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Nanotechnology plays a crucial role in promoting precision agriculture and environmental management. This review integrates the latest advances in nanotechnology in the fields of pollution detection, agrochemicals, and stress resistance, and quantifies the significant enhancements brought by nanomaterials (NMs). NMs used in biosensors enable highly sensitive, low detection limit, and highly accurate detection of environmental pollution, plant growth status, and soil conditions, while achieving precise drug delivery and reducing environmental pollution. Furthermore, NMs can be combined with agrochemicals or directly act on plants to promote growth, reduce pests and diseases, and enhance stress resistance by altering plant physiological processes and microbial functions. This review focuses on the application value of nanotechnology in detection, smart chemicals, and stress resistance, and analyzes current challenges and risks in technology, biosafety, regulatory challenges, and scalability. Finally, it points out future directions for utilizing nanotechnology to advance smart agriculture, precision agriculture, and green bio-industrialization. Full article

Background: To repurpose carbutamide (CBT), a discontinued sulfonylurea-class anti-diabetic drug, as an anti-inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) drug, CBT azo-linked with salicylic acid (CAA) was designed and synthesized as a colon-specific prodrug to co-release CBT and mesalazine (5-ASA) selectively in the large intestine. Methods: CAA exhibited reduced lipophilicity and decreased transintestinal transport compared to CBT, as shown in an ex vivo experiment using isolated rat jejunal segments. It also underwent cleavage into CBT and 5-ASA when incubated with cecal contents of rats. Additionally, oral administration of CAA and Sulfasalazine (SSZ), a colon-specific prodrug of 5-ASA currently used for IBD treatment, resulted in similar levels of 5-ASA accumulation in the rat cecal region. Results: In a dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-triggered colitis model in rats, CAA produced a more pronounced improvement in colon injury and inflammation than SSZ. Furthermore, rectal co-administration of CBT and 5-ASA conferred enhanced protective outcomes compared to monotherapy with either agent alone, suggesting a combined anticolitic action. The two drugs also jointly suppressed valacyclovir uptake via peptide transporter 1 (PepT1) in the distal colon, supporting PepT1 as a target contributing to their combined anticolitic effect. Unlike CBT, which significantly reduced blood glucose following oral administration, equimolar administration of CAA did not alter glycemic levels, consistent with reduced systemic exposure to CBT. Conclusions: In conclusion, CAA functions as a colon-specific mutual prodrug that surpasses SSZ in anticolitic performance while minimizing hypoglycemia risk, thus facilitating the repurposing of CBT as a treatment for IBD. Full article

Introduction: Levodopa (LD) is the most efficacious antiparkinsonian drug. However, long-term conventional LD treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is frequently associated with motor complications. This can be attributed to pulsatile dopaminergic stimulation given the short LD half-life of conventional dosage forms. Tablets capable of delivering more stable and sustained dopaminergic stimulation would better mimic the brain’s natural dopamine activity. Methods: In this study, 3D screen printing technology was used to manufacture oral dosage forms characterized by the sequential release of Carbidopa and Levodopa. This was achieved by separating the two compounds into different compartments within the same dosage form, which were arranged (LXM.5-1) or formulated (LXM.5-2) in a specific way. Both novel dosage forms were compared to conventional immediate release forms such as Sinemet^®. The physicochemical properties of the resulting tablets, LXM.5-1 and LXM.5-2, were assessed in accordance with the USP. Their pharmacokinetic profiles were defined in pigs. Results: The physicochemical properties of LXM.5-1 and LXM.5-2 complied with regulatory requirements. Dissolution studies revealed sequential CD and LD release for both novel dosage forms. They differed regarding the interval between CD and LD release which was shorter for LXM.5-1. PK studies demonstrated that both novel dosage forms exhibited higher LD bioavailability in comparison to Sinemet^®, which was 211.36% and 383.64% for LXM.5-1 and LXM.5-2, respectively. Furthermore, blood levels were more stable and sustained, particularly for LXM.5-2. Conclusions: We conclude that 3D screen-printed LXM.5-1 and LXM.5-2 and variations thereof have the potential to transform the pharmacotherapy of Parkinson’s disease. Full article

A common and challenging issue in drug delivery is the premature release of drugs, which prevents them from reaching the target site. Finding suitable delivery materials has become a major research focus in the medical field. Cellulose-based hydrogels are a type of material with a three-dimensional network structure and good biocompatibility, offering significant advantages for drug delivery. This review begins with the raw materials of cellulose-based hydrogels and reviews their preparation methods and principles—including physical, chemical, and other special approaches—along with chemical modification strategies and their applications in medical drug delivery, such as drug carriers, drug release wound dressings, and so on. Special emphasis is placed on modification strategies to overcome the limitations of hydrogels, such as poor pH responsiveness, self-healing ability, and temperature sensitivity. It can be achieved by modifying the chemical chain itself, adding functional fillers, and constructing a dual network. Finally, the prospects of cellulose-based hydrogels in medical applications are discussed. Cellulose-based hydrogels, as drug delivery materials, are highly effective in biomedical applications and demonstrate significant potential for clinical translation in the field of precise drug release. Full article

Background: Cancer therapeutics development has been a challenge in medical and scientific areas due to their toxicity, limited biocompatibility, and unfortunate side effects. However, despite advances in early detection and the study of novel treatments, the mortality rate for breast cancer remains high, making it a significant global health concern. Objectives: In this study, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanoparticles functionalized with acrylic acid (AA), fumaramide (FA), and curcumin (CUR) as chelating and inhibitor agents were synthesized by emulsion polymerization techniques. Methods and Results: Comprehensive physiochemical characterization studies based on gravimetry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), electrophoresis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a pH dependence of nanoparticles that exhibit structural changes upon interaction with calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺) ions. Calorimetric thermodynamic properties measured by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) confirmed chelating coordination and positive cooperativity between the nanoparticles and metal ions. In vitro studies showed the low cytotoxicity of nanoparticles by fibroblast proliferation, and their chelation process was observed by fluorescence microscopy, with the loss of interaction between cells. Conclusions: These results suggest that the functionalized nanoparticles have potential in drug delivery systems (DDS) for targeted breast cancer therapies, providing a promising polymer material for more efficient and less toxic treatments. Full article

Tinea is a superficial fungal infection of keratinized structures caused by specific filamentous fungi called dermatophytes. Terbinafine, a drug used to treat tinea, is poorly soluble in water, and its delivery into the skin via nanoparticle formulation usingpoly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) has been demonstrated. In this study, we investigated the preparation conditions for nanoparticles (NPs) to achieve efficient intradermal delivery of terbinafine. Terbinafine-loaded PLGA NPs were prepared using the nanoprecipitation method, and the particle size distribution and average particle size were measured using dynamic light scattering. Skin permeability tests were conducted using mouse dorsal skin, and the amount of terbinafine delivered into the skin was measured to evaluate the release behavior in the skin. In the preparation of terbinafine-loaded PLGA NPs, under conditions where the external solution was purified water, the mean volume diameter was 40.49 ± 15.63 nm, the terbinafine-loaded content was 3.31 ± 0.29%, and the entrapment efficiency was 55.08 ± 4.88%. Under conditions of an external solution containing 1.0 × 10⁻³ w/v% arginine(Arg) aq. solution, the mean volume diameter was 41.71 ± 16.08 nm, the terbinafine-loaded content was 5.17 ± 0.37%, and the entrapment efficiency was 86.48 ± 6.01%. The entrapment efficiency and content were higher under the condition using 1.0 × 10⁻³ w/v% Arg aq. solution compared to purified water. In addition, in the skin permeability test, no drug was detected in the receptor solution sampled from both the NPs suspension group and the simple solution group, and no drug was detected in the intradermal solution in the simple solution group. The intradermal drug concentration was 77.94 ± 10.66 µg/g under conditions where purified water was used as the dialysate, and 96.42 ± 61.62 µg/g under conditions using 1.0 × 10⁻³ w/v% arginine, exceeding the reported minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 8.87 µg/g, suggesting the efficacy of terbinafine-loaded PLGA NPs for the treatment of tinea versicolor. Since tinea treatment is a long-term process, it is desirable to deliver a stable amount of drug to the treatment site at all times. Therefore, the nanoparticle preparation conditions using purified water as the external solution, where the intradermal drug concentration exceeded the MIC and remained stable in the skin permeability test, were suggested to be suitable for tinea treatment. Full article

Lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) are the next-generation nanocarriers that integrate the mechanical strength and sustained-release capacity of polymeric cores with the biocompatibility and high drug-loading efficiency of lipid shells. Various design strategies and architectures that enhance encapsulation efficiency, stability, and targeted delivery of diverse therapeutic agents are reviewed. Commonly employed polymers, lipids, and surfactants that enable controlled drug release and enhanced pharmacokinetic performance are summarized in tabular form, while fabrication methods such as single-step, emulsification-solvent evaporation, and microfluidic techniques are discussed for their scalability and reproducibility. The therapeutic potential of LPHNPs in delivering poorly soluble drugs, phytochemicals, and genetic materials achieving synergistic therapeutic outcomes in oncological applications is comprehensively highlighted. The manuscript also includes details on ligand-based functionalization and the integration of imaging and stimuli-responsive elements to enhance targeted delivery and develop multifunctional theranostic LPHNPs systems. Furthermore, non-oncologic applications of LPHNPs in ocular, topical, and oral delivery are discussed, emphasizing their potential in treating inflammatory, infectious, and autoimmune disorders with sustained release and enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Recent patents focusing on improved biocompatibility, dual-drug encapsulation, and mRNA delivery are summarized. However, challenges such as large-scale production, reproducibility, safety, and regulatory standardization must be addressed through quality by design approaches and advanced manufacturing technologies to fully realize the clinical and commercial potential of next-generation LPHNPs. Full article

Ophthalmic drug delivery encounters unique challenges due to the anatomical and physiological ocular barriers, necessitating the development of novel drug delivery systems (NDDSs). This review focuses on emerging therapeutic platforms, including nanoemulsions (NEs), microemulsions (MEs), self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDSs) such as self-nano emulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDSs) and self-micro emulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDSs), emulgels, and in situ-forming emulgels, as novel strategies for enhancing ocular drug delivery. NEs and MEs, due to their small globule size, excellent drug solubility, stability, and bioavailability, offer promising solutions for effective ocular therapy. SEDDSs further enhance the stability and bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs through self-emulsification in aqueous environments. Emulgels, combining the benefits of emulsions and gels, provide sustained and controlled release of therapeutic agents, improving the ocular retention time and therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, in situ-forming emulgels offer the advantage of liquid-to-gel transition upon contact with ocular surfaces, optimizing drug delivery. The review discusses various ocular diseases, challenges for ocular delivery of conventional formulations, updates on emulsion-based novel drug delivery systems for ophthalmic drug delivery, mechanisms of enhanced ocular permeation, formulation strategies, advantages, and challenges, design-of-experiment considerations for optimization, characterizations, and recent advancements in these systems including patents and clinical trials, highlighting their potential for improving the treatment of various ocular diseases. Furthermore, this review explores marketed ophthalmic emulsions and future prospects for integrating these NDDSs into clinical ophthalmology, emphasizing their ability to overcome ocular barriers and enhance therapeutic efficacy. Full article

Biomimetic cell membrane-coated nanoparticles (BMCNPs) are an attractive drug delivery platform that combines the advantages of an inorganic core with the biological functionality of a natural cell membrane. This hybrid design merges the versatility of engineered nanomaterials with the complexity and specificity of biological systems, enabling prolonged circulation, immune evasion, enhanced tissue targeting, and improved therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we explore the in vivo behavior of BMCNPs, focusing on their interactions with biological barriers, including evasion of mononuclear phagocyte system clearance, biodistribution patterns, and circulation kinetics. We also examine how membrane source and surface properties influence targeting efficiency and delivery outcomes, while highlighting key considerations and emerging strategies to optimize therapeutic performance and translational potential. Full article

RNA interference (RNAi) offers programmable, sequence-specific silencing via small interfering RNA (siRNA) and microRNA (miRNA), but clinical translation hinges on overcoming instability, immunogenicity, and inefficient endosomal escape. This review synthesizes advances in non-viral nanocarriers—liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and extracellular vesicles (EVs)—that stabilize nucleic acids, tune biodistribution, and enable organ- and cell-selective delivery. We highlight design levers that now define the field: ligand-guided targeting, stimuli-responsive release, biomimicry and endogenous carriers, and rational co-delivery with small molecules. Across major disease areas—cancer and cardiovascular, respiratory, and urological disorders—these platforms achieve tissue-selective uptake (e.g., macrophages, endothelium, and myocardium), traverse physiological barriers (including the blood–brain barrier and fibrotic stroma), and remodel hostile microenvironments or immune programs to enhance efficacy while maintaining favorable safety profiles. Early clinical studies reflect this diversity, spanning targeted nanoparticles, local drug depots, exosome and cellular carriers, and inhaled formulations, e.g., and converge on core phase-I endpoints (safety, maximum tolerated dose, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, and early activity). Looking ahead, priorities include good manufacturing practice scale, consistent manufacture—especially for EVs; more efficient loading and cargo control; improved endosomal escape and biodistribution; and rigorous, long-term safety evaluation with standardized, head-to-head benchmarking. Emerging directions such as in vivo EVs biogenesis, theragnostic integration, and data-driven formulation discovery are poised to accelerate translation. Collectively, nanoparticle-enabled RNAi has matured into a versatile, clinically relevant toolkit for precise gene silencing, positioning the field to deliver next-generation therapies across diverse indications. Full article

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) has served as a food source and medicinal agent for over thousands of years. Bioactive constituents, including allicin, diallyl sulfide/disulfide/trisulfide, ajoene, and S-allyl-cysteine, demonstrate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, antineoplastic, antimicrobial and neuroprotective properties. Convergent mechanistic evidence suggests the modulation of redox homeostasis, attenuation of pro-inflammatory signaling, regulation of platelet activation, and induction of apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest in tumor models. Computational studies, in conjunction with wet-lab data, offer molecular-level insights and guide candidate prioritization. Density functional theory elucidates radical-scavenging pathways and electronic descriptors that account for redox activity. Structure-based methods, including docking, molecular dynamics, and MM-GBSA, elucidate potential interactions between organosulfur scaffolds and enzymes or receptors pertinent to pharmacological effects. In silico ADME/Tox platforms predict generally favorable oral absorption for hydrophobic allyl sulfides, while polar derivatives exhibit more limited brain penetration. Emerging AI/ML pipelines combine network pharmacology with QSAR to focus on important targets and chemical types, while also spotting potential development. Formulation strategies, including nanoencapsulation and controlled-release systems, are utilized to stabilize labile thiosulfinates and modulate hydrogen-sulfide-releasing profiles, with potential applications in various disease conditions. Significant challenges encompass the standardization of preparations, variability in pharmacokinetics, heterogeneity in dose–response relationships, and interactions between drugs and nutrients or other drugs. The integration of mechanistic, computational, and formulation insights delineates a systematic approach to progress garlic-derived agents from diverse natural products to reproducible, mechanism-guided pharmaceuticals. Full article

Background: Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant, classified as a carotenoid. Numerous studies confirm its beneficial effects in both the prevention and treatment of various diseases. However, its therapeutic application is significantly limited due to its poor water solubility and low bioavailability from natural sources. Developing a formulation with improved therapeutic characteristics could enhance the effectiveness of lycopene, making it more suitable for medical and nutritional use. The objective of this work was to apply hot-melt extrusion to produce extrudates containing an acetone-based lycopene extract combined with selected polymers, aiming to enhance its dissolution properties. Methods: Lycopene-rich extracts were prepared using ultrasound-assisted extraction with acetone. The obtained extract was processed via hot-melt extrusion together with PVP VA64 and Soluplus. The resulting extrudates were characterized using attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Dissolution behavior was assessed using a paddle apparatus, and collected samples were quantified by HPLC. Antioxidant capacity was determined via DPPH radical-scavenging analysis. Results: The polymers PVP VA64 and Soluplus improve lycopene’s dissolution in acidic environments while showing its antioxidant potential. Conclusions: The formulation combining lycopene obtained through hot-melt extrusion with PVP VA64 and Soluplus polymers will enable its wider and more effective application. Full article

Hydrogels have gained significant attention as effective vehicles for transdermal applications offering significant advantages in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. Their unique polymeric network structure enables efficient encapsulation and controlled release of active ingredients, making them ideal for therapeutic drug delivery systems (TDDs) and topical skincare formulations. In pharmaceutical approaches, hydrogels facilitate the transdermal transport of therapeutic agents into systemic circulation, improving bioavailability and patient compliance. In cosmetics, they enhance skin hydration and support the delivery of bioactive compounds, contributing to improved product performance and user satisfaction. Among various hydrogel-forming polymers, Hyaluronic Acid (HA) stands out as the most often used polymer in this field due to its biocompatibility, moisture-retention properties, and ability to penetrate the skin. This review explores the dual role of HA-based hydrogels in pharmaceutical and cosmetic application, detailing their structural characteristics, preparation methods, and mechanisms of active ingredient loading and release. Furthermore, the review presents the details on hydrogels and how they are used as TDDs. Special attention is given to hyaluronic acid (HA) in this field, and this review discusses the properties, preparation methods, and applications of HA-based hydrogels as a delivery system, including methods of loading the actives and the releasing of these actives from them. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health concern with profound implications for ophthalmology, where it compromises the management of ocular infections such as bacterial keratitis, conjunctivitis, endophthalmitis, and postoperative complications. Resistance in common ocular pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) emerge through genetic mutations, horizontal gene transfer, and biochemical mechanisms such as enzymatic degradation, target modification, efflux pumps, and reduced membrane permeability. Biofilm formation further complicates eradication on the ocular surface and interior. The key drivers of resistance include inappropriate or prolonged topical antibiotic use, routine prophylaxis in ocular surgery, subtherapeutic dosing, and cross-resistance with systemic antimicrobials. The rise in multidrug-resistant strains, particularly methicillin-resistant S. aureus, fluoroquinolone-resistant P. aeruginosa, and drug-resistant S. pneumoniae has been linked to delayed treatment response, increased healthcare costs, and sight-threatening outcomes. Recent advances in rapid diagnostics, molecular assays, and point-of-care testing support earlier and more precise detection of resistance, enabling timely therapeutic decisions. Promising strategies to address AMR in ophthalmology include antimicrobial stewardship, novel drug delivery platforms, and alternative approaches such as bacteriophage therapy and antimicrobial peptides. Emerging tools, including genomic surveillance, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven resistance prediction, and personalized antimicrobial regimens, further expand opportunities for innovation. Collectively, this review synthesizes current evidence on AMR in ocular disease, summarizing patterns of resistance, underlying mechanisms, and clinical consequences, while highlighting strategies for mitigation and underscoring the need for global awareness and collaboration among clinicians, researchers, and policymakers to safeguard vision. Full article

(1) Background: Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults, with a median survival time for patients treated with standard chemotherapy often of less than 1 year. Potential anticancer activity against glioblastoma is demonstrated by flavonoids, including fisetin (FIS). Although, its clinical application is limited by poor solubility and chemical instability. This study aimed to conduct a preliminary evaluation of fisetin’s suitability for intravenous delivery by developing and characterizing FIS-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (FIS-PLGA-NPs) and assessing their in vitro cytotoxic potential against glioblastoma. (2) Methods: Six FIS-PLGA nanoparticle formulations were prepared via the emulsification–solvent evaporation method and evaluated for key physicochemical properties. The biological activity of fisetin was examined through cell cycle analysis and apoptosis assays, and the most promising formulation was further assessed using an MTT assay in U-138 MG glioblastoma cells. In parallel, pure fisetin was exposed to ionizing radiation, including the standard sterilization dose of 25 kGy, to evaluate its structural stability and suitability for terminal sterilization approaches. (3) Results: The selected formulation (NP4) exhibited a mean particle size of approximately 330 nm, a zeta potential of −7.2 mV, a polydispersity index of 0.25, and high encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of 83.58% and 13.93%, respectively. Despite its preliminary nature, this formulation retained cytotoxic activity in vitro. Moreover, pure fisetin maintained its structural and chemical integrity following radiation exposure, supporting the feasibility of radiation sterilization prior to nanoparticle incorporation. (4) Conclusions: These findings confirm the feasibility of combining radiosterilizable fisetin with PLGA-based nanoencapsulation and provide an initial foundation for the development of an injectable fisetin delivery system for glioblastoma treatment. Further optimization, particularly surface modification, will be required to enhance colloidal stability and systemic performance. Full article