Search Results (812)

Efficient delivery systems are essential for transporting chemotherapeutic agents to target sites, enhancing cellular uptake and reducing off-target side effects. Peptides, owing to their intrinsic biocompatibility and structural tunability, have emerged as promising carriers for delivering labile chemotherapeutics and improving pharmacokinetics and therapeutic outcomes. Along these lines, a wide variety of peptide-based delivery strategies have been developed to achieve desirable pharmaceutical properties for anticancer agents. Particularly, stimuli-responsive peptide-based nanocarriers have attracted high levels of attention due to their ability to exploit overexpressed or tumor-specific stimuli, enabling selective disassembly and controlled drug release within cancer cells. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the development of stimuli-responsive peptide nanocarriers and their applications in anticancer therapy, and discuss key challenges and future directions toward their clinical translation. Full article

Cutaneous infections and chronic inflammatory wounds remain difficult to treat because antimicrobial resistance, polymicrobial biofilms, excessive protease activity, oxidative stress, and impaired barrier repair collectively reduce the effectiveness of conventional topical therapies. Plant-derived antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and peptide-associated bioactives offer antimicrobial, antibiofilm, immunomodulatory, and tissue reparative potential; however, their clinical translation is limited by proteolytic instability, poor stratum corneum penetration, short cutaneous residence time, formulation variability, cytotoxicity risks and limited human evidence. The key research gap is the lack of an integrated translational framework linking plant-derived peptide bioactivity with polymer engineering, advanced delivery systems, skin microenvironment biology, manufacturability, and regulatory feasibility. This review aims to critically evaluate the design principles, therapeutic mechanisms, delivery platforms, and translational barriers of plant-based peptide–polymer therapeutics for cutaneous infection and inflammation. We summarize major classes of plant-derived antimicrobial peptides, including defensins, cyclotides, thionins, hevein-like peptides, snakins, lipid transfer proteins, and knottin-type scaffolds, and examine engineering strategies such as self-assembly, aromatic N-capping, PEGylation, lipidation, dendritic architectures, and stimuli-responsive conjugation. We further discuss topical matrices, nanocarriers, liposomes, electrospun fibers, and surface-tethered biomaterials as delivery platforms for improving peptide stability, local retention, and controlled release. Finally, we identify key translational bottlenecks, including selectivity, toxicity, scalability, batch reproducibility, regulatory classification, and insufficient clinical validation. Mechanism-driven peptide optimization, quality-by-design manufacturing, standardized preclinical models, and controlled clinical trials will be essential for advancing these systems toward safe and effective dermatological therapies. Full article

Electroretinography (ERG) is a non-invasive technique used to assess retinal function via electrical responses to light stimuli. We established baseline ERG parameters and a standardized recording protocol for collared scops owls (Otus lettia). Twelve eyes of six owls were evaluated. In addition to the pre-release assessment, ocular reflex tests and basic ophthalmic examinations were performed before the induction of anesthesia. Routine radiographic and hematological examinations were performed under general anesthesia, followed by ERG recordings. Under scotopic –20 dB conditions, the a-wave amplitude was 1.78 ± 0.53 μV (implicit time: 37.83 ± 5.52 ms), and the b-wave was 41.59 ± 10.71 μV (100.88 ± 10.9 ms). For scotopic 0 dB mixed responses, the a-wave amplitude was 27.98 ± 5.9 μV (27.64 ± 2.71 ms), and that of the b-wave was 175.51 ± 13.82 μV (97.02 ± 7.01 ms). Under photopic conditions, the a-wave and b-wave amplitudes were 2.88 ± 2.06 μV (28.67 ± 2.77 ms) and 25.53 ± 10.61 μV (77.78 ± 16.18 ms). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to establish species-specific baseline ERG parameters for collared scops owls. These findings provide a valuable tool for assessing retinal function in raptors and may serve as a baseline framework for ERG evaluation in other avian species. Full article

Background/Objectives: Titanium alloy Ti₆Al₄V remains the gold standard in dental implantology due to its excellent mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. However, implant-associated infections and insufficient osseointegration continue to represent major clinical challenges, mainly related to bacterial biofilm formation and suboptimal surface–tissue interactions. Biofilm formation refers to the adhesion, accumulation, and growth of microbial communities embedded within a self-produced extracellular polymeric matrix on implant surfaces, which contributes to bacterial persistence and resistance to host defense mechanisms. This review aims to critically evaluate recent advances in multifunctional bioceramic coatings for dental implants, with a particular focus on zirconia (ZrO₂)-based systems and their antibacterial mechanisms. Methods: A structured literature analysis was conducted using major scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing mainly on studies published between 2015 and 2025 related to CaP, Ag, and ZrO₂-based coatings for dental implants. The review examines their physicochemical properties, antibacterial strategies, ion release behavior, and biological responses, including osteogenic activity and biofilm inhibition. Particular attention is given to hybrid systems integrating multiple functional phases. Results: CaP coatings exhibit excellent osteoconductivity and promote early osseointegration but show limited intrinsic antibacterial activity. Ag-based coatings provide strong broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects through controlled Ag⁺ ion release, although concerns regarding cytotoxicity and dose-dependent responses remain. ZrO₂ coatings significantly enhance corrosion resistance and surface stability, while their antibacterial performance can be improved through nanostructuring, laser surface modification, and ionic doping. Hybrid Ag–CaP–ZrO₂ coatings demonstrate improved antibacterial activity, enhanced corrosion resistance, and better regulation of ion release kinetics and osteogenic response compared with single-component coating systems. Conclusions: Multifunctional bioceramic coatings represent a promising strategy for improving the performance of dental implants and addressing the dual challenge of infection control and tissue integration. However, challenges remain regarding long-term stability, controlled ion release, and limited clinical validation. Future research should focus on the development of smart, stimuli-responsive coatings and standardized evaluation protocols to facilitate clinical translation. Full article

Vascular–osteogenic coupling plays a central regulatory role in bone regeneration, but it is frequently impaired under pathological conditions, including aging, ischemia, and chronic inflammation, which compromises efficient bone repair. Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels, which combine extracellular matrix-like bioactivity, adjustable mechanical properties, and compatibility with three-dimensional biomanufacturing, have become a widely used material platform for vascularized bone regeneration. From the perspective of vascular–osteogenic coupling, this review reframes and synthesizes GelMA-based approaches for vascularized bone regeneration, grouping existing strategies into three categories: (i) intrinsic material design, in which pore architecture, microchannels, dynamic networks, and interfacial functionalization are used to guide vascular ingrowth; (ii) exogenous bioactive delivery, involving growth factors, extracellular vesicles, cells, and inorganic ions to enhance vascularization; and (iii) smart responsive strategies, including ROS/pH-responsive systems, sequential release, and external stimulation, which aim to recapitulate the evolving microenvironment during bone repair. This review further compares these strategies in terms of evidence level, reproducibility, and translational potential. Exogenous delivery systems currently have the strongest preclinical support, but issues related to dose standardization, burst release, and long-term safety remain unresolved. Intrinsic material programming is less extensively studied, yet may be more compatible with manufacturing consistency, sterilization, and engineering translation. Most stimuli-responsive systems, by contrast, remain largely at the small-animal or proof-of-concept stage. Future GelMA-based systems should therefore shift from increasing functional complexity toward improving predictability, reproducibility, and clinical feasibility. Compositionally defined and structurally controllable GelMA composites that integrate vascular regulation with mechanical support may provide a more realistic path for vascularized bone regeneration. Full article

Achieving precise control over anticancer drug release remains one of the key challenges in modern pharmaceutical development, as it directly determines therapeutic efficacy, systemic toxicity, and patient outcomes. This review critically evaluates recent advances in three major formulation strategies: polymeric solid dispersions, cyclodextrin-based inclusion complexes, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), with a particular focus on their capacity to tailor anticancer drug release. Over the past decade, polymeric solid dispersions and cyclodextrin-based carriers have played a central role in improving the dissolution and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble anticancer agents, while also enabling modified release profiles through rational formulation design. Increasing structural complexity, including ternary systems and supramolecular assemblies, reflects a shift toward more controllable delivery platforms. In recent years, MOFs have emerged as highly adaptable porous materials capable of supporting controlled and stimuli-responsive release. The integration of imaging agents, magnetic components, and photothermal functionalities has further enabled the design of multifunctional and theranostic platforms. Taken together, these technologies reflect a shift from conventional solubility enhancement toward structurally engineered systems designed to achieve predictable and controlled drug release. Continued advances in material design and formulation strategies are expected to further refine release kinetics and support the development of next-generation anticancer therapies aligned with the growing demand for precision medicine. Full article

To address the limitations of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the inadequate efficacy of standalone chemodynamic therapy (CDT), this study developed a tannic acid-copper coordination gel-coated mesoporous Cu₂O nanodelivery system (Cu₂O@TA@5-FU) for synergistic enhanced CDT and chemotherapy. The system exhibits a high specific surface area (98 m²·g⁻¹) and mesoporosity, achieving a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) loading efficiency of 46.2%. Under simulated TME conditions, the nanodelivery system displayed markedly accelerated drug release and enhanced catalytic activity, indicative of pronounced TME responsiveness. In vitro, the Cu₂O@TA support efficiently catalyzed a Fenton-like reaction with H₂O₂ to generate cytotoxic hydroxyl radicals (·OH) while depleting overexpressed intracellular GSH, thereby disrupting antioxidant defenses and amplifying oxidative stress. Combined with the antiproliferative action of released 5-FU, the synergistic treatment reduced 4T1 cell viability to approximately 23%, accompanied by sharp declines in intracellular ATP and GSH levels. This work overcomes the systemic toxicity of free 5-FU and the instability of Cu₂O by employing a protective and stimuli-responsive TA-Cu coordination gel shell, offering a reliable strategy for TME-responsive synergistic nanotherapeutics that disrupt tumor metabolic and redox homeostasis. Full article

The unique anatomy and physiological barriers of the human eye—particularly rapid tear turnover and limited corneal permeability—present significant obstacles to achieving effective topical drug delivery. In response to these constraints, biopolymer-based extended-release systems have emerged as a promising and transformative class of ocular therapeutics. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in natural biopolymers, including polysaccharides and protein-derived polymers, for application on the ocular surface. These materials exhibit advantageous characteristics such as mucoadhesion, biocompatibility, and stimuli-responsive behavior, which collectively enhance precorneal residence time and enable controlled, sustained drug release. We further discuss diverse delivery platforms—ranging from in situ forming hydrogels and mucoadhesive nanoparticles to drug-eluting contact lenses and microneedle-based systems. In addition, we highlight how the integration of nanotechnology and bioinspired scaffolds can augment the delivery efficiency of therapeutic agents to ocular tissues. Overall, this review underscores the ongoing transition from conventional topical eye drops to sophisticated, functionalized delivery systems capable of maintaining therapeutic drug levels while simultaneously supporting tissue repair and wound healing. Finally, we outline the remaining challenges in clinical translation and consider the future potential of smart, responsive biopolymer systems in advancing the treatment of both anterior and posterior segment diseases. Full article

The swelling-regulated transport properties of modified and cross-linked HPC-based hydrogel formulations containing NaCMC and citric acid were studied as stimuli-responsive polymeric membranes under various conditions, including deionized water. Physiological conditions were simulated by evaluating various pH conditions (1.2, 6.8, and 7.4). The pseudo-second-order kinetic model best described the swelling process, suggesting that both solvent uptake capacity and polymer network relaxation contribute to the extent of swelling. The swelling behavior of the hydrogel formulations was significantly influenced by salt concentration. The modified HPC hydrogel system exhibited stimuli-responsive swelling–switching behavior under saline, water/ethanol, and acidic/basic environments, demonstrating reversible swelling–deswelling cycles. Maximum swelling was observed in water at pH 7.4. In contrast, abrupt deswelling in an ethanol solution at pH 1.2 reduced hydrogel swelling and water uptake. The effect of temperature on the swelling behavior of the hydrogel and its thermo-responsive swelling behavior was also evaluated. Drug release behavior suggested diffusion-mediated release through the swelling hydrogel matrix. These findings suggest that the modified HPC-based hydrogel system may be useful for pH-responsive oral drug delivery applications. Full article

Messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics are redefining treatment approaches in vaccines, cancer immunotherapy, protein replacement, and gene editing. Lipid nanoparticles have enabled early clinical successes, but they can be limited by liver-dominant biodistribution, long-term storage stability, and systemic tolerability. Polymeric delivery systems offer a versatile alternative, with tunable physicochemical properties enabling precise control over mRNA complexation, protection, release, and targeting. This review examines recent progress across polyethyleneimine derivatives, poly(β-amino ester)s, poly(amino acid)s, polyesters, dendrimers, charge-altering releasable transporters, and lipid-polymer hybrids. We highlight strategies such as structural modification, stimuli-responsive designs, and high-throughput polymer screening that enhance stability, reduce cytotoxicity, and enable organ- or cell-specific delivery. Addressing challenges in immunogenicity, biodistribution, and manufacturing scalability will be pivotal to translating these innovations into safe and effective mRNA therapeutics. Full article

Targeted drug delivery remains difficult because multiple biological barriers interfere with the stable transport of therapeutics to the site of action. Polymeric nanocarriers have gained broad attention as delivery platforms since their composition and surface properties can be adjusted to improve circulation behavior and cellular delivery. This review discusses the major biological barriers involved in targeted drug delivery and describes how polymeric nanocarriers are engineered to overcome them. Major carrier types, including polymeric nanoparticles and micelles, are considered with emphasis on their physicochemical and interfacial features. Particular attention is given to surface engineering and stimuli-responsive design as key strategies for barrier transport and controlled cargo release. The review also highlights representative applications in anticancer, gene, protein, and vaccine delivery, together with translational issues such as biocompatibility, stability, reproducibility, scale-up, and regulatory acceptance. Full article

Responsive microgels have emerged as a versatile class of soft materials for biomedical applications owing to their tunable physicochemical properties, high water content, and ability to respond dynamically to external and biological stimuli. This review summarizes recent advances in the design, synthesis, and biomedical utilization of responsive microgels, with a focus on their functional roles across key application domains. First, the fundamental principles governing microgel responsiveness and structure–property relationships are briefly introduced. The application of responsive microgels in controlled drug delivery is then discussed, highlighting stimulus-triggered release mechanisms, payload protection, and spatiotemporal control of therapeutic delivery. Advances in tissue engineering are reviewed with emphasis on microgel-based scaffolds, injectable constructs, and cell–matrix interactions that promote tissue regeneration. The use of microgels in biomedical imaging is examined, including their roles as contrast agents, signal amplifiers, and carriers for imaging probes. Finally, recent developments in microgel-enabled diagnostics are presented, showcasing their utility in biosensing, biomarker detection, and point-of-care platforms. The literature was selected based on the authors’ expertise, focusing on representative and recent studies, and identified through general academic databases and key references. Collectively, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the multifunctional capabilities of responsive microgels and discusses current challenges and future opportunities toward their clinical translation. Full article

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has rapidly evolved into a controlling platform for the fabrication of patient-specific biomedical implants, with growing importance in advanced drug delivery systems. Beyond structural tissue engineering, bioprinted constructs now function as programmable therapeutic depots capable of localized, sustained, and stimuli-responsive drug release. This review focuses on recent biomaterial design strategies that enable precise control over drug encapsulation, retention, and release kinetics within 3D bioprinted architectures. The physicochemical and mechanical properties of bioinks, including crosslinking density, porosity, degradation behavior, viscoelasticity, and swelling characteristics, directly influence drug loading efficiency and release dynamics under physiological conditions. The rational tuning of these parameters allows the development of constructs that provide spatially controlled and temporally regulated therapeutic delivery. Recent advances in predictive modeling, such as finite element modeling (FEM), data-driven machine learning approaches, and ML, have significantly improved the ability to correlate material composition, printing parameters, and structural geometry with drug diffusion and degradation-mediated release mechanisms. These tools facilitate the optimization of printing variables including extrusion pressure, nozzle diameter, and layer resolution to ensure structural fidelity while maintaining therapeutic functionality. Emerging strategies incorporating multi-material printing, gradient architectures, and stimuli-responsive biomaterials have expanded the potential of 3D bioprinting for combination therapies and personalized medicine. This review discusses key challenges in translating bioprinted drug delivery systems into clinical applications, including the standardization of drug release characterization methods, and long-term stability assessment. Full article

Polymer-based dressings constitute an important class of macromolecular biomaterials enabling controlled drug delivery and enhanced wound healing performance. This review summarizes recent advances in the design, fabrication, and functionalization of polymer dressings, with emphasis on natural and synthetic polymer systems applied in biomedical topical and transdermal drug administration. Key material properties, including biocompatibility, mechanical stability, porosity, and degradation behavior, are discussed in relation to drug loading capacity and release kinetics. Current fabrication strategies, such as electrospinning, hydrogel formation, casting, and multilayer assembly, are critically evaluated with respect to structural control and scalability. Particular attention is given to antimicrobial and stimuli-responsive platforms capable of dynamic interaction with the wound microenvironment. Furthermore, challenges related to long-term stability, regulatory requirements, and clinical translation are addressed. By integrating recent experimental findings, this review highlights essential structure–function relationships governing polymer dressing performance and provides design guidelines for next-generation macromolecular topical and transdermal care systems with improved multifunctionality and clinical applicability. Full article

Food packaging constitutes a pivotal enabler within the contemporary food industry, requiring continuous innovation to address evolving challenges. Traditional packaging systems typically provide passive protection, which is inadequate for addressing dynamic microbial shifts and spoilage-induced microenvironmental instabilities. In contrast, corrective responsive food packaging (CRFP) takes a distinct approach through the integration of sensing capabilities and targeted active intervention. Upon detection of specific stimuli, CRFP systems precisely deliver bioactive agents to mitigate food deterioration. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in CRFP technology, offering a comprehensive overview of its core response mechanisms, functional materials, advanced carrier systems, and future research priorities. Special emphasis is given to (i) stimuli-responsive systems, including single-stimulus (pH, enzyme, humidity, temperature, and light) and multi-stimulus-responsive systems, detailing their triggering mechanisms and practical applications; and (ii) functional materials and carriers, exploring their synergistic effects for optimized bioactive release. This review aims to provide a structured framework for the design and implementation of CRFP, facilitating its translation from laboratory to industrial practice and contributing to the development of sustainable and efficient food preservation strategies. Full article