against HCC. Full article