Challenges and Opportunities in Drug Delivery Research, 2nd Edition

Abstract submission deadline

30 April 2026

Manuscript submission deadline

30 June 2026

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Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The topic “Challenges and Opportunities in Drug Delivery Research, 2nd Edition” encompasses innovative drug delivery and release science research with significant implications in medical fields such as cancer therapy, neurology, and cardiovascular medicine. This pioneering research aims to transform treatment methods by developing advanced drug delivery systems that improve precision, reduce side effects, and enhance patient outcomes. The scope extends to gene therapies, personalized medicine, and novel approaches addressing complex health challenges, potentially reshaping healthcare by providing tailored and effective solutions for various diseases and conditions.

Key focus areas involve a mechanistic comprehension of drug delivery systems based on biological and physicochemical principles and mathematical modeling, predictive analytics, drug delivery systems, and cellular interactions tailored for particular therapeutic objectives.

Potential topics of interest for discussion cover various drug delivery technologies, nanomedicine, different entry pathways into the human body, technology evaluations, drug delivery strategies, precise delivery and targeting at various levels and disease indications, and preclinical and clinical findings data related to drug delivery systems. Additionally, in-depth discussions could be extended to detailed explorations of the methods involved in delivering and releasing genes, vaccines, and antibodies.

Prof. Dr. Lenuta Profire
Dr. Ioana Mirela Vasincu
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Current Issues in Molecular Biology cimb	3.0	3.7	1999	17.8 Days	CHF 2200	Submit
Molecules molecules	4.6	8.6	1996	16.1 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Pharmaceuticals pharmaceuticals	4.8	7.7	2004	14 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Pharmaceutics pharmaceutics	5.5	10.0	2009	14.9 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Scientia Pharmaceutica scipharm	2.5	4.6	1930	38.1 Days	CHF 1000	Submit

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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All CIMB Molecules Pharmaceuticals Pharmaceutics Sci. Pharm.

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20 pages, 9055 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Antitumor Evaluation of Four Pentacyclic Triterpenoids and 10-Hydroxycamptothecin Self-Assembled Nanoparticles

by Tingen Zhang, Yiwen Hu, Wenzhuo Yang, Xiaochao Huang, Linhui Zhang, Xiaotong Hou, Pengyu Shen, Ruihong Jian, Zhidong Liu and Jiaxin Pi

Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(12), 1577; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17121577 - 8 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: A carrier-free self-assembled nanomedicine delivery system refers to a high drug-loading nanomedicine delivery system prepared by one or more active drug ingredients through supramolecular self-assembly, which has the advantages of high drug-loading and a simple preparation process, enabling multidrug synergistic therapy. [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: A carrier-free self-assembled nanomedicine delivery system refers to a high drug-loading nanomedicine delivery system prepared by one or more active drug ingredients through supramolecular self-assembly, which has the advantages of high drug-loading and a simple preparation process, enabling multidrug synergistic therapy. 10-hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) have active antitumor effects. Pentacyclic triterpenes are natural active components with a wide range of pharmacological activities. This study aimed to investigate the impact of structural types on the self-assembly of pentacyclic triterpenes and HCPT. Methods: Molecular docking studies were performed. Self-assembled nanoparticles were designed by co-assembling ursolic acid (UA), asiatic acid (AA), oleanic acid (OA), and betulinic acid (BA) with HCPT via anti-solvent precipitation combined with ultrasonication, followed by characterization. Cytotoxicity assays using the CCK-8 method revealed that the prepared self-assembled nanoparticles exhibited concentration-dependent inhibitory effects against A375, AGS, HCT-116, and HepG2 tumor cells. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) indicated that UA/HCPT nanoparticles (UA/HCPT-NPs) were more efficiently internalized and accumulated in cells compared with the UA + HCPT physical mixture. Results: Both in vitro and in vivo results demonstrated that the self-assembled nanoparticles significantly enhanced antitumor efficacy while exerting minimal toxicity on major organs within the tested dose range. Conclusions: In summary, these findings highlight that pentacyclic triterpenoids components possess significant self-assembly potential, and that dual-drug co-delivery via self-assembled nanoparticles represents as a promising strategy for cancer therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Challenges and Opportunities in Drug Delivery Research, 2nd Edition)

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32 pages, 1280 KB  

Open AccessReview

Deciphering Drug Repurposing Strategies: Antiviral Properties of Candidate Agents Against the Mpox Virus

by Aganze Gloire-Aimé Mushebenge and David Ditaba Mphuthi

Sci. Pharm. 2025, 93(4), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm93040051 - 17 Oct 2025

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Abstract

Monkeypox (Mpox) has re-emerged as a global public health threat, with recent outbreaks linked to novel mutations that enhance viral transmissibility and immune evasion. The Mpox virus (MPXV), a double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) orthopoxvirus, shares high structural and enzymatic similarity with the variola [...] Read more.

Monkeypox (Mpox) has re-emerged as a global public health threat, with recent outbreaks linked to novel mutations that enhance viral transmissibility and immune evasion. The Mpox virus (MPXV), a double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) orthopoxvirus, shares high structural and enzymatic similarity with the variola virus, underscoring the need for urgent therapeutic interventions. While conventional antiviral development is time-intensive and costly, drug repurposing offers a rapid and cost-effective strategy by leveraging the established safety and pharmacological profiles of existing medications. This is a narrative integrative review synthesizing published evidence on drug repurposing strategies against MPXV. To address these issues, this review explores MPXV molecular targets critical for genome replication, transcription, and viral assembly, highlighting how the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved antivirals (cidofovir, tecovirimat), antibiotics (minocycline, nitroxoline), antimalarials (atovaquone, mefloquine), immunomodulators (infliximab, adalimumab), and chemotherapeutics (doxorubicin) have demonstrated inhibitory activity against the virus using computational or experimental approaches. This review further evaluates advances in computational methodologies that have accelerated the identification of host-directed and viral-directed therapeutic candidates. Nonetheless, translational challenges persist, including pharmacokinetic limitations, toxicity concerns, and the limited efficacy of current antivirals such as tecovirimat in severe Mpox cases. Future research should integrate computational predictions with high-throughput screening, organ-on-chip technologies, and clinical pipelines, while using real-time genomic surveillance to track viral evolution. These strategies establish a scalable and sustainable framework for the MPXV drug discovery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Challenges and Opportunities in Drug Delivery Research, 2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 1650 KB  

Open AccessReview

Maillard Reaction-Derived Carbon Nanodots: Food-Origin Nanomaterials with Emerging Functional and Biomedical Potential

by Gréta Törős and József Prokisch

Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(8), 1050; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17081050 - 13 Aug 2025

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Abstract

The Maillard reaction (MR), a non-enzymatic interaction between reducing sugars and amino compounds, plays a pivotal role in developing the flavor, color, and aroma of thermally processed foods. Beyond its culinary relevance, the MR gives rise to a structurally diverse array of compounds, [...] Read more.

The Maillard reaction (MR), a non-enzymatic interaction between reducing sugars and amino compounds, plays a pivotal role in developing the flavor, color, and aroma of thermally processed foods. Beyond its culinary relevance, the MR gives rise to a structurally diverse array of compounds, including a novel class of fluorescent nanomaterials known as carbon nanodots (CNDs). These Maillard-derived CNDs, although primarily incidental in food systems, exhibit physicochemical characteristics—such as aqueous solubility, biocompatibility, and tunable fluorescence—that are similar to engineered CNDs currently explored in biomedical fields. While CNDs synthesized through hydrothermal or pyrolytic methods are well-documented for drug delivery and imaging applications, no studies to date have demonstrated the use of Maillard-derived CNDs specifically in drug delivery. This review examines the chemistry of the Maillard reaction, the formation mechanisms and characteristics of food-based CNDs, and their potential functional applications in food safety, bioactivity, and future biomedical use. Additionally, it critically evaluates the health implications of Maillard reaction products (MRPs), including both beneficial antioxidants and harmful by-products such as advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). This integrated perspective highlights the dual role of MR in food quality and human health, while identifying key research gaps needed to harness the full potential of food-origin nanomaterials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Challenges and Opportunities in Drug Delivery Research, 2nd Edition)

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