Search Results (202)

The advancement of efficient drug delivery systems continues to pose a significant problem in pharmaceutical sciences, especially for compounds with limited water solubility. Lipid-based systems, including solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), have emerged as viable options owing to their biocompatibility, capability to safeguard labile chemicals, and potential for prolonged release. Nonetheless, the encapsulation efficiency (EE) and release dynamics of these carriers can be enhanced by including cyclodextrins (CDs)—cyclic oligosaccharides recognized for their ability to form inclusion complexes with hydrophobic compounds. This article offers an extensive analysis of CD-modified SLNs and NLCs as multifunctional drug delivery systems. The article analyses the fundamental principles of these systems, highlighting the pre-complexation of the drug with cyclodextrins before lipid incorporation, co-encapsulation techniques, and surface adsorption after formulation. Attention is concentrated on the physicochemical interactions between cyclodextrins and lipid matrices, which influence essential factors such as particle size, encapsulation efficiency, and colloidal stability. The review includes characterization techniques, such as particle size analysis, zeta potential measurement, drug release studies, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR)/Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analyses. The study highlights the application of these systems across many routes of administration, including oral, topical, and mucosal, illustrating their adaptability and potential for targeted delivery. The review outlines current formulation challenges, including stability issues, drug leakage, and scalability concerns, and proposes solutions through advanced approaches, such as stimuli-responsive release mechanisms and computer modeling for system optimization. The study emphasizes the importance of regulatory aspects and outlines future directions in the development of CD-lipid hybrid nanocarriers, showcasing its potential to revolutionize the delivery of poorly soluble drugs. Full article

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are gaining popularity in nanomedicine due to their large surface area, variable pore size, great biocompatibility, and chemical adaptability. In recent years, the combination of smart polymeric materials with MSNs has transformed the area of regulated drug administration, particularly under stimuli-responsive settings. Polymer-modified MSNs provide increased stability, longer circulation times, and, most crucially, the capacity to respond to diverse internal (pH, redox potential, enzymes, and temperature) and external (light, magnetic field, and ultrasonic) stimuli. These systems allow for the site-specific, on-demand release of therapeutic molecules, increasing treatment effectiveness while decreasing off-target effects. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in the development and application of polymer-functionalized MSNs for stimuli-triggered drug delivery. Key polymeric modifications, including thermoresponsive, pH-sensitive, redox-responsive, and enzyme-degradable systems, are discussed in terms of their design strategies and therapeutic outcomes. The synergistic use of dual or multiple stimuli-responsive polymers is also highlighted as a promising avenue to enhance precision and control in complex biological environments. Moreover, the integration of targeting ligands and stealth polymers such as PEG further enables selective tumor targeting and immune evasion, broadening the potential clinical applications of these nanocarriers. Recent progress in stimuli-triggered MSNs for combination therapies such as chemo-photothermal and chemo-photodynamic therapy is also covered, emphasizing how polymer modifications enhance responsiveness and therapeutic synergy. Finally, the review discusses current challenges, including scalability, biosafety, and regulatory considerations, and provides perspectives on future directions to bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical translation. Full article

In this study, we explore the design of novel random poly(lauryl methacrylate-co-tert-butyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid), P(LMA-co-tBMA-co-MAA) copolymers via the RAFT copolymerization of LMA and tBMA followed by the selective hydrolysis of tBMA segments. For the molecular characterization of the novel copolymer, a series of physicochemical techniques were implemented, including size exclusion chromatography (SEC), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) and attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR–FTIR) spectroscopy. Our experimental results confirmed the successful synthesis of the targeted copolymers. The compositions were in accordance with the targeted differing fraction of hydrophobic tBMA/LMA elements, and hydrolysis resulted in at least 64% conversion to hydrophilic MAA units. The copolymers, bearing both an amphiphilic character and polyelectrolyte properties while being composed of randomly distributed monomeric segments of biocompatible materials, were subsequently investigated in terms of their self-assembly behavior in aqueous solutions. Dynamic light scattering and fluorescence spectroscopy experiments demonstrated the formation of self-assembled nanoaggregates (average hydrodynamic radii, R_h < 100 nm) that formed spontaneously, having low critical aggregation concentration (CAC) values (below 3.5 × 10⁻⁶ g/mL), and highlighted the feasibility of using these copolymer systems as nanocarriers for biomedical applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: The absence of standardized protocols for assessing in vitro drug release from nanocarriers poses significant challenges in nanoformulation development. This study evaluated three in vitro methods: sample and separate without medium replacement (independent batch), sample and separate with medium replacement, and a dialysis bag method, to characterize the release of rhodamine B from mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). Methods: Each method was examined under varying agitation conditions (shaking versus stirring). MSNs were synthesized via the sol-gel method, exhibiting a hydrodynamic diameter of 202 nm, a zeta potential of −23.5 mV, and a surface area of 688 m²/g, with a drug loading efficiency of 32.4%. Results: Release profiles revealed that the independent batch method exhibited a rapid initial burst followed by a plateau after 4 h, attributed to surface saturation effects. Conversely, the sample and separate with medium replacement method sustained the release up to 60% over 48 h, maintaining sink conditions. The dialysis method showed agitation-dependent variability, with magnetic stirring using a longer stir bar enhancing release. Kinetic analyses indicated first-order kinetics with non-Fickian diffusion. Conclusions: Overall, the results indicate that both the selection of the in vitro method and the agitation technique play a crucial role in determining the apparent drug release kinetics from nanocarriers. These findings highlight the critical role of experimental design in interpreting nanocarrier release kinetics, advocating for tailored protocols to improve reproducibility and in vitro–in vivo correlations in nanoformulation. Full article

GBM is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults, characterized by low survival rates, high recurrence, and resistance to conventional therapies. Traditional diagnostic and therapeutic methods remain limited due to the difficulty in permeating the blood–brain barrier (BBB), diffuse tumor cell infiltration, and tumor heterogeneity. In recent years, nano-based technologies have emerged as innovative approaches for the detection and treatment of GBM. A wide variety of nanocarriers, including dendrimers, liposomes, metallic nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, carbon dots, extracellular vesicles, and many more demonstrate the ability to cross the BBB, precisely deliver therapeutic agents, and enhance the effects of radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Surface functionalization, peptide modification, and cell membrane coating improve the targeting capabilities of nanostructures toward GBM cells and enable the exploitation of their photothermal, magnetic, and optical properties. Furthermore, the development of miRNA nanosponge systems offers the simultaneous inhibition of multiple tumor growth mechanisms and the modulation of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. This article presents current advancements in nanotechnology for GBM, with a particular focus on the characteristics and advantages of specific groups of nanoparticles, including their role in radiosensitization. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nanocarrier particle design for treating chronic pulmonary diseases presents several challenges, including anatomical and physiological barriers. Drug-repurposing technology using monodispersed spherical silica is one of the innovative ways to deliver drugs. In the present study, the anticancer potential of combinational cisplatin/ribavirin was explored for targeted lung cancer therapeutics. Methods: Monodispersed spherical silica (80 nm) capable of diffusing into the tracheal mucus region was chosen and doped with 10 wt% superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs). Subsequently, it was wrapped with chitosan (Chi, 0.6 wt/vol%), functionalized with 5% wt/wt cisplatin (Cp)/ribavarin (Rib) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) (1.0 μL/mL). Formulations are based on monodispersed spherical silica or halloysite and are termed as (S/MSSiO₂/Chi/Cp/Rib) or (S/Hal/Chi/Cp/Rib), respectively. Results: X-ray diffraction (XRD) and diffuse reflectance UV-visible spectroscopy (DRS-UV-vis) analysis of S/MSSiO₂/Chi/Cp/Rib confirmed the presence of SPION nanoclusters on the silica surface (45% coverage). The wrapping of chitosan on the silica was confirmed with a Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) stretching band at 670 cm⁻¹ and ascribed to the amide group of the polymer. The surface charge by zetasizer and saturation magnetization by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) were found to be −15.3 mV and 8.4 emu/g. The dialysis membrane technique was used to study the Cp and Rib release between the tumor microenvironment and normal pH ranges from 5.5 to 7.4. S/MSSiO₂/Chi formulation demonstrated pH-responsive Cp and Rib at acidic pH (5.6) and normal pH (7.4). Cp and Rib showed release of ~27% and ~17% at pH 5.6, which decreases to ~14% and ~3.2% at pH 7.4, respectively. To assess the compatibility and cytotoxic effect of our nanocomposites, the cell viability assay (MTT) was conducted on cancer lung cells A549 and normal HEK293 cells. Conclusions: The study shows that the designed nanoformulations with multifunctional capabilities are able to diffuse into the lung cells bound with dual drugs and the ACE-2 receptor. Full article

Understanding the diffusion mechanisms of nanocarriers in tumor tissues is crucial for enhancing drug delivery to target areas. This study developed a simulation method combining lattice gas automata and the lattice Boltzmann method to explore the diffusion behaviors of ligand-coated nanoparticles (NPs) in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and tumor tissues under the influence of external fields. We propose mathematical models to describe how the movement of NPs is affected by thermomagnetic effects and by their interactions with ECM fiber walls and cells, and to calculate the flow field and temperature distribution in tumor tissues containing interstitial fluids. The results show that reduced tissue porosity and increased ECM fiber and cell densities hinder NP transport. Conversely, degrading ECM collagen fibers with thermal or other energy forms significantly improved NP diffusion in treated tissues. Modifying the surface zeta potential of NPs allowed for the regulation of NP adhesion to ECM fibers and cell membranes based on their charged components. However, altering the charge on the NP surface did not further enhance diffusion once a certain charge level was reached. Increased temperatures from NP heat generation under external fields improved interstitial fluid flow, thereby enhancing NP diffusion. Additionally, a static magnetic field gradient considerably increased the penetration depth of magnetic NPs in the direction of the field, with minimal effects on diffusion in other directions and, in some cases, reducing diffusion. Full article

Zinc oxide (ZnO) and iron oxide (IO) nanoparticles have been identified as promising candidates for biomedical applications, based on their unique physicochemical properties. The association of these nanoparticles in a single system creates a bimodal entity, allowing the excellent luminescent properties of ZnO quantum dots to be combined with the contrast agent of IO for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The present study focuses on the luminescent and MRI properties of a new poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanocarrier system formulation containing ZnO NPs and IO NPs in different nominal ratios. Microscopic analysis (TEM and SEM) reveals a circular morphology with IO and ZnO NPs. The average diameter of the particles was determined to be 220 nm, as measured by DLS. The luminescence results indicate that the PLGA system shows strong emission in the visible range, and the MRI analysis shows a high r2 relaxivity of 171 mM⁻¹ s⁻¹ at 7T. The optimized formulation, exhibiting a molar ratio of Fe:Zn ranging from 1:10 to 1:13 (mol:mol), demonstrates superior fluorescence and MRI performance, underscoring the significance of nanoparticle composition in bimodal imaging applications. The systems evaluated demonstrate no toxicity in the THP-1 cells for doses of up to 128 µg mL⁻¹, with efficient labeling after 4 h of incubation, yielding images of strong luminescence and T2 contrast. The PLGA:ZnO:IO system demonstrates considerable potential as a bimodal platform for diagnostic imaging. Full article

A very aggressive and deadly brain cancer, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) poses formidable obstacles to effective therapy. Despite advancements in conventional therapies like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, the prognosis for GBM patients remains poor, with limited survival outcomes. Nanotechnology is gaining popularity as a promising platform for managing GBM, offering targeted drug delivery, improved therapeutic efficacy, and reduced systemic toxicity. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of the current therapeutic approach for GBM using nanotechnology-based interventions. This study explored various nanocarrier (NC) systems like polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, dendrimers, polymeric micelles, and mesoporous silica nanoparticles for improved precision as well as efficacy in encapsulating and delivering therapeutic agents to GBM tumors. Methods for improving drug delivery into GBM cells are described in this study, including novel delivery modalities such as convection-enhanced delivery, intranasal administration, magnetic hyperthermia, peptide-guided nanoparticles, and immune liposomes. It also explores the influence of diabetes and obesity on GBM prognosis and survival rates, suggesting that managing glucose levels and using metformin may improve patient outcomes. The discussion focuses on the advancements in nanotechnology-enabled GBM therapy, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in implementing these promising technologies in clinical practice. The study highlights the potential of nanotechnology and metabolic modulation in transforming GBM treatment strategies. To further understand how these factors impact GBM patients and develop innovative nanotechnology-based treatments for GBM and diabetes mellitus, more study is necessary. Full article

Ciprofloxacin (CPL) is an effective antibiotic against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, its use is limited by the emergence of multi-resistant strains. In this study, 8–15 nm manganese ferrite (MnFe₂O₄) nanoparticles, aminated and/or PEGylated, have been used as drug-delivery systems of CPL. The magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were prepared in the presence of the aliphatic amines octadecylamine (ODA), oleylamine (OAm), or PEG8000 to achieve the appropriate surface chemistry for the direct conjugation of CPL and drug loading into the PEG matrix, respectively. The primary MNPs proved to be biocompatible in calf thymus (CT)-DNA interaction studies, with binding constant values K_b in the range of 4.43–6.5 × 10⁴ (g/mL)⁻¹. ODA as a coater gave rise to MnFe₂O₄ MNPs, with a high percentage of free amines that further allowed for the conjugation of 90.9% CPL, which gradually released via a non-Fickian anomalous transport motif. The 25.1% CPL that loaded in the PEGylated MNPs led to a partial transformation of the nanoflowers into more aggregated forms. The release profile, although steeper, is described by the same model. The isolated magnetic nanocarrier with a high content of CPL was evaluated for its antimicrobial activity against a multi-resistant strain of P. aeruginosa using an automated industrial instrument (BacT/ALERT^®3D), and its molecular profile was outlined by studying its interaction with plasmid DNA (pDNA). The prototype use of BacT/ALERT^®3D allows for the simultaneous screening of multiple samples, while it foreshadows the transition to a preclinical phase. Full article

Cancer continues to be a prominent fatal health issue worldwide, driving the urgent need for more effective treatment strategies. The pressing demand has sparked significant interest in the development of advanced drug delivery systems for chemotherapeutics. The advent of nanotechnology offers a groundbreaking approach, presenting a promising pathway to revolutionize cancer treatment and improve patient outcomes. Nanomedicine-based drug delivery systems have demonstrated the capability of improving the pharmacokinetic properties and accumulation of chemotherapeutic agents in cancer sites while minimizing the adverse side effects. Despite these advantages, most NDDSs exhibit only limited improvement in cancer treatment during clinical trials. The recent development of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for biomedical applications has revealed a potential opportunity to further enhance the performance of NDDSs. The magnetic properties of MNPs can be utilized to increase the targeting capabilities of NDDSs, improve the controlled release of chemotherapeutic agents, and weaken the chemoresistance of tumors with magnetic hyperthermia. In this review, we will explore recent advancements in research for NDDSs for oncology applications, how MNPs and their properties can augment the capabilities of NDDSs when complexed with them and emphasize the challenges and safety concerns of incorporating these systems into cancer treatment. Full article

This research describes the development and thorough characterization of a novel, versatile, and biocompatible hybrid nanocarrier of the NO-releasing agent NOC-18, with a specific focus on optimizing the purification process. In this study, we focused on the sustained release of NO using biocompatible and diagnostic hybrid magnetic nanoparticles (hMNPs) containing cerium-doped maghemite (CM) NPs, embedded within human serum albumin (HSA) protein. A comprehensive study was conducted using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) alongside the Griess assay to evaluate NO release from the chosen NO donor, NOC-18, and to assess the limitations of the molecule under various reaction conditions, identifying the optimal conditions for binding NOC-18 with minimal NO loss. Two types of particles were designed: In-hMNPs, where NOC-18 is encapsulated within the particles, and Out-hMNPs, where NOC-18 is attached onto the surface. Our results demonstrated that In-hMNPs provided a sustained and prolonged release of NO (half-life, 50 h) compared to the rapid release for the Out-hMNPs, likely due to the strong bonds formed with cerium, which helped to stabilize the NO molecules. These results represent a promising approach to designing a dual-function agent that combines contrast properties for tumor MRI with the possibility of increasing the permeability of tumor vasculature. The employment of this dual-function agent in combination with nanotherapeutics could improve the latter’s efficacy by facilitating their access to the tumor. Full article

Due to their biocompatibility, nontoxicity, and surface conjugation properties, nanomaterials are effective nanocarriers capable of encapsulating chemotherapeutic drugs and facilitating targeted delivery across the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Although research on nanoparticles for brain cancer treatment is still in its early stages, these systems hold great potential to revolutionize drug delivery. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common and lethal brain tumors, and its heterogeneous and aggressive nature complicates current treatments, which primarily rely on surgery. One of the significant obstacles to effective treatment is the poor penetration of drugs across the BBB. Moreover, GBM is often referred to as a “cold” tumor, characterized by an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and minimal immune cell infiltration, which limits the effectiveness of immunotherapies. Therefore, developing novel, more effective treatments is critical to improving the survival rate of GBM patients. Current strategies for enhancing treatment outcomes focus on the controlled, targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic agents to GBM cells across the BBB using nanoparticles. These therapies must be designed to engage specialized transport systems, allowing for efficient BBB penetration, improved therapeutic efficacy, and reduced systemic toxicity and drug degradation. Lipid and inorganic nanoparticles can enhance brain delivery while minimizing side effects. These formulations may include epitopes—small antigen fragments that bind directly to free antibodies, B cell receptors, or T cell receptors—that interact with transport systems and enable BBB crossing, thereby boosting therapeutic efficacy. Lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs), such as liposomes, niosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), are among the most promising delivery systems due to their unique properties, including their size, surface modification capabilities, and proven biosafety. Additionally, inorganic nanoparticles such as gold nanoparticles, mesoporous silica, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, and dendrimers offer promising alternatives. Inorganic nanoparticles (INPs) can be easily engineered, and their surfaces can be modified with various elements or biological ligands to enhance BBB penetration, targeted delivery, and biocompatibility. Strategies such as surface engineering and functionalization have been employed to ensure biocompatibility and reduce cytotoxicity, making these nanoparticles safer for clinical applications. The use of INPs in GBM treatment has shown promise in improving the efficacy of traditional therapies like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and gene therapy, as well as advancing newer treatment strategies, including immunotherapy, photothermal and photodynamic therapies, and magnetic hyperthermia. This article reviews the latest research on lipid and inorganic nanoparticles in treating GBM, focusing on active and passive targeting approaches. Full article

Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent form of malignancy among women on a global scale, ranking alongside lung cancer. Presently, conventional approaches to cancer treatment include surgical procedures followed by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Nonetheless, the efficacy of these treatments in battling BC is often compromised due to the adverse effects they inflict on healthy tissues and organs. In recent times, a range of nanoparticles (NPs) has emerged, exhibiting the potential to specifically target malignant cells while sparing normal cells and organs from harm. This has paved the way for the development of nanoparticle-mediated targeted drug delivery systems, holding great promise as a technique for addressing BC. To increase the efficacy of this new method, several nanocarriers including inorganic NPs (such as magnetic NPs, silica NPs, etc.) and organic NPs (e.g., dendrimers, liposomes, micelles, and polymeric NPs) have been used. Herein, we discuss the mechanism of NP-targeted drug delivery and the recent advancement of therapeutic strategies of organic and inorganic nanocarriers for anticancer drug delivery in BC. We also discuss the future prospects and challenges of nanoparticle-based therapies for BC. Full article

The remarkable properties of magnetic nanostructures have sparked considerable interest within the biomedical domain, owing to their potential for diverse applications. In targeted drug delivery systems, therapeutic molecules can be loaded onto magnetic nanocarriers and precisely guided and released within the body with the assistance of an externally applied magnetic field. However, conventional external magnetic fields generated by permanent magnets or electromagnets are limited by finite magnetic field gradients, shallow penetration depths, and low precision. The novel structured light field known as the Airy light-sheet possesses unique characteristics such as non-diffraction, self-healing, and self-acceleration, which can potentially overcome the limitations of traditional magnetic fields to some extent. While existing studies have primarily focused on the manipulation of dielectric particles by Airy light-sheet, comprehensive analyses exploring the intricate interplay between Airy light-sheet and magnetic nanostructures are currently lacking in the literature, with only preliminary theoretical discussions available. This study systematically explores the mechanical response of magnetic spherical particles under the influence of Airy light-sheet, including radiation forces and spin torques. Furthermore, we provide an in-depth analysis of the effects of particle size, permittivity, permeability, and incident light-sheet parameters on the mechanical effects. Our research findings not only offer new theoretical guidance and practical references for the application of magnetic nanoparticles in biomedicine but also provide valuable insights for the manipulation of other types of micro/nanoparticles using structured light fields. Full article